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.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
