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Whether you're coming to central Kentucky and Tennessee for the many crowd-pleasing events - a performance at the Grand Ole Opry or the Kentucky Derby to name two - or on business or to just explore a new area, you'll be duly impressed by the region's luxurious offerings in the form of accommodations, dining, and things to do. The great cities of Nashville and Louisville have their own take on Southern Comfort - err … Southern hospitality - and despite what your host might say, it's the visitor who takes the most pleasure.
Luxurious Accommodation in Central Kentucky and Tennessee
Probably the best hotel in the region, and certainly one of the best for hundreds of miles in any direction, is the Hermitage, in Nashville. Walking into this Beaux-Arts masterpiece from the turn of the 20th century, your first impression is set by the elaborate vaulted ceiling with stained-glass skylights, all supported by mighty marble columns. The rooms and suites are appointed with the highest luxury, with classically-designed furnishings and all the most modern amenities. The bathrooms are especially lavish, with marble fittings and a spacious tub. Service at the Hermitage gives you all the hospitality you would expect from a five-star hotel found in the South. The concierge will even help you choose the particular soaps, salts, and oils to make your bath a memorable event! And if you want more of the same pampering, head down to the hotel spa, which features a full menu of body and facial massages, scrubs, and mud wraps, plus aromatherapy.
More splendor awaits in Louisville. In this city, two hotels vie for top spot, like two raging thoroughbreds at the Kentucky Derby. In this case, though, you decide which one wins. Is it the Camberley Brown Hotel, located in the midst of the city's celebrated Theater Square, or the Hilton Seelbach Louisville, the older of the two and home to the Oakroom, one of Kentucky's most-highly-acclaimed restaurants.
The Brown greets you with a great hallway topped by a relief ceiling, while massive square columns exude a prominence to make Louisville proud. Its top-of-the-line suite is the Club, a two-floor extravaganza complete with a lounge, and offering snacks and culinary treats throughout the day. The club luxury rooms are boldly opulent: sitting areas feature a loveseat, coffee table and chairs.
The Seelbach is a hotel steeped in historic events, as the concierge will be proud to tell you. The ballroom, for instance, directly inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald's memorable wedding scene in “The Great Gatsby.” Dine where Al Capone played poker with his trusted men, or hold events in the basement where he would make his deals. This latter, called the Rathskeller, is a real treat for the eyes, the last in the world fully furnished by the Rookwood Pottery company. The suites are some of the most gorgeous in the country, formed of honey oak and stained glass, and furnished with many antiques.
Luxurious Dining in Central Kentucky and Tennessee
All three of the top hotels in central Tennessee and Kentucky boast equally-impressive restaurants. A stay at the Hermitage merits a meal at the Capitol Grille, featuring a luxurious take on Southern food. For the first course, indulge in seafood, such as oysters and scallops; for the entrée feast your eyes and mouth on Colorado rack of lamb, expertly prepared with persimmons and chestnuts.
Now say you're in Louisville, staying at the Seelbach. Where do you go for a memorable bite to eat where money is no object? Take the elevator down to the Oak Room, of course, and try to reserve the table where Al Capone played blackjack. Perhaps a rack of lamb would interest you? Say the word, and have them return to you, rack in hand, served with fricassee of limestone lettuce, tiny cabbage and smoked bacon, and huckleberry reduction. A word of advice: save room for dessert, in this case toasted gingerbread with rum molasses, poached pineapple, ginger ice cream, and cashews.
The Brown's in-house restaurant, the English Grill, boasts more award-winning cuisine. Your entrée could be a loin of lamb with roasted potatoes, served with figs, fennel, pumpkin seeds and pumpkin oil, and lamb jus. For dessert, smother yourself with the Chocolate Striptease, a house specialty served in a rum flambé. The English Grill's service is as first-rate as the food, creating an unforgettable experience in delectable luxury.
Luxurious Activities in Central Kentucky and Tennessee
You may be in central Kentucky and Tennessee for business, and that's great. If you've arrived for the annual celebrations of the Kentucky Derby or the Grand Ole Opry - do them in style! Lodge at the best lodgings, eat at the best eateries, and, while at the events, be sure to pamper yourself with fine seating and service. If you've got the means, there's only one way to do these landmark celebrations - in the lap of luxury.
As you can see, the gentility of the cities of Nashville and Louisville, and of central Kentucky and Tennessee as a whole, have been used to high-standard opulence for over a century. The tradition continues at the region's luxury hotels, mixing the old with the new, and maintaining a soaring level of excellence. No matter what your reasons for staying in the region, be they pleasure or business or both, augment your stay by residing at these landmark lodgings and benefiting from the amenities they offer. You may find yourself returning to the region just for them and their gracious atmosphere.
Luxury Vacation Ideas in Nashville, Louisville and Lexington in Central Kentucky and Tennessee
Luxury-Vacations
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