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21C Museum Hotel
Categories: Event Planning & Services Hotels Hotels & Travel Hotels Arts & Entertainment Museums Hotels, Museums [Edit]
700 W Main StLouisville, KY 40202
(502) 217-6300
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 6 am - 5:30 am
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
75 reviews for 21C Museum Hotel
Review Highlights
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"Incredible toiletries (Malin+Goetz." In 6 reviews -
"The red penguin branding is absolutely brilliant." In 5 reviews -
"Food is great at Proof, the hotel restaurant." In 16 reviews
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74 reviews in English
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Review from Amanda M.
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
My husband and I were able to secure an awesome price at 21C for our wedding night. I have been to the hotel many times to see the art exhibits but this was the first time I've actually stayed. What a beautiful place. The rooms are more than comfortable and uniquely decorated. If you are a fan of art, you will love staying here. The bed was so comfortable and it was very hard to leave the next morning.
The customer service is always wonderful and you have to love the red penguins! If I ever have the chance, I will definitely be staying here again! -
Review from Samantha F.
Louisville, KY
5/4/2012
My husband, his parents, and myself visited the museum one weekend afternoon after my husband and I had heard a lot about it.
They had some really interesting exhibits, but a lot of the art work they had hanging up wasn't that great. It was mostly photography, all taken by the same person, and all had just been Photoshopped to have the person multiplied in each photo.
I really hope they get some new works soon, we would love to go back. -
Review from Chris A.
Atlanta, GA
4/24/2012
Stayed over Thunder 2012. What a fun hotel! There is an art gallery attached, and the feeling of modern art extends to the hotel areas and the rooms. Fun even though I don't always get "modern" art.
Guys - definitely check out the Men's room on the main floor. Coolest urinal *ever*.
Part of the art are 4 ft tall red plastic penguins that "roam" around the hotel (sometimes showing up in hallways or even in guest rooms, though one did not make an appearance in our room during our brief stay - one was in the hall outside one night though). Other penguins are attached to the building on the outside. The video installation in the elevator lobby was also fun, which was good because there was sometimes a jam waiting for elevators. The stairs are not accessible unless there is an emergency, so you have to use the elevator even if you are on floor 2.
The room itself was very comfortable - appropriately sized; our room looked out onto an interior courtyard which was great because we could sleep in without sunlight coming through the blinds. Tall shower - the tallest I've ever been in, in fact I normally throw the washcloth and wet towel over the curtain bar to dry but I couldn't in this one because I couldn't reach it. Flat panel TV with cable and turndown service. Wifi was accessible; it seemed a bit slow at times, and required frequent re-authentication (but always worked).
The staff was extremely friendly (and not in that obsequious "I have to be nice to you because you are paying" way, but very genuinely interested in providing top notch customer service). Valet is pricey but worth it downtown during a big event like Thunder. Bath products were very nice (and included shampoo, conditioner, body wash & lotion). Would definitely stay here again. -
Review from Anastacia B.
Elmhurst, IL
4/19/2012
Stop everything. Make a random plan/excuse to stay here just because it could be the coolest hotel conception EVER.
Where else are you going to stay that has a red penguin that is going to greet you in your room? Okay i get that isn't a reason to stay at a hotel but that is just the beginning...Where else are you going to stay that has Malin+Goetz bath products? Ummm okay that would be enough to grab my attention but you also might NOT want to leave the lobby because when you walk through the doors your adventure starts. The lobby is jam packed with art installations, even the elevator area is an experience. Oh that's right the hotel is situated on TOP of a modern art museum! Great show during my stay.
My pops was with me and we had dinner at the Proof on Main. Super local, super good food. Except my dad's soup was cold and that's enough to make him dislike a joint, the man likes his soup freaking hot- alls I'm sayin. The cotton candy ender didn't improve his mood.
I'm yearning to return here and I'm really thinking I need to take a spin in the hotels bedazzled limo...yes it's true!!! You don't make things up like this. -
Review from Mark D.
I frequently stay in Louisville and normally stay at the Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel located in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Not sure why it's called the Sheraton Louisville Riverside when the hotel located in Jeffersonville, Indiana. I wanted to try something new and different so decided to stay at the 21C Museum Hotel in downtown Louisville. If I could capture 21C Museum Hotel in three words, it would be "attention to detail". The customer service was excellent from the time I valeted my car to checking out. In fact 21C Museum Hotel seems to take service to the next level by communicating through a radio system when you ask for something. For example when I pulled up to the hotel the valet guy ask for my name. He then radioed my name through the radio to the staff at the front checking desk. Same happened when I checkout. What a brilliant idea to expedite service. This was the first time that I have seen a radion been used at a hotel. I received a room on the four floor "418". Room was really big with high ceilings. It's basically your traditional hotel room with all the upgrades. The first thing I notice was how soft the carpets felt. 21C Museum must use good padding under the carpet. There is nothing nicer than walking bare foot on comfortable carpet. Room was spotlessly clean. No stains on the floor or grind in the bathroom. The 21C Museum has a great selection of lamps/lights position around the room. I walked around the room "bare foot" turning them on and off. Just like a little boy in a candy store. It's a shame I don't normally do the same when staying at chained hotels.
