The Seelbach Hilton
The Seelbach Hilton
Where Louisville’s History Comes Alive
Since opening its doors in 1905, The Seelbach Hilton Louisville has been more than a hotel – it’s a living landmark, where gilded-age glamour collides with the vibrant energy of modern Louisville. Step through our historic doors and enter a world shaped by over a century of legends, luxury, and unforgettable moments.
Immortalized as the inspiration for the lavish wedding scene in The Great Gatsby, The Seelbach has welcomed visionaries, artists, dignitaries – and nine U.S. presidents – each leaving a piece of their story behind. The walls themselves whisper echoes of the city’s past. Explore the Rathskeller, a breathtaking masterpiece of over 40,000 Rookwood Pottery tiles, with vaulted arches and intricate craftsmanship unlike anything else in the region. Then, uncover the mystique of the Oakroom, a Prohibition-era hotspot once frequented by Al Capone, whose secret tunnels still stir curiosity today.
Step outside, and Louisville’s heartbeat surrounds you. Just moments from our doors, Fourth Street Live! pulses with dining, music, nightlife, and entertainment. Discover the city’s renowned urban bourbon distilleries, where Kentucky’s finest spirits are crafted and celebrated on the Urban Bourbon Trail. For a thrill, Derby City Gaming Downtown offers racing, gaming, and lively entertainment steeped in Louisville’s equestrian legacy. Iconic landmarks like Churchill Downs, the KFC Yum! Center, the Kentucky International Convention Center, and the Louisville Palace are all within easy reach, placing the city’s best experiences right at your doorstep.
At The Seelbach, historic charm meets modern convenience. Enjoy high-speed WiFi, Digital Check-In, and the ease of valet or self-parking, ensuring your stay is seamless as it is unforgettable.
More than a hotel, The Seelbach is a living chapter of Louisville’s story. Come write your own history with us.
Seelbach Hilton Louisville
500 S. 4th St.
Louisville, Kentucky
- Complimentary Airport Transportation
- Located 7 Miles from Louisville International Airport
- Located in the Heart of Downtown Louisville, KY
- 32,000 sq. ft. of Meeting Space
- Named 'Best Hotel in Kentucky' by Business Insider, 'Best Bar' by Thrillist
- The Rathskeller, the Only Surviving Rookwood-Pottery Room in the World
- 24-hour Business Center in Lobby
- 100mb Internet, Digital Check-in and Digital Key
- Antique Reproductions in Deluxe Guest Rooms
- Renaissance and 18th Century Styles in Suites
Good to know
A Place to Recharge
Our guest rooms and suites blend historic elegance with modern comfort. The charm of our rich history is reflected in the decor, from antique reproductions in our deluxe guest rooms to Renaissance and 18th-century-inspired designs in our suites. Every detail is thoughtfully curated for a restful and memorable stay, with amenities like high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, and a variety of in-room movies and games to keep you entertained.
Services Just for You
Whether you’re checking emails in our 24-hour Lobby Business Center, staying active in our fitness center, or unwinding with a relaxing massage arranged by our Concierge, we’re here to take care of every detail. We also offer Room Service, a gift shop, and a range of accessible amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
The Rathskeller
Step into the Rathskeller, the only surviving Rookwood-Pottery room in the world, and experience its stunning medieval architecture inspired by the Rhenish region of Germany, the birthplace of The Seelbach’s founders. Once a bar, this iconic space is rumored to be where F. Scott Fitzgerald began writing The Great Gatsby. Today, it serves as an ideal venue for private events, accommodating up to 300 guests in its unique and historical setting.
Weddings & Events
The Seelbach Hotel is a premier destination for unforgettable weddings, elegant celebrations, and important business events. Whether you’re planning an intimate wedding or a grand affair, our classic Grand Ballroom provides the perfect setting for your special day. For a more unique experience, host your event in the legendary Oakroom, where the space adapts perfectly for formal dinners or cocktail hours with hors d’oeuvres. With its historic charm and captivating stories, the Oakroom is a truly memorable venue.
We also specialize in hosting wedding rehearsal dinners, family reunions, business meetings, and conferences. Our versatile meeting spaces, including modern conference rooms, ensure your business events are professional and productive. No matter the occasion, The Seelbach’s experienced team will help you bring your vision to life with personalized service, exquisite catering, and attention to every detail.
