See inside new Versailles luxury hotel with upscale steakhouse
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Aldenberg Hotel renovated 1852 Woodford Bank into a 29-room luxury boutique.
- Silk’s Steakhouse features prime dry-aged beef, seafood and tableside service.
- A new rooftop bar is expected to open in the spring 2026.
A new luxury boutique hotel with a white-tablecloth steakhouse has opened in a historic building in downtown Versailles.
The Aldenberg Hotel is open at 101 North Main Street in the historic Woodford Bank and Trust building, which was originally built in 1852. Kentucky’s first hotel/distillery, it was originally tentatively called The Rickhouse.
The $10.7 million renovation of the 22,000 square-foot hotel was named after H.W. Aldenberg, an architect who designed homes and public buildings in Versailles, Lexington and Winchester. The project, developed by Single Barrel Group and built by Mefford Contracting, which is rebuilding Versailles’ old Kroger as a new family entertainment complex, sought to blend old-world elegance with modern comforts.
“This project has been a true labor of love,” said Emily Riddle, co-founder of Single Barrel Group. “From the preservation of the building’s architectural details to the creation of new hospitality experiences, our vision has always been to deliver something timeless, rooted in Kentucky’s character, and truly special.”
How much are rooms at The Aldenberg Hotel?
The boutique hotel has 29 guest rooms, including three suites, one of which is tailored for bridal parties. There are adjoining suites that have living space including kitchenette and mini bar.
Room rates range from $188 (double queen beds) to $490 (Bridal King Suite). There are also standard king rooms and deluxe king rooms available.
All rooms include interactive TVs, an iPad with streaming capabilities, in-room fitness, curated music and book selections and full room service.
Working craft distillery in Versailles hotel
Just like with its predecessor before, a craft distillery will also operate inside the hotel, producing small batch spirits.
Aldenberg Distillery will be making a Kentucky bourbon called Keyholder’s Reserve. When guests valet and enter the side entrance, they will get a front row view of the craft distillery process.
What is on the menu at Silk’s Steakhouse?
On the first floor is the hotel’s upscale restaurant, Silk’s Steakhouse, featuring prime dry-aged beef, fresh seafood and tableside service.
Executive Chef Jon Baugh, a Lexington native who has worked in Michelin-starred kitchens, has crafted a menu that calls back to the classic steak houses of the 1950s while using the freshest seasonal ingredients from local farms.
Prime steak cuts include 16 oz. New York strip ($70), 12 oz. bone-in filet ($82), porterhouse ($95) and bone-in tomahawk ribeye for two with two sides ($185).
There’s a selection of sauces and butters to top off your steak, such as béarnaise ($6) and Blue Cheese Horseradish Butter ($5).
There’s plenty of seafood on the menu as well. You can get oysters served raw, Rockefellered or roasted ($18-19 half dozen).
Seafood entrées include shrimp gnocchi ($30) and half lobster thermidor (market price).
As with most high-end steakhouses, there’s a selection of salads, decadent desserts and side dishes served à la carte, family style. Highlights include local oyster mushrooms ($14), onion rings ($14) and steakhouse mashed potatoes and Provolone cheese ($13).
Rooftop bar coming to The Aldenberg Hotel
Even though the luxury hotel and restaurant are open and taking reservations, the renovations are not done.
The owners say the next project is a new rooftop bar that will offer views of downtown Versailles. There will also be a menu of small plates and a full bar.
The rooftop bar at The Aldenberg Hotel is expected to open in spring 2026.
The Aldenberg Hotel
Where: 101 North Main Street, Versailles
Room reservations: aldenberghotel.com
Silk’s Steakhouse
Where: Inside The Aldenberg Hotel
Hours: 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
Reservations: silkssteakhouse.com
This story was originally published October 27, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
