Lexington's BEST Hotel Near Keeneland & Airport! TownePlace Suites Review
Lexington's Best-Kept Secret? My Honest Take on TownePlace Suites Near Keeneland & Airport! (Spoiler: I'm Obsessed…Mostly)
Alright, let's be real. Finding a decent hotel near Keeneland and the airport in Lexington is like trying to find a perfect bourbon cocktail – a little research, a dash of luck, and you pray it doesn't taste like regret. But after countless trips to the Bluegrass, fueled by horses, bourbon, and a whole lotta stress, I think I've finally stumbled upon a winner: TownePlace Suites Lexington Near Keeneland & Airport. And let me tell you, this ain't your grandma's generic hotel. Buckle up, because this review is gonna be messy, real, and probably way too enthusiastic.
Accessibility & Getting Around (Okay, Let's Get the Practical Stuff Out of the Way!)
First off, the location? SPOT ON. Seriously, smack-dab in the middle of everything. Keeneland is practically a stone's throw away (well, maybe a slightly ambitious stone's throw), and the airport is a quick hop, skip, and a jump. Airport transfer? They don't advertise it, but calling an Uber is a breeze, and the free parking is a huge win. Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station - Yes, yes, and yes! This is HUGE for the eco-conscious traveller.
As for accessibility, they've got the basics covered. Wheelchair accessible rooms are available (always call to confirm specifics, of course!). And the elevator is a lifesaver if, like me, you’ve packed your life into a suitcase on wheels.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know, We Like Breathing)
This is where TownePlace Suites REALLY shines. I'm picky. I’m a germaphobe. I admit it. But the cleanliness and safety protocols here are noticeably present. They brag about Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Professional-grade sanitizing services, and I believe them. You know how you can feel a clean room? This place has it. They even have Hand sanitizer everywhere, so you can feel like a crazed, sanitizing ninja. I'm not sure if they have Hot water linen and laundry washing, but I bet the linens are clean! The Safe dining setup and Individually-wrapped food options for breakfast REALLY scored points with me, especially post-pandemic. They also have Staff trained in safety protocol, which makes me feel more at ease.
My take: This is a major selling point for me. In a world of questionable hotel hygiene, this place makes you feel like you can actually relax and not worry about catching a rogue virus.
The Rooms: My Little Sanctuary
Okay, let's talk rooms. They're non-smoking, which is a must, and have everything you could need. I'm a sucker for a comfy bed, and these are SERIOUSLY comfy. Extra long bed? Yes, please! I need space to sprawl. The blackout curtains are a godsend for sleeping in (Keeneland mornings are early!). I'm a sucker for a good refrigerator, and the coffee/tea maker is essential for my early morning bourbon-induced jitters. They have Free bottled water, which is a nice touch (and saves me from overpaying at the mini-mart). Complimentary tea is available. The bathrobes are nice.
My only minor quibble? The décor is a little…beige. But hey, it’s clean, it's comfortable, and it’s got everything I NEED. Plus, the Wi-Fi is FREE and works consistently, which is more than I can say for some fancy hotels I've stayed in. And they have an Ironing service, because, let's be honest, who packs an iron these days?
Anecdote: I once spent 20 minutes wrestling with a hotel iron that looked like it was older than my grandma. Never again!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: (Because We All Need Fuel)
Okay, the food. This is where TownePlace Suites isn't quite on par with a full-service luxury hotel, but they still do a pretty good job. The breakfast [buffet] is…well, it's a buffet. It’s not gourmet, but it's FREE and has the essentials: eggs, bacon, pastries, fruit. They offer a Breakfast takeaway service which is great for those mornings you want to run out the door.
They have a Coffee shop, which is a life-saver. They don't have a full-blown restaurant on-site, but they do have a Snack bar and Bottle of water available. They don't have a Bar per se, but I'm pretty sure you can bring your own bourbon (which, let's be real, you will).
My take: Don't expect Michelin-star cuisine, but you won't starve. And the free breakfast is a budget-saver, which leaves more money for…bourbon shopping!
Relaxation & Things to Do (Because Horse Races Can Be Stressful!)
