Kentucky Derby no longer guaranteed boom for Lexington as vacant hotel rooms replace sellouts

The Kentucky Derby may still draw big crowds from around the world, buthotels in nearby Lexingtonare struggling to fill vacant beds.

For years, Derby weekend meant sold-out rooms and sharply increased prices across the city. 

Now, hotel leaders say that surge is spreading out, with more travelers opting to stay closer to Louisville or along surrounding corridors, according to.

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The change has left some Lexington hotels working to fill rooms just days before the race, in sharp contrast to previous years when bookings were locked in far in advance.

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Industry observers say a number of factors may be contributing to the shift.

Despite strong Derby crowds, fewer visitors are said to be staying in Lexington this year as more people choose to be closer to Louisville.(Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire)

Alice Ford, a travel host of “Alice’s Adventures on Earth�

“They’ve addedseveral more race daysin the beginning of the week, which is spreading out viewership over a longer period of time,” Ford said.

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broader economic pressures.

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“Big events like the Derby are no longer high priorities for a lot of people when choosing between expensive sporting events,” Ford noted.

The shift may be due to more race days and rising costs reducing demand.(Leandro Lozada/AFP)

She also said changing attitudes toward the ethics of horse racing may be influencing attendance.

Changing attitudes about the ethics of horse racing may also be impacting attendance this year.(iStock)

Instead of tripling rates and selling out,many hotels are raising pricesmore modestly and focusing on balancing occupancy.

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While Derby weekend remains busy, Chenet said Lexington hotels now see their highest demand during Keeneland’s spring and fall meets, as well as major events like the Railbirdmusic festival.

She added that her property is already sold out for Railbird weekend, withroom ratessignificantly higher than usual.

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Chenet said she expects bookings to pick up as race day approaches — but estimates her hotel will reach about 85% to 90% capacity.