Derby City Gaming & Hotel

Located conveniently at 4520 Poplar Level Rd, Louisville, KY 40213, USA, Derby City Gaming & Hotel stands as a premier destination for both leisure and entertainment in the heart of Louisville. As a part of the esteemed "Hotels Near Of Me" category, it offers a comprehensive experience that combines luxurious accommodation with thrilling gaming and diverse amenities, all under the ownership of Churchill Downs, renowned for the iconic Kentucky Derby.

Derby City Gaming & Hotel boasts a modern, new, and impeccably clean environment, as frequently highlighted by satisfied guests. The aesthetic pays homage to the rich heritage of the Kentucky Derby, with distinct décor and style resonating throughout the property, from the common areas to the guest rooms. The atmosphere is generally lively and engaging, particularly on the expansive gaming floor, which is designed with guest comfort in mind. The hotel and gaming facility feels up-to-date in every way, creating a fresh and appealing setting for visitors.

The hotel is situated in an area that guests describe as very safe and secure, particularly the parking lot, providing peace of mind for those staying on-site. Its proximity to the Louisville Airport (just five minutes away) and Downtown Louisville (approximately 15 minutes) makes it a highly convenient choice for travelers. For those interested in the equestrian world, the property is uniquely positioned right next to where horses are groomed and trained, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of thoroughbred racing, with some guests even enjoying morning coffee by the fence while watching horses run the track from their windows.

Derby City Gaming & Hotel offers a wide array of services designed to ensure a comfortable and entertaining stay. The hotel provides 123 luxurious rooms, including 108 standard guest rooms, 14 corner suites, and a VIP suite, all featuring premium bedding, in-room safes, desks, laptop workspaces, and coffee/tea makers. Guests can enjoy 55-inch LCD televisions with premium digital channels and pay movies. Bathrooms are well-appointed with showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Complimentary wireless internet access (with speeds of 500+ Mbps) is available throughout the property, both in rooms and public areas, making it easy to stay connected. Daily housekeeping is provided, and a change of towels can be requested.

The hotel operates an adults-only policy, welcoming guests aged 21 and over. For convenience, there is a 24-hour front desk, multilingual staff, concierge services, luggage storage, and an ATM on-site. Self-parking is free and includes ample space for RVs, buses, and trucks, with wheelchair-accessible parking also available. The property is committed to accessibility, featuring braille/raised signage, elevators with wide doors, front entrance ramps, well-lit paths to entrances, and wheelchairs on site.

As the name suggests, a significant draw of Derby City Gaming & Hotel is its extensive gaming floor. This facility is the only licensed gaming venue of its kind in Kentucky, boasting nearly 1,300 historical racing machines. Guests report a good variety of games, with popular themes like Buffalo, Wheel of Fortune, Ultimate Fire Link, Devil's Lock, and Huff n' More Puff. The gaming floor is largely non-smoking, but a separate open-air smoking patio is available for those who prefer to smoke while playing. Additionally, the Race & Sports Book allows guests to watch and wager on their favorite sports on massive video boards and 70-inch TVs, with sports betting kiosks conveniently located throughout the property and at the Sports & Stage Bar.

Derby City Gaming & Hotel offers a diverse selection of dining and beverage options to satisfy every palate. There are three on-site restaurants and three bars/lounges, ensuring a variety of culinary experiences:

• Oliver's Chophouse and Bourbon Bar: This signature steakhouse serves USDA prime steaks and succulent seafood, perfect for a refined dinner. The adjoining Bourbon Bar offers an extensive selection of local spirits, bourbons, and wines, making it an ideal spot for a pre- or post-dinner drink.
• Lil' Wagner's: A casual diner-style eatery serving classic comfort foods such as slow-cooked pulled pork and mac 'n cheese, suitable for quick and satisfying meals. Breakfast is also served here daily, with vouchers available for purchase at approximately $15 per person.
• Railbirds Hot Chicken: For those craving a kick, this theme restaurant specializes in hot chicken served with savory sides.
• Center Bar: A lively lounge situated steps away from the gaming action, offering a vibrant atmosphere.
• Sports & Stage Bar: Features a giant video wall for watching games and a stage for live entertainment, hosting the region's best bands and DJs.

A cooked-to-order breakfast is available on weekend mornings for a surcharge, typically ranging from $10 to $15 per person. Guests have praised the dining options for their variety, food quality, and excellent service.

Beyond gaming and dining, Derby City Gaming & Hotel provides a range of entertainment options. Live music is a regular feature at the large bar, contributing to the lively atmosphere. The proximity to the horse training facilities offers a unique, tranquil experience for guests interested in the equestrian world. While detailed information on other specific recreational facilities like a fitness center was not prominent in the provided reviews, the focus is clearly on the gaming and entertainment aspects. The hotel also offers a shuttle service that can take guests to various places, which is a highly appreciated convenience, especially for events like the Bourbon and Beyond festival. Please note that while public transit routes are available nearby, the hotel itself does not operate a dedicated airport shuttle.

