Where to Stay in Indianapolis

Looking for the best hotels in Indianapolis? Look no further than a local's guide to where to stay in Indianapolis!

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Looking for the best hotels in Indianapolis?

When the world is normal, Indianapolis, Indiana is a destination for conferences, Midwest road trips, and, of course the largest single-day sporting event in the world, The Indianapolis 500. As an Indy local, I am asked often where people should stay during their time in Indianapolis. Thankfully, Indianapolis has plenty of lovely hotel options for every type of traveler, and a walkable downtown with museums, restaurants, theaters, and plenty of sporting venues!

So here's my guide to where to stay in Indianapolis. I've included links to Indy's best hotels, naturally, and to a few of my other posts about Indianapolis, to help you plan your trip to the Circle City!

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Coolest Vibe: The Alexander

Whether you're in town for a vacation or business The Alexander is downtown Indy's chicest hotel. Featuring unique art work, great views, and proximity to the new City Way development, Fountain Square, and Eli Lilly, for business travelers.

Boasting a gorgeous bar (which we visit, even as locals) Plat 99, a classy Cunningham Group restaurant, Nesso, and walkable to Taxman Brewing, your dining options are endless. And, if you're in town for either a Colts or Pacer game, you could easily walk to either sporting venue.

A guide to funky Fountain Square

Conventional Luxury: The Conrad

If you're looking for a classically nice hotel The Conrad, from Hilton, is Indianapolis's traditional luxury hotel option right in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. Experience everything downtown has to offer, including walkable access to the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre, the Circle, and the Convention Center.

It's where celebrities stay when they're in town, and it's where we celebrate significant events, at its reliably perfect, The Capital Grille. And don't forget the gorgeous Evan Todd Spa & Salon (services get you access to the indoor pool!). Whether you stay at The Conrad or not, be sure to try Tastings, a Wine Bar, where you can sample all sorts of vino in the heart of downtown Indy.

Looking for a romantic evening? Check out couples activities in Indianapolis!

Best Conference Hotel: The JW Marriott

In preparation for the Super Bowl, Indianapolis scored its largest hotel to date, The JW Marriott, which changed the Indianapolis skyline forever. With 33 stories, The JW's sleek lines, huge conference rooms, and plentiful restaurants, coffee shops, and gathering spaces make it a go-to for fundraisers, events, and, of course, conference goers!

From The JW, located on the western edge of downtown, you can walk to "The White River" area of Indianapolis, which is home to most of the city's family-centered venues as well, including The Eiteljorg Museum, Indiana State Museum (and IMAX), Indianapolis Historical Society, concert venues, the Canal, and the NCAA Hall of Champions.

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New & Budget-Friendly:
​The Hyatt Place Indianapolis

​One of the newest hotels in downtown Indy, The Hyatt Place Indianapolis has an ideal location, just across the street from Bankers Life Stadium, and walkable to Mass Ave.

Looking for rooftop drinks in Indianapolis? The Hyatt has a gorgeous patio with great views of Bankers Life (you can see it over my shoulder in this picture). There's no better hotel if you're in town the Pacers game!

Business Hotel: The Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre

If you're in Indy for business, The Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre has the right mix of nice rooms, location close the major high rises, and an in-hotel Starbucks, to appeal to business travelers in Indianapolis. I actually stayed here for work once in law school - the beds are memorably comfortable.

Love biking? Rent a bike and explore the 8-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail!

Mass Ave:
Bottleworks Hotel

We are *so excited* about the recent opening of the Bottleworks Hotel on the northern end of Mass Ave, in December of 2020! An artsy, quirky hotel in the renovated Bottleworks (aka the historic Coca Cola plant), the Bottleworks is a unique, boutique hotel right in the heat of where Indy locals actually live and play! The attention to detail is incredible. Even if you don't stay at the Bottleworks, it's worth checking out!

The best restaurants on Mass Ave

Northside: Ironworks Hotel

If you're attending an event, potentially a wedding, on the north side of Indianapolis, consider a stay at Ironworks Hotel Indy. In a brand-new building, Ironworks offers industrial, modern rooms and public spaces, a two great restaurants, Provision and Rize, and proximity to the northern suburbs of Indianapolis, including Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville, and, of course, Indy's best mall, The Fashion Mall at Keystone.

Art enthusiast? Check out my guide to Newfields, Indianapolis's art museum, with its own historic mansion and acres of outdoor space!

The Suburbs: Hotel Carmichael, Carmel

Carmel is finally home to a high-end luxury hotel, Hotel Carmichael, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel. Located in Carmel's City Centre, you'll be within walking distance to shops and restaurants, including the popular Cake Bake Shop, and the Center for the Performing Arts!

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you have a phenomenal trip to Indy! Don't forget to check out my other Indianapolis resources while you're here!

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