The Hampton Inn Frankfort leads with a stellar 8.8/10 rating and a 9.3 staff score. For a four-star option, The Delegate Hotel offers a perfect 10.0 Wi-Fi score and downtown walkability. Both anchor a solid lineup of Frankfort stays.
Frankfort’s hotel scene punches above its weight—think accessible bourbon trail access, clean rooms, and a staff that actually cares.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 7 properties across 1900+ total verified guest reviews, prioritizing an average 8.3/10 overall guest score to build this list of top spots to book.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best for Bourbon Trail: #1 Capital Plaza Hotel→ Rates
#7 The Delegate Hotel→ Rates - Best overall clean stay: #4 Hampton Inn Frankfort→ Rates
- Best for extended stays: #6 Home2 Suites By Hilton→ Rates
- Top staff & value: #5 Fairfield by Marriott Frankfort→ Rates
#2 Best Western Parkside Inn→ Rates - Best for pet owners: #6 Home2 Suites By Hilton→ Rates
#1 Capital Plaza Hotel→ Rates - Highest nightlife/bar access: #7 The Delegate Hotel→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Capital Plaza Hotel | (1000+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Best Western Parkside Inn | (250+ Reviews) |
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| 3. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Frankfort | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Hampton Inn Frankfort | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Fairfield by Marriott Frankfort | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 6. Home2 Suites By Hilton Frankfort | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 7. The Delegate Hotel | (50+ Reviews) |
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Detailed Reviews: Top Hotels in Frankfort, Kentucky
1. Capital Plaza Hotel
The Vibe
This is your no-fuss downtown option—a 3-star with an 8.6 location score that puts you within a mile of Buffalo Trace Distillery. Staff grab an 8.7, and the breakfast buffet earns points from frequent visitors. Expect city-center convenience, not frills.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are straightforward but functional, with free Wi-Fi clocking an 8.4. The on-site fitness center helps burn off bourbon tastings. Parking is genuinely easy—there’s an on-site garage across the street, and the hotel confirms large-vehicle spots. Pets are allowed for a flat $25 fee, which is rare in this price bracket. The included breakfast covers American and buffet-style options. Kids 18+ are charged as adults, so check age policies before booking for teens.
Choose this if: You want to walk to the Kentucky State Capitol and Buffalo Trace without moving your car.
2. Best Western Parkside Inn
The Vibe
Guests rave about the breakfast here—fruit toppings, waffle extras, a yogurt machine. Staff score a near-perfect 9.3, and the 9.1 location and Wi-Fi scores are top-tier for this price tier. It’s a reliable chain stay that feels a cut above.
What You Actually Get
Rooms hit 8.9 comfort, with air conditioning and an 8.7 cleanliness rating. The outdoor pool opens at 7:00 AM. The property accommodates truck and trailer parking—just confirm at check-in. First-floor rooms boast exterior entrances for easy loading. Fitness center and free parking are included. Note: pets are not allowed, and groups booking more than 9 rooms face different policies. The 24-hour front desk handles late arrivals without issue.
Choose this if: You value a genuinely good free breakfast and prefer a friendly staff over downtown proximity.
3. Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Frankfort by IHG
The Vibe
Clean, comfortable, and consistently reviewed—this 2-star property scores an 8.8 cleanliness rating and 9.0 staff. The indoor heated pool is a solid rainy-day amenity for families. Location hits 9.1 for easy highway access to Lexington and Louisville.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are smoke-free (100% non-smoking property) and feature private bathrooms. The well-rated very good breakfast is included. The indoor heated pool is available year-round—note the hotel doesn’t have in-room jacuzzi tubs. Free on-site parking and a fitness center round out the package. Groups booking more than 6 rooms face additional policies. Guests consistently call the check-in process easy and the staff kind. Kids 18+ are charged as adults, so bring that info when booking for older teens.
Choose this if: You need an indoor pool for the kids and easy highway access for day trips.
Check Tonight’s Price for Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Frankfort by IHG →
4. Hampton Inn Frankfort
The Vibe
This is the top-rated hotel in Frankfort overall. An 8.8 Excellent score across 150+ reviews doesn’t happen by accident. Staff, comfort, and location all clear 9.3. Guests return again when visiting college kids at KSU or passing through on business. It’s the safest bet on the list.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are spacious with beds that score 9.3 for comfort. Cleanliness hits 9.2—one of the highest in this guide. The wonderful breakfast is a consistent highlight in guest quotes. The property features an outdoor swimming pool—perfect for warmer months. Free on-site parking and an elevator make loading gear easy. Wi-Fi scores a decent 8.0. The 24-hour front desk handles late arrivals smoothly. Pets aren’t allowed, and groups of 9+ rooms face different policies. Kids 18+ are charged as adults.
Choose this if: You want the highest-rated, most consistent stay in town—perfect for first-time visitors.
5. Fairfield by Marriott Frankfort
The Vibe
Staff hit the highest mark in our list at 9.5, and Wi-Fi matches at 9.5. This is the hotel for digital nomads or anyone who needs to connect. Guests describe it as “very clean” with a “convenient location” between Lexington and Louisville.
What You Actually Get
Rooms achieve an 8.8 cleanliness score and 9.0 comfort. The indoor swimming pool is a key perk—confirmed by the property in guest Q&A. The wonderful breakfast includes eggs and sausage per guest reports. Free on-site parking is included. Fairfield offers a military discount for government and active-duty travelers—ask when booking. There is no age restriction for check-in, which is a plus for younger solo travelers. Check-in starts at a later 3:30 PM. Pets are not allowed. Kids 12+ are charged as adults.
