Your private Derby guide
Your spot is held, so here's the part we usually keep to ourselves: the seats we'd actually put you in, our honest hotel rankings, and the little things that make the day go smoothly.
Seating picks
Every section has its charm, but these are the honest recommendations we give friends. Start here, then explore the full chart if you want to compare.
Show
Place
Win
How we'd seat you, day by day
Three levels for every day of the weekend. Win is where we'd splurge, Place is the crowd favorite, Show is the smart-value play.
Arrival & Welcome
Private airport transfer, hotel check-in and an evening welcome event.
A hosted welcome dinner at a Louisville landmark
A private welcome social with cocktails
A welcome gift waiting in your suite
Kentucky Oaks
The fillies take the track in prime time, so bring your best pink and enjoy Oaks day.
Premium clubhouse box for Oaks day
Reserved seating with hospitality
Oaks-day general admission seating
Kentucky Derby
The Run for the Roses. Reserved premium seating and the electric energy of Derby day.
Millionaires' Row premium hospitality
Indoor-outdoor seating with dining
Comfortable reserved seating, close to the action
Brunch or Farm & Farewell
A leisurely brunch or a private horse-farm tour before your departure transfer.
A private horse-farm tour and farewell
A hosted send-off brunch
A farewell brunch basket to travel with
Our hotel rankings
Ranked the way we'd book them for our own family, in Win / Place / Show order. Not a directory, a shortlist we stand behind.
Hotel Bourré Bonne
Our flagship Win-tier stay. A warm, bourbon-inspired boutique that captures Louisville's easy Southern charm, with the elevated service and finishes that make a Derby weekend feel effortless.
Hotel Distil
A bourbon-inspired boutique on historic Whiskey Row, steps from the best of downtown Louisville and full of character, with rooftop views and a true sense of place.
The Myriad Hotel
A vibrant boutique stay in Louisville's Highlands neighborhood, offering distinctive design, inviting social spaces, and easy access to some of the city's best dining and nightlife.
Downtown Marriott
Spacious and central, connected to the convention center and the KFC Yum! Center, and an easy ride to Churchill Downs. A dependable, comfortable base in the heart of downtown.
The Manchester
A design-forward stay in the Distillery District with rooftop views.
The Seelbach
A 1905 Beaux-Arts landmark that captures F. Scott Fitzgerald's Louisville, restored to its Gilded-Age grandeur.
Tempo by Hilton on Market
Bright, modern and smartly priced on Market Street, walkable to Whiskey Row and downtown. The right choice for guests who want a great location without the premium.
Track tips locals keep to themselves
The little things worth knowing before the day, so nothing catches you off guard.
Fashion vs. Comfort
It's easy to forget about comfort when you're planning to look as fabulous as possible. Dress to impress, but plan for a long day on your feet.
Weather
The Derby is a rain-or-shine event. Be prepared, as a large number of seats are outdoors and uncovered.
The Crowd
Track attendance is expected to top 150,000 people, significantly larger than comparable sporting events. Not planning for a ride after the event can leave you standing around for hours with little to no cell service, so line up your transportation in advance.
What You Can Bring
The safety and security of every guest is taken seriously. Your bag may be searched and you may be wanded by security upon entry. Purses can be no larger than 12" x 6" x 12". Clear or decorative bags are both fine.
Your Tickets
Tickets are non-refundable, and all tickets are accessed digitally on your phone. Please note that tickets do not allow re-entry, so plan to stay once you arrive.
Persons with Disabilities
We do our absolute best to accommodate persons with disabilities. Note that wheelchairs are not available for rent or storage on-site.
Finding Help
If you see something, say something. Text the word DERBY to 69050 and you'll be connected with Guest Services.
Cellular & Wi-Fi
There is no public Wi-Fi on Kentucky Oaks & Derby days, and cellular service is difficult at the end of the day. Plan a meeting spot in advance.
Transportation
Shuttle vs. Uber vs. private car: always know exactly where you're being dropped off. The wrong spot can mean a three-quarter-mile hike to the entrance, something we handle for you.
What we know that you won't find online
- You have a direct line to a private concierge, and a dedicated one who is yours for the entire weekend.
- Local drivers who know how to slip in and out of traffic, so you're there in 15 minutes or less.
- Where to grab the best pizza once you slip out of the track.
- The afterparties the locals actually go to, and the best ones you'll never find on Google.
- Exactly what to tuck in your bag for Derby day so nothing catches you off guard.
- The seats truly worth having, plus my three favorite sections at the track.
- How to pull your whole look together. Always pick the hat first, then build the outfit around it.
Your concierge is a text away
Reply to any of our emails or call us anytime. We'll finalize your hotel, seating and the balance whenever you're ready.
(502) 755-7636