We confess we don’t quite know what to make of this. The distillery is offering stays in The Stone House in downtown Frankfort, a few miles from the distillery, for $299 a night. It can accommodate seven guests, has three bedrooms, five beds, two baths and a view of the Kentucky River, all for $299 a night. Will Castle & Key fans be disappointed it isn’t on the distillery grounds? Or will they be happy with the “considered finishes, bespoke Castle & Key chocolates and scents as well as curated imagery depicting the history of the Castle and its surrounds.”
Pricewise, it is definitely the most expensive spot downtown. The closest we could find in Lexington on a quick-and-dirty Hotels.com search was $125 a night at either a Home 2 Suites by Hilton or a Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott. But we’ll bet there’s a certain class of traveler that will find not only a sitting room but also “a beautiful library filled with antique books, Castle & Key memorabilia and historic photographs, a dining room that comfortably seats eight” to have a certain appeal. Especially when local chefs specializing in local cuisine and farm to table fare are available to cater upon request.
Naturally, adjacent to the dining room is an informal bar space with all the tools needed to craft a perfect cocktail. The kitchen is stocked with crockery and cutlery and a full sized refrigerator, oven, dishwasher and coffee maker. Fresh coffee beans will be stocked for each stay. The back living room features a Smart TV, sitting area, and a second dining table that overlooks the Kentucky River. This space is perfect for guests to play games, enjoy a movie, converse about their Kentucky adventures, or simply enjoy the company of others. The first floor also features a full bathroom and screened in porch.
The bedrooms are upstairs. Which brings up the limitations. The Stone House is not accessible. It’s an antique home. Lots of charm and character, but no elevator for those with trouble navigating stairs. Nor does it supply parking. And it’s next door to a local bistro, so “there is a possibility for noise.” Nonetheless, we suspect it will generate a steady flow of guests. At least we hope it does.