Whatever it is you’re after, Kentucky is bound to have plenty of it. If you’re looking for a unique mix of outdoor adventure, horse racing excitement and a taste of Southern hospitality, then the Bluegrass State should be right at the top of your list.
From the stunning horse farms and the Derby to Southern charm, farm-to-table dining and the Bourbon Trail, there’s something for everyone in KY. Choosing where to stay can be as difficult as deciding on activities, given how many resorts in Kentucky come with excellent reputations.
Here’s a list of excellent Kentucky resort hotels that will make your visit to the Bluegrass State all the more enjoyable.
Hickory Hill Resort
If you’re after relaxing, unplugged vibes with a body of water close by, then you can’t go wrong with Hickory Hill Resort. This laid-back, family-friendly resort is the stuff of lake vacation dreams and it’s undoubtedly one of the more popular lakefront resorts in Kentucky.
This cozy retreat is set under shady trees with a rolling lawn that goes right down to the edge of Kentucky Lake, of which there are sweeping views from all around the resort. The accommodation is super spacious and comes with a seating area, a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a private bathroom.
There’s also the seasonal swimming pool, tennis courts and playground. The lakeside resort offers all kinds of water-based activities, from skiing and boating to fishing, kayaking and just about everything in between.
Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Set in the rolling country hills just north of Lexington, Kentucky, the Griffin Gate Marriot offers a step up in terms of luxury. There are 409 rooms, so it’s one of the biggest all-inclusive resorts in Kentucky, but that doesn’t mean it’s lost its Southern hospitality.
The resort is popular with business travelers and golfers, in particular, as it comes with 28,000 square feet of meeting space and more than 20 conference rooms. Golfers spend most of their time out on the renowned 18-hole Rees Jones-designed course on the hotel’s grounds.
There’s plenty on site to keep visitors busy, with access to the 19th Hole and Top Deck bar and restaurant for light bites and drinks. There’s a delectable piece of the state’s finest bone-in bourbon fillet and more waiting at JW’s Steakhouse.
If it’s R&R that’s on the cards, then the hotel’s spa is the place to be. Guests also have access to the indoor and outdoor pools on the property.
Cumberland Falls State Resort
If you’re after an affordable weekend getaway that your whole family will absolutely love, then look no further than Cumberland Falls State Resort. This is the perfect location for those who love the outdoors. Located in southern Kentucky, it’s got an activity list to keep even the most energetic visitors content.
Hiking, swimming, archery, gem mining and horseback riding are just a couple of the things that you could get up to at Cumberland Falls. The wooden cabins are set on the edge of the forest and come with private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, room service and your own kitchenette if you’d like to cook your own food. However, there is a restaurant on site for those looking to go out and eat instead. This is a wonderful place if you’re planning to get away from screen time and prioritize real-life experiences for a bit.
DuPont Lodge
The knotty pine paneling and solid hemlock beams, along with the huge stone fireplaces, give DuPont Lodge the classic mountain resort and cabin feel as soon as you enter. It’s a medium-sized resort with 51 rooms, but it’s spacious and every room comes with the amenities that you would expect from a resort of this level.
There are plenty of things to do in and around the resort, as it’s located within the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, so there’s horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, biking and more on offer. However, it’s equally amazing to spend some time on the gorgeous observation deck with sweeping views of the Cumberland River winding through the mountains. You won’t get tired of having your meals at the Riverview Restaurant, that’s for sure.
Entertainment Options and Gambling in Kentucky
For casino enthusiasts traveling to the Bluegrass State, it’s important to keep in mind that, due to the current laws that prohibit casino gambling of any kind, there are currently no casinos in Kentucky. However, for those who are after some casino table games or other gambling options during their visit, you may consider staying at a hotel that’s within a reasonable distance of states where gambling is legal.
If your trip brings you to the Louisville area, the following resorts and accommodation options are not far from the Indiana border, where gambling is legal:
- Griffin Gate Marriott Resort & Spa
- The Galt House
- 21c Museum Hotel Louisville
- The Seelbach
- The Brown
- The Campbell House
Despite the fact that you won’t find any resorts in Kentucky that have casinos onsite, casino resorts remain popular across the US, including just north in Detroit, with the MGM Grand Detroit and to the east in Maryland, with the MGM National Harbor. If you’re willing to venture a bit farther, these destinations provide excellent gaming experiences.
Online Sports Betting with BetMGM
While casino gambling may not be currently legal in Kentucky, sports betting enthusiasts can still enjoy their favorite pastimes online. BetMGM offers a variety of sports betting options, covering a wide range of sports and events. Whether you’re a fan of basketball, football, baseball or horse racing, BetMGM has you covered.
You can enjoy the excitement of placing bets on your favorite sports, all from the comfort of your chosen resort in Kentucky. Just remember, while online sports betting is legal, online casino games like blackjack and slots are currently not permitted by Kentucky law.
Stay updated and be ready for when the laws change. Register with BetMGM now and be the first to know when your favorite casino games become available online in Kentucky. Until then, enjoy the thrill of online sports betting with BetMGM.
