THE SEELBACH HILTON - LOUISVILLE
by mary gallagher

Kentucky’s premier destination experience and Louisville’s only Four Star, Four Diamond Hotel with Kentucky’s first and only Five Diamond restaurant. The Oak Room. Listed on The National Register of Historic Places, the Seelbach Hotel is filled with a rich history of gangsters, writers and United States presidents who have stayed under its roof. Writer F. Scott Fitzgerald came to sip Kentucky bourbon and smoke expensive cigars and Al Capone the fabled Chicago gangster visited dozens of times every year. 

Louisville attracted European immigrants after the Civil War, including Louis and Otto Seelbach, brothers from Bavaria. Louis ran a series of restaurants and small inns, but longed to build a majestic establishment in the style and tradition of the grand hotels of Europe. 
In 1905, the brothers opened their 196-room, 10-story hotel several blocks south of Main Street. It was a big hit, particularly during Kentucky Derby celebrations. After only two years a new wing was added, expanding the hotel to 350 rooms. 

The grand lobby retains soaring ceilings, supported by columns of marble imported from Switzerland, Italy and Vermont. Giant murals ring the high walls, each depicting scenes from Kentucky history, including several images of Daniel Boone. Mahogany, bronze and leather give the hotel the feel of an exclusive club.

The Rathskellar features stunning Moorish influenced arches, covered with thousands of hand-painted tiles from the Rookwood Pottery factory in Cincinnati. The pillars are ringed with pelican frescos (a good luck symbol), and the ceiling above the bar is covered with hand-tooled leather featuring intricate designs from the zodiac. 

The architecture is so precise that sound is reflected like a polished parabola. The Rathskeller is now coupled with technologically advanced conference and banquet capabilities.

The mighty Ohio River, 10 blocks to the north, used to spill its banks every decade or so, ruining much of below-ground Louisville. By the 1960s, seawalls and bulkheads managed to keep the river away, but nothing at the time could stop the economic erosion that threatened downtown. 

During the next decade, several benefactors sank millions of dollars into the hotels restoration. Today Louisville’s historic downtown is experiencing a wonderful renewal including the new Glass Works, the Louisville Slugger Bat Museum, restaurants, galleries and small theaters. 

I love staying in the heart of downtowns especially those with nearby areas that haven’t become totally gentrified. Here are my favorite “unique” shopping spots and Louisville has been no exception. Just a few blocks down from the Seelbach before you reach the equally historic Brown Hotel are some of the best places to buy the huge wild earrings I’m famous for. Each time I’m in Louisville, I race over hoping they haven’t been razed.

The Seelbach is just 3 blocks from the Convention Center, walking distance to the river front and arts district or ride the little trolleys that run a circular route around downtown.

The Old Seelbach Bar boasts of having one of the largest collections of Kentucky bourbon in the country, Although I have never had time to stop in during my stays at the hotel, a lively crowd has always been in attendance.

At many historic hotels you’ll find members of the staff who’ve been around for years and the Seelbach is no exception. Most of the fellows working as car valets are young enthusiastic college kids while the bellmen and waitstaff are old pros. They readily provide service and easily rise to the challenge of assisting guests whatever their problems. We had a rather unusual vehicle emergency and the entire staff worked to resolve it. The people you meet always provide great memories of any trip and the staff at the Seelbach is no exception.

The landmark Oak Room, also beautifully restored with hand-carved solid oak paneling, offers classic and seasonal entrees on an eclectic menu. Our dinner for three was exceptional with superb ingredients and the most professional service. The Oak Room is well deserving of its many awards. 

The 321 Guest rooms are luxuriously appointed with 18th century reproduction furnishings and marble baths. The ornate bathroom sinks continue to amaze and remind me of another age in Paris. Executive class mini suites have a sitting area and work space, mahogany four poster beds (high off the ground as is the fashion!) and armoires. All my rooms have been quite quiet, very clean, fully functioning and truly non-smoking.

The Seelbach Cafe offers casual dining in a comfortable environment and one can catch an espresso and pastry at the casual “The Corner” on the corner.

The Seelbach Hilton Louisville 
500 Fourth Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40202-2518
(502) 585-3200
1 800 445 8667 (Hilton Worldwide)

Holiday Inn - Cincinnati Airport 
by mary gallagher

Just a few miles from the airport and minutes from downtown Cincinnati, is the full-service conference center Holiday Inn hotel. Ranked in the top 1% of all Holiday Inn hotels worldwide with many awards this older property was spacious, clean, attractive (no plastic plants) and quite quiet.

The hotel serves an interesting international clientele in part due to the nearby Japanese auto plants in Kentucky. The breakfast menu included Japanese selections.

The van driver Dennis Dial (they even have their own business cards) was also the bellman that day and later showed me around the lobby area pointing out shops. the restaurant, pool, exercise room and business center. 

Later that night, I visited the (free to guests) 24 hour business center which included computers, Internet access and photo copy machine use. A night person like myself really appreciates this round the clock availability of services. Several people were catching up on e mail and composing documents for their morning meetings. We engaged in a lively conversation on world events while I made a few copies.

