T+L Review of The Trail Hotel, Bardstown. Kentucky

The front desk staff member smiled and said, “We’re glad you’re there.” The brand-new The Trail HotelI had only opened my hotel in May and was already enjoying some of Kentucky’s Southern hospitality.

After landing at Louisville Airport, I drove to BardstownThe Prohibition Suite is located in the first boutique hotel of the city, the Bourbon Capital of the World. Jason Thompson, director of bourbon sales and experiences, and Norma Smith one of the two bourbon butlers at the hotel, told me about the history of the city over shrimp cocktail and a tuna crudo.

The building, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places was opened on April 1, 1971 as a Holiday Inn. The building was sold in 2004 and rebranded. It served as a Hotel for 12 years. It was empty between 2016 and 2021. Before it went up for sale, it sat unused. Will Hardy, Nathan “Ejo”, Edmonds and other high school classmates placed a bid. They won.

Jackie Hill, the other butler of bourbon, came over to our table and introduced herself. She added that she and her husband had met at this bar 18 years earlier and were married shortly after. It was the happening place to be—and really the only place to go—back in the day,” Hill told me. She then went on to mention grade school pool parties and live music in the bar, as well as countless first dates between couples that took place in the building.

The two first contracting companies that we spoke with would only work together if we bulldozed. Hardy explained that from a purely financial standpoint, it was cheaper. As we talked with the community we were reminded of the importance of the Holiday Inn. We decided that we did not want to be those guys who destroyed dreams in order to facilitate our own dream, which was to increase Bardstown’s appeal as a tourist destination. We’ve brought back to life what was once broken with The Trail Hotel to preserve these memories.”

The two-story building was transformed into a modern, stylish Southern country club with a little creativity, money, and TLC. The co-owners created a warm, polished and welcoming hotel by working with Joseph & Joseph Architects For the renovation and redesign. They imagined creative amenities like a rejuvenation room, an indoor-golf simulator, and Bourbon Butlers, their version of a concierge. And once the stage was set, the team hired a team of incredibly talented staff, including a level three sommelier who has worked at three-Michelin-starred The French Laundry and an Emmy Award–nominated chef.

Locals and tourists alike seem to have enjoyed the Trail Hotel’s debut. Hardy stated that the Trail Hotel will fill a huge gap in Bardstown. Hardy stated that although Bardstown has 11 top distilleries in its area, it does not have any luxury lodging or dining options where visitors could spend several days. […] Through revitalizing the hotel and creating the bourbon butler program, we’ve set up a ‘one-stop shop’ to guide the guest experience in Bardstown.”

Here’s my review of The Trail Hotel – bourbon Country’s newest boutique hotel.

The Rooms

The Trail Hotel has 87 classic rooms and suites, including eight 548-square foot suites themed around Bourbon.

I slept in the Prohibition Suite. It was decorated with artworks that pay tribute to Repeal Day 1933. Each suite includes a large living room with a TV, bar, couch, coffeetable, and a coffee table. The bedroom has a king bed. The bathroom features a walk-in shower and cozy branded bathrobes.

These 274-square foot guest rooms come with two queen beds, or one king bed. Some also have a shared or a private patio. Mid century modern interiors feature dark colors and stylish wood and leather accents.

Food and Drink

Chef de cuisine at The Trail Hotel, he worked as a chef in a restaurant for ten years. Marvin Woods Write three cookbooksThe Emmy nominated show was hosted by. Home Plate Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States, with her Let’s Move! campaign. Woods now helms The Trail Hotel’s signature 110-seat restaurant, Oak & Ember, and its lobby bar Embers.

Woods delivered a beet-topped salad with skin-on chicken that was perfectly seared, and a cavatappi macaroni and cheese to make my inner child swoon. Woods, who described his dishes as Southern cuisine with a healthy-ish spin, told me he is looking forward to using local ingredients in his breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

Cole Liegel is the director of Food and Beverage at the hotel. He can provide you with the best pairings. A veteran of the three-Michelin-starred Napa Valley institution, The French Laundry, level three sommelier Liegel helps patrons select the best bottle to pair with their meal. (His recommendation of riesling for me was exactly right.) The selection of Kentucky Bourbons is extensive, with everything from local beers and world-class wine to a variety of Kentucky beers. If you fall in love with The Trail Hotel’s signature bourbon and want to order it, just scan the QR code at the retail store and the bourbon will be delivered right to your door.

The Bourbon Vault is a hidden speakeasy in the hotel. Its entrance is hidden behind an art piece that stretches from floor to ceiling. The dimly lit 36-seater lounge is a great place to relax and enjoy bourbon.

The Trail Hotel doesn’t offer room dining.

Activities and Experiences

The rooms at the Trail Hotel are arranged in a U shape around a large hot tub and pool. While I lounged on a comfortable beach chair near the pool, The Swim Club Bar offered snacks and drinks.

Inside, over bites from a charcuterie board, I giggled my way through a few holes on a virtual championship golf course at Par & Pour, The Trail Hotel’s high definition golf simulator. This lounge can be booked by groups of up to 8 people. It offers a full menu and drinks, along with private bar service.

A bourbon butler will reach out within 24 hours to personalize your stay at The Trail Hotel. They can book VIP distillery tours and tastings, arrange drivers, and coordinate cultural experiences.

Norma created an itinerary celebrating the food, drinks, history and natural beauty of the area. We began with brunch at Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar Then, hiked around the hills of the Abbey of Gethsemani. After lunch at Five Brothers Kitchen & Bar inside the Heaven Hill Bourbon ExperienceWe enjoyed a course on how to turn grain into glass before visiting My Old Kentucky HomeThe plantation is a 200-year old mansion.

The Spa

The Trail Hotel’s Rejuvenation Room is a detox wellness room with sauna, oxygen bar and IV therapy lounge.

Jennifer Cambron recommended that I take a vitamin complex to boost my energy levels. I had been drinking plenty of water and pacing myself, but I still felt stiff and tired after my flight from Kentucky. Although I didn’t feel a difference instantly, I did sleep like a baby that night. The next morning I may have felt a little more pep as I walked around the airport.

Offers Family Friendly

The Trail Hotel is a great place for those over 21. It’s close to the Bourbon Trail, and has many adult-oriented amenities.

Accessibility, Sustainability and Sustainability

The Trail Hotel complies fully with ADA regulations in regards to service animals. There are automatic doors for the hotel’s step-free entry. Each of the four fully accessible guest rooms and the accessible king suite are equipped with lower sinks and counters, wheelchair-accessible doorways and layouts, roll-in showers with grab bars, and visual and vibrating fire alarms.

Location

The Trail Hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to places located within a three-mile radius of the hotel, including downtown Bardstown, My Old Kentucky Home State Park and the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. The Trail Hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to nearby places, such as downtown Bardstown. My Old Kentucky Home State Park and the My Old Kentucky Dinner Train. several local distilleries.

You can also book a car to and from the airport for an extra fee. The hotel staff can arrange transportation to and from experiences that are curated by bourbon butlers. A rental car is useful for day trips. Louisville Lexington. Explore the golf courses nearby and the lush green spaces. Bernheim Forest and Arboretum). Bardstown belongs to Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail.

What to Expect from Your Stay

The Trail Hotel has no partnerships with major credit card companies or reward programs. The Trail Hotel is not currently affiliated with any major reward programs or credit cards. hotel offers A 15 percent discount is available on stays lasting three or more nights. Rates at The Trail Hotel Starting at $229

Each hotel reviewed by T+L is chosen based on its alignment with our values. core values.