A First Look at Louisville’s Hotel Genevieve

Hotels & Resorts

The latest addition to Louisville's booming NuLu neighborhood is Hotel Genevieve, a stylish boutique hotel on East Market Street complete with a restaurant, rooftop bar, and speakeasy.

June 6, 2023

Derby City visitors have a chic new lodging option in the heart of the NuLu neighborhood. In the works since 2021, Hotel Genevieve officially opened for business in May. The newest property from Austin-based hospitality company Bunkhouse, the six-floor, 122-room boutique hotel features several Southern and Kentucky-centric touches throughout, starting with its name. The brand-new building also boasts a restaurant, rooftop bar, mini market, and speakeasy, making it a fun destination for locals and tourists alike. Take a look!

Hotel Genevieve is the first boutique hotel in NuLu. The moniker was inspired by two Saint Genevieves: the first is the patron saint of Paris, the city that inspired some of the hotel's decor. The second is a regional limestone that's essential for bourbon production — something for which Kentucky is well-known.

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The hotel has nine types of rooms, ranging from the 582-square-foot Suite Genevieve to the 235-square-foot Petite King. There are also several ADA-compliant rooms available. Each room style features a bold color scheme and decor. Each is also outfitted with playful furniture and all the Southern comforts needed, including custom-designed robes, an in-room Bluetooth speaker, complimentary WiFi, Sferra linens, and Kassatex towels.

We’re vibing with the Double Queen — a cozy, 286-square-foot space with two queen beds and a relaxing seating area. It's decked out in terracotta hues and features bright, geometric wall art and pillows.

The Double Queen room boasts terracotta hues and geometric prints.

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The robes were inspired by the rich quilting history of Kentucky.

The hotel is dog-friendly, so plan to bring your four-legged family members. Plus, Hotel Genevieve supports local businesses whenever possible. Guests will discover minibars stocked with local brews. Just outside your room, rotating mural installations from local artists adorn the walls.

Rosettes, the hotel's ground-floor restaurant, is inspired by the sounds and aromas of al fresco cafés in Paris. Outdoor seating allows guests to take in everything the neighborhood offers while dining on the eatery's all-day menu, available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. It features Appalachian/Southern influences with dishes created by James Beard-nominated Chef Ashleigh Shanti, who appeared on Season 19 of "Top Chef."

The menu is simple, with about two dozen items — several that one would be hard-pressed to find elsewhere in Louisville. Try the oxtail, served with crispy garlic, taleggio aioli, and French onion jus for dinner. For breakfast, we liked the pain perdu — more commonly known as French toast — made with citrus and buttermilk chantilly. Rosettes also offers a cocktail program and a selection of wine and beer.

Rosettes’ interior was inspired by al fresco dining in Paris.

Dishes at Rosettes feature Appalachian and Southern influences.

For more drinks, Bar Genevieve is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 4 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday. The bar's large windows offer sweeping views of the city, as does the outdoor, open-air rooftop area — featuring a fireplace for colder months. Spread over 2,700 square feet, it boasts 142 seats and serves light bites inspired by French street food.

Hotel Genevieve's large windows offer sweeping views of Louisville.

Downstairs, the hotel's speakeasy — opening June 9 — will bring moody vibes to end-of-the-night cocktail stops. Named Lucky Penny, the space features plush red sofas, an arched ceiling, and dark blue bench seating. At a mere 815 square feet, the cozy hideaway can accommodate 34 guests fortunate enough to find it.

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One of our cocktail picks is the Doctor's Note, made with Old Forester, Averna Amaro, and sasparilla. It's a comparable option for Old Fashioned lovers who want something different from their usual go-to beverage. We also like the Angeleno Spritz. A combination of Amaro Angeleno, bubbles, Topo Chico, and torched rosemary, it's a refreshing drink perfect for warm weather.

Lucky Penny is Hotel Genevieve's cozy speakeasy.

Straight toward the back of the hotel, a mini market dubbed Mini Marché is decked out in bright yellow and boasts shelves stocked with last-minute essentials and grab-and-go items for guests. Scheduled to open on June 9, the store offers a rather discreet door to the left of the register that accesses Lucky Penny.

In the lobby, a curated collection of goods is available for purchase. These items were selected to be unique souvenirs reminding guests of memories made at Hotel Genevieve long after they return home. Expect to find hotel-branded apparel, posters, totes, and items crafted by Louisville companies.

The lobby boasts an eclectic mix of artwork and seating options.

With a myriad of spaces available, Hotel Genevieve also hosts private events. Whether it's a dinner party for two dozen or a large reception requiring the entire bar or restaurant, the boutique hotel can accommodate the event. And with so many other restaurants, bars, and shops in the NuLu area, there's no shortage of things to do during your stay.

All photography by Nick Simonite.

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Lennie is a Southern-based freelance writer. Originally from Hawaii, she is a yoga-loving foodie who travels as often as she can.

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