Here Are The 17 Absolute Best Places To Stay In Kentucky
Chris Muras
Author
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
There is a pulse that flows through Kentucky like the beat of a thoroughbred’s heart moments before the race begins. It’s rich like a fine small-batch bourbon filled with notes of Corvette leather and chocolate. And there is an undercurrent of a life that flows strong like the Kentucky River or echoes in our veins like a whoop of celebration reverberating off the ancient walls of Mammoth Cave… If you are ready for an adventure, you will be enthralled with some of the best places to stay in Kentucky we have featured below.
Best Places to Stay in Kentucky for Families
Kentucky is the perfect spot for a family adventure. If you love the outdoors and the adventures you will find in a state or national park, the Red River Gorge is simply, well “gorge.” With stunning views and hiking galore, family time in Kentucky will inspire memories that last a lifetime. Here are several rentals in Kentucky that will surely help with that.
1. Mountain Cabin Getaway, McCreary County
- Location: McCreary County, KY
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 2 full baths
- Price: $195/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, fireplace, grill, fire pit, jacuzzi tub, pet-friendly
- Ratings: 9.8 / 10 stars
This beautiful mountain cabin is nestled in the heart of Big South Fork near Lake Cumberland and the Cumberland Falls and has some of the most stunning views in the state. If your family loves hiking, climbing, fishing, kayaking, or simply exploring the great outdoors, this is one of the best vacation rentals in Kentucky. Oh, and there is a jacuzzi tub to relax those sore muscles.
2. Serenity Falls Cabin, Wolfe County
- Location: Wolfe County, KY
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 7), 1 full bath
- Price: $198/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, TV (Hulu & Netflix), full kitchen, washer & dryer, wood stove, grill, fire pit, hot tub, pet-friendly
- Ratings: 10 / 10 stars
This amazing rental is like having your own private piece of the Red River Gorge. If your family loves to explore the outdoors, you will be thrilled by what you will discover all around this beautiful rustic, but modern, cabin. Serenity Falls Cabin is surrounded by three acres of a horseshoe canyon with waterfalls, wooden bridges, cool rock formations, and creeks - and that's only what you'll find right out your front door! You will also be minutes from Natural Bridge State Park, Torrent Falls, and the iconic Red River Rock House restaurant.
3. The Capital at Elkhorn Creek, Franklin County
- Location: Franklin County, KY
- Size: 8 bedrooms (sleeps 40), 10 baths
- Price: $1000/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, swimming pool, hot tub, fireplace, game room, fitness room, sauna, jacuzzi tubs, gas grill, fire pit, concierge
- Rating: 9.8 / 10 stars
Treat your family to a luxurious stay at one of Kentucky's most premier estates. Take advantage of the concierge service even before you enter the front door to plan out your entire itinerary without you having to lift a finger. Luxury private Bourbon and Horse Country tours, private car service, catering service, and more. If you are planning a family reunion how about having the ultimate Kentucky get together in one of the finest homes around at The Capital at Elkhorn Creek?
4. Waterfront Home, Lewisburg
- Location: Lewisburg, KY
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 3 baths
- Price: $280/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, heat & air-conditioning, fireplace, grill, fire pit, kayaks, lake access
- Ratings: 5 / 5 stars
This beautiful lakefront property on Lake Malone is ready to welcome you to your next family vacation. Tons of room, four kayaks, a private boat dock, lakeside fire pit, and yard games galore. Relax in one of the two hammocks, do some fishing off the dock, or enjoy the spacious living room for game night. If you are looking for a luxury cabin experience this home in Lewisburg has your name on it.
Best Affordable Places to Stay in Kentucky
Kentucky has some pretty amazing campgrounds, cabins, cottages, and lake home rentals for a very reasonable price. There is no need to spend a fortune on a good rental in Kentucky. Here are two we think you’ll enjoy for a few outdoor adventures in our fine state.
5. My Happy Place, Eddyville
- Location: Eddyville, KY
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 3), 1 full bath
- Price: $151/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, grill, hot tub
- Ratings: 9.6 / 10 stars
This adorable cottage in Eddyville, Kentucky is the perfect retreat for couples. With wonderfully scenic views of Lake Barkley from the deck hot tub, close proximity to Mineral Mound State Park, and plenty of places to explore in the area, you have the makings for a very relaxing weekend getaway. On top of that, this rental is one of the most affordable around.
6. Sugar Shack, Wellington
- Location: Wellington, KY
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 4), 1 full bath
- Price: $125/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, wood-burning stove, fire pit, grill
- Ratings: 9.6 / 10 stars
This cozy A-frame cabin in the woods of the Red River Gorge and Cave Run Lake area is perfect for a small family or couples getaway. If you enjoy hiking, climbing, fishing, or all of the above, this is the spot for you. Be sure you don't miss a quick trip to Broke Leg Falls, or spend a day on the lake with boat rentals at Scott's Marina. After a day of adventures, grab a pizza at Pasquales Pizza, or a craft brew at the Sawstone Brewery.
