It’s hard to believe but it’s been over a month since my birthday.
My birthday weekend was spent enjoying one of my favorite hotels, 21c Museum Hotel. 21c Museum Hotels is a boutique hotel chain with 6 hotels across the country (Louisville KY, Cincinnati OH, Bentonville AR, Durham NC, Lexington KY and Oklahoma City) that focus upon revitalizing historic buildings and incorporating fantastic works of art on both a local and national perspective.
I am fortunate enough that by living in Lexington, KY, James and I are within driving distance of three 21c Museum Hotels. For my birthday treat, James and I stayed at 21c Louisville on Friday night and 21c Lexington (our first time) on Saturday night. I’m excited today to begin my travel week series with 21c Louisville and will share more about Lexington and the restaurants at both hotels throughout the week.
21c Louisville is celebrating 10 years and is the first hotel in the brand. Located on Main Street and museum row in Louisville, the 90 guest rooms are in a former tobacco and bourbon warehouse listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The art installations begins with the 30 foot tall sculpture of David in front of the hotel and a welcome by the hotel’s red penguins on both the roof top and entry way. Each 21c Museum Hotel has a fleet of penguins in an allocated color that are a continuous and moving exhibit. The penguins can be found in the lobby, elevator, enjoying art work and often in one’s room. (Side note, I adore penguins and the 21c penguins are one of my favorite exhibits).
The customer service begins with email contact from the hotel before arrival. James choose the Romantic Package which included champagne upon arrival and rose petal turndown. Several days ahead of our stay, he was contacted in regards to the time of our arrival for the champagne and when we would like turn down. The excellent customer service continued throughout our stay with the front desk and everyone we met. Guests at 21c are truly treated with special attention and everyone is made to feel as if they are the only guest. This is a perk of a boutique hotel and one that I feel makes it worth the money.
Before getting to our room, we were reminded of the hotel’s past with the original brick from the warehouse in the hallway.
We were greeted in our luxury king room with chilled champagne, 21c Museum robes to take home and a great view of the city.
Our room was bright, large and with two Herman Miller support chairs, desk and luxurious bedding.
In true southern tradition, there were two pewter mint julep glasses. We were also provided with bottled water.
Each room is also equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine and a mini bar.
The bathroom was bright and included a walk in shower along with a rubber duck (which is another continous exhibt in each room). I should also note that at night when one set of lights was left on, the towels and other white objects glowed. This is another example of how art is incorporated throughout the hotel.
21c also provides Malin+Goetz amenities which I truly love and luxurious robes to use while you are there.
In addition to champagne upon arrival and robes to take home, the Romantic Package includes a $100 credit to the award winning Proof on Main restaurant. We relaxed and enjoyed the room before dinner.
Each of the 21c Hotels have both permanent and rotating contemporary art exhibits. These exhibits are open to the public and are accessible 24 hours a day 7 days a week. I appreciate the fact that one does not have to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy the various and always thought provoking installations.
Here are a few of my favorite pieces.
Text Rain – permanent and interactive installation
Louisville Kentucky was home for James and me during my graduate school years and it never feels like I am a visitor. I feel that the staff at 21c Louisville go out of there way to make sure guests don’t feel as if they are traveling and are at home. I have felt this way during each of our visits and always look forward to going back.
If you are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to stay or visit a 21c Hotel, I highly recommend it. Plan some time to enjoy a drink from one of their bars and enjoy the art.
Please continue to join me this week as I share about our stay at 21c Museum Hotel Lexington and our meals at Proof and Lockbox!
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