Kentucky Derby rentals
Derby week, the Louisville way
Looking for Kentucky Derby rentals? The Kentucky Derby runs the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, and Louisville hotels fill up fast. A whole home gives your group room to spread out, cook together, and relax between Oaks Day and Derby Day. Bourbon City Rentals has two Louisville homes that work well for Derby groups, and booking direct means no platform fees.
Kentucky Derby Rentals: Our Louisville Homes for Derby Weekend
The Bonnycastle: 6-Bedroom Historic Highlands Home, 10 Minutes to Churchill Downs
A historic 6-bedroom home in the Louisville Highlands with a New Orleans speakeasy feel. Churchill Downs and downtown are about 10 minutes away, and Bardstown Road restaurants and nightlife are close by. Your group gets a hot tub, a fire pit, and two kitchens.
Modern Parkside Retreat: 5 Bedrooms, Heated Pool, Gym, and Sauna
A modern 5-bedroom, 4-bath home overlooking The Parklands. Churchill Downs is about 20 minutes away, and so are downtown and the airport. After a long day at the track, your group can unwind in the seasonal heated pool, the 4-person sauna, or on the 60-foot deck. There is also a Tesla EV charger.
“We stayed here for the 2026 Kentucky Derby and had an amazing time! The house was perfect for our group and had everything we could have asked for.”
Verified guest, Kentucky Derby 2026
Why a Vacation Home for the Derby?
- Everyone stays under one roof instead of spread across hotel rooms
- Full kitchens for Derby brunch and late-night snacks
- Private outdoor space to gather before and after the races
- Booking direct with the owners means no Airbnb or VRBO service fees
Tips for Derby Weekend in Louisville
- Book early. Derby weekend is the busiest weekend of the year in Louisville.
- Plan your ride. Traffic and parking around Churchill Downs are heavy on race days, so a rideshare or shuttle is usually easier than driving.
- Make it a long weekend. Oaks Day is the Friday before the Derby, and many groups add a day on the Bourbon Trail.
- Eat and drink like a local. Our Louisville travel guide has the bourbon bars and restaurants we send our own guests to. Reserve early on Derby weekend.
Planning Your Kentucky Derby Weekend
Derby week is more than one race. Oaks Day falls on the Friday before the Derby, the Kentucky Derby Festival fills the weeks before with events, and many groups add a day on the Bourbon Trail. A whole home makes it easy to host a pre-race brunch, cook together, and come back to a hot tub after a long day at the track.
Book early. Kentucky Derby rentals near Churchill Downs are some of the first homes in Louisville to fill each year. Check your dates on The Bonnycastle and Modern Parkside Retreat, or contact us and we will help you plan your Derby weekend.
Kentucky Derby Group House Rentals
Need more room than a typical 4-bedroom Derby rental? Our Louisville homes are built for groups. The Bonnycastle has 6 bedrooms and sleeps 15, and Modern Parkside Retreat has 5 bedrooms, 4 full baths and sleeps 12. Book both and up to 27 people can stay together for Derby weekend.
The Bonnycastle has an 8-person hot tub, a backyard fire pit and off-street parking for 6 cars. Modern Parkside Retreat has a gym, a sauna and parking for 6 cars, and its pool usually opens in early April, so it is ready for Derby weekend, with heat available on request. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is only a few miles from both homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for an Airbnb near Churchill Downs?
Our homes are whole-house rentals, just like an Airbnb near Churchill Downs, but you book direct with us and skip the Airbnb and Vrbo service fees. The Bonnycastle is about 10 minutes from the track and Parkside Retreat is about 20 minutes. See all our Louisville vacation rentals for large groups.
How far are your homes from Churchill Downs?
The Bonnycastle is about 10 minutes from Churchill Downs. Modern Parkside Retreat is about 20 minutes away.
Can a large group stay together for the Derby?
Yes. The Bonnycastle 6BR is our largest Louisville home. For more space, groups can pair it with Modern Parkside Retreat.
Where should we stay for the Kentucky Derby?
Stay close to Churchill Downs and plan a rideshare on race day. The Bonnycastle in the Highlands is about 10 minutes from the track and close to the Bardstown Road restaurants and bars. Modern Parkside Retreat overlooks The Parklands and is about 20 minutes from Churchill Downs.
Is there a minimum stay for Derby weekend?
Derby weekend often has a minimum stay. Check the calendar on each home’s page or contact us for current availability and rates.
Ready to book?
Book direct with Bourbon City Rentals and skip the Airbnb and VRBO service fees.