21c Museum Hotel Lexington
A chic boutique hotel and contemporary art museum in a historic former bank, offering a unique cultural stay.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more art time
21c Museum Hotel Lexington
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more art time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A chic boutique hotel and contemporary art museum in a historic former bank, offering a unique cultural stay.
"This isn’t just a hotel, it’s an experience, completely immersed in art."
📸 Capture the Art
Don't miss the chance to photograph the unique art installations throughout the hotel.
🍽️ Dine at Lockbox
Enjoy delicious meals at the onsite Lockbox restaurant, known for its creative dishes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Garden Installation
Main exhibition space
Immerse yourself in Portia Munson's vibrant 'The Garden' installation, a colorful and thought-provoking art piece.
SOFTlab Light Sculpture
Hotel Entrance
Marvel at the captivating light sculpture by SOFTlab, a dazzling piece that illuminates the hotel's entrance.
Totally in Love Street Lamps
Exterior
Discover Pieke Bergmans' whimsical 'Totally in Love' street lamps, twisting familiar objects into playful forms.
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The Secret Vault
Basement level
Explore the intriguing secret vault, a hidden gem within the hotel's historic bank structure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Art Immersion & Hotel Stay
Historic Charm Meets Modern Comfort
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Art
Don't miss the chance to photograph the unique art installations throughout the hotel.
🍽️ Dine at Lockbox
Enjoy delicious meals at the onsite Lockbox restaurant, known for its creative dishes.
🚶♀️ Walkable Location
The hotel is centrally located, perfect for exploring downtown Lexington on foot.
💡 Check Minibar Details
Clarify what's included with the minibar to avoid unexpected charges.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Art
Don't miss the chance to photograph the unique art installations throughout the hotel.
🍽️ Dine at Lockbox
Enjoy delicious meals at the onsite Lockbox restaurant, known for its creative dishes.
🚶♀️ Walkable Location
The hotel is centrally located, perfect for exploring downtown Lexington on foot.
💡 Check Minibar Details
Clarify what's included with the minibar to avoid unexpected charges.
🚿 Room Check
Upon arrival, quickly check for any minor room issues like outlets or towel condition.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Guests praise the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington for its unique blend of contemporary art and boutique hotel experience within a historic building. The stylish rooms, central location, and engaging art installations are frequently highlighted as major positives. However, some visitors have noted minor issues with room cleanliness, inconsistent service regarding billing, and earlier bar hours than anticipated, leading to mixed feelings on value for money for some.
"A group of friends booked here to celebrate a birthday weekend. We ate dinner here twice and very much enjoyed the food (pork belly & Cheeseburger). I wish the bar had later hours. It was a holiday weekend and last call was 9:30 one night and not terribly later another. Our room was a little dirty feeling and the outlet by the bed didn't work--which is pretty annoying. However, the shower made up for it. The water pressure was great and the water temp was hot. I am not sure I would stay again--it was nice but probably not worth what we paid."
Josh Gruenke
"I was in town for a conference and found 21C to be a better price than the Hilton or Hyatt. The room was nicely appointed and the decore of the hotel is fun and inviting. My only concern was the parking out front is small and used by the valet, making check-in/check-out a bit more difficult. Also, the desk clerk said that some items above the minibar were free, but I wasn’t sure what was included, so I avoided it entirely.
Overall this was a good stay and I would stay here again for sure as it was more modern and relaxing than other places I have been in Lexington."
Joseph Bailey
"The website portrayed a luxury hotel. Upon checking in, the sleeping rooms were average. The room was clean, but attention to detail was not met. The bathing towels looked like they had been chewed up by a dog, and the shampoo / conditioner bottles were on the other side of the tub that was inside of the shower area, making it difficult to reach and almost causing a fall.
The biggest issue came from the front desk. I was using suite upgrades and points to pay for my entire stay. The front desk had no knowledge of how to handle this request. They held over $1500 on my credit card for my 3 night stay, and presented a bill of over $1200 upon check-out. I spoke with 3 different people at the hotel, none of whom could confirm how many points I have, how many pointed could be utilized, and if there would be any balance remaining at the end of the stay. Additionally I spoke with the Accor customer care center, and they said the hotel should be taking care of everything with the points. So here I am, 2 days post-check-out, still unsure how much my stay will actually cost me.
I have never experienced this uncertainty with any other hotel brand when using points, and just based on this alone, I will not be returning to this hotel."
Kim Quatrone
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The 21c Museum Hotel Lexington is located at 167 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507. It's easily accessible by car and is a central point for exploring downtown Lexington. If arriving by air, Blue Grass Airport (LEX) is about a 15-minute drive away.
Yes, there is parking available. The front parking area is small and often used by valet, which can make check-in/check-out a bit more involved. Valet parking is available.
The 21c Museum Hotel Lexington is ideally situated for exploring downtown Lexington on foot. Many restaurants, shops, and attractions are within walking distance.
While specific public transport routes can vary, the hotel's central downtown location means it's likely accessible via local bus routes. It's always best to check local Lexington transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, due to its prime downtown location, taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and can be easily hailed or booked.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the museum exhibitions at the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington are free and open to the public. You can explore the art without needing to book a ticket.
