LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It's the call to the post for record profits in Louisville; Kentucky Derby 150 is a once-in-a-lifetime experience with historically high prices.
Most hotels are fully booked and others are going fast.
"This year with the 150th running it's a historic moment and people are clamoring to come to Louisville," said Rosanne Mastin, communications and public relations manager at Louisville Tourism.
WHAS11 checked just how much rooms are running at the Grady Hotel at 6th and Main Streets from Thurby all the way to the day after the Derby. Prices start at just $1200 a night up to nearly $2,000 a night.
At the AC Hotel Nulu, rooms are ranging anywhere between $930 to nearly $1,300 a night.
The Galt House Hotel has some rooms just over $2,000 a night.
Airbnbs are also a top choice among horse racing fans.
Jay Bowman owns and operates 16 short-term rentals in Louisville.
Bowman said Derby time "is an opportunity for locals to provide a home and hospitality opportunity."
He has five operational units in the Highlands. Bowman said the prices are a lot higher than normal for Derby 150.
"It's a very high demand weekend, you'll see short-term rentals usually going anywhere from between $600 to $3,000 a night," he said.
Mastin said the city is expecting about 250,000 people over both Oaks and Derby days.
"We should break $405 million dollars in estimated economic impact," she said.
The foot traffic and revenue is a huge deal for businesses all across the city.
"Bakeries and caterers to rideshare, they're all getting a piece of this pie and it's all going to trickle down for them so really this is their super bowl as well," Mastin said.
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