This hidden gem of the Midwest is mostly known for the famous Indianapolis 500 car race. But Indianapolis, Central Indiana, has so much more to offer. Rich with history and culture, the city boasts an impressive range of museums and art galleries, and celebrates – often, passionately – almost every professional sport.
The city’s thriving food scene is evident from its great collection of diverse restaurants, as well as the delicious smells winding through the streets from the many artisan food carts and vendors.
Climate-controlled skywalks link some of Indianapolis’ main attractions and hotels, making getting about on foot a year-round pleasure. From stylish boutiques to hip and striking, here is a collection of cool and unusual hotels in Indianapolis (in no particular order)…
1. Ironworks Hotel Indy – a trendy, hip and very Instagrammable Industrial Chic hotel perfect for Millenials and Gen Zs
The Ironworks Hotel is an ultra–hip, Instagrammable place to stay in Indianapolis’ north side neighborhood. Throughout this exceptionally-rated hotel, natural and reclaimed materials are used to create an industrial-chic style fused with sleek modern comfort.
Space is available for meetings, events or as a stylish backdrop for unique wedding photos. Guest rooms and suites are spacious and effortlessly cool – with the Founder’s Suite even having its own rooftop terrace and fire pit.
Catering events and serving breakfast and lunch is the in-house eatery – Rize. Inside the Ironworks Keystone Building, there is also a selection of restaurants including fine dining, sushi, Mexican and Italian.
2. Hotel Indy, Indianapolis, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel – a cool, chic and contemporary place to stay in Indianapolis based in the Wholesale District which features very modern interiors
Cool design and artwork, great staff, as downtown location and amazing food all adds up to a downtown Indy gem, located within walking distance of the Circle Centre mall, Gainbridge Fieldhouse, concerts and other events, and tons of trendy restaurants and lounges.
The sophisticated modern decor in the lobby is complemented with fireplaces and coffee table books on racing.
The hip rooftop Cannon Ball Lounge has stunning city views and a live DJ on Saturdays, and the Hulman restaurant serves a yummy breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner with memorable dishes.
The rooms have bright accents like deep red velvet chairs and 1970s-style drapes, plus handy features like lots of wall sockets, cabinet space, mini fridge and coffee machine and a separate workspace.
3. Bottleworks Hotel – a beautiful, unique and cool design boutique hotel which was originally a Coke Bottling Plant
Once the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Indianapolis, now a stylish, upscale hotel with much of its original art décor and unique architecture in place.
From the gleaming tiles of the lobby to the elegant greys and dark woods in the bedrooms, this modern hotel easily combines a roaring 20’s feel with modern luxury.
Carefully curated artwork, views of the historic Carrollton Avenue and open-air terraces are a few of the features that can be found in the guest rooms and suites.
The Bottleworks Hotel has five unique event spaces including ‘The Library’ – one of the city’s largest indoor event spaces, full of natural light and wooden bookshelves.
In-room eating is available, and being situated in the thriving Bottleworks district, there’s a host of high-quality restaurants and bars on the doorstep including The Garage – a community of food, drink & Indianapolis goods.
4. Conrad – a chic, trendy and unique upscale hotel which is part hotel, part gallery
A hotspot in the Indianapolis art scene, the first floor of the exceptionally-recommended Conrad Hotel is home to the acclaimed ‘Long-Sharp Gallery’, showcasing nationally and internationally known artists.
And on the second floor, you’ll find works with special connections to the city. The luxury guest rooms and suites – designed in cool shades of grey or classic creams – also boast works by Dali, Picasso, Warhol, and others.
Enjoy fine dining in the traditional grill restaurant or take it easy in the award-winning wine bar, known locally for its extensive wine list and craft beers. Relax further at the pool, fitness center or spa (including steam room and sauna). A total of 12 meeting rooms cater for large events and smaller occasions.
Having a skywalk that connects to Circle Centre Mall and the Indiana Convention Center, as well as being steps from downtown, puts the Conrad hotel in an ideal spot for business and pleasure.
