Lexington hotels struggle to fill rooms for Kentucky Derby
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Apr 30
Lexington hotels struggle to fill rooms for Kentucky Derby
10 articles · Updated · Fox News · Apr 30
Hilton Garden Inn manager Alison Chenet said new hotels in Shelbyville, Simpsonville and Frankfort have cut Lexington demand, with her property expected to reach only 85% to 90% occupancy.
Instead of routine sellouts and tripled rates, hotels are raising prices more modestly as more visitors stay nearer Louisville and Derby attendance spreads across added race days.
Chenet said Derby is no longer a special event for Lexington hotels, which now see stronger demand from Keeneland's spring and fall meets and the sold-out Railbird festival weekend.
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?