The Trail Hotel Officially Opens in Bardstown, Kentucky

Bardstown, KY – May 28, 2025 – The Trail Hotel, the world’s first bourbon-infused luxury hotel, is now welcoming guests in Bardstown, KY. Housed in a reimagined historic property, the 95-room hotel invites guests to experience Kentucky’s famed Bourbon country with elevated Southern hospitality and interactive bourbon experiences. The property boasts eight signature suites, a four-star dining experience, five distinct bars and an array of modern wellness amenities - all just steps away from the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail. 

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. Design expertise provided by nationally renowned Joseph & Joseph Architects has wholly re-imagined the property–formerly the Holiday Inn Bardstown–as a haven for bourbon lovers of all levels, from the dedicated aficionado to new enthusiasts. 

Redefining hospitality in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, The Trail Hotel is more than a place to stay - it's a destination for connoisseurs of ‘the good stuff,” with close proximity to 11 locally renowned distilleries. It offers an upscale home base for bourbon-minded lovers and business travelers alike. 

A Luxury Bourbon Experience Like No Other

The property’s dedication to bourbon culture goes far beyond the bottle. At the center of the experience is The Bourbon Butler, who bridges the gap between local distilleries, farms, restaurants, and other local tourism businesses for a curated experience guests will find nowhere else. With insider access and every connection, this butler will ensure guests’ time in Bardstown is as immersive and effortless as possible.

• 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, speakeasy menus, and rare flight samplings

Before arrival, the Bourbon Butler will check to ensure every detail is in place, whether that’s an intimate tasting in the Bourbon Lounge, a therapeutic session in the Rejuvenation Room, or dinner at Oak & Ember.

Adding to the exclusive appeal, The Trail Hotel will debut its own private-label bourbon and rye, available only to property guests. Hand-selected in collaboration with a renowned local distillery, this bourbon will be available for purchase and direct shipment to guests’ homes and featured in special tasting experiences throughout the hotel.

Elevated Food & Drink Offerings

Executive chef Marvin Woods brings Kentucky’s rich culinary story to life through thoughtfully crafted food and drink experiences. These include:

• Oak & Ember, the property’s signature restaurant, offers an innovative take on Southern hospitality with a menu rooted in Kentucky tradition and a bourbon list that will impress even seasoned connoisseurs.
• Embers, the lobby bar, greets guests with a warm atmosphere and seating for more than 60, setting the tone for their bourbon journey.
• The Bourbon Lounge serves as a quiet, semi-private bourbon library for small gatherings and curated flights, while The Bourbon Vault provides an exclusive speakeasy experience hidden behind a discreet, art-adorned entrance.
• Outdoor relaxation meets indulgence at the poolside Swim Club Bar, while Bourbon Alley provides fireside lounges and casual bites.

Meetings & Events With a Kentucky Flair

At The Trail Hotel, meetings and events are infused with bourbon heritage and a mid-century modern flair. 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. Customizable meeting packages and an in-house culinary team allow events to be tailored to any need.

Additional property highlights include:

• The Rejuvenation Room: A modern wellness retreat featuring an oxygen bar, hot sauna, cryotherapy, and IV hydration.
• Signature Suites: Enjoy eight luxurious accommodations with bourbon-inspired design touches. 
• Par and Pour: This state-of-the-art, high definition golf simulator features a private bar, virtual recreations of world-famous championship courses and an in-house selection of clubs. 
• The Reserve Room: A sophisticated private dining space accommodating up
  to 60 guests, perfect for meetings, receptions, private meals or curated
  bourbon tastings.

“We set out to create a place where the essence of Kentucky bourbon is not just tasted, but lived,” said Dan Sirrine, General Manager. “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.”

For additional information, or to book a stay, please visit www.thetrailhotel.com. To book a dining reservation at Oak & Ember, please click here. Catch an inside look on social media at @thetrailhotel on Instagram.

About The Trail Hotel

Located in the heart of Bardstown, Kentucky, The Trail Hotel is the world’s first bourbon-infused luxury hotel. Housed in a thoughtfully restored historic property, the hotel offers 95 stylish guest rooms, including 8 spacious signature suites, blending Southern charm with modern sophistication. On-site amenities include a signature 4-star restaurant, five bars (inclusive of a speakeasy), a state-of-the-art golf simulator, and the Rejuvenation Room, a one-of-a-kind wellness space featuring a sauna, oxygen bar, cryotherapy, and IV hydration therapy. With direct access to the famed Kentucky Bourbon Trail and more than a dozen local distilleries, The Trail Hotel offers an immersive basecamp for bourbon lovers and leisure travelers alike. For corporate groups and event planners, the property also features expansive meeting and event spaces, redefining destination gatherings with an unmistakable sense of place.