What to expect: The lobby, located in the hotel’s Suite Tower, makes a grand impression with marble floors, high ceilings, and sparkling crystal chandeliers. Just outside the lobby, the Gallop to Glory exhibit honors Kentucky Derby jockeys. The Crystal Jewel conservatory, with domed glass roof, aviary, and profusions of plants, connects the Suite and Rivue towers.

Amenity highlights: A revolving restaurant, located on the 25th floor, offers panoramic vistas of the city and beyond. An outdoor pool with sundeck faces the Ohio River and the Kennedy Bridge. Named for its 360-degree views of the city and river, Club 360, the hotel’s fitness facility, has exercise machines with plasma screens and DVD players, a smoothie bar, and Pilates and body-sculpting classes (surcharge).

Insider tip: The hotel stands on the site of the original Galt House, which opened in 1835. The first Galt House hosted such illustrious guests as politician Jefferson Davis, writer Charles Dickens, and Presidents Lincoln, Grant, Hayes, and Buchanan.

What to expect: Guests enter a lobby full of Southern antique replicas, a hand-painted plaster-leaf ceiling, and pristine marble floors. The museum-like opulence of the décor is a quirky contrast to several laptops on wheels, which business guests and vacationers use to check e-mail in public spaces. Huge windows to one side of the lobby flood the room with natural light.

Insider tip: Diners at J. Graham’s Café can choose the “Hot Brown” sandwich, which was created in 1923 by Chef Fred Schmidt for guests who were hungry after an evening of dancing. The Hot Brown is an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a delicate Mornay sauce. The pre-printed recipe is available upon request.