Columbine Bed & Breakfast
Full view
View all photos(64)64
Room & Suite (19)
Dining (6)
View prices for your travel dates
Contact accommodation for availability.
There are similar hotels available.
View allDid you already book this hotel?
Tell us so we can help you plan.
About
5.0
#9 of 15 B&Bs in LouisvilleLocation
4.7
Rooms
4.9
Value
4.8
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
5.0
Sleep Quality
4.8
Come enjoy this historic bed and breakfast mansion with its unique Greek Revival facade situated in the heart of old Louisville. In an area known primarily for its magnificent Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, the Columbine's white columns and portico front stand out from the rest. Enjoy the others, but come "home" to the Columbine Bed & Breakfast where history and hospitality go hand in hand.
Read more
Suggest edits to improve what we show.Improve this listing
Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Wifi
Free breakfast
Baggage storage
Room features
Air conditioning
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Hidden Gem
Classic
Location
1707 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40208-1917
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 55 out of 100
55
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport
3.7 mi•
See all flights
Rental Cars
33 Restaurants
within 0.75 miles
158Reviews1Q+A33Room tips
Reviews
Traveler rating
- 147
- 11
- 0
- 0
- 0
Time of year
Traveler type
Language
Selected filters
- Filter
- English
Sort by:
Detailed Reviews
As the unofficially elected "tour guide" for our group of 5 couples, it was my responsibility to plan a weekend in Louisville. It was with apprehension that I set about the task of finding just the right B&B for this special group of discriminating friends. I am not the most accomplished computer navigator and so I was thrilled to stumble upon the web site for the Columbine Bed and Breakfast. It turned out to be perfect for all of us because it is a beautifully decorated, immaculate and charming home, graciously shared with our group of friends who much needed a relaxing and pampering weekend. Besides the appointments of the inn, we were also delighted with the perfectly presented gourmet breakfast. I cannot think of a single thing I would change. The innkeepers have mastered the art of hospitality. I highly recommend staying at the Columbine Bed and Breakfast.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2005
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I decided to take a short trip for our 37th Anniversary. We both enjoy old archetecture, so we were happy to find a B and B like the Columbine. It's one of the most impressive buildings in Old Louisville. We took several Old Louisville walking tours with the Columbine as our base, and then had a great time relaxing afterward with a glass of wine and snacks on the back porch. Morning sun shining through the large golden stained glass windows is a sight to behold. We took in a play in town (just a few minutes drive), toured some historic homes, and then finished our trip with an Old Louisville Ghost Tour. Bravo!
Read more
Date of stay: October 2005
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a wonderful stay at The Columbine Bed and Breakfast in Louisville, KY this past August. I am originally from Louisville and had returned with my husband to do some family history research. We had reservations at a hotel, but upon checking in, had several problems (room not ready, on-going maintenance in room, moved to a different room, noise....) we decided to check out and seek other lodgings. We spent the day doing research at the Louisville Free Public Library, where I also used the computer there to look for a convenient B&B. We selected the Columbine, called, and were lucky enough to get a room.
Upon checking in with Rich, the innkeeper, we discovered that he did not usually take last minute reservations, but he said there was something that told him to take us in. We are SO GLAD that he did. We had a wonderful stay, the Inn is convenient to all the locations where I needed to research - and very close to places where my parents and grandparents had lived. It really felt like "coming home". We stayed in the "La Romantica" room with a lovely iron bed and its own bath. A buffet with ice, water and snacks was in the large hallway/landing just outside our door and fresh-baked cookies were downstairs on the dining room table.
Rich and Bob treated us like long-lost cousins. We had wonderful conversations, delicious and exquisite breakfasts, and generally felt very spoiled! My husband and I played chess on the screened porch overlooking the garden and its waterfall and pond, sipping wine and listening to the rain. Each morning, we had a different breakfast - fresh fruit, bacon or sausage, then either waffles, pancakes, stuffed french toast (!) to die for....
