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Have you checked your credit card travel benefits?

Have you selected a hotel rewards program?

Have you selected an airline rewards program?

Can I get an upgrade? Have you ever requested an upgrade at your hotel when you check in? Almost every time I make a reservation, I receive an email offer from Hilton asking if I want to upgrade my room. I find the offers interesting because I have Diamond Status. The Hilton Honors website states that if a better room is available, you will be awarded that room, up to a 1-bedroom suite. I never pay for an upgrade.

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Southwest Airlines

I found a Southwest nonstop roundtrip flight to Louisville, Kentucky for $200 over the Memorial Day weekend. However, I used a flight credit ($61) to reduce the fare to $138. Of course, I took advantage of two fare drops that reduced the cost of this flight to $79. Remember, if you find a lower fare on Southwest, you can rebook the flight and receive a credit. Check fares early and often.

Where to stay in Louisville, Kentucky?

Although I have been to Kentucky several times, I rotate my stays between the Embassy Suites and the Hilton Garden Inn (HGI) near Fourth Street Live. Both hotels offer a shuttle to and from the airport. The Embassy Suites offers complimentary made-to-order breakfast, but you will pay for breakfast at HGI. In addition, there is a Manager’s Reception with light snacks and complimentary beer, wine, and spirits at the Embassy Suites. Do not expect a Manager’s Reception at HGI. As a Hilton Honors Diamond Member, I receive a daily Food & Beverage Credit at HGI. The rooftop view at the HGI is a plus.

Did I get an Upgrade at Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown?

As I mentioned, I maximize my loyalty to Hilton. For this two-night stay, I used Hilton Honors points and cash. I redeemed 58,000 points and paid $210. Did I receive an upgrade? One week before my stay, I received an email from Embassy Suites about an upgrade to my room. Even though the offer ($34) for a Corner Suite was enticing, I did not respond. The day before check-in, I received a notification about digital check-in. In hindsight, I should have selected Room 328 because breakfast and the Manager’s Reception were on the 3rd floor. It would have been convenient to get to both spaces with a room on the same floor. Keep that in mind if you book here. Yes, I received an upgrade to a higher floor (Room 649) with a partial city view.

Can I get and upgrade?
Fourth Street Live

Things to Do in Louisville, Kentucky

Here is my list of things to do while visiting for a weekend.

  1. Stop by the Welcome Center and Visitor’s Center at the airport and downtown Louisville. If you visit the center at the airport, you will receive a 25% discount card to use at the downtown location.
  2. Visit the Muhammad Ali Center. Enjoy a look into the life and legacy of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, a Louisville native.
  3. Fourth Street Live is a must. Visit the open-air entertainment district. During the day, you can walk casually through the street to restaurants and bars. There is also a stage for live music and events.
  4. Do you want to visit two states without boarding a plane? *Take a walk across the Big Four Bridge to Jeffersonville, Indiana. Enjoy a meal at a local restaurant and then take the bridge back to Louisville, Kentucky. I took a rideshare to the bridge.
  5. Enjoy a night of live entertainment, good drinks, and flavorful appetizers at the Brown Hotel. Sit at the bar and enjoy stories about the Brown from the bartender.
  6. Although I have not taken a tour, I will take a Bourbon Tasting Tour on my next visit.
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Visitor's Center

Murphy’s Law

Luckily, I checked my flight before I headed to the airport. It was going to be a two-hour delay. There were no snacks or beverages for this 48-minute flight. I receive two drink coupons (A-List Preferred) on every flight. When I landed, I waited on the hotel shuttle for 90 minutes. I sent a message to Embassy Suites on X. I received 10,000 Hilton Honors points and an apology from the manager, but the Valet Manager never contacted me. Of course, I did not let these incidents spoil my trip. Pack your patience if you call for the 3rd party hotel shuttle service.

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Made-to-Order Breakfast

Budget

I saved $332 on the flight and accommodations. Meals were free except for a snack at Brendon’s and Gordon Biersch Brewery. If I had to pay for breakfast and dinner, I could have easily spent $75-$100. The hotel shuttle to and from the airport was complimentary. If I had taken rideshare, I would have paid $50 roundtrip. You do not have to be a Hilton Honors member to enjoy the amenities at Embassy Suites.

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