It’s with full hearts (and a glass of bourbon in hand!) that we share some truly special news — Chateau Bourbon Bed & Breakfast has been named a finalist for Select Registry’s 2025 Innkeeper of the Year Award!
This prestigious recognition honors the very best in hospitality, and we’re so grateful to be included among such an inspiring group of innkeepers across the country. It’s a true celebration of the heart and soul we pour into every guest experience.
Select Registry represents the very best in craft lodging — independent, boutique, and luxury properties that offer travelers unforgettable experiences filled with warmth, authenticity, and personalized hospitality. Being recognized among this esteemed group is an incredible honor for us and for Kentucky’s thriving Bed & Breakfast community.
Here’s an excerpt from the official announcement we received:
“Congratulations! You have been selected as a nominee finalist for Select Registry’s 2025 Craft Lodging Awards for the Innkeeper of the Year. We are thrilled to recognize your property as a finalist that embodies the highest standard of excellence in this award category.
Dedicated to celebrating the very best in accommodations, experiences, and hospitality, our Craft Lodging Awards honor the distinctive charm, genuine service, and exceptional guest experiences offered by our member properties. These awards reinforce Select Registry’s role as the trusted authority in experiential travel, connecting discerning travelers with unforgettable stays that embody the warmth, authenticity, and passion of our members.”
To say that this recognition means the world to us would be an understatement. For the past decade, Chateau Bourbon has been our passion project, our labor of love, and our shared dream come true. Since opening our doors in Louisville’s Norton Commons in December 2015, our goal has been to create one of the most memorable and welcoming Bed & Breakfast experiences in Kentucky — where guests feel truly at home while exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
From our three-course, bourbon-infused breakfasts and nightly “Sips & Sweets” happy hours to the curated experiences we execute for guests traveling the Bourbon Trail, every detail is designed to make your stay as special and seamless as possible. And the best part? We do it all together.
Select Registry's full nomination announcement:
“Missy and John Hillock are the heart and soul of Chateau Bourbon, exemplifying the very best of craft lodging through their shared, charismatic hospitality and unmatched dedication. As a two-person ‘dream team,’ they do everything themselves—cooking, baking, mixing cocktails, cleaning, and hosting—ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully curated and executed perfectly. Together, they create unforgettable experiences with their talent in crafting three-course, bourbon-infused breakfasts, inventive cocktails, and personalized itineraries that turn an ordinary trip into an extraordinary experience. They do it all with a warm and deeply personal presence with every guest.
Celebrating 10 years of excellence this December, Missy and John have built Chateau Bourbon from the ground up, combining skill, passion, and creativity to deliver an experience that is both luxurious and uniquely personal. As one guest shared: ‘Missy and John are hands down the best innkeepers we’ve ever met. Their attention to detail, their warmth, and the way they make you feel at home is unparalleled. We didn’t just stay at a B&B—we felt like part of their family.’
Missy and John Hillock’s passion, talent, and tireless dedication make them truly deserving of the Innkeeper of the Year Award.”
Thank YOU!
We’re deeply honored by this recognition, but even more than that, we’re filled with gratitude for you, our guests. You’ve become part of our extended family, and it’s your laughter, stories, and shared moments that make Chateau Bourbon Bed & Breakfast such a special place to stay along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
For travelers seeking the perfect blend of luxury lodging, Southern charm, and bourbon-infused hospitality, we hope Chateau Bourbon continues to be your home away from home. Whether you’re here for distillery tours, a romantic getaway, or simply to unwind with a cocktail and a smile, we’re honored to share our little piece of Kentucky with you.
No matter what happens when the winners are announced this November, we already feel like we’ve won…because every day, we get to live our dream, welcome guests from around the world, and help them discover the spirit of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in true Bluegrass fashion.
Here’s to 10 years of bourbon, breakfast, and beautiful memories!
With love and gratitude,
Missy & John Hillock
Your Innkeepers at Chateau Bourbon
Louisville, Kentucky
