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Calling all Queen's Gambit fans: There's a new hotel room in Lexington, KY, just for you

Jan. 10, 2021
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3 min read
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Calling all Queen's Gambit fans: There's a new hotel room in Lexington, KY, just for you
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Did you binge Netflix's hit show "The Queen's Gambit" during quarantine like we did? If so, we've got good news.

Now, fans can take their love of all things chess and Beth Harmon one step further by booking "The Harmon Room" at the 21c Museum Hotel in Lexington, KY, where the show is set. The hotel describes the room as "a retro time capsule of American mid-century modern design."

So what can you expect if you book? The room is "completely decked out in mid-century modern décor, vintage accessories, chess books and sets, and custom artwork." The project features period furniture from both private collections and local antique shop, Scout Antique & Modern, as well as custom “Knight’s Gambit” patterned wallpaper. The pièce de résistance, however, is ​a larger-than-life chessboard installation​ that can be found suspended from the ceiling above the bed.

The room was designed by Lexington-based Isabel Ladd, mid-century modern maven Lucy Jones, and design duo Ferrick Mason, and is also adorned with show-worthy items including reproductions of the “Lex Liquors” tote bags (which guests can take home), copies of Chess Review magazine and rare books on loan from local Black Swan Books.

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The room is available for a "limited time only," so if a stay here piques your interest, don't wait around. Here's how to book:

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  • Follow this link to select the dates of your stay
  • Make sure the code "HARMON" is listed in the Preferential code field under the Special rates tab
  • Choose the Corner King room option
  • Click Select a Rate
  • Toggle to the Package tab and look for "The Harmon Room" option (the rate will not appear if the room is unavailable for the requested date(s))

A sample search for one night on January 19 showed the following rate of $349 per night ($405 with taxes and fees).

To help you plan your stay in Lexington, 21c is working with VisitLEX to round out your trip with show-related activities, including a visit to the Herald-Leader offices, the original Morris Bookstore, Ben Snyder’s Department Store and the Henry Clay High School. TPG's own Caitlin Riddell, a Lexington afficiando, also offers the following recommendations while in town (fun fact: Riddell's dad and his 10 siblings grew up just around the corner from Henry Clay’s current location):

  • Stop by Magee’s Bakery for something sweet
  • Hit up Wheeler’s Pharmacy for one of their iconic Buddy burgers
  • Make a trip to Keeneland, the Horse Capital of the World
  • Order a Kentucky Hot Brown sandwich at Ramsey’s Diner
  • Sip on something delicious at one of the local bourbon distilleries...
  • ... but make sure to save room for a visit to the West 6th brewery.

21c hotels are part of the Accor Live Limitless loyalty program. Accor has five levels of elite status, though none but the two highest tiers offer compelling benefits. Platinum and Diamond status come with access to an executive lounge when available and a Suite Night Upgrade, valid for only a single night. Diamond comes with some other perks, such as complimentary breakfast on weekends and dining and spa credits, but nothing anywhere near as generous as elite status with most other hotel chains.

Related: The award traveler’s guide to Accor Live Limitless

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

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Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.