Galt House Hotel - Louisville, Kentucky

If you want big, this one’s for you. Located on the banks of the Ohio River, its 1,290 rooms fill two towers. But I discovered the real draw―brought on by a recent $60-million renovation―is a fabulous rooftop restaurant called RIVUE. After taking the elevator to the 25th floor, I was stunned by the panoramic view of glittering downtown on one side and glistening river on the other. The restaurant slowly revolves, so I didn’t even have to choose which view was best. Nor could I have asked for a better meal to accompany the heavenly atmosphere. Superbly prepared sea bass, buttery limestone Bibb lettuce salad, and a perfect white-chocolate mousse mingled with impeccable service. A complimentary candy cart ended the meal on the sweetest of notes.

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