Hmm. Swimming pool [outdoor]? Yep. I didn't have time to use it, but it looked inviting. They have a Fitness center, but I'm not going to lie to you, I was too busy enjoying the local cuisine to use it. I wouldn't expect a Spa or Sauna here. Not that sort of hotel.
Services and Conveniences: (The Little Things That Matter)
Here's where TownePlace Suites really gets it right. Daily housekeeping? Absolutely. Laundry service? Yep. The Concierge is helpful (though sometimes a bit slow). Doorman? Nope. Cash withdrawal? Yes.
Anecdote: I once forgot my phone charger and the front desk had one for me. Saved my bacon!
Things to do Since there are many locations nearby, you are not far from some good times.
For the Kids This is great for the kids.
Overall Experience: The Quirks and the Charm
Look, TownePlace Suites near Keeneland and the airport isn't perfect. It's not the fanciest hotel in Lexington. But it’s clean, comfortable, convenient, and surprisingly charming. The staff is friendly, the location is unbeatable, and the price is right.
Quirky observation: The elevator music is slightly…dated. But honestly, it’s kind of endearing.
My Emotional Reaction: I’m Basically a Fanatic
I love this hotel. I really do. I've stayed there multiple times, and I've never been disappointed. It's my go-to hotel in Lexington. It's comfy, clean, and a stress-free place for me to lay my head down after a long day at Keeneland.
The Offer You Gotta Have:
Ready to Experience Keeneland and Lexington in Comfort and Style?
Book your stay at TownePlace Suites Lexington Near Keeneland & Airport and get:
- Guaranteed Free Breakfast Every Morning!
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in All Rooms!
- Free Parking, ensuring one less thing to worry about.
- Easy Airport Access and proximity to all the action.
- Impeccable Cleanliness and Safety Standards for peace of mind.
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This offer won’t last forever, so grab it while you can! You deserve it!
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is…me, unleashed, in Lexington, Kentucky, with a TownePlace Suites as my base and a hankering for some horses (and maybe a little bourbon).
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh God, I'm Hungry" Phase
- 1:00 PM - Touchdown at Lexington Airport (LEX). Honestly, the flight was fine. No screaming babies, surprisingly. This is already a win. But let's be real, I'm always hungry after flying. Airport food? Nope. Not today, Satan.
- 1:30 PM - Uber to TownePlace Suites Lexington Keeneland/Airport. Okay, I think I got the right address. Praying I haven't accidentally booked myself into a taxidermy convention. The driver? He was chatty. Told me all about the best places to get fried chicken. Kentucky, I already love you.
- 2:00 PM - Check-in and the "Room is Acceptable" Revelation. Clean. Bed looks comfy. Thank the gods I requested a room away from the elevator. Never trust an elevator. It's a portal to a lonely abyss of elevator music.
- 2:30 PM - Snack Attack! I'm a creature of habit. Grocery store run (because, yes, I am that person who raids the hotel's fridge). Pop-Tarts, yogurt, some sad-looking apples. The essentials. Fueling up for greatness (or at least, for surviving the next few hours without hangry tears).
- 3:30 PM - Casual Exploration (Near the Hotel). The hotel is near the airport, and, to be honest, it is near nothing else. A quick walk around the block will reveal mostly parking lots. I can't quite get the "Kentucky vibe" yet. But this is fine: I'm still getting my bearings.
- 6:00 PM – Dinner. The "Foodie" Phase… or, "Where's the Kentucky Pizza?!" I'm starving again (surprising, I know). I'm going to Yelp for a restaurant. Maybe. Food. Maybe I'll order in. I'm also going to Google "Kentucky Pizza." I'm almost sure I'll be disappointed. I will report back later.
- 8:00 PM – Unstructured Time (Hotel Room Hang). Reality TV. Maybe a book. Probably staring blankly at the wall because jet lag is a bitch. Attempt to do some work, fail miserably. Stare at the ceiling. Wonder, is there a ghost?
Day 2: Keeneland… and the Questionable Decisions
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast (Hotel Breakfast Included). This is the moment of truth. How sad will the continental breakfast be? Fingers crossed for edible pastries! I'm already regretting not packing cereal.