5. Le Meridien Indianapolis – an elegant and trendy boutique-style hotel housed in a landmark property
Across the skybridge from the Indiana Convention Center, Le Meridien hotelis ideally situated for business and pleasure.
The décor of this trendy hotel is light and simple with warm amber tones and carefully curated art and curios which create an eclectic but cozy feeling.
The bedrooms are all about relaxation in soothing greys and clean whites. Modern dishes, craft cocktails and an impressive wine list are available in the on-site restaurant where the relaxed vibe is continued with whitewashed brick walls and wooden floors.
Other amenities are a 24-hour fitness center and a range of smart meeting and event spaces.
6. Columbia Club – this grand downtown historic beauty is one of the best places to stay in Indianapolis
High, beamed ceilings, dark wood paneling, and polished floors welcome guests into this imposing lobby with a historical feel. The rooms and suites are cozy and comfortable with all mod cons.
The Colombia Clubhas many years of hosting events and banquets, and a range of meeting spaces are available. Weddings and special occasions are catered for in three different, but all very grand settings.
Loved American dishes are elevated at the grill restaurant, served with signature cocktails and selected beers.
The hotel’s health and wellness center offers classes and fitness center, and for those who want to kick back, there’s also a steam room, sauna and whirlpools.
To book, check prices or availability for Columbia Club
7. The Westin Indianapolis – an ultra-design and informal hotel that is connected to the Indiana Convention Center via a sky bridge, situated in the heart of the city
Cool and connected, The Westin Indianapolis is connected via one of the city’s famous. covered sky-bridges to the Circle Center Mall and Indiana Convention Center, and close to the restaurants, shopping, nightlife and the Lucas Oil Stadium. You’re within walking distance of Indiana University-Purdue University.
The stylish guest rooms and suites are full of classic comfort with a modernist look, and
The Westin is also connected with all the tech a millennial heart could wish for, with flat-screen TVs, movies and high-speed internet access.
There’s a gym, and the Ten Hands Social Bar & Eatery is open all day until midnight with an American menu and a marketplace where you can grab a coffee and a snack.
8. Tru By Hilton Indianapolis Downtown, In – a casual, vibrant and funky hotel that offers easy access to the city’s major attractions and transport links
Bright and cheery decor, helpful staff and a great location right next to the Lucas Oil Stadium make this a good choice for a trip to Indy. It’s close to all the events, concerts, shopping and dining, and just off I-70 to take you further afield.
You’ll find gourmet coffee, tea and hot chocolate in the lobby any time of day or night, and there’s also a 24/7 marketplace where you can grab stuff you need like snacks, beverages and single-serve wine and beer, and charge it to your room.
Also in the lobby there are work alcoves with power outlets, free wifi and remote printing.
The light-filled rooms are equipped with king-sized Serta beds, workspace, 49″ HDTVs with premium channels, mini-refrigerator, and there’s a gym so guests can maintain their fitness routine. A complimentary breakfast is served every morning with a hot and cold buffet and the best pancakes.
9. The Alexander, A Dolce Hotel – a vibrant, art-centric hotel in downtown Indianapolis
In downtown Indianapolis, The Alexander’s uncluttered décor and swathes of natural light enhance millions of dollars’ worth of commissioned and curated local and international art throughout the hotel – including a wall of exquisite birds taking flight and a ceiling or beautiful, blown glass lights.
The plush guest rooms also showcase specially commissioned works of art against soft grey interiors. This is a unique place to share on socials or hold a special event or wedding – indoors or outdoors.
There’s also no shortage of top-quality food and drink treats. Bespoke cocktails, local beers and small plates are served at Plat 99.
Local and seasonal dishes are dished up in the open kitchen of the Market Table. And traditional Italian fare is available at Nesso Italian Kitchen.
10. Nestle Inn – a cute and quirky-chic boutique inn where historical meets hip
The Nestle Innis located close to downtown Indianapolis for pleasure and just a mile from the Indiana Convention Center for business. This award-winning B&B style Inn has a rich history of over 100 years in the community and continues to support local businesses and people.
