Lexington is located in the state of Kentucky in Lafayette County. It’s known as the “Horse Capital of the World” which perhaps gives you a hint about what you can do in this city. The outdoor activities in Lexington are many and varied which is why most people visit between May and September when the city enjoys warm weather and little rain. But if you visit outside of this popular time, you’ll enjoy cheaper Lexington accommodation as well as great food and vibrant nightlife.

Lexington is well connected to other cities in the area making it a great stop on a road trip through the mid-west as well as an ideal weekend destination if you enjoy the outdoors. However, there isn’t as much information available on where to stay in Lexington close to everything as there is for other cities.

We’re here to fix that. With our neighborhood guide, you’ll be able to stay in the best neighborhood in Lexington for your first time as well as on any return trips. So, let’s take a closer look at Lexington.

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Lexington?

• Where to stay in Lexington first time – Downtown
• Where to stay in Lexington on a budget – Georgetown
• Best neighborhood in Lexington for families – Griffin Gate

Where to Stay in Lexington

Here are some easy choices if you just want to book your trip to Lexington and go.

Lexington Neighborhood Guide

Lexington is the second-largest city in Kentucky, but it still isn’t a large city. Home to around 320,000 people, it’s known more for its green spaces, horse farms, and horse track than for its crowds or hip neighborhoods. That’s why there are only a few neighborhoods you should consider staying in during your trip to this part of the US.

Lexington’s Downtown area has great food, shops, green areas, and historical attractions. It’s also well connected to other parts of the city, and what more could you ask from your travel base?

Georgetown is within walking distance of the Downtown and offers more choices when it comes to local accommodation. This makes it the best neighborhood to stay in Lexington if you are on a budget. It also has a relaxed vibe that will encourage you to relax and rest during your vacation!

The final area on this list is Griffin Gate. Located close to the horse park, this is further from the city center and offers lots of green spaces and the relaxed atmosphere that the mid-west is so famous for. This is what makes it the best neighborhood to stay in Lexington for families with kids who need to sleep!

Lexington’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in

If you’re still having trouble deciding, here’s a closer look at what each area has to offer.

Neighborhood#1 – Downtown

Where to stay in Lexington first time

• COOLEST thing to do in Downtown – Go ice skating and try some mini-golf at the Lexington Ice Center
• BEST place to visit in Downtown– Malibu Jack’s Lexington for go-karts, arcade games, indoor mini-golf, and basketball hoops

The Downtown is the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Lexington close to everything. It’s one of the most attractive parts of the city, with lots of popular tourist sites located close by. It also has several parks that will help you feel as if you’re not in the middle of a concrete jungle!

Lexington’s Downtown offers great nightlife, restaurants, and historical attractions. In fact, this area has something for everyone, so it would suit almost all types of travelers.

• Check out the 19th-century architecture and grounds at Ashland – The Henry Clay Estate
• Enjoy some nature or have a picnic at Gratz Park
• Go for a drink at Country Boy Brewing or the Blue Stallion Brewing Co.
• Check out architectural treasures such as the Headley-Whitney Museum and Mary Todd Lincoln House
• Take a tour and try the free samples at the Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co
• Try some laser tag and roller skating at Champs Entertainment Complex
• Go bowling at Southland Lanes

Have a meal at Mai Thai Restaurant or PieTana

Best Budget hotel in Downtown

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

Located right in the heart of the Downtown area, this hotel is a good choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Lexington for nightlife, as it’s close to local bars and restaurants. The hotel has an indoor pool, a free hot breakfast, and large rooms that come in a variety of sizes to suit every travel group.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Downtown

Hyatt Regency Lexington

Located in the best neighborhood in Lexington for couples, this has clean, quiet, refined rooms that come in a variety of sizes to suit every travel group. It’s also close to local shops and restaurants and has an airport shuttle service to make your entrance and exit more convenient. Make sure you check out the hotel’s restaurant where you can enjoy a meal or try some local craft beers.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Downtown

Lexington Marriott City Center

This hotel has lots of facilities to keep you happy and occupied during your stay in Lexington including an outdoor pool, fitness center, bar, and restaurant. It also has a sun terrace so you can enjoy the beautiful weather and large rooms with seating areas, ideal for entertaining. 

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Neighborhood#2 – Georgetown

Where to stay in Lexington on a budget

• COOLEST thing to do in Georgetown – Have a stroll among the works of art at the Isaac Murphy Memorial Art Garden
• BEST place to visit in Georgetown – The Lexington Cemetery for cherry blossoms in spring as well as old gravestones at any time of year

If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Lexington on a budget, then try the Georgetown district. Located within walking distance of the city’s Downtown, this area offers the best of both worlds. You’ll be close enough to the city center to walk there but enjoy more local prices.