The museum is generally open 24/7 as it's integrated into the hotel. However, specific exhibition viewing hours might apply, so it's best to check their official website or inquire at the front desk for any specific gallery times.
Yes, you can book rooms directly through the 21c Museum Hotels website or through various online travel agencies. Booking in advance is recommended.
There is no admission fee to enter the hotel lobby and public areas to view the art. However, to stay overnight, you will need to book a room.
The 21c Museum Hotel Lexington features rotating contemporary art exhibitions. It's advisable to check their official website for the latest exhibition schedules and any special events.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The hotel showcases a diverse range of contemporary art, including installations, sculptures, and mixed-media pieces from various artists. Highlights include 'The Garden' by Portia Munson and the SOFTlab light sculpture.
Rooms are described as contemporary, chic, and thoughtfully designed, often featuring a blend of timeless elegance and comfort. Some rooms offer unique views and spacious bathrooms.
Yes, the hotel features Lockbox, a restaurant offering creative dishes and a unique dining experience. They also have a bar.
Amenities typically include comfortable beds, spacious bathrooms with good water pressure, and stylish decor. Some rooms may have unique features like corner views.
Yes, the hotel has well-lit venue spaces suitable for various events, including weddings. Its central location and unique art aspect make it a distinctive choice.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant at the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington is called Lockbox.
Lockbox offers creative and delicious dishes, with guests particularly enjoying options like pork belly and cheeseburgers.
Some guests have noted that the bar hours can be earlier than expected, with last call sometimes around 9:30 PM, especially on holiday weekends. It's advisable to confirm current hours.
While not explicitly detailed in all sources, hotels of this caliber typically offer breakfast, either à la carte at Lockbox or through room service. Inquire directly with the hotel for current breakfast offerings.
Yes, the hotel's central downtown location means there are numerous walkable restaurants and shops nearby, offering a variety of dining experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire hotel is a photographer's dream! Key spots include the 'The Garden' installation, the SOFTlab light sculpture, the 'Totally in Love' street lamps outside, and the unique art pieces found in every hallway.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged for personal use to capture the art. However, always be mindful of other guests and any specific signage regarding photography restrictions for certain pieces.
While personal photography is usually allowed, professional shoots or commercial photography might require prior permission. It's always a good idea to check with the hotel staff if you plan extensive photo sessions.
The combination of historic architecture, striking contemporary art, unique lighting, and stylish interior design creates a visually rich environment perfect for photography.
Absolutely! The 'Totally in Love' street lamps by Pieke Bergmans are a prominent and playful outdoor art installation that makes for great photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hotel is stylish, it's advisable to keep a close eye on children around the art pieces to ensure they are respected. The spacious rooms can accommodate families, and the unique environment offers a memorable stay beyond a typical hotel. Consider checking for any specific family packages or amenities the hotel might offer.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Take your time to appreciate the installations like 'The Garden' and the SOFTlab sculpture. The hotel's unique concept of integrating art into every aspect of the guest experience provides a deeply immersive cultural encounter. Don't forget to check out the exterior art installations as well!
+1🥂 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1Enjoy a leisurely evening with dinner at Lockbox, followed by a stroll through the art-filled corridors. The comfortable and well-appointed rooms provide a luxurious retreat after a day of exploring the city. The hotel's distinctive ambiance sets it apart for a special occasion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art Experience at 21c
+1Visitors often rave about specific pieces like Portia Munson's vibrant 'The Garden' and the dynamic light sculpture by SOFTlab. The hotel's commitment to contemporary art provides a unique cultural immersion that sets it apart from traditional hotels. It's a space where guests can engage with art in an accessible and unexpected way, making the entire stay an artistic journey.
+1Beyond the permanent and rotating exhibitions, the hotel also hosts art-related events and programming. This dedication to the arts makes the 21c Museum Hotel Lexington a significant cultural hub in the city, attracting both hotel guests and local art enthusiasts.
Historic Architecture Meets Modern Design
+1Inside, the design thoughtfully balances the building's historic elements with sleek, modern furnishings and finishes. This juxtaposition creates a chic and inviting atmosphere. The spacious rooms are designed with comfort and style in mind, often featuring unique decor and amenities that reflect the hotel's artistic ethos.
+1This blend of old and new is a hallmark of the 21c brand. The preservation of the building's character, combined with cutting-edge art and design, offers guests a truly distinctive stay. It’s a place where history is not just remembered but actively integrated into a vibrant, contemporary experience.
Dining at Lockbox
+1Guests have praised specific menu items, highlighting the quality and flavor of dishes like pork belly and gourmet cheeseburgers. The restaurant also features a bar, which, while appreciated, has been noted by some for having earlier last calls than expected, particularly on busy weekends. It's worth confirming the bar hours if you plan for a late-night drink.
Lockbox is more than just a place to eat; it's an integral part of the 21c experience, offering a sophisticated yet approachable dining option that aligns with the hotel's overall commitment to quality and style.
Social
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