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 rooms on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail - named "the biggest and boldest step by any American city" by the Project of Public Spaces – Indy is as navigable as ever.

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 complimentary 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 is conveniently located steps from White River State Park and the heart of downtown.

Pamper Yourself:
With guests like Jennifer Aniston, Alec Baldwin and Jimmy Fallon, the Conrad Indianapolis offers luxurious accommodations and a fantastic location in the heart of the city. Named a “Top U.S. Hotel” by Conde Nast Traveler for five years running, the Conrad also features fine dining options, the luxurious Evan Todd Spa & Salon, and an art gallery showcasing the work of Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Miro and other modern masters.

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 downtowns 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 hotels atrium.

Get Artsy:
Indy's newest hotel, The Alexander, stands as the cornerstone of downtown's latest neighborhood, CityWay. This luxury conference center hotel is best described as an art museum, with the Indianapolis Museum of Art curating 60 works of contemporary art by notable living artists throughout the property. All guestrooms feature art, graffiti art by British artist Nick Walker adorns the parking garage, and the mixology lounge was designed by MacArthur 'genius' award-winner Jorge Pardo.

Related Links:

• Marriott Place
• The Alexander
• Conrad Indianapolis
• Staybridge Suites
• Caribbean Cove at Holiday Inn North at the Pyramids
• Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station
• Canterbury Hotel