This is Your Insider’s Guide to Downtown Louisville’s Central Business District

You arrive at your destination. A12 Hotel 410 S. First Street, Louisville, Kentucky

Super Stays at A12 transforms a 1970s office building into Louisville’s most distinctive residential-style boutique hotel. Before A12 existed, Super Stays guests often told us, “We had no idea so much was within walking distance.” So, we built A12 to deliver on that same experience.

In this complete neighborhood guide, I’ll show you exactly how to experience the best of downtown Louisville’s Central Business District without ever needing to call an Uber. From bourbon distillery tours on historic Whiskey Row to sunset walks across the Big Four Bridge, everything you need for an unforgettable group getaway is steps from your front door at A12.

Louisville has been recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the best bourbon destinations in America, and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center, the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, is just a short walk from A12. When you book a boutique hotel in downtown Louisville’s Central Business District with walkable bourbon distilleries, you’re positioning your group at the epicenter of bourbon culture.

As a Louisville natives we’ve spent years walking these streets. What started as an adaptive reuse project project became a mission: create accommodations for large groups that truly captures what makes downtown Louisville and its History special. A12 isn’t just a place to sleep. A12 is your home base for experiencing the neighborhood. With 34 bedrooms sleeping 100+ guests, a private speakeasy, game room with chef’s kitchen, free parking, and a shipping container bar in our outdoor space, we designed every detail to make group gatherings effortless.

Why A12’s Location in Louisville’s Central Business District is Perfect for Groups

A12 sits at 410 S First Street in Louisville’s Central Business District. The historic heart of the city. This location puts your group within walking distance of Whiskey Row, Museum Row, Fourth Street Live, Waterfront Park, and dozens of locally-owned restaurants and bars. For groups seeking large party accommodations in walkable downtown Louisville, this is THE SPOT.

Unlike suburban vacation rentals that require everyone to pile into cars, A12’s Central Business District location means your group can spread out, explore independently, and reconvene for meals and celebrations at the property. Whether you’re planning a bachelor or bachelorette party with bourbon distillery tours, a family reunion with multi-generational activities, or a corporate retreat that blends work and team bonding, the neighborhood delivers options for every type of group.

Whiskey Row: 5-Minute Walk to World-Class Bourbon Experiences

Whiskey Row on Main Street is Louisville’s historic bourbon corridor. It’s literally three blocks away from A12. Whiskey Row features some of the most immersive bourbon distillery experiences in America, making A12 the ideal group lodging near Louisville Whiskey Row distilleries.

Must-Visit Distillery Experiences Within Walking Distance

 

Evan Williams Bourbon Experience: The first distillery to open on Whiskey Row, Evan Williams transports visitors back to the 1780s with multimedia exhibits exploring bourbon-making traditions. Their guided tour includes tastings and is perfect for groups wanting both education and excellent bourbon.

 

Old Forester Distilling Co.: Located at 119 W Main Street, Old Forester returned to its original pre-Prohibition location in 2018. The facility features an on-site cooperage where you can witness every step of barrel-making from stave selection to charring. Their Nothing Better in the Market Tour includes premium pours of Birthday Bourbon.

 

Michter’s Fort Nelson Distillery: Just across from the Louisville Slugger Museum, Michter’s occupies one of downtown Louisville’s best-preserved historic buildings. The Legacy Tour lets you fill your own bottle of barrel-strength bourbon straight from the barrel—an unforgettable experience for bourbon enthusiasts in your group.

 

Kentucky Peerless Distilling Co.: A true grain-to-glass operation where everything from mashing to bottling happens on-site. Located at the western end of Whiskey Row, Peerless offers award-winning rye and bourbon tastings with genuine distillery expertise.

 

Angel’s Envy Distillery: Known for their port-finished bourbon, Angel’s Envy offers bottle-your-own experiences and cocktail classes at their Main Street location. Their innovative approach to finishing whiskey in secondary barrels has earned them a devoted following.

 

Bardstown Bourbon Company Tasting Room: This state-of-the-art facility opened on Whiskey Row with interactive tasting experiences and immersive digital environments. Perfect for groups interested in the art of bourbon blending.

