A converted Holiday Inn in Bardstown, Ky., has opened as a bourbon-focused luxury property known as The Trail Hotel. Located near the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, the 95-room hotel has eight signature suites, a four-star dining experience, five bars and an array of modern wellness amenities, according to the company.
“We set out to create a place where the essence of Kentucky bourbon is not just tasted, but lived,” General Manager Dan Sirrine said in a statement. “Every detail, from our curated bourbon experiences to the warm tones and textures of the design, was made to immerse guests in Bardstown’s history. The Trail Hotel is excited to welcome the world to Kentucky Bourbon Country in a bold new way.”
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel originally opened in 1970, serving as a community hub, hosting countless weddings, banquets and business meetings, according to the company. Joseph & Joseph Architects has provided design expertise and reimagined the property as a haven for bourbon enthusiasts.
The property’s amenities include The Bourbon Butler, who is designed to bridge the gap between local distilleries, farms, restaurants and other local tourism businesses for a curated experience. Events include VIP Distillery Tours (three daily offerings, rotating among Bardstown’s premier distilleries); curated excursions to golf courses, farms, breweries and wineries; dining & event reservations across Bardstown and surrounding areas; custom Bourbon experiences, including private barrel tastings, speak-easy menus and rare flight samplings.
Executive chef Marvin Woods brings Kentucky’s rich culinary story to life through crafted food and drink experiences, according to the company. These experiences include Oak & Ember, the property’s signature restaurant.
The hotel’s gathering spaces can accommodate anything from small corporate retreats to grand affairs for up to 140 guests. The property features a variety of versatile indoor and outdoor venues, including lobby bar Embers, the intimate Bourbon Lounge speakeasy, and the open-air Pool Reception and Lawn spaces, according to the company.