The Kentucky Exposition Center, located in the heart of Louisville, welcomes millions of visitors each year for its hundreds of events. It is the sixth largest facility in the United States with over 1.2 million square feet of air-conditioned space and is a regular host of some of the top trade shows in the United States. Conveniently located less than one mile from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport, it’s easy to see why so many people flock to Louisville each year for events. But with over 40 hotel options in the area, we thought we’d help you narrow down your list of the best places to stay in the area based on your needs. (Spoiler alert: we have a personal favorite!)
Things to Know About the Kentucky Exposition Center
If you’re new to Louisville, you may not realize what a hot spot it has become for tourism. In 2023, the New York Times listed Louisville, Kentucky as one of their “52 Places to Go” in the world, thanks to our beautiful history and architecture, our bourbon culture, and our thriving LGBTQ+ scene. Our city features several James Beard Award nominated chefs, including Dallas McGarity of The Fat Lamb, who was a semifinalist for Best Chef Southeast in 2024.
The Kentucky Expo Center has attracted its fair share of big names since it was built in 1956. Elvis, Ray Charles, Jackson 5, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Kiss, Johnny Cash, the Beach Boys, and many more top-of-the-line musicians all performed at the Expo’s Freedom Hall. The center also hosts massive events like the Kentucky State Fair, the National Farm Machinery Show, and the North American International Livestock Exposition.
Whether you’re visiting for the concert of the year, the major business trade show for your industry, your child’s cheer competition, or just to peruse the many rows of vendors at the Kentucky Flea Market Spring Fling–the events of the Kentucky Expo Center are worth checking out! And here are a few of our recommended places to stay for your visit, based on what brings you to town.
Where to Stay if Traveling with Children
The Kentucky Expo Center hosts sporting events and competitions for youth and young adults on an almost monthly basis. For any parent who has made the bold trek to these events, complete with a bag full of granola bars and fruit puree pouches, you know that the days can be long and full of emotion. That’s why we recommend these two family-friendly places that are within walking distance of the Kentucky Exposition Center. Keeping your commute to a minimum will increase your odds of keeping your crew happy.
Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport
The Crowne Plaza was built for groups traveling to visit the Kentucky Expo Center. It features a wide variety of room and suite options, offering more than enough space to accommodate your family (and maybe a few tagalong teammates). Located within walking distance of the Expo Center, Crowne Plaza also features a shuttle service from the airport and to any place within three miles of the hotel, which means you can save on that minivan or SUV rental!
The Crowne Plaza has an onsite restaurant, Al’s Table, named after Louisville visionary, Al J. Schneider, and features dishes that were personal favorites of his that are also culturally significant to our area. They also have a coffee shop and bar for beverages and quick bites to start your day or end your night. In addition to food, the Crowne Plaza has an indoor pool, which is a favorite of many guests, and a 24-hour gym. It’s also pet-friendly, if your family includes fur babies.
The Brown Hotel
One look at this place and you’ll think, “How are you recommending this for families?” Yet The Brown Hotel actually makes many shortlists as one of the best hotels for families to stay at in the area. Located a short 10-minute drive from the Louisville Expo Center, The Brown Hotel is positioned right in the heart of downtown Louisville. This hotel boasts “luxury accommodations with a Kentucky, but you won’t find it to be overly stuffy or uninviting to your younger family members. In fact, The Brown Hotel often features special events and activities for kids, including their holiday festivities and a giant gingerbread house. Their spacious rooms and kid-friendly menus mean that you can enjoy a gorgeous place to stay, but they won’t feel left out of the experience.
Staying at The Brown Hotel is a great way to experience our local culture, including the Hot Brown sandwiches served in their restaurant and the full bourbon menu in their bar. Take the family up to the rooftop for some of the best views of the city. Add some extra days to your visit and take a walk to the many attractions surrounding the hotel that are just a short distance away.
Where to Stay if Traveling on a Budget
If the event costs of visiting the Kentucky Expo Center have put a strain on your budget, you’ll be glad to know that there are clean, affordable options still within reach (and walking distance). Here are two ways to save on your visit to Louisville.
Tru by Hilton
At the Tru by Hilton in East Louisville, you get a trusted name in the industry with plenty of free perks–from a free hot breakfast in the morning to free parking and free wifi. The hotel’s simple but modern design provides all of the basics you need to have a comfortable stay but at a fraction of the price of other hotels located so close to the Kentucky Expo Center. With that said, book your stay far enough in advance if you’re attending a big event, as good places at good prices tend to fill up fast.
RV Park & Camping
You can’t get any closer to the Kentucky Expo Center than staying at the Expo Center itself! But, you’ll need to bring your own accommodations with you in the form of an RV or tent. The Kentucky Expo Center’s Lot L has space for both wet and dry camping locations for everything from luxury RVs to primitive tent camping (which is the only type of camping allowed during the Kentucky State Fair). Many of the sites include electricity and water hookup and there is a dumping station located nearby.
Reservations are required at the Kentucky Expo’s campsites and the gates close by 11:00 pm each evening. Unlike the camping you might be used to, campfires or fire pits are not allowed at this location. Grills, however, are permitted. It’s important to note that certain events have a minimum stay requirement as well. Plan this trip accordingly and you could be on your way to an affordable adventure!
Where to Stay for Rest and Relaxation
Any visit to the Kentucky Expo Center can feel like a lot: from hitting record highs on your step counter from all of the walking to the lights and sounds of competitions, trade shows, and concerts. Sometimes you need a quiet escape to retreat to after a long day. A place where you can sleep in the most comfortable bed, relax by the fireplace, or soak in a tub. It’s important to take care of yourself during these jam-packed days so that you can effectively recharge your battery for the next day. If that sounds like just what you need, have we got a recommendation for you!
Inn at Woodhaven
If rocking on a porch with a hot tea or a bourbon on the rocks is your idea of a good time, you’ve come to the right place. Our bed and breakfast features plenty of porch and garden seating when the weather’s nice, and fireplaces, newly remodeled showers, and soaking tubs when you need to warm up. We pride ourselves on creating the most welcoming and comfortable destination for you to rest and relax after an event-filled day and will get you properly refueled the next morning with our satisfying and satiating breakfast options.
Located just 15 minutes from the Kentucky Expo Center, the Inn at Woodhaven will feel like your home away from home. Come experience the quiet elegance and simple luxury that have made us a fan favorite on sites like TripAdvisor and Google. Here is what one of our recent visitors had to say:
“All these 5/5 reviews for Inn at Woodhaven are NOT exaggerations. We stayed here for 5 nights and the hospitality was FLAWLESS from start to finish. Every detail has been attended to; the breakfast options are insanely better than any fine hotel, and they even iron the pillowcases!! This is unequivocally our go-to place to stay in Louisville. We give it ten stars! Thank you, Mark and Jeremy!” –Google review
Wherever your travels take you, we hope that you’ll consider staying with us at the Inn at Woodhaven for your next Louisville vacation or staycation. Review our many room types to see which style speaks to you and book your reservation with us today!