Hotel had a fully stocked mini bar which seemed responsibly priced. It's unfortunate that there is no space for my person items in the fridge without move something inside. Then again I would get instantly charged due to electronic sensors. 55 to 60" HDTV mounted on all wall with a personal note from the manager. What an awesome touch. Most of the messages I see from hotel management are pre-printed messages. I don't even open them anymore since they say the same thing. Large king bed with loads of additional pillows. Bed was comfortable but not as good as Westin heavenly bed. Attention to details continues throughout the room with art on the wall, hotel books, and iPhone clock radio. When I returned from dinner there was a chocolate on my pillow. Bathroom was modern with great smellies. I saved the soaps and shampoo. Shower water temperature was disappointing. 21C Museum has an awesome restaurant called Proof on Main. I ate in the bar since I found the cough and didn't want to move. I had the Bison burger and fries. Wow was so good. It was very large and can be shared. Bar and restaurant had one of the best Bourbon's menu's that I have seen. I wasn't too impressed with the wine list but then again I was drinking beer. I have no interest in art so I didn't walk around the Museum. I will save that for my next stay. I also wanted to visit the Louisville slugger factory and shop one block away from the hotel but didn't get time. What a fantastic hotel stay. It's a shame my stay was only one nice. I didn't want to check out. I will definitely be back. Great corporate rate and team.Listed in: Top Hotels.
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Review from Jesse F.
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
This is one of the coolest buildings and art galleries I've seen in some time.
I would have liked to have stayed at the hotel over, but the price tag is a bit $$$$$$$$$$$$$$. You get the picture.
And pictures you will see galore in the gallery. 21C had a very, very interesting if not very strange installation from a up-and-coming artist when I visited on President's Day.
It featured an alt-universe boy's school in a post-apocalyptic setting. Very surreal stuff but deeply engaging. Would have liked to seen more.
That said, you do see A LOT. The hotel certainly doesn't scrimp when it comes to filling the gallery. With 2+ floors of space for the gallery alone, you're getting an eyeful at no charge.
Next time I'll have to stay here if I have the money. Would have liked to try their food too.
It's definitely worth the stop to see the gallery if you have the time. -
Review from Johnny W.
Chicago, IL
2/27/2012
One word, Awesome.
Got a chance too stay the night here and there are endless things I could say about it.
Although I did not get to try Proof everything else about this place was pretty rad.
Alternating installations and attention to detail, everyone was super nice and helpful
I was pretty stoked too have the option of having cookies and milk brought to my room at night.
*Beware of the red penguin* -
Review from Jeff M.
Manhattan, NY
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great Hotel. Very Quirky. There isn't one inch of this hotel that isn't interesting.
F&B were great and the spa facilities were quality. -
Review from Chad A.
Delmar, NY
2/19/2012
Awesome hotel, superb staff, good food. Stayed for two nights on a business trip, and almost wish they'd turn this into a chain, but don't think it would work out well.
Great rooms, the room I stayed in had a large walk out balcony.
Only downside is it's a non smoking hotel, which is ironic considering the plaque on the front of the building identifies it as the former tobacco bank. -
Review from Monica H.
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
This might be my favorite boutique hotel in America (North & South).
Incredible toiletries (Malin+Goetz). A knowledgeable and accommodating staff. Great art on display throughout the museum. This hotel never misses a beat.
The rooms were big and comfortable. CHANNEL 2 has art videos on all the time! That is a commendable touch. Fully stocked mini-bar - watch out it's one of those mini-bars that senses when you remove something. So check your bill upon check-out in case you put your leftovers in the fridge! King size bed room is as big as the rooms with two double beds.
Food is great at Proof, the hotel restaurant. The bar in Proof stays open till about 1:45-2A on the weekend when we were there. Great hang for big groups. The hotel lobby couch is also a delicious place to relax with or without a drink.
The red penguins that travel around the hotel are fun to move around. It's worth the nightly rate. This hotel is top notch! -
Review from Matt F.
11/17/2011 1 photo
They have a House car that is a limousine with about 70,000 red glass beads glued to it. They have red penguins throughout the hotel, even threatening to jump off the roof.
In fact, one of those red penguins is sitting on the desk as I write this review. Don't believe me? Check out the pic. I had to turn off the monitor because the light was freaking out the camera and putting the poor penguin in a shadow.
Let's see...awesome car to ride around in and red penguins surprising you around every turn. Anything else I need to cover?
Oh yeah, the rooms. They're swell, too.
Seriously, this just might be my favorite hotel in the Midwest. I've stayed all over the region; Chicago, Indy, Cincy, Detroit, Cleveland, St. Louis, Omaha, and this is one of the most fun and unique joints I've found anywhere.
I was also entering an elevator here once at the same time Chris Robinson was exiting. I wanted to tell him I was staying at the hotel but I figured that would just make him "jealous again." -
Review from Harry E.
