Whether you pronounce it “Lewisville,” “Looeyville,” or “Looavull,” there is one undeniable fact, the city of Louisville, Kentucky is home to some of the best colleges and universities in the United States.
Louisville has all the divisions of the NCAA, as well as an excellent community college. The University of Louisville is a Division I school, Bellarmine is Division II, Spalding University is Division III, and Jefferson Community and Technical College are in the NJCAA.
With such a diverse set of schools, athletic programs, and culture to offer, it is not surprising that many students will visit Louisville when looking at schools.
Amid all of the excitement of a campus visit, recruits may often overlook lodging, but picking the perfect location for you and your family to stay is crucial to maximizing your time. Focusing on location, nearby restaurants, and the overall quality of the hotel are all elements that you should factor in before selecting a hotel.
To make it easier, we have compiled a list of the best hotels in Louisville that are all close to the colleges in the city.
Related: How to Prepare for a College Visit
Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport
The Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport is the perfect hotel if you are flying into the city because the hotel is connected to the Louisville International Airport (SDF). The hotel is approximately three minutes from the University of Louisville, eight minutes from Bellarmine University, six minutes to Spalding University, and about five minutes from Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC).
The Hilton Garden Inn is also considered “excellent” with a 4.5/5 rating on Tripadvisor. Users on the site note the friendly service, proximity to downtown, and quality of the rooms. The nightly rate is an average of about $167, but if you're visiting the University of Louisville, they provide discounted rates at $142/weeknights and $112/weekends.
The hotel provides several amenities that you and your family can take advantage of during your stay. The Hilton Garden Inn has an indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and a pantry for all of your snacking needs.
Being close to downtown, there are plenty of restaurants nearby as well. Cracker Barrel, Arby's, and Starbucks are all within walking distance. If you're looking for a taste of Kentucky mixed with sports memorabilia, you should stop by the Cardinal Hall of Fame Cafe. The Cafe certainly lives up to its name, serving burgers that deserve their place in a hall of fame as well.
All in all, Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport provides top notch service with a location that is unbeatable regardless of which Louisville school you will be paying a visit to.
Related school rating: University of Louisville
Four Points by Sheraton Louisville Airport
Right around the corner from the Hilton is the Four Points by Sheraton Louisville Airport. The Four Points Hotel is pretty much equidistant to the universities. The hotel is about three minutes from the University of Louisville, eight minutes driving time to Bellarmine University, six minutes driving time to Spalding University, and about five minutes from JCTC.
The Four Points Hotel has garnered a 3.5/5 on Tripadvisor, earning them a “very good” rating. Many Tripadvisor users on the site talk about how spacious the rooms are. The nightly rate is an average of about $118, but if visiting the University of Louisville, you can qualify for discounted rates at $99 for both weeknights and weekends.
The hotel provides several amenities you and your family can utilize during your college tour, including an indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, bar/restaurant, and laundry to use at your convenience.
The Four Points Hotel is on the same street as The Hilton Garden Inn, so the nearby restaurant options are the same.
The Four Points is our budget-friendly hotel that still provides all the amenities of a more expensive hotel.
Related school rating: Bellarmine University
Sleep Inn Airport and Expo
Easily the most affordable option on the list is the Sleep Inn Airport and Expo. This hotel is also adjacent to the airport, making it great for those flying in. This hotel has similar distances to all the major colleges in Louisville. It is a 5-minute drive to the University of Louisville, a 6-minute drive to Bellarmine University, a 7-minute drive to Spalding University, and a 6-minute drive to JCTC.
Tripadvisor rates the Sleep Inn Airport and Expo at a 3.5/5, giving it a “very good” score. Reviewers stated that the free continental breakfast and safe, secure area were reasons they enjoyed their stay at the Sleep Inn. The hotel has an average rate of about $84 a night. With this discounted rate, the hotel has less amenities than the two hotels listed above, but still offers a free breakfast and indoor pool.
This hotel's winning point is that it is pet-friendly. This makes the hotel an ideal stay for families that need accommodations for their pets.
The Sleep Inn is close to a handful of familiar fast food restaurants, including Subway, McDonald's, and Taco Bell. But if you're looking for a retro-style restaurant with innovative food, then New Wave Burritos is a can't miss establishment for you. Their “Basher” burrito is a favorite among locals.
The Sleep Inn offers a sense of value that can't be beaten. At just $84 a night it's price is lower than the majority of other Louisville hotels.
Related school rating: Spalding University
Courtyard Louisville Airport
This hotel is a bit further out than the previously mentioned establishments, but the Courtyard Louisville Airport is still a contender. This hotel is located in a more centralized location downtown, near Churchill Downs (home of the Kentucky Derby) and the Louisville Slugger Museum. This makes it an ideal location for families with kids that will need to be occupied while you are touring colleges. While the Courtyard Louisville Airport is further away than the other options on the list, the location is still excellent. It is a 7-minute drive to the University of Louisville, 10-minute drive to both Bellarmine University and Spalding University, and about an 8-minute drive to JCTC.
Tripadvisor users have given this hotel a 4.5/5 for “excellent” quality. Reviews state that the service provided by the Courtyard is “unparalleled” with a very attentive and accommodating staff. The Courtyard Airport offers an indoor pool and fitness center. Unlike the other hotels in this list, the Courtyard offers an indoor hot tub. This would be an excellent place for you, or your parents to unwind after a long day of being on your feet. The Courtyard charges $135 a night for its services.
The area around this hotel offers a nice variety of hotels. There is a KFC and a Starbucks, but if you're looking for a family friendly sit down restaurant, there is the Blue Horse Restaurant just 5 minutes away. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this is a great place to refuel after your day.
Lots of family-oriented attractions and amenities make the Courtyard Louisville Airport an excellent fit for families looking to split time between college campus tours and local tourism.
Related school rating: JCTC
Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Louisville
With 4.5.5 stars on Tripadvisor, this hotel has been given a certificate of excellence from Tripadvisor. Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Louisville is a top tier hotel. A classy downtown establishment makes this perfect for you and your parents to go out and explore Downtown Louisville and Fourth Street Live. Staying at the Embassy Suites means you're sacrificing proximity for comfort. Embassy Suites is located about ten minutes from the University of Louisville, 13 minutes from Bellarmine University, and seven minutes to both Spalding and JCTC.
Tripadvisor users say the ample parking, downtown life, and breakfast/evening receptions are reasons they'd return to the hotel. The Embassy offers several amenities such as a bar, a lounge area, an indoor pool, and high-speed wifi.
Being so close to Fourth Street, the liveliest part of Louisville, means that there are plenty of great restaurants around. Places such as Smashburger, Zoup!, and Guy Fieri's Smokehouse can be found within walking distance. A local favorite located just 10 minutes away is The Seafood Lady. Featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dive's, this restaurant is renowned for its affordable and incredible seafood.
This high-class hotel is great for parents who may want to take a break and enjoy the nightlife Louisville has to offer while visiting. The closeness to downtown gives you plenty to do while exploring the city that could be your future home.
So regardless of where you decide to stay while visiting Louisville, you are bound to discover the incredible schools, food, and sights the city has to offer. Staying in one of these hotels will make your Louisville visit one for the books.
* Originally published on September 7, 2021, by Tara Sires
