The Brown Hotel

, Louisville, United States
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The Brown Hotel

, Louisville
4 star

Rooms: 292

355 West Broadway - Louisville - Kentucky - 40202 - United States Hotel Website | | 502-583-1234
262 Traveller

Reviews - The Brown Hotel

Historical Traveller Reviews of The Brown Hotel

Nicely renovated downtown hotel, close to two Louisville attractions

from LostButMakinGoodTime
We stayed at the Brown on our way back to Chicago from a vacation. We wanted to stay at an upscale hotel, as it was our last night on the road and we wanted to make Louisville more than just an "off the interstate" stop.

The hotel is a classic old hotel, with a beautifully restored lobby area. The rooms were large enough for a portable bed, and nicely appointed. We stayed in a club level room, which included complimentary beer/wine and snacks in the evening, and continental breakfast in the morning. All of this was taken care of by a concierge. It was a nice way to spend the last night on the road and, since it was the weekend, the room was decently priced.

There is one drawback to the hotel that you either have to accept or go elsewhere. Probably because of its age, and the humidity of the summer, the hotel does have a slight musty smell. It is more noticeable in the lobby area, less in the rooms - turning up the air conditioning seemed to solve the problem.

The hotel is convenient by car to the Louisville Slugger Museum, and the Louisville Bats minor league baseball field, both of which we went to, and found quite enjoyable. There is a parking lot adjacent to the hotel with an enclosed walkway that takes you directly into the lobby.

We enjoyed the experience of staying at the Brown. We felt like we got more of a feel for the city, while being very close to two of its primary attractions.

A PRINCESS NIGHT TO REMEMBER

from A TripAdvisor Member
My husband and I are extremely familiar with the Historical Downtown Hotels in Louisville, Ky. We were lucky enough to stay at the Brown Hotel on our honeymoon night. The McCauley Suite was a dream come true. From the lobby to the luxurious club level was breathtaking. The cassell massey products was really nice to have in the bathrooms. I just love the shampoo. The English Grill Manager saw us in the lobby after our reception and he sent a very nice bottle of wine to our room when we arrived. I have stayed and the Seelbach before and my experience there was not nearly as good. The guest rooms are much smaller, furniture was very tired looking. The bedding was not comfortable. If you want to stay at a very nice boutique hotel in Louisville, we reccommend the Brown Hotel.

Great food, great experience, comfy beds

from A TripAdvisor Member
I work for a company that requires me to travel frequently. We have national meetings and smaller team meetings. Of all the hotels where I have stayed, this was far the best. The beds and especially the pillows were so comfortable. In addition, the food was excellent at each meal. Another feature...free wireless. So many hotels are charging for this and shouldn't be. Lastly there were computers in the halls for free use on breaks.

The only negatives include the sound in larger meeting rooms. Some on our teams didn't use microphones and it was hard to hear, but that is really our problem. We also had to crank the A/C to keep the rooms cool.

The local restaurants were really bad, but the hotel has a great location to get to downtown attractions. The baseball museum was a hit...cheap gift ideas.

Overall, it is sure nice to have a nice meeting place. We stay at 5 star hotel chains for most of our meetings and this hotel ran circles around those. The chain hotels could learn from this one.

'

from A TripAdvisor Member
I went there on business, and the hotel felt very "cold"....I guess I prefer more "middle-class" hotels with a friendly feel. The people were nice, but there were problems. The room was just your average hotel room. When I went in the room, it looked like it wasn't cleaned fully...the breakfast in bed form was filled out by someone else. I like the occasional wine, so I'd figured I'd treat myself to some. I ordered a pinot grigio, they called and said they were out of it, so they would bring something similar and said they would bring a pinot noir. It didn't dawn on me right away, but its a red wine as opposed to pinot grigio which is white. I guess they figured it had the word "pinot" in it, it was the same...some educated staff there! I wouldn't go back. Give me a Hampton Inn, or Holiday Inn, and I'll be happier.

not very accommodating

from MAGNUS
Hotel is not very customer oriented.
I make reservations for attorneys who may have to cancel at the last minute.
Their strict cancel policy is not very forgiving.
Many corporate hotels are aware that business does change and will give a credit to use towards a future trip.
We're sending our business to the Seelbach they are more friendly and will allow for changes to a future stay.

A premier family experience

from Opinion8ted
In August 2004 and again in June 2005, my family stayed at the Brown in order to attend a wedding. The most recent stay was completely satisfactory in every way. We upgraded to a large room for an extra charge. It was nicely decorated, with soft feather beds on the two doubles and a huge comfy leather chair and ottoman for reading, clean as can be. The valet are pleasant, and we had no trouble arranging to use the hotel-provided transportation for several groups of family members returning to the airport. The wedding receptions each time were at the hotel. The food was great, the accomodations elegant and the staff attentive. The lobby bar is a wonderful place to hang out. We had such a positive reaction to Louisville - in part, because we stayed at the Brown.

This place is awful

from RHJF
This hotel is awful. The rooms and the hotel are very old and smell like mold. The staff was very nice and helpful but I could never have spent the night. If you are into updated rooms this is not your place. I suppose if you are into historical landmarks and quaint hotels that you may be more interested in staying here. I was so unhappy I left without even staying the night and went to another hotel.

