A historic bank building in downtown Versailles has been transformed into a 29-room boutique hotel with its own craft distillery, a steakhouse that channels 1950s glamour, and a rooftop bar on the way. The former Woodford Bank and Trust Company now offers clawfoot tubs, equestrian-inspired design, and the kind of bourbon culture Kentucky does best – all within walking distance of the state's famous horse country.
Photos by Seriously Sabrina Photography
The Aldenberg sits at 101 North Main Street in Versailles, a town that positions itself as the eastern gateway to Kentucky's Bourbon Trail. You're in the heart of the Bluegrass region here, surrounded by horse farms and distilleries, with Lexington just a short drive away.
The building occupies a prominent corner downtown, and the owners aren't shy about their ambitions – they want Versailles to become the obvious starting point for anyone exploring Kentucky's bourbon and equine heritage.
The building dates back to 1852, making it one of the oldest surviving bank structures in this part of Kentucky. Architect H.W. Aldenberg designed it (hence the hotel's name), along with several other significant buildings across Versailles, Lexington and Winchester.
The $10.7 million renovation, completed by developers Single Barrel Group and builder Mefford Contracting, preserved the original architectural details while adding modern comforts. It's the kind of restoration that respects the bones of a building without turning it into a museum piece.
Reception
The original bank vault remains intact and commands attention in the lobby – eventually it will house the gift shop, which seems entirely appropriate for a space built to hold valuable things.
The design throughout leans into Kentucky's equestrian legacy with themed artwork and furnishings, though Emily Riddle, who co-founded Single Barrel Group with her husband Alex, designed much of the custom furniture herself. Heirloom wood and polished brass feature heavily. You'll also find an iPad in your room for streaming, along with curated book and music selections.
Silk's Steakhouse
Silk's Steakhouse
The ground floor restaurant channels classic American steakhouses from the 1950s – the owners specifically mention Las Vegas's Golden Steer as inspiration, a Rat Pack haunt that's been operating since 1958. Executive Chef Jon Baugh, a Lexington native with Michelin-starred kitchen experience, runs the kitchen.
The menu focuses on prime dry-aged beef and fresh seafood, with tableside service and options like a 16-ounce New York strip, bone-in filet, porterhouse, and a tomahawk ribeye for two. Seafood includes oysters served raw, Rockefeller-style or roasted, plus shrimp gnocchi and lobster thermidor. Sides come family-style, and there are the expected salads and desserts.
The restaurant operates Tuesday through Saturday, 5pm to 10pm. It's dinner only – no breakfast or lunch service.
The Rooms
The hotel offers 29 guest rooms across three suites and various configurations, with adjoining options available for larger groups or events. Each room gets individual treatment rather than formulaic repetition – you'll find unique décor, equestrian-inspired touches, and design elements that reflect Kentucky's horse racing heritage.
All rooms come with interactive TVs, iPads with streaming capabilities, in-room fitness options, curated music and book selections, and full room service. Fine linens and thoughtfully chosen furnishings appear throughout. Emily Riddle designed roughly 60 percent of the furniture, which was specially made for the hotel.
Bunk Suite
Bunk Suite
This 450-square-foot room breaks from typical hotel convention with twin bunk beds, designed for children or friends travelling together.
It's a practical choice that acknowledges not everyone needs a king bed, and opens up the hotel to families or groups who want flexibility in their sleeping arrangements.
Grand King Parlor
Grand King Parlor Suite
At 450 square feet with a king bed, this room's defining feature is the separate parlor that greets you on entry. The parlor functions as a proper sitting room with a wet bar, mini-refrigerator and coffee maker – useful if you want to make your own drinks or simply avoid the lobby before you've had caffeine.
The panoramic views of historic downtown Versailles extend through the parlor windows, giving you a front-row seat to Main Street and the surrounding blocks.
Bridal Suite
Bridal Suite
The Bridal King Suite takes wedding-day logistics seriously. At 450 square feet, it provides a luxurious king bed, a clawfoot tub and a separate spacious shower, plus two well-lit vanities specifically designed for getting ready. The lighting matters here – no one wants to do makeup or hair in dim hotel bathroom light.
The unique décor runs more elaborate than the standard rooms, and there's genuine space for the bride and wedding party to spread out during preparations without tripping over each other. Adjoining suites with living spaces, kitchenettes and mini bars can be added if you need more room.
Library Suite
Library Suite
Each room at the Aldenberg aims for individual character rather than cookie-cutter repetition – the library theme fits with the hotel's broader emphasis on books and curated collections throughout the property.
101 N Main St, Versailles, KY 40383, United States