Choose this if: You need reliable, fast Wi-Fi for work and a staff that goes above and beyond.
6. Home2 Suites By Hilton Frankfort
The Vibe
Suites come with a kitchen area, big fridge, and induction burners—guests call it “great for drinks, snacks and leftover food.” Location hits 9.4, the second-best in our list. This is the pick for long stays or anyone bringing their dog.
What You Actually Get
Rooms feature microwaves and, subject to availability, induction burners for actual cooking (no full oven). The kitchen includes a full-size fridge. An indoor heated pool is open. The good breakfast is included. This is one of only two pet-friendly hotels on the list—charges may apply. The indoor pool was previously closed due to COVID but is now operational per recent guest Q&A. Kids 18+ are charged as adults. Private free parking is available on-site. Groups of 9+ rooms face different policies.
Choose this if: You’re staying a week or more, traveling with a pet, or need to cook your own meals.
Check Tonight’s Price for Home2 Suites By Hilton Frankfort →
7. The Delegate Hotel
The Vibe
This 4-star boutique property on Broadway brings a downtown bar scene, perfect 10.0 Wi-Fi, and a 9.3 cleanliness rating. Guests rave about the noise machine for sleep and the attached restaurant bar (Cypress, Oak, Limewater, Brown Barrel, Serafini, Doc Crows—take your pick). It’s walkable to Buffalo Trace and other distillery attractions.
What You Actually Get
Rooms achieve 9.0 comfort and 9.3 cleanliness. The 9.2 staff score matches the Hilton properties. The restaurant bar next door is a standout—guests call it “awesome.” Wi-Fi is literally perfect at 10.0. Private parking is available for a fee. The hotel does not accommodate bachelorette or bachelor parties, so keep that in mind for group celebrations. Pets are allowed with charges. Check-in runs until midnight, giving flexibility for late flights. Kids of all ages are welcome. Nearby attractions include Buffalo Trace Distillery, Castle & Key Distillery, and the Kentucky Historical Museum.
Choose this if: You want boutique character, downtown walkability to distilleries, and a vibrant bar scene downstairs.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#4 Hampton Inn Frankfort
Top-rated 8.8 with 9.3 staff, comfort, and location scores—the safest, most consistent stay in Frankfort.
💰 Best Value
#2 Best Western Parkside Inn
An 8.5 rating with 9.1 location and Wi-Fi, plus a breakfast that guests rank higher than most pricier hotels.
🍸 Best Boutique Vibe
#7 The Delegate Hotel
4-star downtown boutique with perfect Wi-Fi, a lively bar, and distillery walkability—unmatched personality in Frankfort.
How We Ranked These Frankfort Hotels
We evaluated 7 properties against 1900+ verified guest reviews, filtering for properties that consistently deliver a strong experience. Every hotel on this list meets an 8.3/10 average guest score or higher.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 7.3+ overall and 50+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, staff, and location—the categories that matter most for Kentucky capitol stays
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities against guest review patterns and Q&A responses
- Location signals: Proximity to Buffalo Trace Distillery, Kentucky State Capitol, and I-64 corridor access
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these Frankfort hotels?
Only three hotels on this list accept pets: Capital Plaza Hotel (flat $25 fee), Home2 Suites By Hilton (charges may apply), and The Delegate Hotel (charges may apply). The other four properties—Best Western Parkside Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn Frankfort, and Fairfield by Marriott—do not allow pets. Always confirm pet fees directly with the property before booking, as some charge per night rather than per stay.
Which hotels offer free cancellation?
Cancellation policies vary by room type and rate plan across all seven hotels. The data notes that cancellation and prepayment policies differ by accommodation option within each property. Your best bet is to select a “free cancellation” rate filter during booking. Hampton Inn, Fairfield by Marriott, and Holiday Inn Express tend to offer flexible rates, but always check the specific terms before confirming.
Can I check in late at any of these properties?
Yes. Most properties have a 24-hour front desk. Capital Plaza, Best Western Parkside Inn, Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Home2 Suites all accept late arrivals around the clock. The Delegate Hotel specifically allows check-in until midnight. Only Fairfield by Marriott has a slightly later check-in start at 3:30 PM but also accommodates late arrivals. For arrivals after 12:00 AM, call the property ahead to confirm someone is at the desk.
What’s the best time to visit Frankfort, Kentucky?
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather for distillery tours and outdoor exploring. Bourbon season runs year-round, but the Kentucky Bourbon Festival in September (in nearby Bardstown) drives heavy hotel demand. Book at least two weeks ahead for fall weekends. Summer sees families visiting KSU students, while winter offers lower rates at most properties.
How far are these hotels from Buffalo Trace Distillery?
Capital Plaza Hotel is closest at 1.2 miles from Buffalo Trace Distillery. The Delegate Hotel on Broadway is also walkable to Buffalo Trace and Castle & Key. Best Western Parkside Inn and the other I-64 properties (Hampton Inn, Fairfield, Holiday Inn Express, Home2 Suites) are roughly a 5-10 minute drive away. All properties are within a 15-minute drive of the major distilleries in the Frankfort area.
Do any Frankfort hotels have indoor pools open year-round?
Yes. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Frankfort has an indoor heated pool confirmed by the property. Fairfield by Marriott Frankfort also offers an indoor swimming pool. Home2 Suites By Hilton has an indoor heated pool that reopened after a COVID closure. Best Western Parkside Inn and Hampton Inn Frankfort have outdoor pools that operate seasonally (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day). Capital Plaza and The Delegate do not list pool amenities.