Wanted to stay another night!

from key001
I was in Louisville for a business meeting and stayed one night in The Brown Hotel. This trip was the last in a string of business trips that regretably kept me away from home and family. That is why I was so shocked this was my favorite stay!

The free hotel shuttle was prompt and the driver was friendly and full of information. The building was absolutely beautiful - antiques, rich carpets, tapestries, marble. The lobby staff was the pinnacle of southern hospitality, even at a relatively late hour. I had a series of flight delays and after hearing this they upgraded me to the club floor even though I had paid a reduced group rate. I had also forgotten toothpaste and they had it at my room almost immediately (it almost beat me up there).

The room was spacious (including writing desk alcove and ample closet space) and quite luxurious - I slept like a baby with the pillow top. There was also your standard TV, reading chair, armoire, etc. although I didn't use these. I did use the free wireless internet. I had a wireless card, but I noticed the hotel would provide you with one free of charge if you didn't have one which many hotels charge for. The candies throughout the room and spring water were also a nice touches. I ordered room service and they delivered my (really, really good) "father's pasta" in less than 15 minutes even though it was technically past the dinner delivery time.

I've stayed in several "cookie-cutter" five-stars and pricey boutique hotels over the years and The Brown Hotel succeeded where these failed. It was both clean and modern while retaining a cozy, unique feel. The only downside was the scratchy towel set (and the so-so view). But who cares when everything else is great!

Enjoyed our stay

from Alex_Halsey
Stayed here over Memorial Day weekend. Shuttle van from hotel was prompt. Our driver was friendly and shared info about the city. Check-in also prompt and friendly. Our room was large, with a comfortable king sized bed, desk, armoire w/TV, and a sofa. I was concerned it would be noisy b/c it was near the elevator, but no such problems.

I can't speak to the value b/c I did not pay, and we had a group rate, but it was a beautifully restored hotel in a location that was close to the action but far enough away that it was quiet.

The only minuses were minor. The towels were a bit rough for what I expect and this kind of hotel, and we had to request what I consider a standard quantity (two bath towels per person). Toiletries were Caswell-Massey, which is a nice touch, but were heavily scented with almond, which I don't like. Also, a light bulb burnt out and I took it out, left it on the table, and told the front desk, but it never got changed. Of course, I should have just called, but we didn't seem to need it anyway.

I really enjoyed the Brown, and Louisville, and I would stay here again.

An Educated Choice

from mkedan
So I decided to go to Louisville, splitting my stay at another hotel and the Brown, only to find that this other hotel, among other problems, smelled of ketchup and cigarrettes.

Having booked with an internet travel site, this other hotel was loathe to allow me to cancel my 2nd night, but I decided to bite the bullet and see if the Brown could accomodate me a night early. I wound up having a pleasant (if a bit gossip-filled) conversation about all the celebrities this hotel has moved over from the other hotel. My favorite was Meat Loaf, which seemed ironic as what could go better with ketchup?

And so I checked in early, getting a room on the ever-popular club floor. I don't know if there was much difference in the rooms, though I did partake of the free cookies. The Brown was of course where the Hot Brown sandwich was first concocted. Along with the rolled oyster, the Modjeska candy, and Derby Pie (trademarked!), it was one of the Louisville menu oddities I was able to sample around town. In between hotel runs, the building housed the local Board of Ed.

I suppose the location would not be considered tops downtown, but I thought the river lost much of its charm by being cut off from downtown by a freeway. A trolley stop was nearby, and when I rented a car on the weekend, I found free parking without too much trouble.

The whole thing was a relief. Perhaps it is a good idea to always stay someplace crappy before spending a lot of money at a hotel. You'll appreciate it more.

Top Local Tips for Louisville

Lots To Do in Downtown Louisville 1. Louisville Slugger Museum 2. Muhammed Ali Center 3. Historic Downtown Area 4. Fourth Street Live for a cornucopia of things 5. Ohio River area being developed 6. Churchill Downs and Museum is four miles South

Glassworks is very cool Go blow some glass. With a little planning you can make an appointment at Glassworks and get to engage in an interactive glass blowing demo- and take home the results! We made beautiful glass ornaments for our tree. In a similar vein, Actors playhouse offers many selections for a budget. The Pub is very friendly, just make sure you have your ID after 6 to get through the downtown area. MUST EAT AT TOAST ON MARKET! It's an amazing breakfast. It's heavy, but delicious.

Louisville is a great dining city. Voted by Bon Appetit as one of the "foodiest small town cities in the country," I can certainly see why. The Engilsh Grill in the hotel is outstanding. Their casual restaurant also offers an amazing anti pasta lunch bar. I don't normally like buffets but this one was fresh, creative and offered a variety of international favorites. The hotel is also centrally located so it was easy to walk to other cafes, bars and museums.

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Other names for The Brown Hotel

  • brown hotel louisville
  • brown hotel
  • Address: 355 West Broadway - Louisville - Kentucky - 40202 - United States
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