Louisville's Historic Hotel
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The Seelbach Hilton is equal parts historical landmark and architectural masterpiece. It began as the dream of two Bavarian brothers — Otto and Louis Seelbach — in 1869 when Louis came to Louisville to learn the hotel business. In 1903, after several years of running restaurants and gentleman's clubs, the brothers began construction of a new hotel at the corner of 4th and Walnut Street (now Muhammad Ali), creating a lavish, turn-of-the-century Beaux Arts Baroque hotel. Sparing no expense, they imported marbles from all over the world, bronzes from France, hardwoods from the West Indies and Europe, linens from Ireland, and valuable Turkish and Persian Rugs. Billed as "the only fireproof hotel in the city," the new Seelbach opened in May of 1905 by offering a 5-hour public inspection and drawing an incredible 25,000 visitors. The hotel was so popular, the Seelbach brothers began a 154-room addition in the fall of that same year. In 1907, the expansion was completed and included the famous Bavarian-style Rathskeller, decorated with rare Rookwood Pottery. Today the Rathskeller remains the only surviving ensemble of its kind. Because of its lavish elegance, The Seelbach attracted celebrities of all kinds. Al Capone played blackjack here, never far from a series of secret passageways where he could make an escape if necessary. F. Scott Fitzgerald sipped brandy and smoked cigars here, once banned from the hotel after having "one too many." The Hollywood classic, "The Hustler," starring Jackie Gleason and Paul Newman features scenes shot in the old Seelbach billiard room (now The Oakroom, the hotel's 5-diamond restaurant). More recently, Miss America 2000, Heather French Henry, held her wedding reception here. And while on tour with Elton John, Billy Joel chose to stay at The Seelbach and played piano and sang his favorites in the Old Seelbach bar to the delight of surprised guests. Today, The Seelbach Hilton continues to be the choice for international celebrities and world politicians visiting the area. |
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