Derby week can be a tough time in the "Ville lol....best places to stay are downtown & area known as the "East End."  Hotels downtown include the Seelbach, the Brown & 21c.  All will have exorbitant rates, however; that is, if you can get a room.

The East End of town (Hurstbourne Lane area) has excellent chain hotels and numerous dining options....in addition, an enormous outlet mall allows you to shop til u drop.

Louisville is a surprising foodie delight and best, adventurous restaurants are located along the Frankfort Road corridor. I recommend Lilly's, Wick's Pizza, Mark's Feed Store (BBQ),  Proof on Main, Decca,  Hammerheads,  The Silver Dollar,  & Blue Dog Bakery (just to name a few lol).

If you stay downtown, check out the nearby "NuLu" area & pick up a copy of the alternative weekly Louisville Eccentric Observer (LEO) paper.  Good luck & pick some winners.....

One last thing, do not be suckered into drinking a fucking mint julep...mint, sugar syrup & bourbon is a terrible waste of perfectly good bourbon lol.  Neat....or with an ice chunk (not crushed or cubed) is the only fucking way to go. You can thank me later on here.