 

Pro Tip: The Whiskey Row Walking Tour runs Thursday through Saturday and covers multiple distilleries with guided tastings and bourbon history. Book in advance during peak seasons.

Museum Row: World-Class Attractions Steps from Your Door

Museum Row on West Main Street sits adjacent to Whiskey Row, creating a walkable corridor of cultural attractions perfect for groups with varied interests. When you stay at A12 boutique hotel near Louisville Museum Row attractions, your entire group—from bourbon lovers to history buffs to families with kids—will find something extraordinary.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

You’ll spot the world’s largest baseball bat, a 120-foot steel replica of Babe Ruth’s Louisville Slugger, leaning against the building before you even arrive. This museum celebrates America’s pastime with historic game-used bats from legends like Babe Ruth, Derek Jeter, and Hank Aaron. The factory tour shows the craftsmanship behind every bat, and each guest leaves with a miniature souvenir bat. Perfect for groups traveling to Louisville for sports events or family reunions.

Muhammad Ali Center

This six-story museum honors Louisville’s most famous native son. The museum is not just about his boxing career but also his humanitarian legacy. Interactive exhibits include a training ring where you can shadowbox with Ali and a punching bag to practice your rhythm. The museum explores his stance on civil rights, his objection to the Vietnam War, and his global humanitarian efforts. A pedestrian bridge connects the Ali Center plaza to Louisville’s Waterfront Park.

Frazier History Museum & Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center

The official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is housed within the Frazier History Museum at 829 W Main Street. Pick up your Kentucky Bourbon Trail passport here before hitting the distilleries. The museum also features exhibits on Kentucky history, from Daniel Boone to Lewis and Clark to the Civil War.

Kentucky Science Center

Three floors of hands-on exhibits covering biology, physics, and computing make this a hit with families traveling with kids. Located on historic Main Street, it’s perfect for multi-generational groups looking to keep younger guests entertained while adults explore bourbon country.

Fourth Street Live: Louisville’s Premier Entertainment District

Fourth Street Live is top attraction in Louisville, drawing over 4.5 million visitors annually, and it’s a short walk from A12. This covered outdoor entertainment district spans 25,000 square feet with restaurants, bars, and live music venues that keep the energy going into the night.

For groups seeking downtown Louisville nightlife near group accommodations, Fourth Street Live delivers with venues like Howl at the Moon (a dueling piano bar), PBR Louisville (bull riding and country music), The Sports & Social Club (35+ HDTVs and bowling), and the Jim Beam Urban Stillhouse (build-your-own-bottle bourbon experiences). After your distillery tours, reconvene in A12’s private speakeasy, then head out for a late-night celebration.

Pro Tip: Fourth Street Live hosts major events like Hot Country Nights, Derby Concert Series, and Mardi Gras celebrations. Check their calendar when planning your group trip.

Waterfront Park & The Big Four Bridge: Sunset Views & Outdoor Activities

Louisville’s 85-acre Waterfront Park stretches along the Ohio River with walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and the iconic Big Four Bridge. The Big Four Bridge is a former railroad truss bridge converted into a pedestrian bridge that connects Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana. An estimated 1.5 million walkers and bikers cross the bridge annually, making it one of Louisville’s most beloved destinations.

For groups staying at A12, the Big Four Bridge offers the perfect sunset activity. The 0.5-mile walk features stunning views of the Louisville skyline and Ohio River, with LED lighting that makes evening strolls particularly magical. Historical markers along the bridge share its story, originally built in 1895 for freight and passenger trains, decommissioned in 1968, and reopened as a pedestrian bridge in 2013.

Pro Tip: Walk across to Jeffersonville for pizza at the Parlor, then catch the sunset on your way back. The bridge is well-lit at night, making it safe for evening strolls.

Downtown Louisville’s Culinary Scene: Farm-to-Table Dining Within Walking Distance

Louisville’s food scene has earned recognition from Bon Appétit, Southern Living, and countless culinary publications. The Central Business District delivers everything from James Beard-nominated restaurants to hole-in-the-wall Hot Brown spots.

