You walk into the 21c and you're greeted by a lobby packed with eye-popping pieces of contemporary art. You're in a true-blue museum. But then you walk up to the front desk and check in. The extra-friendly staff welcomes you and sends you up to your guest room. Whilst waiting for the elevator, you find yourself transfixed by an interactive video installation in which your very own silhouette plays a pivotal role. Your room is plush and modern, the free WiFi hot, the iPod bumpin'. Boutique bath oils and soaps await. And oh what a bar! Proof on Main is superior a thousand times over to the average hotel bar. Genius mixologists pour exquisite specialty cocktails, and the "bar snacks" come from an award-winning kitchen. When you're done, grab one last digestif to sip while you peruse the rest of the collection, most of which is housed down below the lobby. Egad, and the gift shop! No post cards and snow globes here. Only marvels of art and design here, many just as affordable as the tacky souvenirs you'd get at a regular hotel lobby gift shop. This is the 21c.

The Hyatt Regency is one of the finest hotels in Louisville, true to its name-the hotel has something for everyone! The newly renovated rooms and state-of-the-art amenities makes it truly pleasurable for the weary traveler as well as the jet-set executive. Apart from the wide array of facilities, the Hyatt also offers special retreat packages as well as season packages tailored to suit your needs. Spacious and airy rooms makes it a hot favorite amongst conference holders and wedding planners.

This gorgeous 1896 "mahogany king" was restored in 1994 to include central heat and air for guests' comfort. Despite these changes, the home preserves all of its Victorian charm. Six different rooms are fully furnished to welcome guests with old-fashioned comfort, and a large screened porch provides a relaxing environment for pleasant Kentucky days and nights. In addition to the exquisite accommodations, a family warmth and genuine hospitality keeps guests coming back to The Columbine.

Built in the late 1870s, the DuPont Mansion is located in the Old Louisville Historical District, just ten minutes from many local attractions including the Louisville International Airport and Kentucky Derby. This beautifully-restored manse contains modern essentials like climate controls and Internet access, yet stays true to its Victorian roots with touches like chandeliers and authentic furnishings. A full breakfast and daily refreshments are included for each guest.

Find tranquility just five minutes from Louisville's airport and downtown. The Inn at the Park overlooks Frederick Law Olmsted's Central Park (his other Central Park), and has come to be known as "The Queen of Old Louisville" for its breathtaking 1884 Richardian Romanesque architecture. Guests will find congenial hospitality and personal service, along with beautifully decorated rooms and a full gourmet breakfast.

This luxury hotel is full of quirky history. It was built in 1924 by J. Graham Brown, but when he died in 1971 the Brown Hotel closed and the building was used by the Board of Education. But, in an unforeseen play on words, the Brown won out over the Board of Education in the 1980s and the hotel was renovated and restored to its former glory. Besides its elegant English Renaissance appointments, the Brown offers 26,000 square feet of meeting space, a modern business center, a fitness center, three restaurants, and a bar.

On the banks of the Ohio River, this hotel is the only waterfront hotel in Louisville. Galt House is now in its fourth incarnation after being relocated, burned, rebuilt, razed, and rebuilt again over the last 200 years. It has been host to many historical figures, including several US presidents. Galt House also has world-class amenities, such as an outdoor riverview pool with a cafe, beauty services, catering services, a dedicated concierge, and six on site restaurants and lounges, one of which revolves to give diners a 360 degree view of the city. The hotel offers several travel packages that include local entertainment.

This Quality hotel was renovated in 2007 and is close to the Louisville Zoo, Six Flags, and Cardinal Stadium. It offers complimentary continental breakfast, a heated indoor pool, a business center, a game room with pool table, air hockey, and video games, and internet access. Pets are allowed, for a fee. Room rates are reasonable and commensurate with the amenities. Suites with kitchenettes are available.

The Aleksander House Bed and Breakfast, built in 1882, is located right in the middle of Old Louisville, which is the largest preservation area in the country. The Aleksander specializes in offering romantic Sweetheart packages and pampering guests looking for a quiet getaway. A full gourmet breakfast is served every morning with all the scrumptious extras. Despite the house's quiet and dignified appointments, it's location is close to many attractions, including museums and restaurants. Business travelers will also find many of their needs met and children and pets are both welcome at the Aleksander.

The Seelbach is a grand ol' vestige of grand ol' Louisville. There's stone and marble and vaulted ceilings, and guest rooms feature four-post beds. The bar downstairs is known as one of the best in the world, and the staff isn't afraid to tell you why. Nor are they afraid to tell tale of the specter haunting certain floors. Entertainment hub 4th Street Live is right across the street, so there's always something to do within stumbling distance, though do beware of late-night concert noise wafting up to your room in the wee hours.