Palmdale, CA
1/23/2012
Unless you are traveling with kids, I would recommend staying here.
Awesome art, even in the men's room.
Spectacular bar and restaurant.
Wonderful attentive staff.
If this were in California or New York it would be twice the price.
The rest of the reviews are accurate. -
Review from Rachel F.
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Note: I am writing this review on the Museum and not the Hotel as I haven't stayed there.
Even from the outside you can tell that this just ain't your average disco. There are these randomly awesome red penguins everywhere. They are life size. I know because it is a spot I consider the perfect prom picture photo op to take my Louisville visitors. Then the life-size artwork that is hard to miss - the car on legs (Flintstones Style, but more dramatic) and of course down 7th street to the side is the old Limo covered in those little circular glass stones like in a fish tank. Very entertaining.
That's not even starting in on the rotating artwork that never ceases to amaze me. Very interactive, unique, quirky, yet beautiful. My favorite is still the falling letters that you can play with - yup, I'm about 8.
And I kept hearing about the men's bathroom and finally was there with a guy, so I made him go and peak in to see if I was clear. Yup, I snuck into the men's restroom at a classy hotel/art museum to see the hype. Kinda creepy and kinda hilarious. Who knew the men's restroom was such fun? -
Review from Alex K.
10/14/2011
I came here my first visit to Louisville, and now I take all my friends and family on theirs. I've never stayed in a room, go figure since it is a hotel, no I go for the art, the bar, and the interactive bathroom.
Proof on Main, the bar is super swanky and fun for day drinking if you need a pit stop after showing off the river on your way to the Giant Slugger on the downtown section of your L'ville tour.
But lets get to the meat of 21C. Their bathroom. It's a sick pleasure of mine watching my friends visit the back gallery just beyond the bathrooms for the first time. I chuckle to myself as they eye themselves in the floor to ceiling mirror making slight adjustments, or even better, fully stopping and stooping in close to fix some makeup or straighten the eyebrows. Why is this funny? Bc on the other side of that one way mirror a man is watching you while he pees. That's right, the urinal IS that mirror, and it's an instillation piece of art. The point is to expose yourself in a certain way, and trust me from experience, you get stage fright trying to pee while people are seemingly looking directly at you hahah.Listed in: The reason I moved to…
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Review from Thameem K.
King of Prussia, PA
3/17/2012
The best hotel I have stayed....period....I travel a lot and have stayed in many hotel but hands down, this is the best place I have ever stayed. The rooms are pretty big and the beds are just the best. It was difficult to sleep on my bed at home after sleeping at 21C hotel. And their Art collection is mind blowing ! Also the hotel has a sauna and steam bath, which was so relaxing. I woudl highly recommend this hotel, its an experience staying at this hotel for such less cost.
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Review from Brian G.
9/27/2011
If you'd like to adopt a giant plastic red penguin named Chad he usually hangs out at the bar in the hotel of 21c. Really, the place is one of a kind. I stayed at 21c several years ago and came back again last week and the magic was still there. 21c is definitely a bright spot in the Louisville social scene and a more sophisticated one, which is a nice contrast from the sophomoric shenanigans that happen on 4th Street.
No doubt the 24 hour museum attracts crowds as much as the lively bar scene at the hotel. But the hotel staff and the hotel itself are equally memorable. Every component of the hotel is surrounded by some type of art, whether it is the view from the amazing men's restroom (ladies, do make it a point to check it out) to the elevator to the art that's posted in your room. The staff is incredibly helpful and on point with the best restaurants in town as well.
Whether you're fortunate enough to stay at the hotel or just sipping some bourbon at the bar, 21c is definitely a place to spend some quality time. -
Review from Zachary Sam Z.
Seattle, WA
9/25/2011
I didn't stay at the hotel - this review is just for the contemporary art on display outside and in their lobby area.
It was amazing to be able to walk off the street and just enjoy the art. The Cuba Now exhibit was really interesting, and I was really intrigued by the Landslide: Every Tree Tells a Story exhibit that was in a room off to the side. It's a great way to lose yourself for an hour while in downtown Louisville.
Don't forget to check out some of the exhibits outside as well. The Cloud Rings in the alley, the 21c Pip Mobile stretch limo... wow. Neat stuff on display outside.
In closing, I love the red penguins.Listed in: LOO-uh-vuhl
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Review from david h.
Longview, TX
7/29/2011
Little bitty penises and rubber ducky's. Those were my two initial and lasting impressions of the 21C Hotel.
When I checked in there were statues of young boys and girls in all their glory right behind the reception desk.
Rooms are way cool. Not an optimal use of space but its not my hotel so what do I care? The bathrooms are cool but not functional. There's no place to put your toiletries. Oh well, if that's the worst thing that happens, we're doing okay. Plus, every bathtub comes with a complimentary rubber ducky. How cool is that?
The service was great. The beds were comfortable. The museum, bar and restaurant make this the kind of place you don't have to leave to have a good time. I'm going to be telling everyone I know about the men's room in the lobby. You'll just have to pee for yourself. Doh! Long story short, this might be the coolest place I've ever stayed!
