Hotels in Lexington KY

Griffin Gate Marriott Resort and Spa, 1800 Newtown Pike, at the intersection of I-64 and I-75, Lexington (tel. 800/228-9290 or 859/231-5100; www.griffingatemarriott.com), is a favorite of golf fanatics and spa divas alike. In addition to an acclaimed 18-hole golf course, the resort offers a new full-serve day spa and salon, along with a lighted tennis court, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and hot tubs, and a fitness center. Two restaurants and two bars keep guests entertained any time of day or night. Doubles run $169 to $419.

Across the street, another popular property offering first-class service is the Embassy Suites Lexington, 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 $199 to $329.

In downtown Lexington, you can't beat the boutique-style Gratz Park Inn, 120 W. Second St. (tel. 800/752-4166 or 859/231-1777; www.gratzparkinn.com), for its convenient location and attentive concierge service. Each room is individually decorated with antiques and other historic pieces. Rates run $169 to $249 double.

The wrought-iron furniture, live jazz performances on weekends, and Cajun restaurant in the lobby of the Doubletree Guest Suites (formerly Sheraton Suites), 2601 Richmond Rd. (tel. 800/262-3774 or 859/268-0060), make you feel like you're in New Orleans. With its shift from the Sheraton to the Hilton/Doubletree brand, the property just completed a $7-million renovation in 2008. Each suite ($149-$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, two safe options are the Best Western Regency of Lexington, 2241 Elkhorn Rd., Lexington (tel. 800/528-1234 or 859/293-2202), and the Best Western South, 5532 Athens-Boonesboro Rd., Lexington (tel. 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 $60 and $100 double.

B&Bs tend to come and go, but my favorite is still thriving. A cozy retreat nestled on a secluded 300-acre organic farm southeast of Lexington, Snug Hollow Farm Bed and Breakfast, 790 McSwain Branch, Irvine (tel. 606/723-4786; www.snughollow.com), is a rustic slice of heaven. 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 of the chef/owner. Rates range from $100 to $195 double.

A new Lexington-area B&B earning raves is A Storybook Inn, 277 Rose Hill Ave., Versailles (tel. 877/279-2563 or 859/879-9993; www.storybook-inn.com). Oil paintings, antiques and ultra-luxurious queen-size and king-size beds are signature traits of this elegantly restored 1853 white farmhouse. Rates range from $189 to $345.