Only one incident, NOT the fault of the Inn, marred our stay - my wallet was stolen or lost while we were out and about. The first call we placed was to Rich to see if I may have left it at the Inn, while we searched other locales. We quickly did so and returned to the Inn, where I used the public-accessible computer to check my bank and credit card balance and contact them. Rich had checked the dining room and other public areas, as well as checking our room, although he did not notice anything amiss when cleaning it earlier. It was very reassuring that he took such care to help me in this difficulty. Unfortunately we did not recover my wallet, but no damage was done, thanks in part to Rich and Bob's provision for Internet access for guests, as well as the telephone discreetly located in the armoire in our room. The concern that Rich exhibited for us far exceeded my expectations - one would have thought we were old friends visiting someone in a private home. This is the best part of staying in a bed and breakfast, and Rich and Bob exemplify Louisville hospitality.
The house itself is lovely, as you can see from the pictures - the stained glass window over the landing is beautiful, especially in early morning. The neighborhood is a marvel of tall, narrow Victorian homes and beautiful old trees. A great place to walk!
WE WILL BE BACK! Thanks, Cecile & Sam
Upon checking in with Rich, the innkeeper, we discovered that he did not usually take last minute reservations, but he said there was something that told him to take us in. We are SO GLAD that he did. We had a wonderful stay, the Inn is convenient to all the locations where I needed to research - and very close to places where my parents and grandparents had lived. It really felt like "coming home". We stayed in the "La Romantica" room with a lovely iron bed and its own bath. A buffet with ice, water and snacks was in the large hallway/landing just outside our door and fresh-baked cookies were downstairs on the dining room table.
Rich and Bob treated us like long-lost cousins. We had wonderful conversations, delicious and exquisite breakfasts, and generally felt very spoiled! My husband and I played chess on the screened porch overlooking the garden and its waterfall and pond, sipping wine and listening to the rain. Each morning, we had a different breakfast - fresh fruit, bacon or sausage, then either waffles, pancakes, stuffed french toast (!) to die for....
Only one incident, NOT the fault of the Inn, marred our stay - my wallet was stolen or lost while we were out and about. The first call we placed was to Rich to see if I may have left it at the Inn, while we searched other locales. We quickly did so and returned to the Inn, where I used the public-accessible computer to check my bank and credit card balance and contact them. Rich had checked the dining room and other public areas, as well as checking our room, although he did not notice anything amiss when cleaning it earlier. It was very reassuring that he took such care to help me in this difficulty. Unfortunately we did not recover my wallet, but no damage was done, thanks in part to Rich and Bob's provision for Internet access for guests, as well as the telephone discreetly located in the armoire in our room. The concern that Rich exhibited for us far exceeded my expectations - one would have thought we were old friends visiting someone in a private home. This is the best part of staying in a bed and breakfast, and Rich and Bob exemplify Louisville hospitality.
The house itself is lovely, as you can see from the pictures - the stained glass window over the landing is beautiful, especially in early morning. The neighborhood is a marvel of tall, narrow Victorian homes and beautiful old trees. A great place to walk!