Derby City Gaming & Hotel distinguishes itself through several key features:

• Churchill Downs Ownership: Being owned and operated by Churchill Downs, the company famous for the Kentucky Derby, imbues the property with a distinct horse racing theme and a commitment to quality and entertainment. This connection also opens up opportunities for unique hospitality and Kentucky Derby ticket pairing options.
• Newly Expanded Facilities: The property has undergone significant significant expansion, adding 135,000 sq. ft. of new space, including the hotel tower, additional gaming positions, and enhanced dining and entertainment venues, ensuring a modern and comprehensive experience. The hotel alone features 4 floors and 122 rooms, including 14 suites, making it a substantial addition to the Louisville hospitality scene.
• Historical Racing Machines: As Kentucky's only licensed gaming facility of its type, it offers a unique gaming experience with over 1,200 historical racing machines on its 45,000 square foot gaming and entertainment floor.
• Proximity to Churchill Downs Racetrack: While not directly stated as being adjacent, the connection to Churchill Downs implies a close relationship, and guests have noted the opportunity to watch horses being trained nearby.
• Complimentary Drinks: Guests playing on the gaming floor often receive complimentary drinks, enhancing the overall experience.
• Smoke-Free Property with Dedicated Smoking Area: The main gaming floor and hotel are smoke-free, but a dedicated, open-air smoking patio is available for those who wish to smoke while playing.
• Accessibility: The hotel demonstrates a commitment to accessibility with features like braille/raised signage, elevators with wide doors, well-lit paths to entrances, and wheelchairs on site, aligning with WCAG 2.0 AA standards for its digital properties.

Derby City Gaming & Hotel frequently runs various promotions to enhance the guest experience and reward loyal patrons. These promotions often include:

• New Member Promotion: New members signing up for the Players Club can receive a chance to win up to $2,500 in Free Play, a guaranteed reward right out of the gate. Becoming a member is fast, free, easy, and so rewarding! Plus, sharing an email address can lead to additional Free Play offers.
• Players Club Benefits: Members earn valuable reward points every time they play any of the games with their Players Club card inserted into the machine. Points can be redeemed for Free Play, food and beverages, hotel stays, and additional entries into exciting promotional drawings. Members can also qualify for exclusive events and giveaways, and enjoy the same tier status at both Derby City Gaming & Hotel and its sister property, Derby City Gaming Downtown.
• "Bring a Friend for Free Play": Players Club members can refer friends to join and receive Free Play based on their tier, up to one friend per weekly period (Sunday – Saturday).
• Age-Specific Promotions: For example, "Golden Gamers" promotions are exclusively for Players Club members aged 50 and older, often including Free Play prizes and dining vouchers, available every Tuesday.
• Ongoing Giveaways and Drawings: The casino regularly hosts exciting drawings and giveaways with prizes including cash, Free Play, and other valuable items, such as the "Ultimate BBQ Giveaway Finale" and "Jackpot Bonus" events.
• Earn and Get Promotions: These allow players to earn a certain amount of points to receive a reward, such as the "Grill and Thrill Earn and Get" promotion.
• Birthday Blast Promotion: Derby City Gaming & Hotel Players Club Members who earn 15 same-day points, on any day during their birthday month, will be eligible to play a kiosk game where they can win between $10 and $25 in Free Play.
• Military Discounts: Active duty military personnel and veterans can enjoy discounted hotel rates.

Guests are encouraged to use their Players Card every time they wager to be eligible for these promotions and other perks. Detailed information on current promotions can often be found on the hotel's official website.

Customer reviews consistently praise Derby City Gaming & Hotel for its cleanliness, modern facilities, and friendly staff. Guests have particularly enjoyed the comfortable and super clean rooms, the variety of food options, and the lively gaming atmosphere. The shuttle service and the perceived safety and security of the area are frequently mentioned as positives. While the gaming machines can sometimes feel "tight" (meaning less frequent payouts), and the smoke from designated smoking areas can occasionally drift, these minor points are generally outweighed by the positive overall experience. Many guests express a strong desire to return for future stays, highlighting the hotel's success in providing a fun and enjoyable environment.

In summary, Derby City Gaming & Hotel, operating within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, offers a compelling blend of comfortable accommodation, exciting gaming, diverse dining, and engaging entertainment, all steeped in the rich horse racing tradition of Churchill Downs. Its modern amenities, convenient location, and commitment to guest satisfaction make it a highly recommended destination for visitors to Louisville.