The Trail Hotel

The look and feel of the place is great - looks just like the website. But, when they renovated, they did not update the infrastructure from the old Days Inn. So, loud AC units, hearing all the toilets from all the rooms around you, musty smell in your room. If you are going to advertise as a boutique hotel, you must also fix behind the walls. We appreciated the pool and pool bar. The Bourbon Vault (the secret speakeasy) left a lot to be desired. There was no menu and service was very slow and picky. They served who they wanted to serve in the moment, no rhyme or reason. The food at the restaurant is too elevated for the area. Wish they had more casual options after a day on the Bourbon Trail.

We visited the Bourbon Trail from Houston, TX for a wedding anniversary trip. The hotel provided a relaxing atmosphere! We enjoyed the pool each night and had a great time at the restaurant. We can not wait to bring our friends back with us next time!

Dinner was nice standard menu. I am not seeing the luxury just off the Bluegrass Parkway next-door to the five star gas station. I suppose convenient while traveling. The layout reminded me of an old motel six with the doors painted black to find it used to be the Holiday Inn

The “Kentucky Bourbon” theme of The Trail Hotel goes far beyond the decor. Their connection to the local Bardstown community and numerous nearby distillers is reflected in the furnishings as well as in the restaurant and bar menu - which includes local farm beef and pork. The staff are knowledgeable about the local area, quick to help arrange tours and offered hospitality with ease. The entire place “feels” like one would imagine a good bourbon tastes. It’s comfortable and cozy, yet also has an understated richness as well. It makes you want to stay for a while. Amenities and spa are quality - although we did not have time to experience all of them. The hotel pool is beautiful, with lots of comfortable lounge furniture. Rooms are nicely appointed- a notch up from what one would expect for the price. We stayed three nights which allowed us plenty of time to take in the local food scene, taste some great bourbon and unwind at the hotel.

I had high expectations for our stay at The Trail Hotel as their website is very well done. I called to make a reservation as it was my husband‘s 50th birthday trip and wanted to get a few special amenities. The staff were super friendly and courteous and urged me to upgrade to a king patio room, so we could share a patio with our friends who were traveling with us. The front desk also promised to have a fun birthday gift for my husband in our room upon arrival. Needless to say, I was highly disappointed when neither of these things happened. We were not placed next to our friends, and there was no gift in our room. Overall the hotel was nicely redone. A map to show rooms and room numbers would be great as it was a bit confusing. Also we got the 25% off deal as part of their grand opening offer (no welcome gift either as is stated on their website). Without the 25% offer I don’t think I would stay here as it is very expensive. Limited food and drinks also and the hotel is situated right next to the highway so there is traffic noise. All in all the experience was just ok.

This is such a unique property that boasts quintessential bourbon trail from the exterior to the exquisite interior design - even right down to the speakeasy. We enjoyed the attentive staff. Everyone here was amazing and so friendly. Special thanks to Keaton behind the bar and in the speakeasy for the unique cocktails. Will was an amazing waiter at Ember and Oak. The front desk staff and the hostesses at the restaurant went above and beyond to help us during our stay. Can’t wait to visit again.