Lexington hotels struggle to fill Kentucky Derby rooms

10 articles · Updated · Fox News · Apr 30

Some properties expect only 85% to 90% occupancy days before Saturday's race, with managers in Lexington reporting fewer last-minute sellouts than in past Derby years.
Hotel operators say more visitors are staying closer to Louisville or in Shelbyville, Simpsonville and Frankfort, forcing more modest price increases instead of the usual Derby-weekend rate spikes.
Travel observers cite added race days, tighter security, economic pressure and ethical concerns around horse racing, while Lexington hotels say Keeneland meets and the Railbird festival now generate stronger demand.

Amidst hotel struggles and ethical debates, is the Kentucky Derby losing its cultural and economic power?

Is the Kentucky Derby sacrificing local businesses for the sake of higher national television ratings?