Smiley face and a star. -
Review from Sarah L.
9/6/2011
This hotel is awesome. The art galleries in the lobby and beyond are such a fantastic feature -- very engaging and well curated. The front desk was off the charts helpful. We ended up deciding to stay overnight after eating at Proof, and since it was almost midnight and the hotel wasn't full, we were treated to a corner suite at a reduced rate. The staff helped store our bikes and find local bike routes. We ordered breakfast room service, which was prompt, delicious, and reasonably priced.
The room was one of the best I've stayed in, and the overall experience was extremely memorable. Loved this place and looking forward to coming back to Louisville and enjoying 21c hospitality again. -
Review from Laura T.
1/7/2012
This hotel is amazing, i think I will stay here the next time I am in Louisville.
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Review from K. D.
Los Angeles, CA
4/23/2011
Staying here was like an acid trip! I knew we were in for something unique when we saw the red penguins perched on the front of the charming brick building.
I was here for a business trip, not pleasure, but this hotel by far more than made up for the severe lack of fun I was allotted on this journey.
I went up to my room shortly after checking in, and the maid was just exiting my room. I keyed myself in, dropped my things and became aware of very soft music. I walked farther into the room, where there was a bathrobe and throw spread across the bed, and I could now hear it was "Sexual Healing" playing on the iPod that at this point I thought someone left in the iPod dock... I started to panic, thinking the staff had made a mistake and put me in someone else's room. I opened up all the drawers and closets and finally became satisfied that this whole deal was just another part of their "uniqueness."
I freshened up briefly and exited my room only to find a 3 foot red penguin standing in the hallway... these things are lightweight and apparently get kidnapped so people can do god knows what with them in the privacy of their own rooms, lol!
Onto the rest of the hotel... there was artwork of some form around virtually every corner in this place. From a tornado of "found art" reaching from the main lobby all the way down to the basement floor, to the "painting" of the brooklyn bridge done almost entirely with fishhooks and nails, to the chandelier made with nail scissors, and trees made of gym shorts.
The bar was hit or miss, but you must try their house-made tonic... absolutely delicious!
This is definitely a must-see spot if you are ever in the Louisville area. You don't need to be staying there to enjoy 90% of the fun. -
Review from Ingrid C.
5/28/2011 2 Check-ins Here
RED PENGUIN.
EVERYWHERE.
I love contemporary art, so it was great being able to wander through the galleries all through the night.
I got put up here while I needed to interview for a job.
I loved:
- exposed brick in the guestroom
- contemporary decor
- scalpel and scissor chandelier above the elevator waiting area on floor five
- cloudmaker (and all the art, in general, even though I snickered at some)
- Proof downstairs, to feed me after I got in sort of late
- 21C julep cups
Seriously, because of this place, I want my own julep cups engraved with some awesome design on them. And my name.
I wish I could've stayed here longer than one night.Listed in: Love in Louisville
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Review from D C.
Philadelphia, PA
5/27/2011
Wish I could give this place six stars.
The Cuban exhibit in the museum is outstanding, really interesting. The room was great -for what it's worth, my king room was enormous (room 417) and the bed was amazing. The bath products are so good I bought some on my way out.
Wish I could say the same for Proof, the restaurant, but god I went there twice and every dish we had was tragically soaked in butter and riddled with salt. It was tough to eat unfortunately. Too bad cause it's a great atmosphere. Oh and the bar did a nice job- I highly recommend the pimms cup if you need a break from bourbon.
Love this hotel-recommending it to everybody. The restaurant ?... Maybe it was a bad two days.... -
Review from Sebastian C.
Houston, TX
1/7/2012 1 photo
Love this hotel/ art museum! The men's restroom has the coolest wall! It has a glass waterfall wall that you pee on and can look out and it's mirrored on the other side so people can see out but people cant see you! Women's restroom just has a mirror that you can look out. Not as cool.
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Review from Chris C.
Louisville, KY
5/23/2011
One of a kind hotel.
Stayed this past weekend and would do so again. My ONLY complaint is the size of the room. I got a room with a king sized bed, and it was probably only ~400 sq. ft. or so of space. And that might be generous.
Positives:
1) Staff is very helpful and polite.
2) Restaurant nearby (Proof) is great.
3) Upgrades in the room are noticeable - the soap they provide you with retails for $10 per bar on that company's website.
4) Comfy bed with nice sheets.
5) Complimentary wireless.
Would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking to stay in a contemporary hotel while in Louisville. If you are more of a fan of "old money" types of hotels, then the Brown Hotel is probably a better fit for you. -
Review from Billy D.
Sleek, modern architecture with a unique, inspiring, thought provoking, and diverse modern art collection. The men's bathroom is not to be missed.
We weren't staying at the hotel but buzzed in to check out the art. It was well worth the time. I can't believe that it's free. Slightly pretentious, but people were generally nice. Cool gift shop.
I'm going to make this a stop every time I'm in Louisville. -
Review from Leah T.
