BARDSTOWN, Kentucky — The Trail Hotel, the world’s first bourbon-inspired luxury hotel, is now welcoming guests in Bardstown, Kentucky. Housed in a reimagined historic property, the 95-room hotel invites guests to experience Kentucky’s famed bourbon country with elevated Southern hospitality and interactive bourbon experiences. The property offers eight signature suites, a variety of meeting spaces, a four-star dining experience, five distinct bars and an array of modern wellness amenities, all just steps from the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel originally opened in 1970, serving as a community hub and hosting countless weddings, banquets and business meetings. Design expertise provided by nationally renowned Joseph & Joseph Architects has re-imagined the property — formerly the Holiday Inn Bardstown — as a haven for bourbon lovers of all levels, from the dedicated aficionado to new enthusiasts.
Redefining hospitality in Bardstown, the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” The Trail Hotel is more than a place to stay; it’s a destination for connoisseurs of “the good stuff” that’s close to 11 locally renowned distilleries. It offers an upscale home base for bourbon-minded lovers and business travelers alike.
Meetings and Events with Kentucky Flair
At The Trail Hotel, meetings and events are infused with bourbon heritage and a mid-century modern flair. The hotel’s gathering spaces can accommodate anything from small corporate retreats to large events for up to 140 guests. The property features a variety of versatile indoor and outdoor venues, including the lobby bar, Embers, the intimate Bourbon Lounge speakeasy, and the open-air pool reception and lawn spaces. Customizable meeting packages and an in-house culinary team allow events to be tailored to any need.
The Trail Hotel also offers the Rejuvenation Room, a modern wellness retreat featuring an oxygen bar, hot sauna, cryotherapy and IV hydration, and The Reserve Room, a sophisticated private dining space accommodating up to 60 guests. Guests will also find Par and Pour, a high-definition golf simulator featuring a private bar, virtual re-creations of world-famous championship courses and an in-house selection of clubs.
A Luxury Bourbon Experience
The property’s dedication to bourbon culture goes far beyond the bottle. At the center of the experience is The Bourbon Butler, who bridges the gap between local distilleries, farms, restaurants and other local tourism businesses for a curated experience that guests will find nowhere else. With insider access and every connection, this butler will ensure guests’ time in Bardstown is as immersive and effortless as possible. The butler can arrange VIP Distillery Tours (three daily offerings, rotating among Bardstown’s premier distilleries); curated excursions to golf courses, farms, breweries and wineries; dining and event reservations across Bardstown and surrounding areas; and custom bourbon experiences, including private barrel tastings, speakeasy menus and rare flight samplings.
Before arrival, the Bourbon Butler will check to ensure every detail is in place, whether that’s an intimate tasting in the Bourbon Lounge, a therapeutic session in the Rejuvenation Room or dinner at Oak & Ember.
Adding to the exclusive appeal, The Trail Hotel will also debut its own private-label bourbon and rye, available only to property guests. Hand-selected in collaboration with a renowned local distillery, this bourbon will be available for purchase and for direct shipment to guests’ homes and will be featured in special tasting experiences throughout the hotel.
Elevated Food and Drink Offerings
Executive chef Marvin Woods brings Kentucky’s rich culinary story to life through thoughtfully crafted food and drink experiences.
Oak & Ember, the property’s signature restaurant, offers an innovative take on Southern hospitality with a menu rooted in Kentucky tradition and a bourbon list that will impress even seasoned connoisseurs.
Embers, the lobby bar, greets guests with a warm atmosphere and seating for more than 60. The Bourbon Lounge serves as a quiet, semi-private bourbon library for small gatherings and curated flights, while The Bourbon Vault provides an exclusive speakeasy experience hidden behind a discreet, art-adorned entrance.
Outdoor relaxation meets indulgence at the poolside Swim Club Bar, while Bourbon Alley provides fireside lounges and casual bites.
“We set out to create a place where the essence of Kentucky bourbon is not just tasted, but lived,” said Dan Sirrine, general manager. “Every detail, from our curated bourbon experiences to the warm tones and textures of the design, was made to immerse guests in Bardstown’s history. The Trail Hotel is excited to welcome the world to Kentucky Bourbon Country in a bold new way.”
For additional information or to book a stay, please visit thetrailhotel.com.
