Louisville's Brown Hotel named a 'Top 10 Best Classic Hotel of the South'

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Southern Living recently named The Brown Hotel a "Top 10 Best Classic Hotel of the South in 2025."

That's according to a news release.

The iconic, century-old Brown Hotel has been a local landmark known for its historic beauty and charm, upscale elegance and world-famous Hot Brown, since it first opened its doors in 1923.

Legend has it James Graham Brown got upset with the service at The Seelbach Hotel and decided to build his own luxury hotel on property he owned at 4th and Broadway.

Ten months and $4 million later, the Prime Minister of England was the first guest.

The hotel’s most renowned claim to fame is its recognition as the creator of the world-famous Hot Brown sandwich, which will celebrate its centennial anniversary next year.

The Brown Hotel estimates millions of Hot Browns have been served to date, with more than 80,000 served annually and more than 500 consumed per day during the week of the Kentucky Derby alone, according to the release.

The Brown Hotel recently celebrated its centennial anniversary in the fall of 2023, and the Hot Brown will turn 100 in 2026.

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