7. Moon Dance Cabin, Stanton
- Location: Stanton, KY
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 4), 1.5 baths
- Price: $99/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, kitchenette, air-conditioning, grill, fire pit, outdoor shower, pet-friendly
- Ratings: 4.91 / 5 stars
This super cute cabin is so charming we think you'll fall in love just like we did. It is part of a series of cabins (Full Moon, Half Moon, and Moon Dance) on Cave Creek in the Red River Gorge. Enjoy a fun family weekend or a couples getaway, or rent all three cabins and have a lovely group get-together. This charming glamping village includes a group fire pit and hiking trails on-site that lead to a waterfall.
Best Romantic Places to Stay in Kentucky for Couples
Whether you love a good old-fashioned cabin in the woods or a luxury home on the lake, it’s about time to take a romantic getaway to make your love sing. These two rental properties will bring the fire of Southern charm, it’s up to you to bring the spark.
8. River's Edge Oasis, Louisville
- Location: Louisville, KY
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 4), 1 full bath
- Price: $330/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, grill, river views
- Ratings: 10 / 10 stars
With beautiful panoramic views of the Ohio River from your living room, this lovely home is so peaceful, bright, and filled with light. It is a truly remarkable couple's getaway only a few minutes from downtown Louisville and historic Whiskey Row on Mian Street. Enjoy all that River City has to offer while having the most romantic home base to come back to each night.
9. Wander Inn, Frenchburg
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- Location: Frenchburg, KY
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 2 full baths
- Price: $228/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, heat & air conditioning, grill, fire pit, hot tub, pet-friendly
- Ratings: 9.8 / 10 stars
Take that romantic getaway you've been looking forward to in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest with stunning sunsets from your back deck, and a hot tub to settle into after a day of hiking. This lovely modern cabin has such a delightful welcoming feel with vaulted ceilings and plenty of light overlooking the lush forest. It's time to treat yourself to a little extra sizzle with that someone special.
10. The Captain's Nest, Louisville
- Location: Louisville, KY
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 8), 3 baths
- Price: $575/night
- Amenities: Wi-Fi, heat & air conditioning, full kitchen, washer & dryer, wrap-around deck
- Rating: 10 / 10 stars
This delightful home has been lovingly crafted in honor of the famous Thomas Pointe Lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. It makes a wonderful couples getaway filled with its nostalgic charm. (But the kids would have a fun sleepover in the cool loft bedroom too) Only 10 minutes from downtown Louisville so you are close to restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Charlestown State Park, the Louisville Waterfront Park, and E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park are nearby as well for a fresh air adventure. If you are in town for the Kentucky Derby the Captain's Nest is a delightful place to stay.
11. Romantic Treehouse, Georgetown
- Location: Georgetown, KY
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 2), 1 bath
- Price: $191/night
- Amenities: Kitchenette, side-by-side outdoor bathtubs, outdoor shower, pet-friendly
- Ratings: 4.98 / 5 stars
This romantic treehouse is an incredible place to stay if you want to submerse yourself in nature. It's only a few miles outside of Lexington, but it feels like you are in your own private nature sanctuary. Soaking in the dual outdoor tubs with a romantic partner while you look out at the creek and surrounding forest is a pretty magical experience. There is no better way to relax and disconnect than with a weekend in this unique Airbnb in Kentucky.
Best Places to Stay in Lexington
Oh boy, are there ever some wonderful vacation properties in Lexington in the heart of horse country? Horse racing and historic bourbon distilleries might be Lexington’s claim to fame but there is so much to see and do in this fine city. Of course, you’ll need a place to hang your hat at the end of a fun day exploring. These wonderful rentals are some of the best places to stay in Kentucky.
12. The Reserve, Lexington
- Location: Jessamine County, KY
- Size: 9 bedrooms (sleeps 40), 9 baths
- Price: $800/night
- Amenities: 1GB Wi-Fi, TV, gourmet kitchen, washer & dryer, fireplaces, game room, movie theater, private chef, grill, outdoor pool, hot tub
- Ratings: 9.8 / 10 stars
If ever there was a place to hold a large family reunion, it's at The Reserve. A 12,700-square-foot estate in Central Kentucky, minutes from Lexington. With a huge game room, a 20-seat movie theater, a custom in-ground swimming pool, a lush Kentucky Bluegrass-filled lawn, and an eight-person jacuzzi hot tub, you have the makings for a luxury vacation in Lexington. You'll also be treated to onsite fine dining with a custom meal service and even a VIP tour of the local bourbon distilleries.
13. Historic Home, Downtown Lexington
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Size: 3 bedrooms (sleeps 6), 3 baths
- Price: $442/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, TV, upgraded kitchen, washer & dryer, grill, fire pit
- Ratings: 10 / 10 stars
You are right in the middle of the action in this lovely historic home in Lexington. Fully updated with modern amenities, this wonderful accommodation in Kentucky is clean, comfortable, and ready to impress. If you are visiting for a little horse racing action, Keeneland race course is minutes away, and you can't visit Lexington without stopping by the historic district of Main Street, or a distillery or two.
