Marriott's Griffin Gate Resort and Golf Club, 1800 Newtown Pike, at the intersection of I-64 and I-75, Lexington (tel. 800/228-9290 or 859/231-5100; www.marriott.com), is a favorite of golf fanatics. In addition to an acclaimed 18-hole golf course, the resort boasts three lighted tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and a full-service health club. Four restaurants and three bars keep guests entertained any time of day or night. Doubles run $189 to $319.
Across the street, another popular property offering first-class service is the Embassy Suites, 1801 Newtown Pike (tel. 800/362-2779 or 859/455-5000; www.embassysuites.com). The upscale, 230-suite hotel offers amenities including a fitness center, lap pool, jogging track, and restaurant and lounge. Guests receive a complimentary breakfast and evening reception. Suites cost $189 to $289.
In downtown Lexington, you can't beat the luxurious Gratz Park Inn, 120 W. Second St. (tel. 800/752-4166 or 859/231-1777; www.gratzparkinn.com), for convenience or attentive service. Each room is individually decorated with antiques and other historic pieces. You'll get fresh flowers every morning, and there's limo service to downtown restaurants. Rates run $169 to $249 double.
You may be right next door to the Lexington Mall, but the wrought-iron furniture, live jazz performances on weekends, and Cajun restaurant in the lobby of the Doubletree Guest Suites Lexington, 2601 Richmond Rd. (tel. 859-268-0060), make you feel like you're in New Orleans. Each suite ($169-$199 double) offers a hot tub and refrigerator. There's also an outdoor pool and a fitness center.
If you just want a comfortable, affordable, chain hotel, the best options are the Best Western Regency of Lexington, 2241 Elkhorn Rd., Lexington (tel. 800/528-1234 or 859/293-2202); and Holiday Inn South, 5532 Athens-Boonesboro Rd., Lexington (tel. 800/HOLIDAY or 859/263-5241), a family-style motel that's big on facilities and welcomes pets. Both have swimming pools. Rates at both hotels range between $70 and $170 double.
Prohibition ended Silver Springs Farm's life as a bourbon distillery in 1919, but the old springhouse still stands, providing water for the horses and garden at Bed & Breakfast at Silver Springs Farm, 3710 Leestown Pike, Lexington (tel. 877/255-1784 or 859/255-1784; www.bbsilverspringsfarm.com), an affordable ($139-$199 double) horse country B&B just 5 miles from downtown. Another cozy retreat, nestled on a secluded 300-acre organic farm southeast of Lexington, is Snug Hollow Farm Bed and Breakfast, 790 McSwain Branch, Irvine (tel. 606/723-4786; www.snughollow.com). Guests may stay in the antiques-filled two-story farmhouse or in the comfortably furnished and fully restored chestnut-log cabin. Hearty breakfasts and gourmet vegetarian meals are a specialty at Snug Hollow. Rates range from $100 to $195 double.