Lexington, KY
1/27/2011
This is simply a great hotel.
I have stayed here twice--once on my brief honeymoon in one of the balcony suites and once in a regular (king-sized bed) room--and both times, it was fantastic.
The service is impeccable. Everyone greets you with a smile and pleasant conversation, from the people at the desk to the cleaning staff.
The rooms are really beautiful and chic: sparsely decorated with touches of surprising (and totally cool) art here and there. There is an iPod in every room, and even though my husband and I picked ours up expecting it to have a limited selection of lame music, it was pretty full of decent stuff.
I have to say that one of the best parts is that although we got the http://Hotwire.com rate ($115 pre-tax!) the last time we stayed there, we were treated as if we were a regular-paying customer.
Lots of places are this nice, but many of them aren't this consistent.
Highly recommend its adjoining bar and restaurant; they are a little conspicuously trendy but comfortable, all the same. -
Review from Denise M.
5/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was an amazing hotel.
A wonderfully modern hotel with a contemporary decor. Well trained, amiable and knowledgable staff. The art museum downstairs is a wonderful place to walk through with a glass of wine or pass time while waiting for dinner. -
Review from Dan K.
Chicago, IL
12/21/2010
Conde Nast Traveler's readers recently rated this as the best hotel..in the WORLD. Now, I would not go that far, but it's pretty sweet. Being from Kentucky, I was nervous about something trendy taking over the downtown area (4th st Live..) and taking away from the charm of the Galt House, but this hotel has it down!
The art, the decor, the rooms, the service...I love staying here. Anyone who doesn't is just too hard to please, as the staff here is wonderful. Could not be better! -
Review from Brian C.
I loved the musical, Wicked. I had heard nothing about it when I saw it opening week in NYC. I had no expectation for greatness but received it. I loved Footloose: The Musical. *cue laughter* I had heard horrible things about it; so, my expectation was so low that when it came time to use that season ticket I ADORED it. Now, while that may lead you to question my taste, I can honestly say I had a similar experience at 21C Museum Hotel in late October.
The hyping of the Condé Nast Traveler #1 for 2009 and 2010 left me expecting a lot, since I've enjoyed amazing hotels/resorts like The Grand Delmar, Atlantis, Grove Park inn and One&Only, and I live 1/3 of my life in nice hotels.
Upon arrival, I was immediately wowed. The art in the lobby was amazing. I knew this wasn't a hotel where you simply stayed. This was a hotel you experienced. From the changing art exhibits to the signature interactive rainfall letters to the two-way mirror urinals to the infinity lighting in the elevators, you can't deny this facility is amazing.
Note, I said, facility. This is not a hotel made for quiet, calm and retreat. The room walls are so flimsy, I heard every word Oprah was saying on her show as room 222 watched the first afternoon. When one person on the hallway closes their room door, the entire room shakes. When someone flushes their commode, you feel and hear the water swirl. When people stand outside the window on the street to smoke, you hear it.
To top of the experience, we had saved Friday night as our "art museum night" later to discover they were closing it for a private function. One thing I LOVE about their customer service is, they are avid, responsive Twitterers (@21cHotels). When I tweeted we were disappointed, they immediately responded with free tickets for the event.
When we returned from dinner, we were met in the hotel lobby with the sound of Abercrombie & Fitch circa 2004 meets the seats in front of the speakers at a David Lee Roth concert. The lobby was so loud, we immediately forewent our "quiet art night" and headed to the room. After about an hour of fist-pumpin', booty-shakin', wall thumpin' music, I ended up calling the front desk, only to find they were inundated with complaints from the sold out hotel. We were told the party would go until 1:30 a.m. As I write this, the street below me is full of hotel visitors on the street smoking and screaming at the top of their lungs. After three calls to the desk, no rest for the weary.
The Malin+Goetz soaps, lotion and body treatments are amazing. The hotel gift shop will likely help my Christmas list dwindle with their unique, amazing gifts. The masseur in the spa area made the previous night's loss of sleep due to flimsy walls disappear into the massage table. The kind, attentive staff saying my name and smiling every time i entered was classy. The valet service was quick, kind and efficient. The in-hotel restaurant, Proof, is crack for the atmosphere snob inside all of us. The red penguin branding is absolutely brilliant. The silver ice cups with the silver ice bucket is fancy schmancy. The tissue box handmade fabric cover is to-die-for. The huge dangling lamp shade over the desk, flawless.
If all that can compensate for a completely sleepless-night and mid-day nap-free hotel experience, knock yourself out...and this coming from a guy who can sleep through a tornado. My recommendation: Get a room at the Hilton or the Brown and budget two hours for a visit to 21C.
21C, you are like the movie Schindler's List. You are amazing and moving. I enjoyed parts of you. Other parts of you made me sick and want to cry. At the end of the long, sleepless night, you are an award winner; however, I'll sit through you one time, but never watch you again.
Update: Upon checking out, they did the obligatory "how was your stay" question. Obviously, they dreaded asking it, especially since sitting next to me checking out was a bride and groom who chose this venue as their honeymoon destination. She was almost in tears explaining how her wedding night was ruined. She wins, by the way, for best pity story.