Rooftop Dining & Elevated Experiences

8UP Elevated Drinkery & Kitchen: This rooftop bar offers stunning city views, fire pits, craft cocktails, and wood-fired pizzas. Three distinctive atmospheres—restaurant, swanky lounge, and rooftop event space—make it perfect for group celebrations.

Bourbon-Forward Dining

Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen, Doc Crow’s Southern Smokehouse & Raw Bar, and Porch Kitchen & Bar all deliver straightforward Southern cuisine paired with extensive bourbon selections. Perfect for groups looking to continue their bourbon education over dinner.

Quick Bites & Local Favorites

Wiltshire Pantry Bakery & Cafe for breakfast, Luigi’s or The Misfit Lou for pizza, and Art Eatables for bourbon-certified chocolates and truffles. Bristol Bar & Grille and Bluegrass Brewing Company are Louisville mainstays for classic American fare.

Why Groups Choose A12: Residential-Style Boutique Hotel Accommodations

A12 offers something you won’t find at traditional Louisville hotels: a residential-style boutique hotel that sleeps 100+ guests under one roof. Our 34 bedrooms mean your entire group stays together. Skip the coordinating across multiple hotel floors or vacation rentals scattered across the city. Your whole group in one place.

Private Speakeasy Game Room

Your group can gain exclusive access to our private speakeasy-style game room. This hotel amenity can be your group’s private hidden hangout for the duration of your stay. Perfect for rehearsal dinners, birthday celebrations, corporate team-building, or late-night gatherings after exploring downtown.

Chef’s Kitchen & Dining Table

Our chef’s kitchen accommodates groups who want arranged catering, private chef, or prepared meals. The dining table seats your group for family-style breakfasts before distillery tours or celebratory dinners after a very special wedding rehearsal.

Shipping Container Bar & Outdoor Space

Our outdoor space features a custom-fabricated shipping container bar, the kind of unexpected detail that becomes the backdrop for your group photos. Perfect for cocktail hours, casual gatherings, or bourbon tastings under the Louisville skyline.

Free Parking

Downtown Louisville parking charges can add up fast for large groups. A12 includes free parking for guests, a significant value for wedding parties, corporate retreats, and family reunions traveling with multiple vehicles.

Perfect For: Bachelor Parties, Bachelorette Weekends, Family Reunions & Corporate Retreats

Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties

Louisville’s bourbon scene and downtown nightlife make it a top bachelor and bachelorette party destination. Start with distillery tours, gather at A12’s speakeasy game room for pre-dinner drinks, then hit Fourth Street Live. The group stays together, the location is walkable, and no one needs to coordinate transportation.

Kentucky Derby Week

The Kentucky Derby brings visitors from around the world and demand for large group accommodations in Louisville spikes. A12’s 34 private rooms keep groups together in private accommodations rather than scattering them across hotels.

Family Reunions

Multi-generational groups appreciate having everyone under one roof. Kids can explore the Kentucky Science Center while adults tour distilleries. Everyone reunites at A12 for dinner in the chef’s kitchen or gathers in the outdoor space with the shipping container bar.

Corporate Retreats & Team Offsites

A12’s private spaces accommodate working sessions, team dinners, and bonding activities. The walkable downtown location means after-hours entertainment is steps away, while the residential-style setup keeps the team together for informal collaboration after hours.

Ready to Plan Your Group Trip to Downtown Louisville?

A12 at 410 S First Street puts your group at the center of Louisville’s Central Business District with walkable access to Whiskey Row distilleries, Museum Row attractions, Fourth Street Live entertainment, and Waterfront Park’s Big Four Bridge views.

With 34 bedrooms sleeping 100+ guests, a private speakeasy game room, chef’s kitchen, shipping container bar, and free parking, A12 delivers the boutique hotel experience designed specifically for large groups.

Book your group stay at A12 and experience downtown Louisville the way the locals do: on foot, surrounded by bourbon heritage, and together under one roof.

Contact Super Stays today to check availability for your dates and start planning an unforgettable Louisville experience for your group.