The Seelbach Hilton of Louisville

500 4th Avenue
Louisville, Kentucky 40202

Written by Julie Greiner

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The Seelbach has been Louisville's premier, luxury hotel since 1905. At the now Seelbach Hilton, you will experience refined southern hospitality and relax amidst turn-of-the-century artwork and antiques while enjoying a state-of-the-art facility with it's recent $10 million renovations. Located in the heart of Louisville - the Seelbach offers its guests the true meaning of luxury and has a rating of four-star, four-diamond.

A History of The Seelbach in a Glance

The Seelbach Hotel first opened its doors in 1886 as a new 30-room hotel above the Seelbach's thriving restaurant at Sixth and Main Street. Within just two years the successful hotel had an additional ten rooms added and by 1890 the Seelbach Hotel had been completely remodeled into a European-style hotel with building-wide cooling and a gentlemen-only Union Club on the top floor. In 1905 the "new" Seelbach Hotel opened at the corner of Fourth and now Muhammad Ali Boulevard, with an unheard of cost

Rathskeller Rookwood Pottery Room at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel of Louisville

Courtesy The Seelbach Hilton of Louisville

of almost $1 million. The Seelbach grand opening was so successful that an expansion of 154-rooms was built, a covered ballroom was added to the Roof Garden and the famous Bavarian-style Rathskeller was completed within just two years and opened in 1907. Through the years the hotel has had numerous owners, undergone many renovations and been host to many distinguished guests such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Earle Clements and 8 United States Presidents. The Rathskeller reopened in April of 1934 after Prohibition was repealed and the Seelbach Hotel survived the Great Flood that struck Louisville in 1937. During the mid '70s the hotel stood vacant - due to the flight of business to the suburbs... By 1983 the Seelbach reopened, restored to its former grandeur and was one of only 40 hotels worldwide to be selected by the prestigious Preferred Hotels Association. The hotel's $5.6 million conference center was completed in 1995 and in 1998 an additional $10 million restoration project for restoration of the guest rooms was initiated. The Seelbach now proudly flies the Hilton flag and enjoys four-star, four-diamond status.

Guest Accommodations at The Seelbach in Louisville

The guest rooms, all recently renovated, are handsomely furnished with period antique reproduction furniture reminiscent of the 18th-century and equipped with state-of-the-art conveniences. Amenities include high-speed internet access, on-command movies, video games, complimentary bath amenities, hair dryer, dual-line telephones with

The Luxury Seelbach Owner's Suite at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel of Louisville

Courtesy The Seelbach Hilton of Louisville

voice mail and in-room checkout to mention a few. The Fitzgerald Suite offers a fireplace, conference table which seats six and in-room wet bar. The Gatsby Suite which is located on the exclusive Concierge Level, consists of some 1,000 square foot which includes a parlor, foyer, up to three bedrooms, four bathrooms and a magnificent sweeping view of downtown Louisville. The Presidential Suite has been host to eight U.S. Presidents and includes a sitting area, large entrance foyer, dining area which seats eight, two bedrooms and two bathrooms - all decorated in a classical Renaissance style to produce a luxurious stately atmosphere fit for a president.

Dining at the Seelbach in Louisville

The Oakroom is Kentucky's first and only AAA Five Diamond restaurant award-winner since 1998. Hand-carved lion's head columns, ornate wood accents and brass chandeliers are reminiscent of its original gentlemen's-billiards-hall decor originating around 1907. The Otto's Cafe is a 1920s-style cafe which serves southern-inspired, sumptuous breakfast and lunch buffets, created by local celebrity Chef Jim Gerhardt. A on Fridays, fish lovers unite over our fresh seafood buffet. The Corner is a quaint local coffee shop, delicious deli, fresh pastry shop, and Kentucky gourmet gift shop all in one! Outdoor cafe tables are available in warm weather. The Old Seelbach Bar is a Kentucky treasure not to be

The Luxury F. Scott Fitzgerald Suite at the Seelbach Hilton Hotel of Louisville

Courtesy The Seelbach Hilton of Louisville

missed. Be sure to try single-barrel bourbon from the expansive bourbon bar, or your favorite cocktail. Awarded listing among the 50 Best Bars in the World by The Independent (London), August 1999.

Meetings, Banquets and Special Events at the Seelbach

The Medallion Ballroom is located off the opulent main lobby and is a modern facility with a refined and charming atmosphere that features 20-foot ceilings, grand chandeliers, electronically controlled lighting, state-of-the-art production services and is divisible into six sections ranging from 375 square feet to 2, 013 square feet. An adjoining foyer provides another 5,000 square feet which is ideal for silent auction tables, registration and receptions. The world renown Rathskeller is the only surviving Rookwood-Pottery room in the world. This 4,200 square foot space is ideal for catered events for up to 280 people, banquet-style or up to 300 guests for receptions. The Concierge Level Business Center offers services to the guests which include copier, fax, full-time Concierge assistance, high-speed internet access, lounge magazines, newspapers, personal computers, printers and analog dataports. Whether business and/or pleasure - the Seelbach Hilton of Louisville is the choice of the discerning traveler.