- 10:00 AM - The Keeneland Pilgrimage Begins. Alright, time to get to Keeneland. I've heard stories, seen the videos, dreamt of betting on a horse with a ludicrous name. Now it's my turn! I got an Uber.
- 10:30 AM - Keeneland! The Atmosphere! The People! The Horses! Wow. Just…wow. Okay, I'm in love. The green grass, the beautiful horses, the buzz of excitement… it's intoxicating. I pick up a racing program and immediately feel overwhelmed. Don't judge me, I don't know anything about horses.
- 11:00 AM - The Race. I am on the rail! I picked a horse at random (based on the adorable name). Here we go! They're off! This is it. The adrenaline. The roar of the crowd. The…oh. My horse is in last place. Sigh.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at Keeneland. Let's be honest, the food might be overpriced, but I'm a sucker for the experience. I got a burger. It was good. It was also expensive. I don't care. I'm at Keeneland.
- 1:00 PM - More Racing (and More Betting Failures). I bet on more races. I lost more money. I'm starting to think I should have bet on the horses with the least ridiculous names. Learn something.
- 3:00 PM - Keeneland Exploration. Time to wander the grounds! I'll check out the paddock, admire the horses up close…and maybe hit the gift shop for a souvenir. Maybe I'll find a horseshoe.
- 4:00 PM - Post-Keeneland Debriefing. Uber back to the hotel. Feeling giddy, even though it was a bit disastrous financially. The experience was worth it.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and the "I Need a Drink" Moment. Okay, I need a drink. Bourbon, specifically. I'm asking the hotel staff for a recommendation. Maybe I'll end up at a dive bar. Maybe a fancy cocktail lounge. Either way, I'm ready to unwind.
- 8:00 PM - Bourbon Bliss (Hopefully). Let the good times roll? Okay, let's do this. I'm not just a tourist!
Day 3: Culture, Relaxation, and the Dreaded Departure
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast (Maybe I'll try the waffles this time…).
- 10:00 AM - Horse Park? Okay, I actually feel the calling. I want to meet a horse. I'll explore the Kentucky Horse Park!
- 11:00 AM - Kentucky Horse Park. This is a beautiful park, with gorgeous scenery and horse! My camera will be put to work!
- 1:00 PM - Kentucky Horse Park. This is a beautiful park, with gorgeous scenery and horse! My camera will be put to work!
- 2:00 PM - Relaxation. I want to get a massage!!
- 4:00 PM - Packing and the "I Don't Want to Leave" Blues. Seriously, where did the time go? I don't want to pack, I don't want to leave, and I'm already planning my return trip. If I can come back here, maybe I will learn how to bet and win!
- 6:00 PM - Farewell Dinner. One last hurrah. Something delicious! No more burgers!
- 8:00 PM - Last Hotel Hang. Staring at ceilings, writing postcards, and wondering if I'll ever be a real Kentuckian.
- Day 4: Departure. Airport. Goodbye, Lexington. You weird, wonderful place.
Lexington's "Best" Hotel Near Keeneland & Airport: A TownePlace Suites Adventure (aka My Honest, Messy Review)
Okay, folks, let's be real. Finding a decent hotel near Keeneland and the airport in Lexington isn't exactly rocket science, but finding a good one? That's where things get interesting. I've stayed at the TownePlace Suites (the one everyone raves about) multiple times, and I'm finally going to spill the (Kentucky) tea.
Is this place *really* near Keeneland and the airport? I need to be practical!
YES! That's the whole selling point, right? Keeneland is practically spitting distance. You can practically *smell* the horses. Okay, that’s dramatic, but it's a quick Uber. Airport? Even faster. Like, you could stumble out of bed, throw on a hat (because travel), and be at departures in minutes. Seriously convenient. I once nearly missed a flight because I underestimated how long it would take to find my phone (don't judge!), but the proximity saved me. Phew!
What's the deal with the breakfast? Is it just sad continental fare? (I'm a breakfast person.)
