Escaping to a boutique hotel has so many benefits: the intimate size of the property, the personal touches offered to guests, and of course, the exciting, distinct style each hotel offers. Louisville is dotted with beautiful boutique hotels around the city, each with its own individual personalities. From the traditional European interiors of The Brown Hotel and the Art Deco inspiration of The Bellwether Hotel to the 1970s vibe of the Myriad Hotel and the utterly modern aesthetic of 21c, Louisville’s boutique hotels take you through the best decades of design.

The building of The Bellwether Hotel has a storied history in Louisville. They have served as the Highlands Police Station, the BellSouth Switching Station and the home of the Louisville Ballet. The original façade and World War II-era murals have been completely restored, bridging the gap between the site’s history and today’s modern need for a beautiful, high-end destination.

The Deco suites at The Bellwether Hotel show off the golden era’s modern ornate design. A floating channel-tufted headboard, scalloped armchairs and graphic-printed rug bring Art Deco style to the existing architectural features — exposed brick walls and soaring ceilings.

Over at the Bellwether House, the newest addition to the hotel, designers Shelley Hulsey and Sarah Mattingly found inspiration in French Maximalism and leaned into dreamy blush and beige tones throughout the open living, dining and kitchen area. Influenced by the main hotel, Art Deco furnishings were locally sourced from Blue Ocean Traders, No Direction Home and estate sales.

Part museum, part hotel and part foodie’s dream, 21c is an art lover’s dream. Located on historic West Main Street, 21c Museum Hotel houses a contemporary art museum, a 91-room boutique hotel and the acclaimed Proof on Main restaurant. Formerly a 19th-century warehouse, the building was transformed by architecture and interiors firm Deborah Berke Partners — combining the original historic features with the space’s new lease on life. With its double-size replica of David towering over the entryway, it’s hard to miss this hallmark of Louisville.

Bright and airy, the spacious guest rooms are pure luxury. Innovative, thought-provoking artwork hangs in each room — a lovely nod to the contemporary art gallery they share their building with. Natural woods, streamlined furnishings and neutral materials all combine for a modern and refreshed look.

Ready for an opulent stay in heart of Louisville? 21c’s rooftop apartment has an expansive garden terrace with stunning views of downtown and the Ohio River, as well as a full gourmet kitchen and open concept living and dining room. The fun mix of graphic upholsteries, comfortable, relaxed furnishings and creative artwork make this the ultimate downtown hangout.

Louisville’s landmark hotel, The Brown Hotel, is celebrating its 100th anniversary and remains an iconic destination. In 1923, J. Graham Brown, who loved to travel throughout Europe, worked with architect Preston J. Bradshaw to bring his Georgian Revival vision to life in Louisville. The exterior architecture is faced in brick and trimmed in stone and terracotta.

Once you step into The Brown Hotel, you’re greeted by awe-inspiring English Renaissance design with Adams period detailing. The timeless interiors are bedecked in opulent marble, elaborate trimwork and moldings and, of course, gilded to the hilt. But, our personal favorite moment? The hand-painted plaster relief ceilings. They are simply swoon worthy.

The Brown Hotel is a must stop on the Urban Bourbon Trail, where you can try bourbon flights or the latest cocktail creation. Cozy and moody, the equestrian-inspired bar area is the perfect spot for a nightcap. Fluted columns and moldings (a trend that’s making a major comeback) are paired with deep brown leathers and ebony slabs of stone.

Fast forward 50 years to the 1970s for the motivation behind the Myriad Hotel. This site has a unique history; the factory used to create the majority of the world’s supply of disco balls. The grooviest, right? When crafting the new hotel, which opens in early fall 2023, they pulled from the building’s origins. The guest rooms have a decidedly ‘70s free-spirited vibe with a touch of mid-century mod ambiance. Warm wood tones, bold, retro colors and clean-lined furnishings pop off the whitewashed exposed brick walls.