WE WILL BE BACK! Thanks, Cecile & Sam
Read more
Date of stay: August 2005
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I celebrated our 11th anniversary at the Columbine, and we couldn't have been more pleased with the service, the breakfasts and the hosts. Rich and Bob are a riot, and the omlettes were the best I'd ever had. We just felt such a great vibe in the house and from the hosts. I can't imagine ever staying anywhere else in Louisville.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2005
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were not expecting to be this blown away by the Columbine or Louisville. From the moment we stepped in the Columbine - a grand piano, beautiful stained glass, collections from around the world, etc. etc. we were wow-ed. The inn-keeper was very welcoming and informative. The house has lots of charm and character, also many nooks to hang out; porches, decks, garden. The location is among other mansions on 3rd street and not too far from St. James and Belgravia Courts. Louisville is a very charming place to visit for those who have never visited. Things that are a must: The Belle of Louisville, The Big 4 Bridge walk at dusk, NuLu, Mansion walking tours, BBQ, and more! And how could we forget the 10 star breakfasts at the B&B that were delicious but not too over the top. Thanks Rich - we'll be back!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2013Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from ColumbineBB, Owner at Columbine Bed & Breakfast
Responded Aug 22, 2013
Thank you so much for taking the time to review our bed and breakfast! We are very proud of our inn and feel incredibly lucky to have shared our home with so many wonderful people over the last 10 years. Your opinions are very important to me and I appreciate you taking the time to share them with other travelers. It is especially important and reinforcing to me as an innkeeper because you wrote the review of your own volition. I enjoy being an innkeeper and take pride in my work. I chose to buy and operate a bed and breakfast because I enjoy assisting travelers and hosting people in our home. I really value feedback from my customers for my own personal growth and the benefits to future guests. I do not solicit reviews for this reason as I believe it offers me an unintentionally biased review and that does not help me grow as an innkeeper nor does it give a user of tripadvisor completely unbiased information. So to you and the other guests who have taken the time to review the Columbine because you wanted to...my sincerest thank you and I hope to see you all again soon!
Read more
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My fiancé and I just returned from a trip to Louisville, KY and a two night stay at the Columbine. We had driven to Louisville with two friends to see the Tom Waits show at the Palace.
After a 10 1/2 hour drive – we pulled up the Columbine and were amazed. The house is beyond lovely. From the first view of the columned entrance, the amazing grand staircase in the main hall, to the artfully decorated guest rooms the Columbine is a feast for the senses.
We stayed in the Verde room. I highly recommend it. We also loved the porch on the second floor – we were able to watch a full moon rise over the garden in the back. It is a very pretty spot to enjoy a glass of wine. The bathroom was spotless, and charming with a claw foot tub and antique fixtures.
Everyone’s previous raves about breakfast were spot on. The eggs we had were delicious and the coffee was piping hot and abundant.
The inn itself was worth of raves – but honestly, Rich and Bob, the innkeepers pushed it over the top for us. They are gracious hosts, interesting conversationalists and really do strive to do everything they can to make your stay great.
For us, it was giving us the scoop on local real estate, talking music with my music obsessed boyfriend (Rich burnt him a copy of a hard to find CD and made his day) and giving suggestions for good restaurants and walking tours.
If it were possible, I would give the Columbine 6 stars.
After a 10 1/2 hour drive – we pulled up the Columbine and were amazed. The house is beyond lovely. From the first view of the columned entrance, the amazing grand staircase in the main hall, to the artfully decorated guest rooms the Columbine is a feast for the senses.
We stayed in the Verde room. I highly recommend it. We also loved the porch on the second floor – we were able to watch a full moon rise over the garden in the back. It is a very pretty spot to enjoy a glass of wine. The bathroom was spotless, and charming with a claw foot tub and antique fixtures.
Everyone’s previous raves about breakfast were spot on. The eggs we had were delicious and the coffee was piping hot and abundant.
The inn itself was worth of raves – but honestly, Rich and Bob, the innkeepers pushed it over the top for us. They are gracious hosts, interesting conversationalists and really do strive to do everything they can to make your stay great.
For us, it was giving us the scoop on local real estate, talking music with my music obsessed boyfriend (Rich burnt him a copy of a hard to find CD and made his day) and giving suggestions for good restaurants and walking tours.
If it were possible, I would give the Columbine 6 stars.
Read more
Date of stay: July 2006Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Check in / front desk
Service
Business service (e.g., internet access)
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I can't say I cared much for Louisville, but my stay at the Columbine B&B made it much easier to bear. It was cold and rainy for much of my stay, but thanks to a gas fireplace my room was always warm and toasty. My bed was comfortable, and the decor was beautiful. The bathroom was down the hall -- typical for a B&B. The best part of my stay were the nice couple who own the house -- super friendly and eager to be helpful, and they provided a nice breakfast and great conversation. Thanks to them, the Columbine is more like a home than a hotel.