Alright, buckle up, breakfast fanatics. The breakfast… it’s, um, *better* than "sad continental fare." They *often* do have actual hot items. Think scrambled eggs (sometimes a little dry, let's be honest), sometimes sausage or bacon (depending on the day, and quality can vary wildly!), and of course, the usual suspects: waffles, cereal, fruit. The coffee… is… coffee. Not the best, not the worst. I’ve definitely had worse hotel breakfasts where the only thing that seemed fresh was the orange juice (and even that was questionable…). BUT, there were days, oh, there were days, when I had perfectly serviceable eggs and some decent bacon. It's a gamble, but mostly a good one. My advice? Go early. Things tend to get… picked over as the morning wears on.
The rooms… are they clean? Because I have standards (and a slight germ phobia).
Okay, cleanliness is *crucial*, I get you. Generally, yes. The rooms are usually clean. The cleaning staff always seem to work hard. I've found *some* dust bunnies under the bed on occasion (where do they even *come* from?), but nothing that screamed "public health crisis." The bathrooms have always been sparkling (I appreciate a clean bathroom). My one (very minor) gripe? Sometimes the cleaning crew seems a little *too* eager... like they practically barge in while you're still attempting to untangle yourself from the bedsheets. I'm a slow starter in the morning, people! But hey, they're just doing their job, right? And the hotel itself is, well, in good shape. No crumbling walls or anything like that. I'd award them a solid 'B+' in the cleanliness department.
The Staff! Are they friendly? Because sometimes, you just need a friendly face.
This is where TownePlace Suites *really* shines. The staff are almost uniformly lovely. Seriously. I’ve had countless interactions, checking in, asking for directions, requesting extra towels (because, let's face it, I'm a towel hog), and they are always pleasant, helpful, and genuinely seem to care. I once had a *major* travel snafu (lost luggage, you know the drill), and the front desk lady was an absolute lifesaver, helping me call the airline and making me a cup of coffee to calm my frazzled nerves. Honestly, the staff is a MASSIVE reason to stay here. They're the sunshine on a cloudy travel day.
Is there a pool? And is it actually usable?
Yes, there's a pool! And yes, it's usually *usable.* (Unlike some hotel pools that seem to exist solely to taunt you.) It’s outdoors and smallish (don’t expect Olympic-sized), but perfect for cooling off after a long day at the track or a stuffy conference. I’ve seen kids splashing, couples lounging, and even a few brave souls doing laps. Sometimes it can get a little crowded, especially on sunny weekends, but overall, it's a nice amenity. It’s clean enough, and the pool area is usually well-maintained. The only thing I'd say is it's not exactly a tropical paradise. But hey, it’s Lexington, not Cancun. Expect the standard poolside chairs and not much fanfare. But it's a pool! And that's a win in my book.
What About the Gym? (Because I try).
The gym... is present. Look, let's just say it's not a full-blown fitness center. There's usually a treadmill or two (sometimes one is out of order, naturally), an elliptical, some free weights, and maybe a weight machine. It's enough to get a basic workout in if you're determined. I've used it, primarily to assuage my guilt after overindulging at the breakfast buffet (see above). Don't go in expecting a state-of-the-art facility, and you won't be disappointed. Actually, the last time I was there, the treadmill was broken, and I sighed and almost went back to bed. Then I did some pushups in my room, so I'd have a *good* excuse to go back to bed. It's serviceable! Which is about the best you can hope for in a hotel gym of this size, really.
Parking? Is it a nightmare? (Or am I even going to *have* a car?)
Parking is easy-peasy. It's free, there's plenty of it, and you'll actually *find* a spot without having to drive around the block a hundred times. Seriously, it's a small thing, but it's a HUGE win. After a long day of... whatever you're doing in Lexington... it's nice to have a guaranteed parking space. Especially when you've got bags (or a suitcase!)
Any Quirks or Things I Should Know *Before* I Book?!
Okay, listen up. A few things to keep in mind. First, the "suites" are basically just larger rooms. Don't expect a separate kitchen or anything like that. They have a small kitchenette area with a microwave and fridge, but it's not a cooking extravaganza. Secondly, noise levels can vary. It's a hotel, so you're at the mercy of your neighbors. I've had some quiet stays and some *not-so-quiet* stays. If you're a light sleeper, ask for a room away from the elevator or the street. Also... don't forget your earplugs. Just in case! And finally... sometimes, the elevator is a *little* slowAround The World Hotels
