Another of My Loves: Historic Hotels

My love for history is not something that only shows up in my writing. One of my favorite things to do when we travel is seek out grand hotels that reflect a bygone era. I love exploring the ornate lobbies, perusing historical photos and memorabilia, and imagining all of the fascinating people that may have roamed the halls of these landmark buildings. Maybe it’s the writer in me, but I love reflecting on the changes that have taken place in and around these historic structures. I am thankful that my husband and I have had the chance to stay at such beautiful old hotels as the French Lick Resort and the West Baden Springs Hotel in French Lick Indiana, the Brown Hotel in Louisville, and The Peabody in Memphis. We also visited the Menger Hotel in San Antonio and stayed at the Union Station in Nashville last year.

We recently had the opportunity to add The Grady Hotel in downtown Louisville to the list of historic hotels where we have stayed while traveling.

The Grady is conveniently located right across the street from the Kentucky Performing Arts Center and near quaint restaurants and bars perfect for bourbon aficionados. It is also minutes away from the Galt House, the restaurants and shops along 4th Street, and other popular landmarks in downtown Louisville.

Upon arrival at the Grady, we were greeted with convenient valet parking and welcomed into the gorgeous lobby by Linda, a friendly front desk clerk. I saw a tall, beautiful shelf of books and other decor to the left as soon as we entered, and I knew I was going to love this place! The crackling fireplace and multiple seating areas in the lobby made it feel warm and inviting the moment we stepped in.

Linda informed us that the Grady is located in a historic circa 1883 building that formerly served as a hat factory, famous for its fedoras. There was a unique display of vintage fedoras on the wall, as well as numerous other nods to the building’s former identity.

The lobby features a wall with the hotel’s logo created from with thousands of replica pennies, and Linda explained this was a nod to the tradition of putting a penny in the hatband of your fedora.

Our room was small but cozy, and the decor continued the same classic themes that we had first encountered in the lobby.

The shelves near the TV featured more historic books and vintage colored glass elements that hearkened back to the past.

Upon hearing we did not have a reservation or solid plans for dinner, Linda promptly called downstairs to the Wild Swann, the Grady’s featured basement restaurant/bar, and reserved a table for us. We settled our things in our room and then made our way downstairs to the restaurant for a late dinner.

The menu featured an assortment of appetizers, entrees, and desserts that all sounded fabulous. We decided to split the honey bourbon chicken sliders and the wagyu burger sliders. The cocktail menu featured a unique assortment as well. I highly recommend the signature White Swann, which is a white chocolate martini and is every bit as decadent and delicious as it sounds. Our server was very sweet and attentive, and we enjoyed chatting with her. The Wild Swann’s basement location with exposed brick walls, subtle lighting, and cozy booths makes it the perfect dinner date location before taking in a show at the performing arts center, while the well-stocked bar also makes it an ideal location for after dinner drinks.

All in all, we were very impressed with The Grady and hope to stay there again soon. I would highly recommend checking it out the next time you’re in Louisville!