They clearly knew the next day that The Voice Tribune's party overstepped the lines of their venue. With after-thought, the experience should really reflect most poorly on (1) The Voice Tribune for not understand that a 9:00 p.m. start time for a party at a boutique hotel isn't a good idea and (2) the decision maker at 21C who approved the party.
Eric Metzger, Guest Services Manager, sat with me (unsolicited, I might add), to discuss my experience. He was truly and visibly embarrassed. I shared the same opinion I've shared here, but really tried to concentrate more on the boutique but loud nature of the hotel in general. He agreed that it was an issue. We had a great, positive discussion about how to rectify the noise issues which sit at the core of the problems. End of day: customer care, good job, Eric. -
Review from M. N.
Chicago, IL
10/10/2011
Bring the money and enjoy the great service, good restaurant/bar, but above all the art, which could compete with most modern collections in any major US city. They brought a penguin to our room because we weren't totally satisfied with the in-room art - which wasn't bad but we were expecting more after walking through the rest of hotel before checking in. Staying here was one of the coolest trips we've taken and the fact that the hotel itself was our destination speaks volumes about what they have put together. We are already planning our next 21c trip ;)
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Review from Meghan B.
Washington, DC
8/10/2010
Plastic penguins, smoke rings, two-way mirror bathrooms, interactive video screens, mammoth type creatures with crystals in their dreadlocked fur....this place is out of this world and a must-see just because it's unique.
I can't comment on the rooms, but the museum part is crazy and impressive even for people like me that aren't big fans of contemporary art. Sure, the gigondo portraits of Victorian children that look like they belong in horror movies terrified me, but I did like the large metal tornado that takes up two levels. One thing I didn't really get was a room where you could watch a video of two naked avatars standing across from each other in a doorframe and other avatars dressed like dominatrixes walking in and out between the two jay birds. Guess that's too profound for me.
The best advice I have is to make friends with the doorman when you enter the hotel and just explain that you want to look around. The doorman I met today was so friendly, explained how to get to all the exhibits, and he let me see the coolest room there....THE MEN'S ROOM. That's right ladies, I walked into forbidden terrirtory today. (Oooooh, ahhhhhh!)
So, the women's room on the main museum level has two-way glass which definitely caught me off guard as I was drying off my hands and realized I was looking out into the hallway I had just come from.
I have to say that the boys got the better end of this deal (not surprising...they never have lines and get the cooler bathrooms) because in the Men's Room, the urinal is actually a WATERFALL that takes up an entire wall...AND...the wall is made of two-way glass! This borders on the edge between being creepy and being awesome, but I weigh it as more awesome. -
Review from Christine D.
New Orleans, LA
Named the #1 Hotel in the world, 21C is actually not just a hotel but an interactive art museum.
I've never actually stayed in the rooms, but the lobby of 21C is open to anyone who wants to wander in and check out the exhibits. By exhibits I don't mean some paintings on the wall. When we first walked in there was a video playing on the floor and it showed a man and woman sleeping in a bed. Stepping over that you are greeted very warmly and encouraged to take your time.
Favorite things to see were the letters that flowed down a wall that you could "catch" on your arms. It's hard to describe. You just have to go there. Also, the mens bathroom. Ladies, wait til it's empty and go up to the urinal wall where water is flowing and you can see out to the hallways where people are walking by! The ladies bathroom has a bunch of eyes that follow you and that are actual eyes of blind dart throwers.
Okay, i'm not going to give it all away. So, if you're in Louisville you should definitely stay here or at least just walk in and check it all out. It's pretty impressive. I enjoyed how kind the staff were and was amused the entire time. Check out my photos- it really is pretty cool. -
Review from Teresa B.
Midlothian, VA
11/25/2011
This is place is definitely worth the stop..It's not necessary to stay in the hotel in order to visit the hotel....we stopped in only for a few drinks after a long day of shopping. This place was hilarious.....a naked, crazy, zanie, off-the-wall, fun house. By the way, this hotel was voted one of the top ten hotels in the world for 2009, 2010, and 2011. As far as the details, I can only mirror the other reviews. This is a total 5 star recommendation......enjoy!
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Review from Mary B.
Lansing Charter Township, MI
12/2/2011
My favorite hotels are the Four Seasons and the Waldorf Asoria. I believe I have been exposed to some high-end hotels and therefore, my expectations are exceedingly high. When I walked into 21C, I fell in love. It has the service and care that a 5 star hotel possesses, while being amazingly unique. It is a modern art museum and a hotel in one. All the artists are still living (hence 21C-21st century). The design is modern, simple, and edgey. The rooms look like fantastic little studio apartments, with exposed beams and brick walls. The ceilings are high, the beds are comfortable... The bathroom was spacious and beautiful (and extremely clean). The restaurant next door, Proof on Main was amazing. Great food, wonderful drinks, and a vibrant environment. And it has a cool history. It was originally a slaughterhouse, and then a bank, and then a distillery. It was by far one of the most memorable hotels I have ever stayed in. Way to go Louisville, KY. I love your hotel.