Meet Our People
Samantha Dunn
Sales Manager
Jordan Long
Outlet Manager
Taylor Torsky
Senior Catering Manager
Trey Moreau
Assistant Director of Sales
Wayne Money
Maintenance Manager
Jesse McAlarney
Executive Chef
Natasha Elliott
HR Manager
Ceedy Macktar
Banquet Manager
Mark Wood
Food & Beverage Manager
Jerry Lee Wallace
Director of Engineering
Rochelle Johnson
Executive Housekeeper
Juan Carlos Gil Nazario
Assistant General Manager
Christiane Tripp
Director of Revenue Mgmt/Accounting
Heather Roney
Senior Sales Manager
Jeremy Miller
Convention Service Manager
Jim Meyer
Director of Sales & Marketing
Latonya Barlow
Revenue/Sales Manager
Jeff Thompson
General Manager
Ceedy came to the United States in 2000 and learned about Southern Hospitality while working as a Banquet Server. In 2003, he moved to Louisville to be with his brother who attended school here. From 2003 to 2014 he worked at several Louisville hotels before joining the team at the Seelbach in 2015. He joined the Seelbach Hilton as a Banquet Captain. In 2016 he was promoted to the position of Assistant Banquet Manager. “I have the Spirit to Serve our Guests,” he likes to say. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis, partying, traveling and meeting people.
Mark has been the Banquet Manager at the Seelbach for nearly 12 years and could not be happier. He has been in the hospitality industry for over 35 years and has been blessed to live in 14 different states! He must love it here because he has settled in and called the Louisville area home for over 20 years. He loves to spend time with family; he has an understanding, wonderful wife, 2 sons, a stepson, and a stepdaughter. When not working on his honey-do-list he enjoys watching SEC sports, playing with his 2 little dogs, cooking, and watching movies.
Lee has proudly served The Seelbach Hilton for well over two decades. He believes in staying positive and maintaining a can-do attitude. He enjoys the idea of helping others meet their goals as well as meeting his own. His skill set entails Facility/ Project management, Loss prevention and overall day to day operations.
Rochelle is a Louisville native and has been employed at the Seelbach Hilton for 28 years, working in several different positions in the housekeeping department. She loves watching sports- The University of Louisville Cardinals and the Cincinnati Bengals being her favorite teams. She and her husband have been married for over 20 years. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and shopping.
Born and raised in San Juan PR, Carlos graduated from the University of Puerto Rico with Honors. He began his hospitality career at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan Puerto Rico in 1978. In 1989 he moved to the States and worked in many hotels across the country: Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe, The Claremont Resort and Spa Berkley CA, University Place Hotel in Indianapolis, just to name a few. Carlos began his career with the Seelbach Hilton in 2004 where he has been for the past 10 years; he is currently the Director of Rooms. Besides the Seelbach Hilton, Carlos has a passion for the arts, photography, and antiques.
While attending UK, Christiane began her career in hospitality working part-time in Banquets over 30 years ago. A passion for Hospitality started in Food & Beverage (Banquets, Room Service, Casual Dining and Stewarding) at the Radisson Plaza Lexington, then with Ritz Carlton in Atlanta, GA; St. Louis, MO; and Amelia Island, FL. In 1994, she moved back to Louisville, KY and made the Seelbach Hilton home and has been in Revenue Management since 1998. She enjoys cooking, caring for her family and is looking forward to her daughter Sydney’s wedding in mid-2018.
Heather grew up in New Albany, IN. She graduated from Providence High School and Indiana University. After College, Heather accepted an internship at Crested Butte Mountain Resort in Crested Butte, CO. From there she moved to Far Hills, NJ and worked for the United States Golf Association as a Championship Assistant. After 5 years in New Jersey, Heather relocated to Florida and became the Membership Sales Coordinator at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton. While living in Florida, Heather met her Husband, Chef Patrick Roney. 2007 they teamed up to run the Interior Operations on a private Charter Yacht. They cruised throughout the Mediterranean, Caribbean and New England. Together they provided the most luxurious vacation experience and the highest level of service to their Guests. In 2012, they moved to Louisville and Heather accepted the position as Catering Sales Manager at the Seelbach Hilton. When Heather is not working, she enjoys spending time with her Husband, Daughter, Dog and occasionally playing a round of golf.