Georgetown also has its own collection of attractions and restaurants. They aren’t as densely packed together as they are in the Downtown area, but you can also wander into the heart of the city if you’re looking for more to do and eat.

Alternatively, the Georgetown district will keep you within walking distance of the city center whilst also being located on the main road that connects out to the park for easy access.

• Have a meal at the Creole Café or the Georgetown Café
• Head down to West Sixth Brewing for a drink with your friends
• Take the kids to play at the Whitney Young Park
• Play a round of golf at the Idle Hour Country Club or EagleWatchGolf
• Ride horses at Masterson Station Park

Check out the first Lexington settlement site at McConnell Springs

Best Budget hotel in Georgetown

Candlewood Suites Lexington

This hotel has really spacious rooms, great for people traveling with kids. It’s also close to everything, making it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Lexington for your first time. The rooms have their own kitchen so you can cook cheap meals, a fitness center, and an indoor pool as well as an on-site convenience store for late-night snacks.

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Georgetown

Residence Inn Lexington North

If you prefer more privacy but still want to stay in a hotel setting, then why not try out this inn? Each room is completely self-contained accommodation and includes a complete kitchen, dining area, and seating area as well as a private bathroom. There’s also a pool in the building that you can use and a cafe where you can enjoy a hot breakfast if you don’t want to cook first thing in the morning!

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Best High End Hotel in Georgetown

Courtyard by Marriott Lexington North

Located in the best neighborhood in Lexington close to everything, this hotel is evidence that sometimes the outdoor space is the best part of your accommodation. It has a seating and BBQ area that will encourage you to get out and enjoy the weather as well as an indoor pool, fitness center, and on-site bistro that’s particularly known for its breakfasts.

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Neighborhood#3 – Griffin Gate

Best neighborhood in Lexington for families

• COOLEST thing to do in Griffin Gate – Go hiking or cycling through Coldstream Park
• BEST place to visit in Griffin Gate – Kentucky Horse Park for horse races, tours, and museum

Griffin Gate is a determinedly local neighborhood where you’re more likely to find an apartment than lots of hotels. It’s close to the Kentucky Horse Park, which offers lots of activities for travelers of every age, but mostly it’s a quiet neighborhood with local attractions. This makes it a good choice for anyone traveling with kids who need quiet nights to sleep.

Griffin Gates offers a few local restaurants, bars, and shops, enough to keep you in food for a few days. And of course, if you’re looking for more action, this area is well connected to the city center via public transport.

• Improve your swing at the Griffin Gate Golf Club or the Lexington Country Club
• Fill your belly at the Happy Dragon Chinese Restaurant or Tachibana Japanese Restaurant
• Let the kids burn off some energy at Constitution Park
• Have a drink and a meal at Rose & Jim’s Bar & Grill
• Go for a stroll and a picnic at Masterson Hills Park.

Best Budget hotel in Griffin Gate

Clarion Hotel Lexington

This budget-friendly hotel is great for anyone who wants an active holiday as it has a basketball court, a gym, and an indoor pool. During your stay, you can relax in the hot tub, play a round of table tennis, or try some old-style games in the video arcade. The rooms are simple but comfortable and have their own seating area so you have a bit more room to relax and have a snack.

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Best Mid-Range Hotel in Griffin Gate

Glo Best Western Lexington

With modern rooms and a pool, fitness center, and daily continental breakfast, this hotel is the easy answer when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Lexington close to everything. It offers garden views and is close to the horse park as well as to the city’s downtown area. The hotel is also pet-friendly so you can bring your furry best friend along for the trip!

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Best Luxury Hotel in Griffin Gate

Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa

If you like a bit of luxury when you travel, then you’ll love this hotel. It has its own golf course and an outdoor pool as well as a spa center where you can get a massage treatment and soak in the jacuzzi after a long day. There’s also a restaurant on-site for an easy meal at any time of day. And if you enjoy your coffee, you can head down to the hotel’s Starbucks for a latte or a hot chocolate.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Lexington

Lexington isn’t a large city. You won’t find the huge variety of places to stay and things to do in this city that more popular tourist cities boast. But isn’t that part of the charm? It means that you’ll be able to enjoy the local culture, a relaxed vibe, and perhaps even get to know some locals during your trip. And making your base in the best neighborhood in Lexington close to everything will make all of that a little bit easier.

***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)

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Clair Ricketts

Clair is a travel addict and a staff writer for One Weird Globe! A Nomad since birth, Clair has lived all over the world, calling home wherever she is in the moment. Having traveled half the world, Clair is working on a memoir about her experiences in hopes to inspire others to travel and experience this amazing planet!

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