The Brown Hotel

Louisville, Kentucky

English Grill Restaurant
Deluxe Double
Lobby bar
J. Graham's Cafe
Lobby
English Grill Restaurant
Deluxe Double
Lobby bar
J. Graham's Cafe
Lobby

The hotel

This self-coined ‘Louisville legend’ promises all the old-world Southern charm you came for, and the modern luxuries you need, like complimentary WiFi and airport transfers. Right opposite Brown Theatre, it’s been attracting the ‘it crowd’ for almost a century now, many turning up just for its ‘Hot Brown’ sandwich. Created as a late-night treat for dinner dance guests in the 1920s, it’s been raved about everywhere from the New York Times to TV’s Man v Food. In fact, it’s so good, it’s available in all its eateries, featuring alongside The English Grill’s fine dining-meets-Kentucky dishes; J Graham’s Café’s casual fare; and the Lobby Bar’s treats like lobster ‘mac and cheese’. Before leaving (or better still the second you arrive), try its bourbon cocktails too; you are in Kentucky after all.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Room Service
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Fitness Centre/Gym
  • Laundry Service
  • Internet Access
  • Close to City Centre
  • Restaurant

Where is it

In Louisville, just across the road from Brown Theatre and half a block from Palace Theatre. The hotel is 4 blocks from 4th Street Live! – an entertainment venue with a choice of restaurants, bars and nightlife. Transfer time to airport: 10 min.

Hotel information

293 rooms and suites on 16 floors. All with flat-screen TV, complimentary WiFi, fridge, tea/coffee maker, hairdryer, iron and board, weekday USA Today newspaper and handwoven Brown Hotel throw. Deluxe Rooms have 1 king-size or 2 double beds, sleeping max 4 adults.

Luxury Rooms are larger and have a sitting area with 1 king-size or 2 double beds, sleeping max 4 adults.

The English Grill (fine contemporary American menu, open mon-sat dinner). J. Graham’s Café (casual à la carte and buffet dining, mon-sat breakfast and lunch, sunday brunch buffet). The Lobby Bar (bar menu including cocktails, and bourbon flights, English Grill menu also available, open 3.00pm-1.30am with limited late-night menu). 24-hour room service*. Fitness centre. The Brown Gift Shop. The Gallery at The Brown. Concierge. Laundry/dry-cleaning service*. Safety deposit boxes (at front desk). Complimentary WiFi. Valet parking $24 and self parking $20 (plus tax per day, payable locally). Complimentary airport shuttle.

*Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (1716)
  • Very good (506)
  • Average (167)
  • Poor (51)
  • Terrible (28)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Brown...Always Awesome

Sep 18, 2019 Claude C Auburn, Alabama

I first stayed at The Brown in 1966. It is a true Louisville classic. Our most recent stay was the last week of August, during the Ky. State Fair, which I recommend as a great place to spend a week with the family. It's got everything: a huge midway, several very unique exhibits, horse shows, and every farm animal known to man. Best state fair… Read more
I first stayed at The Brown in 1966. It is a true Louisville classic. Our most recent stay was the last week of August, during the Ky. State Fair, which I recommend as a great place to spend a week with the family. It's got everything: a huge midway, several very unique exhibits, horse shows, and every farm animal known to man. Best state fair in the nation, in my opinion. My favorite things about the Brown: 1) The employees are truly laser-focused on the guests. Every time I approached one, they immediately looked me straight in the eye with a big smile and carefully focused on my question/issue. They made sure that I had the resolution that I needed as their top priority. 2) The big mahogany Bar. There is nothing like sitting there in the middle of the big stately lobby and enjoying the art of their mixologist while observing all of the goings on. You will make a new friend every time you sit down there. A really great place to unwind. All of the great Kentucky Bourbons. 3) Our room was really well appointed, comfortable and spotless. 4) The two main restaurants are really fun, as well as the tables arranged around the lobby. 5) It is situated in the most fun part of Louisville. From the Brown, north on 4th St. to the river, there are interesting stops on every block. Also, they have a roof-top Garden for special occasions, with amazing views all the way to the Ohio River. We can't wait to get back. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Stay at Brown

Sep 15, 2019 William H Reston

Excellent room, lobby bar, and helpful and courteous staff. Helped with shipping a left item after our stay by packaging and taking to nearest UPS. They went over and above normal requirements of hotel staff. Bartender recommended a restaurant in town after we said we wished to explore somewhere other than the hotel and proved to be one of the… Read more
Excellent room, lobby bar, and helpful and courteous staff. Helped with shipping a left item after our stay by packaging and taking to nearest UPS. They went over and above normal requirements of hotel staff. Bartender recommended a restaurant in town after we said we wished to explore somewhere other than the hotel and proved to be one of the best restaurants in town, clearly highly frequented by locals. Would no hesitate to sty again. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful historic hotel with a great location

Sep 15, 2019 Daniel W

Beautiful historic hotel with a great location. This was our first visit to Louisville and we so enjoyed staying at the Brown. The room was large and the bed and pillows were very comfortable. Great restaurants. We had breakfast both mornings. We walked over to another large historic hotel But the restaurant was very basic. We ended up walking… Read more
Beautiful historic hotel with a great location. This was our first visit to Louisville and we so enjoyed staying at the Brown. The room was large and the bed and pillows were very comfortable. Great restaurants. We had breakfast both mornings. We walked over to another large historic hotel But the restaurant was very basic. We ended up walking back to the Brown for breakfast. Had dinner one night at the hotel. Had to have the signature sandwich which was amazing. Valet parking was very attentive. The movie Elizabethtown was filmed there. We watched it the next weekend at home. Highly recommend the hotel and the movie Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating The Brown Hotel

Sep 14, 2019 Terry H

Don’t wait until Derby Day to visit Louisville, Kentucky. Go immediately to The Brown, an historic hotel of America, where the Hot Brown was born. You can get one in the J. Graham Café on the first floor. You’ll be glad you did, and while you’re at it, try a Mint Julep, a Bloody Mary or your favorite cocktail. They won’t disappoint. And ask for… Read more
Don’t wait until Derby Day to visit Louisville, Kentucky. Go immediately to The Brown, an historic hotel of America, where the Hot Brown was born. You can get one in the J. Graham Café on the first floor. You’ll be glad you did, and while you’re at it, try a Mint Julep, a Bloody Mary or your favorite cocktail. They won’t disappoint. And ask for Kat, who comes with a smile and excellent customer service.Oh and splurge on The Derby Pie, Kat did us the honors with this yummy dessert for our 51st anniversary. So glad we had an opportunity to go to a wedding in Louisville and stay at the charming Brown Hotel. See you there; we’ll be back soon.. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Old World Charm

Sep 7, 2019 kwhalen01 Vista, California

This is a very classy old hotel. I had lived in Louisville in the '70s and promised myself that someday I would stay at the Brown Hotel. It's extremely elegant and the staff can't do enough for you. It was beyond my long-ago dream. Well worth the money.