Lexington, Kentucky, is renowned for its bourbon legacy and equestrian prowess. Its hotels? Not so much. But a recently debuted boutique gem is changing that perception. Situated on the historic grounds of the Ashland Distillery, the city’s inaugural registered bourbon producer from 1865, The Manchester is a suave addition to the city’s hotel landscape. American designer Jenny Bukovec, with hoteliers Nik Feldman and Hank Morris, has meticulously crafted interiors and 125 guest rooms that pay homage to the locale.
From the lobby’s brickwork, reminiscent of the district’s historic rickhouses, to the equestrian-themed restaurant, Granddam, adorned with walnut wainscoting and teal leather banquettes, every corner tells a story. Settle in for some table-side juleps and farm-fresh Appalachian dishes (confit rabbit ravioli, 12-hour braised wild boar) or head upstairs to the hotel’s pièce de résistance, Lost Palm, a rooftop bar channeling Art Deco vibes with a nod to the 1960s South Florida horse racing scene. With room categories spanning from standard suites to handsome bunk beds and a 7th-floor gym boasting upscale tanned leather equipment, the property offers guests a refined introduction to Bluegrass culture.