Read more
Date of stay: November 2004Trip type: Traveled on business
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our two nights at the Columbine rank up at the top of our list of bed & breakfast stays! Our host were a joy to be around. Their willingness to share insight on the area as well as the history of their home made breakfast a "meal" to remember! Fresh baked snickerdoodle cookies were a temptation we couldn't resist. We stayed in the Garden Room, which was nicely appointed & very comfortable. And as the name suggest, looks out over the garden. Springtime in Kentucky is lovely. Would love to return some time at the end of June to truly enjoy their garden & the pond. One thing can be said for the meals served....delicious! Rich prepared a scrambled egg dish with cheese, sun dried tomato & basil. I was able to get his secret recipe out of him and have made it since we returned home. The belgium waffles are to die for. Plated with such detail it was like a work of art!!! The buttermilk syrup is so good it could be sipped in a mug all by itself. For those of you who are coffee drinkers.... Rich makes a mean cup of joe. It will keep you going all day long. Our stay was relaxing & memorable!! Our trip back home took us thru Indianapolis. They even recommended a deli in Indy that serves a great Reuben sandwich.
If you are looking for your first bed & breakfast experience or if this will be your 20th.... make your reservations. You won't be disappointed with the Columbine.
If you are looking for your first bed & breakfast experience or if this will be your 20th.... make your reservations. You won't be disappointed with the Columbine.
Read more
Date of stay: March 2006
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'd like to spread the word about your glorious B&B. When I think of that yummy Belgian waffle it makes me want to return ASAP. Not only was the food great but seeing that magnificient house and hearing of it's history from Rich was so interesting. Two nights wasn't long enough.
Read more
Date of stay: October 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My husband and I had the greatest time here! The keeper is so personable and friendly, and the BEST cook ever! We were also lucky enough that he had tickets to a tour of Old Louisville on hand, that he graciously offered to us. As well, we had to leave early in the morning, and Rich actually got up and made us a fabulous breakfast that early! To anyone visiting Kentucky, stay here!
Read more
Date of stay: July 2005
Value
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
All of our rooms have TVs. Some have blu-ray players and some have dvd players. We have a library with hundreds of movies that our guests are welcome to borrow. Our first floor back parlor has a large TV and guests are always welcome to relax there and watch a movie. Many, in fact, do. As stated by a former guest, some of the TVs are small, but that is due to the space available in the cabinets where they are stored. We have considered doing away with the cabinets and adding larger wall mounted TVs, but we are concerned about neighbors who may be sharing your wall. If you are looking for a big TV, I recommend our Duncan Suite. It has a separate TV Room with a large flat screen TV. Thanks for your question. I hope we can be of service to you when you visit Louisville! Rich May, Owner
"We stayed in the Garden Room, a great location as it is quiet and faces the back garden."Read full review
"we took the only room left and it was comfortable and had access to a wonderful porch, plenty of bathrooms"Read full review
"My friend and I each had rooms with en suite baths: the Di Sopra and the Magnolia. Comfy beds, plenty of hot water and no noise!"Read full review
…
LOCATION
United StatesKentuckyLouisvilleOld Louisville
NUMBER OF ROOMS
6
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your ListingCOLUMBINE BED & BREAKFAST
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbine Bed & Breakfast
Which popular attractions are close to Columbine Bed & Breakfast?
Nearby attractions include Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle) (0.5 miles), The Speed Art Museum (0.3 miles), and The Witches' Tree (0.7 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at Columbine Bed & Breakfast?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at Columbine Bed & Breakfast?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at Columbine Bed & Breakfast?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Columbine Bed & Breakfast?
Conveniently located restaurants include Buck's Restaurant & Bar, Old Louisville Tavern, and 610 Magnolia.
Are there any historical sites close to Columbine Bed & Breakfast?
Many travelers enjoy visiting Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle) (0.5 miles), Churchill Downs (1.5 miles), and The Witches' Tree (0.7 miles).