14. Adorable Bungalow, Lexington
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 5), 1 bath
- Price: $113/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, heat & air conditioning, washer & dryer, outdoor fireplace, grill, patio, pet-friendly
- Ratings: 4.89 / 5 stars
This adorable bungalow is in the heart of Lexington with easy access to everything this beautiful city has to offer. You are only a short drive from key Kentucky attractions like Keenland, the University of Kentucky, and Rupp Arena. This affordable two-bedroom home is cute, clean, and ready to welcome you to your Lexington getaway.
Best Places to Stay in Bowling Green
Boys and girls, start your engines because Bowling Green is calling your name. From mammoth caves to mammoth-ly cool Corvettes, this university city has something to offer everyone. (Did you know that EVERY Corvette built since 1981 has come from the Bowling Green assembly plant?) Even if a cool Corvette doesn’t rumble your engines, Mammoth Caves will delight the adventurer in you. Here are a couple of rentals which you can set up your base of operations from.
15. Best Rental House, Bowling Green
- Location: Bowling Green, KY
- Size: 5 bedrooms (sleeps 12), 5 baths
- Price: $227/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, TV, chef's kitchen, washer & dryer, grill, fire pit, fireplace, hot tub, full gym, golf course views
- Ratings: 9.8 / 10 stars
The Best Rental House in Bowling Green (self-proclaimed, but they might be right) is a lovely modern home with a whole lot of luxury for one of the most affordable price points you'll ever find for a rental like this. With a gourmet chef's kitchen, steam shower in the master bath, a full fitness center style gym, hot tub, golf course views, a cool covered patio, coffee shops, and restaurants within walking distance... (you'd better stop us before we get too excited and book it ourselves), this home has everything you'll need for the ultimate family vacation in Kentucky.
16. KY Bourbon Cottage, Bowling Green
- Location: Bowling Green, KY
- Size: 2 bedrooms (sleeps 5), 1 full bath
- Price: $177/night
- Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, TV, full kitchen, washer & dryer, grill, fire pit, fenced-in yard
- Ratings: 10 / 10 stars
What a lovely Kentucky bourbon-themed cottage in the heart of Bowling Green! Just minutes from Western Kentucky University, this cozy cottage is perfect for a quick visit to a son or daughter on the weekend, an extended family vacation, or even a romantic getaway to explore this charming town. There is even the option of having your own private chef!
17. Riverside Cabin, Bowling Green
- Location: Bowling Green, KY
- Size: 1 bedroom (sleeps 3), 1 bath
- Price: $149/night
- Amenities: TV, full kitchen, grill, fire pit, jacuzzi tub, outdoor shower
- Ratings: 4.94 / 5 stars
This cozy Riverside Cabin is the perfect couple's retreat on the Barren River where you can unplug from the stress of everyday life. This is one of the best Airbnbs in Kentucky with gorgeous views of the river right from your bedroom with large windows that make you feel like you are surrounded by nature. The private outdoor shower is an exhilarating way to connect with nature (and that special someone...), and the indoor jacuzzi tub looks out at the beautiful forest around you.
If you’ve been wondering where to stay in Kentucky, we hope this list has helped inspire you to book that much-needed vacation. Kentucky is a beautiful state, filled with history and nature that is hard to beat. With charming historic towns like Bardstown, Versailles, and Paducah and their lovely Victorian homes and shops, it’s like stepping back in time.
Now that you have seen some of the best places to stay in Kentucky, the only thing to do is pack your bags and start on the road trip of your dreams. Be sure to let us know which of these rentals you fell in love with the most.
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More to Explore
More Of The Best Places To Stay In Kentucky
What are the best unique hotels in Kentucky?
With its rich history, there is no shortage of unique historic hotels in Kentucky. From old manors to remodeled bed and breakfasts, and even museum hotels, you will be delighted by these unconventional places to stay. Here are a few of the best hotels in Kentucky that have more charm than a Hyatt or Marriott:
- The Galt House
- The Brown Hotel
- Jailer's Inn
- 21C Museum Hotel Louisville
- The Kentucky Castle
- The Seelbach Hilton Louisville
- Chateau Bourbon Bed & Breakfast
Where are the most unique getaways in Kentucky?
Horses, cars, caves, and bourbon flow through Kentucky's roots like nourishing ambrosia. If you love the outdoors, a well-bred stallion, fast cars, or a rich bourbon with vanilla tobacco notes, a weekend getaway to Kentucky will speak to your heart. Here are a few of the most unique getaways in Kentucky and interesting things to see:
- Wigwam Village Inn: Stay in an air-conditioned tepee near Mammoth Cave.
- Tour Mammoth Cave: With nearly a dozen different cave tours, you can keep coming back again and again.
- A cottage on the Bourbon Trail: Stay at this lovely cottage with its own distillery within steps of the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
- Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum: Dedicated to the iconic baseball bats that influenced American history.
- Visit Old Friends Equine Farm: Think of this as a 236-acre retirement home for former Churchill Downs Kentucky Derby stars - a thoroughbred sanctuary for the finest horses in the state.
- Muhammad Ali Center: This all-star boxer was born and raised in Louisville, KY.
- Twinkle at the Track: The National Corvette Museum Motorsports Park is transformed into a holiday lights show like none other around Christmas time. (Sorry, no redlining allowed.)