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Review from Pamela D.
8/19/2009
Look, my wasted ass stumbled into this hotel in the early afternoon. My facilities were not about me as I entered the lobby. A nice man unloaded my suitcase from the cab, opened doors for me, and deposited me at the front desk where a nice lady handed me a room key and sent me on my way.
In the elevator I looked up, and was amazed to find I was in some sort of chasm. Or else they just have a really cool glass and light fixture up there. Whatever. Once in the room, I immediately passed out on the comfy king bed and woke up and hour later to explore.
Interesting concept, really. The room itself was sobering, and YES, pun intended! It was very comfortable yet strangely stark. Very devoid of art, which surprised me given that the hotel itself houses a museum. Though I can only assume that the purpose of this may be to force the guests into appreciating the art downstairs more.
Let's talk about being wet and naked for a moment, though, shall we? The shower....I can't. I just can't. My poor head still reels. It wouldn't work. I had to bathe in my own skin cells because I couldn't get the shower to work. And there is no fan in the bathroom, so after my skin soak, all I saw was a foggy alien-like person in the mirror and had to wait to put my face on! But, true story, all their bathroom goodies were nice.
I spent a large amount of my stay here in bed. I cannot stress how comfortable and QUIET the bed was. You know what I'm talking about ladies, you get a room and you're trying to get your bang on and all you hear is CREAK CREAK. And even if that happened here, you could just drown out that noise with the iPod and docking station in the room.
The icing on the cake, though, would be the red plastic penguins. No, I'm not one of those people on the penguin bandwagon. They seem like lonely birds that are no damn good at anything. What's so cute about that? Bitches can't even fly! But these red plastic penguins in the hallways....Tons of fun. Put them in front of other peoples door. Or be awesome and send them up in the elevator. Good fun.
Oh, and there's a bunch of art and stuff in the lobby. It's amazing. So are the bathrooms in the lobby. Peeing is like heaven down there.Listed in: hotel, motel, holiday inn!
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Review from Christyn K.
Kansas City, MO
4/30/2009 1 photo
Had my bachelorette party here. TOO FUN. This place is definitely one of the coolest places in downtown Louisville. Envision an art museum, restaurant, and hotel, all in one!
ART: super interesting and modern. Like woah. Crystal Skulls (before the stupid movie, that is), red penguins, interactive exhibits, graphic design, sculptures, movies, etc. The exhibit could easily vouch as a whole independent museum that is well worth the trip if you are into modern, eclectic art. I only say that because I am not sure Louisville as a whole is ready for such rad art. Well, get ready, Ville!
HOTEL: super plush and fun. Staff was even super accommodating to my bachelorette madness and the "visitor" my maid-of-honor had arranged to visit us, if you know what I mean. Though I was embarrassed, the staff didn't seem to be! Our room was large enough to hold our little party, and to my surprise, no one called in a complaint about the noise we were making! The room came with some great amenities, including a plush bathrobe and an iPod deck :)
FOOD: Breakfast in bed is always the best way to start the day before your wedding :) Yummy granola and fruit, authentic grits, perfect service!
OVERALL: Great Louisville location (ie right next to the Slugger Museum); great staff; great valet; great option for anyone you are hosting in Louisville and need to impress ;) I'm a fan!
Thanks for adding some extra chic to Louisville, 21C :) -
Review from Jessica D.
Chicago, IL
5/10/2010
21C, I'm over you.
The first experience here was nice. We stayed in the corner suite, I ordered a large bouquet of flowers and some very nice Vosges chocolates to be delivered to my room before our arrival, arranged for a special dinner at Proof, etc. for our 3rd anniversary. The only problem this time was that the chocolates, which were shipped overnight from Chicago, had been put in the back behind the reception desk in the lobby instead of taken to the room and completely forgotten during the shift change so that we didn't get them until 10 pm that night after I'd already called the front desk twice, come down in person and asked them to check, and then called the chocolatier to ask if they'd even been sent. Totally 21C's fault.
The next visit, two years later, scheduled for our fifth anniversary, was TERRIBLE. I came in person to reserve the same corner room. I told the woman at reception that I was happy to take any Friday or Saturday date in June. All I wanted was the corner suite and a massage for 2 with female therapists for the hour before check-in so that we could be truly relaxed for our weekend away.
We arrived only a few minutes early for our scheduled massage, left our bags with the desk, and headed downstairs to a massage area that can only be called spartan. Tile walls, small stools in a hallway for waiting for your therapist, and a tiny room. Apparently, they couldn't find two female therapists, so I took the male to let my partner enjoy her massage in peace. The therapist was nice, but had EXTREMELY hairy arms, with thick, wiry hair down to his wrists. This ruined the massage completely because it felt like have someone run their beard on your oiled back for an hour. Or like a toilet brush. He was a great person, but if you perform massage services and are that hairy, you should probably wax or something. It was really disappointing.
