When you’re going on a vacation or just getting out of the house for a romantic weekend, finding the right hotel accommodations can make or break your trip.
How do you pick a great place to stay when you’ve never been there before? Since every hotel or bed-and-breakfast bills itself as comfortable or charming, we’re going to break down the details on the area’s most interesting, unique or outright fun places you can stay in Indy.
1. Crowne Plaza, Union Station
You’ve heard the saying, “Location is everything,” right? Well, every Crowne Plaza is designed to be an upscale, full-service hotel that caterers to travelers of all kinds, but the one in Union Station in downtown Indy is particularly interesting to visit because it’s located inside one of the nation’s first train stations.
It has all of the amenities you can want, like an indoor pool and room service, but the real draw is the atmosphere: Some of the rooms are redesigned rail cars (updated with modern conveniences) with a heavy emphasis on 1920s decor and celebrities.
2. The Alexander, Delaware Street
Are you an art lover? Then you don’t want to stay anywhere in Indy except The Alexander. In partnership with the Indianapolis Museum of Art, this vibrant hotel has won awards for its excellent accommodations and incredibly curated art displays.
A boutique Dolce Hotel, The Alexander says that it “pairs contemporary design with unparalleled hospitality” and we believe it! Aside from the usual amenities that you’d expect from a top-notch hotel, like 24-hour room service and spa treatments, you can also dine at Market Table, the hotel’s own open-kitchen restaurant.
3. Ironworks Hotel Indy, East 86th Street
The Ironworks is another boutique hotel that blends the past and the present in a distinctive and unusual way. While the hotel is famous for its rustic decor that can help you forget that you’re even in the middle of a city, it also has all the modern amenities to make you feel totally spoiled.
The Ironworks is conveniently located near the Fashion Mall at Keystone, where you can shop to your heart’s content, although the hotel itself also has an array of independent local boutiques you can browse.
4. Stone Soup Inn, Central Ave.
Sometimes your hotel is a big part of your experience on a trip – and sometimes it is the experience. If you’re looking for a retreat that will make you content to stay indoors and relax, consider putting the Stone Soup Inn on the top of your list.
The inn is located deep in the historic Old Northside of the city, and this turn-of-the-century home has amazing wood work and charming features you won’t find anywhere else. There’s a baby grand piano in the living room, a library where you’re welcome to curl up with a book, and a wraparound porch where you can dine during good weather. If you do want to get out, there are tons of historic sites nearby and you’re not far from a lot of the downtown draws.
5. Conrad Indianapolis, West Washington Street
If you want the ultimate in luxury, plus easy access to shopping, fine food and all the main visitor destinations in downtown Indy, the Conrad is where you want to stay. Expect top-level amenities and decor, including plush bathrobes and slippers, a full-service spa and salon, a wine tasting bar and concierge service.
A convenient sky bridge allows guests to stroll at their leisure to the Circle Center Mall (without braving the outside on bad days) for a day of shopping, but the hotel is also located right on Indianapolis Cultural Trail and just a block away from Monument Circle (if you feel like exploring).
6. JW Marriott Indianapolis, South West Street
This hotel has been ranked among the best in the Midwest and the very best in Indy itself by Conde Nast Readers’ Choice, and it is directly connected to the Lucas Oil Stadium and Indiana Convention Center through an enclosed walkway, so it’s perfect whether you’re there for pleasure or business.
Inside the JW Marriott Indianapolis itself, you’ll find contemporary furnishings and a fantastic view of the city. From there, you can easily explore the Indiana State Capitol building, the Circle Centre Mall or the NCAA Hall of Champions, while you can spend your evening at one of two fabulous on-site restaurants or sipping drinks at the bar.
7. Bottleworks Hotel, Bottleworks District
This is another boutique hotel, which means you won’t find anything like it elsewhere on your travels. Located inside a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, the Bottleworks Hotel was part of an incredible restoration process that preserved much of the Art Deco grandeur of the original building.
While it’s only been open to guests since 2020, expect absolutely glamorous accommodations from the hotel lobby to the opulent guest rooms – and top-tier personal service from the staff. There’s a billiards room, business facilities, 24-hour room service and concierge care. Plus, you’re already in one of Indy’s most interesting neighborhoods, adjacent to The Garage Food Hall and tons of shopping and entertainment.
8. Fort Harrison Inn, Fort Harrison State Park
Want to step outside of the hustle and bustle of the city and just relax? If you’re looking for a scenic spot that will still provide you with plenty of little luxuries, check out the Fort Harrison State Park Inn.
Still just 13 minutes from all the amusements downtown Indy has to offer, this resort hotel has a complete restaurant on site, an 18-hole golf course, hiking, fishing and seasonal horse riding. This makes it the perfect spot for a private retreat if you just want to escape everything for a while (without feeling isolated).
Keep in mind, these aren’t the only great accommodations you can find in Indianapolis – they’re just the top of the list when it comes to pure excitement and grandeur. Whatever your heart desires in the way of luxury, you’re bound to find it here.
