Kentucky Derby no longer guaranteed boom for Lexington as vacant hotel rooms replace sellouts

For years, Derby weekend meant sold-out rooms and sharply increased prices across the city. 

The change has left some Lexington hotels working to fill rooms just days before the race, in sharp contrast to previous years when bookings were locked in far in advance.

Industry observers say a number of factors may be contributing to the shift.

Alice Ford, a travel host of "Alice's Adventures on Earth" and frequent Kentucky Derby attendee, told Fox News Digital that recent changes to the event may be contributing to more spread-out attendance.

"Big events like the Derby are no longer high priorities for a lot of people when choosing between expensive sporting events," Ford noted.

She also said changing attitudes toward the ethics of horse racing may be influencing attendance.

Back in Lexington, hotel managers say the local impact is clear.

"Shelbyville has added a bunch of hotels - Simpsonville, even Frankfort. So now Derby is not considered a 'special event' here," Alison Chenet, general manager of a Hilton Garden Inn in Lexington, told FOX 56.

Chenet said she expects bookings to pick up as race day approaches - but estimates her hotel will reach about 85% to 90% capacity.