Regardless, we left our massage and check into our room. For some reason, 21C had reduced the amount of art in the rooms. When we'd visited before, there were large pieces behind the beds. This time, there was a huge penguin poster up as a sort of place holder? That really brought down the atmosphere.
Then, we realized that the bed was broken. Like, the box spring was dead and the bed was hanging to the floor on one side. We called down to reception and asked them to send someone to fix it. This took almost an hour and took up a lot of our precious relation time. The fix was basically to stick a two by four underneath to hold the bed up. Yeah.
We went out to dinner on Market and watched the Louisville Pride Parade that was happening that evening before we returned to 21C to look at the museum space before turning in for the evening. Unfortunately, some kind of event was occurring that closed off the downstairs portion of the museum and Proof restaurant, meaning we could neither view the art in the lower level nor go into Proof for dessert and drinks as we'd planned. We returned to our room and called to inquire about room service for dessert, but they were running a limited menu due to their party.
We adapted to this problem, grabbed some snacks and juice from the minibar and attempted to wind down. Unfortunately, at 1am, the party was still going on right below us so that the comings and goings of the drunk revelers below entered our windows. At around 1:30am I called down to inform the desk that the party below was ruining both the romance and the sleep aspects of our 5th anniversary. The solution was to someone come up with us already undressed and in our nightclothes, have us gather our things, and move us to a much less enjoyable, inside facing standard room.
The noise died down, but it was now 2, we weren't in the room I requested, and never once, when I came in to make the reservation or when I checked in, was I told that a loud party would be taking place directly under my $300+ a night room. It was made clear that I was making arrangements for a special event and the only consolation I got was a gift certificate in a denomination that didn't cover the cost of breakfast at their restaurant (that was only good FOR breakfast), on a day the restaurant was not open for business, so that I would HAVE TO COME BACK in order to use it.
This place is run but complete incompetents. -
Review from Dan G.
Methinks the lady doth protest too much!
We just wrapped up another perfect stay at the 21C, which was our fourth since they opened. We've never had a single problem. It is great, and I feel well justified with that assessment since they just won the 2009 Conde Nast Reader's Choice Award as Top Hotel in the US. It kind of reminds me of a combination of the W and the MoMA.
Rooms are sleek and modern. They are spacious and include a desk and lounge chair. Bathrooms are modern and include great smelling Malin + Goetz products. They have huge plasmas and preloaded iPods and radios so you can rock out. Modern spa with sauna and steamroom and gym with free weights, treadmills and elipticals for your use in the basement.
I also love the art and the little touches like the rubber ducky in the tub and the Red Penguins everywhere. You enter the lobby into their modern art museum. The art is trippy and the black light room makes me feel like I'm back in school and up to no good. The hip Proof restaurant and lounge is just off to the right. That looks to be the best scene in town, and you can get White Dog with your bourbon flights. Even the bathrooms in the lobby are really cool with a waterfall two way glass wall. We met a couple that was having their wedding reception in the lower lobby that must be an excellent setting. I've stayed at a bunch of high end hotels and the 21C is right up there as one of my favorites. I look forward to it every time we get down to Louisville, and I just love the penguins.Listed in: My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night Sweet Prince
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6/18/2009
Wow, this town has really changed. When I was at UK a decade ago, the best thing about Lexington was… Read more »
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Review from Andrew S.
San Francisco, CA
6/14/2006 5 photos
After many trips to Louisville over the last year, with glimpses of the 21C as it was being built from scratch on each visit, i had the opportunity to stay there just a few weeks after opening... Derby Week no less.
The place was ABUZZ with activity.
The 21C takes its name "Museum Hotel" very seriously. The wife half of the husband-and-wife team who developed the hotel is a member of Louisville's Brown family and her global upbringing allows the 21C to walk a balance between down-home Kentucky and cosmopolitan funk from the art adorning the walls to the video installations appearing around unusual corners.
You enter the hotel into a large art gallery, featuring curated shows, and at every turn, including the large 'museum' space downstairs, are pieces from Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson's personal contemporary art collection. Word on the street is that Louisville's residents are conflicted about the art --- much of which is provocative and further afield than community opinion might generally accept.
The bellhops and valets ride Segway scooters to and fro around the building, while the staff is highly attentive and friendly without ever being obsequious.
All of this is before you even enter your room, which is spacious, comfortable, and more alive with energy than anything thrown out by a W. Brick walls, a huge 42-inch plasma TV, a real work desk with Aeron chair, and high-speed wireless internet make it a great place to get work done, while the bathroom is stocked with amazing Malin & Goetz bath products.
Oh, and did I mention that the concierge calls two days before your arrival to inquire about your musical tastes? Why you ask? For your customized iPod Nano which appears on its own stereo docking station for listening pleasure while in the room.
The hotel's restaurant Proof on Main serves nouveau country cooking with Tuscan influences, and focuses on foodstuffs available through local farms and growers. The bar is one of the best hotel bars i've been to in a long time.
The 21C is reason in itself to travel to Louisville --- long weekend anyone?
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