The historic Seelbach Hilton in Louisville, Kentucky, has seen many famous faces come through its doors over the decades, from gangster Al Capone to Elvis Presley. Yet one of the Seelbach’s most noted guests was author F. Scott Fitzgerald, believed to have frequented the hotel bar on many occasions while stationed briefly in the city in 1918 during his service in the U.S. Army.

It was at the glamorous Seelbach Hotel that Fitzgerald drew inspiration for his classic novel, The Great Gatsby, which is celebrating 100 years since it was published in April 1925.

The Seelbach Hotel was founded by Bavarian brothers and opened in 1905. Designed at the time to reflect the French Renaissance period, it embodies the grandness of a European-style hotel and showcases the glamour and opulence of that era.

The Seelbach was the place to be, once boasting the Rathskeller, a basement tavern where extravagant parties were hosted. To this day it is the only surviving room of its kind in the world, made entirely of Rockwood pottery tiles.

The famous grand ballroom at the hotel was the setting in the Great Gatsby novel for the lavish wedding of Tom and Daisy Buchanan, the book’s two main characters. It forms the historic link that inspired the hotel to create the newly renovated, two-room Great Gatsby Suite. The suite is truly like stepping back in time. It is the epitome of the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties.

The Daisy-inspired bedroom reflects elegance and wealth with a feminine touch of light pink bedding and gold peacock lamps. The room even has a vintage phone draped in pearls, a nod to Daisy’s famous pearl necklace and the ominous ringing phone from the novel.

The Gatsby lounge showcases the more flamboyant style associated with Gatsby’s newly acquired wealth. Gold textile adorns the ceiling where a glittery crystal chandelier hangs. The art deco room, with its plush velvet chairs and chaise, also features a mini bar. Attention to detail is everywhere. The bookcases are stocked with Fitzgerald’s novels and photos of the author, which creates a wonderful experience.

The Seelbach provides an opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in the world and words of Fitzgerald’s definitive American masterpiece. The beautifully designed suite reflects the contrasting fortunes and personalities of the novel’s iconic characters.

(Photos courtesy of The Seelbach Hilton)