The 24 hour fitness center was well equipped and spacious. A large indoor pool entertained some kids earlier in the day. Food service includes a large restaurant with moderately priced entrees, buffets and room service.

Without a doubt the service oriented staff and location are the reigning attractions at this Holiday Inn. 

Nearby attractions include: 
Casinos-Argosy, Grand Victoria, Bel Terra (17 MI) 
Red'sCinergy Field/Bengal's Paul Brown Stadium (8 MI) 
Firstar Center, Cyclones Hockey (8 MI) 
Turfway Park, Horse Racing (2 MI)
Aronoff Center for Performing Arts (8 MI)
Northern KY Convention Center (7 MI)
Newport Aquarium (packages available) (6 MI)
Cincinnati Zoo (packages available) (10 MI)
River Bend Music Center/Coney Island/River Downs (11 MI) 
Toyota North American Headquarters and TMS (0.50 MI)
Perfect North Skiing (packages available) (9 MI) 
Kentucky Speedway (30 MI). 

Holiday Inn - Cincinnati Airport 
1717 Airport Exchange Blvd.
Erlanger, KY 41018
Phone 859-371-2233
FAX: 859-371-5002
www.basshotels.com/holiday-inn

Gratz Park Inn 
by mary gallagher

We arrived at this historic restored Lexington landmark for a one night stay and dinner at their acclaimed "Jonathan" restaurant. Located in the heart of the downtown historic district, known as Gratz Park, the Inn exemplifies Southern grace and charm. 

The Inn is in walking distance to Lexington's two universities, the Convention and exhibition center, Rupp Arena, the Downtown Business District, Lexington Children's Museum, Lexington Opera House, the Federal Court House, various historic homes and tour sites. We easily found the Inn after driving into Lexington and although they are located on a main street my room was very quiet from traffic or interior noise.

The small intimate Inn consists of 38 rooms and 6 suites featuring fine mahogany antique reproductions, regional artwork, data port phones, and cable TV. The decor was quite pleasant although the popular antique reproduction beds here and many other places are too high for me. Measuring in at 5 feet, I need a stool or small ladder for leaping in and out of bed. 

It was similar to staying in a Bed and Breakfast but with more privacy while retaining a friendly, clearly knowledgeable and professional staff.

We sat in the lobby early evening like family guests not paying and then moved into the bar/lounge area. Small, tasteful decor and a very nice "feel". One gentleman guest said he traveled constantly on business and staying at the Gratz Park inn is one of the rewards that makes some nights on the road a pleasure. 

Gratz Park Inn
120 West Second Street
Lexington, KY 40507
800 752 4166 tel
859 233 7593 fax
www.gratzparkinn.com

Jonathan Restaurant
by mary gallagher

To experience fine dining at it's best, visit Jonathan Restaurant at the Gratz Park Inn. Its menu features regional cuisine with a gourmet flair. Chef Jonathan Lundy born and raised in central Kentucky started his culinary training in 1990 when he moved to New Orleans and served as an apprentice to chef Emeril Lagasse at Emerils Restaurant. 

After graduation from Johnson and Wales he returned to Lexington and Roy and Nadines Restaurant to spend years as chef and then partner in the Pacific Pearl Restaurant.

In 1997, Jonathan and his wife Cara then opened the Gratz Park location serving Jonathan's redefined regional cuisine. We had a strict vegetarian in our group and the waiter assured her the vegetables and dumplings would be pure vegetarian and not prepared with chicken broth. They were delicious. I inhaled the Sorghum sea scallops. We licked the plates for every appetizer , salad, entree and dessert. The food was spectacular and the service equal. I ask a lot of questions about the menu, the preparation and ingredients. Most the waiter knew and what he didn't he found out quickly. I would return here every chance possible. 

Here are a few samples from the dinner menu:

KING CRAB CORNBREAD CAKES WITH HOME FRIES, ARUGULA AND ROASTED CORN AIOLI  23.95 

BLACKENED PORK CHOP WITH CRAWFISH CORN PUDDING, MASHED POTATOES, STRING BEANS AND SOUR CREAM  19.95 

BARBECUED TUNA WITH CRISPY GRITS, ASPARAGUS AND CORNMEAL FRIED VIDALIA ONION RINGS 24.95 

FRIED OYSTER STUFFED FILET MIGNON  WITH MASHED POTATOES, SAUTÉED SPINACH & HORSERADISH GRAVY 26.95 

MAPLE-MUSTARD GLAZED HOT SMOKED SALMON WITH CELERY ROOT HASH BROWNS AND MUSTARD GREENS   22.95 

SORGHUM GLAZED SEA SCALLOPS WITH FRESH CORN PANCAKES, VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM AND BACON WILTED SPINACH  23.95 

VEGETABLES AND DUMPLINGS WITH SEASONAL VEGETABLES AND POTATO-PARMESAN DUMPLINGS WITH BROWNED BUTTER 15.95

Jonathan Restaurant
Gratz Park Inn
120 West Second Street
Lexington, KY 40507
859-252-4949 
www.gratzparkinn.com (link on left index)

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