Last week, I had the honour of stepping into a moment suspended in time as I visited the iconic Seelbach Hilton Hotel in downtown Louisville. The occasion—a dinner hosted by Kentucky Tourism to launch Travel South USA’s Global Week—was far more than an elegant evening. It was utterly mesmerizing. From the moment I walked through the grand entrance, it felt as though I had been transported straight into the pages of The Great Gatsby, the timeless American novel that will mark its 100th anniversary in April 2025. This wasn’t just a dinner—it was a living, breathing tribute to an era of elegance, mystery, and literary brilliance. The Seelbach Hotel boasts a rich and storied history, having welcomed an illustrious lineup of guests—from former U.S. Presidents to Academy Award-winning actors and legendary musicians.
While many associate The Great Gatsby with New York, its roots run surprisingly deep in Louisville. During World War I, a young F. Scott Fitzgerald was stationed at Camp Taylor, just outside the city. He often ventured into downtown Louisville, spending time at the Seelbach Hotel, where the lively atmosphere offered more than just leisure—it sparked his imagination. Stories suggest he crossed paths with figures from the city’s underworld, one of whom may have inspired the larger-than-life persona of Jay Gatsby.
Louisville plays a pivotal role in The Great Gatsby—far more than a passing mention. It’s portrayed as Daisy Buchanan’s hometown and the backdrop for her extravagant wedding to Tom Buchanan, which the novel describes as an event grander than anything the city had seen before. The historic Seelbach Hotel, which opened in 1905, is widely believed to be the real-life inspiration for the lavish venue featured in that scene.
Stepping Into Gatsby’s World
To honor the novel’s centenary, the Seelbach Hilton Hotel has launched its two-room Gatsby Suite, divided into two immersive spaces: one honoring Daisy Buchanan, and the other, of course, dedicated to Jay Gatsby.
Enter the Jay Gatsby Lounge, and you’re immersed in a palette of rich jewel hues, plush velvets, and opulent gold accents—an ode to extravagant new wealth. Overhead, a sparkling three-tier crystal chandelier captures the eye, while gold fabric elegantly sweeps across the ceiling. Nearby, a bedroom inspired by Daisy Buchanan embraces soft blush tones and refined gold touches, channeling the elegance of old-money charm. A queen bed stands between ornate peacock-shaped lamps and vintage pedestal side tables, with a rotary phone adorned with draped pearl strands. The space is completed by a pink glass vase and patterned wallpaper, exuding sophistication and grace.
Literary enthusiasts will appreciate the suite’s carefully placed nods to The Great Gatsby—from classic works by Fitzgerald and Hemingway on the shelves to touches of art deco throughout the décor. A glowing green light in the lounge subtly recalls one of the novel’s most iconic symbols of hope and ambition. Framed images of F. Scott Fitzgerald and historic Seelbach scenes connect the space to its real-life inspiration, while artwork alluding to East Egg and West Egg offers clever tributes to the story’s fictional settings.
Not surprisingly, demand for the suite has been high. But even if you can’t secure a booking, the Gatsby-themed experience extends well beyond the suite walls. At the Old Seelbach Bar, guests can order the classic Seelbach Cocktail—an effervescent blend of Kentucky bourbon, orange liqueur, and Champagne.
Gatsby for Everyone
Even if you don’t book the suite, there’s plenty of Gatsby-inspired charm to soak up. Visit the Old Seelbach Bar and enjoy the signature Seelbach Cocktail—a sparkling blend of Kentucky bourbon, orange liqueur, and Champagne.
Guests can also join complimentary weekly history tours of the Seelbach, hosted by historian Larry Johnson. These tours dive into the hotel’s colorful past, including a stop at the famed Rathskeller bar in the basement, where legend has it Fitzgerald once danced. The Grand Ballroom, believed to be the setting for Tom and Daisy’s wedding in The Great Gatsby, is another memorable stop along the way.
A Citywide Celebration
Louisville is embracing its Gatsby connection with a full lineup of events this spring:
April 26: Churchill Downs kicks off the season with an Opening Night celebration inspired by the Gatsby era—think jazz tunes, flapper fashion, and vintage elegance.
May 30: Step aboard the Belle of Louisville for a Prohibition-era themed cruise, featuring 1920s-style drinks, attire, and entertainment.
For more on Fitzgerald’s time in Louisville and upcoming centenary events, check Louisville Tourism’s official site.
Gatsby’s Enduring Legacy
Originally published in April, 1925, The Great Gatsby had a lukewarm reception, but time has transformed it into what many consider the great American novel. Its vivid critique of the American Dream, wrapped in decadence and longing, still resonates a century later.
From high school classrooms to Hollywood adaptations—and now, a luxury suite in downtown Louisville—Gatsby’s green light continues to shine. So whether you’re a literature lover, a cocktail enthusiast, or just chasing a little 1920s magic, Louisville is ready to welcome you into Gatsby’s world.
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A New Yorker at heart, an unapologetic anglophile, national parks explorer and former head of National Geographic publishing in India, Ritika is the Global Editor for Travel and Food Network and leads all journalism across platforms, including news, digital, videos, and social media. She writes features focused on narrative storytelling, industry trends, destinations, culinary travel, and how-to advice and is an advocate for sustainable travel. You can follow her on Instagram @newyorkeratheart