Each of the unique six rooms are elegantly decorated in calming tones – and all have their own bathroom. Just as the décor is unfussy, so is the service, with self check-ins available and breakfast vouchers you can use in local coffee shops and bistros.
And if you’re looking for something more social, try the in-house cooking classes which are held regularly.
To book, check prices or availability for Nestle Inn
11. Omni Severin Hotel – a very impressive luxury hotel featuring elegant 20th-century design and décor
An imposing 1900s building impeccably restored in the heart of downtown, with skywalk access to Circle Centre Mall or the Indianapolis Convention Center. Entering the stately lobby at Omni Severin Hotel, guests make their way down a broad marble walkway like a 1920’s movie star might once have done.
Events are hosted in a range of spaces including a ballroom featuring impossibly high ceilings, white columns, huge chandeliers and floods of natural light. Bedrooms are traditionally luxurious in neutral tones.
Named after the year the hotel was built, the hotel’s 1913 Restaurant combines local ingredients with traditional and historical dishes, giving them a modern spin.
There’s also a sports bar and fashionable wine bar featuring fine wines, ports, cordials and small plates. Other amenities include an indoor pool and fitness center.
12. Old Northside Bed & Breakfast – an upscale B&B located in an 1885 home in the historic neighborhood of Old Northside
In the middle of the historic Old Northside neighborhood, there’s a charming red brick bed & breakfast with pretty, climbing ivy and a welcoming vibe.
The house boasted an interesting 100-year history until it was transformed into a B&B. Original artwork and hand-painted murals and ceilings all add to its character.
Every room at Old Northside Bed & Breakfasthas its own bath and many of them boast a fireplace too. From the bridal room with a double jacuzzi to the library room full of books and antiques to the cute rose garden room with a skylight and climbing rose decoration, they each have their own mood.
And a bonus for the later risers, breakfast is available at any time you choose.
13. Looking Glass Inn – a vintage-chic 1905 inn located in the Old Northside Historic District
Sitting behind a cute garden complete with a trimmed privet hedge, this large, wood-paneled house has been part of the city’s Old Northside Historic District for over 100 years and now hosts visitors to Indianapolis looking for something a bit more personal.
The shared areas at Looking Glass Inn have a comfortable home-from-home feel. Each bedroom is centered around a chosen color – think shades of duck egg, sage green, pale rose or honeyed gold – with stylish, modern interiors.
For families and groups, the Hideaway suite is spacious yet cozy option. Baskets of continental breakfasts are delivered to rooms. There are also a selection of eateries and parks nearby.
14. Fort Harrison State Park Inn – a countryside and picturesque hotel set within Fort Harrison State Park where guests have the opportunity to do activities such as hiking
When you want to spend some time in quiet natural surroundings without the discomfort that goes with camping (not to mention the possibility of some rascally bears raiding your food supplies), the Indiana State Parks Inns are the solution.
The Fort Harrison State Park Inn is just 20 minutes from downtown Indianapolis, and you’ll find a wealth of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing and trail rides at the park itself.
Guests can stay in the Main Lodge, Harrison House or the Officer Homes, and head over to the Garrison Restaurant adjacent to the golf course for meals, including breakfast.
The historic buildings have all facilities and are tastefully furnished in character with antiques and period furniture. Many rooms and suites have window seats and seating nooks creating a cozy feel, and some also have a jacuzzi.
15. Stone Soup Inn – a quirky-chic and charming 19-century B&B based in the lovely historic Old Northside neighborhood which is close to Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site
Quaint, charming and comfortable, the Stone Soup Inn is located in the Old Northside neighborhood of Indianapolis, with all the museums, galleries, theaters, restaurants, sporting venues, shopping and pubs easily accessible.
The 1901 building is furnished with Mission style and Victorian antiques, and guests can choose from four unique guestrooms, four lofts, a carriage house apartment, and a garden studio. Amenities include jacuzzis, steam showers and cable TV and some rooms also have full kitchens.
There’s a wraparound porch where you can relax and admire the garden and lily pond, a baby grand piano and fireplace in the living room and a library. A continental breakfast is served every morning.
To book, check prices or availability for Stone Soup Inn
My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.
