Be Our Guest: Indianapolis Hotels
Indianapolis was named the Best Hotel Value by the Wall Street Journal, but it's not just the prices that keep people coming back.
From B&Bs in walkable old neighborhoods to luxury high-rise hotels to a refurbished Pullman train car, lodging in Indianapolis is as varied as the guests who stay here. The only constant: Hospitality is on the house.
Downtown hotels make it easy to get around, with skywalks to Circle Centre mall and the Indiana Convention Center. Rooms near the Central Canal — named one of the country's best places for a run — are just a short walk from restaurants and attractions. With easy access to highways, hoteliers along the I-465 bypass offer shuttles to upscale malls, or will pick up goodies for your suite's fridge.
Sports fans can stay near the action of downtown venues and the world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, while music-lovers can enjoy Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performances or Bean Blossom's renowned bluegrass festival. Travelers with children can find indoor water parks and family-friendly restaurants, while those without can reconnect at romantic retreats.
No matter your needs, Indianapolis offers a range of price points, from penthouse suites with a personal staff to budget-friendly places with free breakfasts. And many hotels offer one-of-a-kind amenities:
Develop a Complex:
Marriott Place is a brand new hotel complex with four properties and more than 1,600 rooms — highlighted by the luxurious JW Marriott Downtown Indianapolis. This amazing complex is sure to have a room to fit your budget and it's conveniently located steps from White River State Park and the heart of downtown.
Pamper Yourself:
The Conrad Indianapolis has been recognized as one of the top hotels in the world by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. With its 24-hour business concierge, the Conrad's specialty is special treatment.
Pass the Popcorn:
Staybridge Suites next to Lucas Oil Stadium has a home-theater room complete with cushy chairs and a large plasma-screen TV, available on a first-come basis. Bring your own DVDs or watch your favorite cable shows on satellite.
Get Wet:
Attached to the Holiday Inn North at the Pyramids is the 50,000-square-foot Caribbean Cove Water Park, an indoor complex with a lazy river, a water-filled basketball court, a plunge pool, two hot tubs, and even slides that whiz you outside and around the hotel.
All Aboard:
Spend the night in one of 26 authentic, refurbished Pullman railroad cars at downtown's Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station. Though a little more compact than standard hotel rooms, they have all the amenities — plus the charm of a bygone era.
Be a Star:
Celebrities and dignitaries (or people who just want to feel like one) stay at the English-style Canterbury Hotel for its top-secret private entrance, multilingual staffers, and fineries that include high tea every afternoon in the hotel's atrium.
Move on Up:
The Suites at 14 West are condos with a concierge. The luxury apartments (available for one night or longer) are in the thick of downtown, and the penthouse features a home theater, a balcony that seats 50 for dinner and eight shower heads in one stall.