Jeremy was born and raised here in Louisville, Ky. He attended both the University of Louisville and Sullivan University. He has been with the Seelbach Hilton since March of 2009 spending the first 3 years in the banquet department before transitioning to his current position as Convention Services Manager. In his free time, he enjoys playing golf and is an avid Tennessee Titans fan and a bourbon enthusiast.
Jim started his hotel career in high school as a lifeguard at the Executive Inn Hotel while attending St X. He received his degree at Bellarmine in Hospital Administration but the love of the hotel business took his path in a different direction. While at Bellarmine, he worked at The Seelbach and later transferred to a Hilton in Midland, TX. Later, he worked for The Brown before moving to Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa. Upon returning home to Louisville in the late 90s, his passion for The Seelbach lead him to the position of Sales Manager and soon after Director of Sales and Marketing of Louisville’s Grand Hotel. In his free time, Jim enjoys golf and traveling anywhere warm with his wife, Amy, and children, Lauren and John.
Latonya has been service Musselman Hotels in different areas for the past 20 years and has a diverse background in sales, operations, and revenue management ranging from select to full-service hotels. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her kids, and loves the University of Louisville basketball team!
Jeff Thompson has been a part of the hotel industry for over 20+ years. He started his hotel career as a bellman/van driver with Holiday Inn/Davidson Hotel Company after graduating college. Jeff worked for Davidson Hotels Company for 5 ½ years and held several key management positions including Food & Beverage Director and Director of Sales. Jeff also spent 1 year as a Senior Sales & Catering Manager with Holiday Inn East/Ridgewood Hotel Company.
Jeff joined Musselman Hotels in 2001 and is currently the Vice President of Operations as of June 2017. Jeff was previously the General Manager of the award-winning 252 room Marriott Louisville East for 7 years, the hotel opened in 2012. The Marriott hotel won the prestigious 2015 Marriott Hotel and Resorts Hotel of the Year /West Region. The Marriott was a 4 Diamond Award-winning hotel from 2012 – 2017 under his leadership and was ranked #1 in GSS out of 364 Marriott Hotels & Resorts in North America for 2014 and 2015. During his tenure at Musselman, Jeff was the Corporate Director of Operations for Musselman Hotels for 4 ½ years as well. Jeff managed 14 hotels, 1 country club and helped open 4 hotels. Jeff had 3 hotels win Hotel of the Year in their respected brand during his time as the Director of Operations. Jeff was also a General Manager at Courtyard by Marriott – Lexington, Courtyard by Marriott – Louisville Downtown and Hilton Garden Inn – Louisville with Musselman Hotels.
Jeff is a native of Louisville, KY and has been happily married to his wife, Erin, after meeting her in the hotel industry. He is a very proud father of three girls; Ashlyn, Kylee, and Emma. He is an avid sports fan, especially basketball after winning back to back Kentucky State Basketball titles and playing basketball in college. Jeff’s enjoys golf, helping coach his daughters in sports and being a huge fan of University of Louisville athletics.
Recognizing Excellence
The hospitality was excellent and they made sure that we were very well taken care of! The bed was comfortable and everything was clean. Kevin was extremely helpful and checked on us throughout our stay! The hotel is beautiful and full of history.
Loved our weekend stay! The check in was lovely and we were greeted by every employee! The tour and the history of the hotel was very well done. Valets and breakfast staff were most accommodating. We will be back!
If you are shopping different hotels in downtown Louisville based on reviews, you can stop here. The service is of the highest quality with kind, passionate employees. Great location- walking distance to most of the downtown spots on your checklist. This is the first hotel I have ever stayed at that didn’t have the hotel “reek”. It is impeccably clean and comfortable. I didn’t even get to the best part! This historic hotel itself is absolutely stunning with plentiful attractions throughout to take a step back in time. 10/10 recommend.
Best hotel bar I've ever seen the hotel itself is quaint and nostalgia. The staff enjoyed talking about bourbon and Louisville with Claire pride. My first time actually walking around downtown Louisville and it is beautiful.
The Seelbach is one of our favorite stops when driving through Louisville. Clean, friendly, and comfortable. Cool bar and good food. On this trip, Miqdad and the other valets took very good care of us. Yes, we’ll be back.