Best places to stay in Indianapolis
Known for its thriving cultural events, emerging culinary and brewing scene, and legendary hospitality, Indianapolis, popularly called ‘Indy’, is a vibrant and energetic Midwest US city. The sports-obsessed city is home to the prestigious Indianapolis 500 auto-race event, and professional baseball and football teams such as Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts. Downtown Indy has 7 designated neighborhoods known as ‘Cultural Districts’. Before you choose your hotel, select a district that caters to your interests.
Fountain Square
This is a vibrant neighborhood with famous eateries, quirky shops and impressive architecture. With a European village-like ambience, a town square, and central fountain, this area is renowned for its visual, literary and performing artists. Adjacent to The Fountain Square Theatre Building, and just a 2-minute walk from the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy the antique-décor and contemporary rooms at the Fountainview Inn.
Mass Avenue
A perfect example of the pedestrian-friendly lifestyle that Downtown Indy is known for, Mass Avenue is spread over 5 blocks filled with farm-to-table restaurants, bars, art galleries and numerous local boutiques. Stay at The Harney House Inn Bed & Breakfast, and enjoy the spacious suites, delicious food, and convenient location in the historic Lockerbie Square. Check out Nestle Inn, a B&B with individually decorated rooms, just a block from the trendy restaurants, jazz clubs, and breweries on Mass Avenue. Murat Theatre in the Old National Center is also just steps away from this inn.
Wholesale District
The epicenter of Downtown Indianapolis, you will find many historic buildings, modern high-rises, and popular tourist attractions here. This area is a lively sports and entertainment hub, and also features large, brightly-lit shops, restaurants and theaters. Check out the unique and modern accommodation offered by Le Méridien Indianapolis that is connected by skyway to Circle Centre Mall and the Indiana Convention Center. Consider the Omni Severin Hotel, a 100-year old luxury hotel that offers the elegant grandeur of the early 1900s with modern amenities and well-appointed guestrooms. The hotel is just a short walk from over 300 shops, restaurants, and cafés, as well as the Lucas Oil Stadium.
Market East
One of the newest districts in Downtown Indy, Market East is where historic landmarks sit side by side with modern, green buildings. The area also features a bustling market, unique gift shops, and restaurants and bars serving local brews. Half a block from Monument Circle and just a 4-minute walk from the City Market Indianapolis, you can stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown located on East Market Street. Enjoy their spacious rooms and suites along with excellent service. You can also look at Home2 Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown, an all-suite hotel located on Pennsylvania Street, steps away from several popular attractions.
Canal and White River State Park
A very picturesque part of the city, the Canal and the 250 – acre White River State Park are home to some of the most inspiring museums, attractions, recreation and cultural attractions in Indy. Check out the big rooms and suites (including some with river views) at the Residence Inn by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown on the Canal hotel. The hotel is located on W New York Street and offers easy access to parks, jogging trails, and paddle boats along Canal Walk. Consider the award-winning JW Marriott Indianapolis Downtown hotel for a luxurious stay just steps from White River State Park.
Indiana Avenue
This neighborhood showcases the city’s rich African-American heritage through several historic attractions, museums and parks. Indiana Avenue is also the hub for the hottest jazz shows in the Midwest. Behind the Indiana State Capitol Building, you have the Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol hotel that offers stylish rooms, and several modern amenities.
Broad Ripple Village
A 20-minute drive from Downtown Indy, Broad Ripple Village is home to Butler University. This is a student-friendly neighborhood with several cheap eats, affordable bars, music stores, thrift shops, tattoo parlors and recreational trails for hiking and biking. A minute’s walk from the White River, you have Hotel Broad Ripple that offers individually-decorated rooms with balconies overlooking the Monon Trail. On the outskirts of Broad Ripple Village, consider the fully equipped studio apartments at the Blue Heron Bed & Breakfast, set in an eclectic 1940’s Arts and Crafts-style cottage. The hotel boasts a landscaped garden and a dock that extends onto White River. You can relax on the dock and spot woodpeckers, beavers, red fox, deer, and a host of other wildlife and birds near the river.
Cheap hotels in Indianapolis
Catering to millions of visitors each year, Indy’s hospitality industry is quite well organized. You’ll find several cheap hotels including budget motels, self-catered accommodation, and B&B-style inns across all city districts. Nestled in the quiet Broad Ripple neighborhood near local restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, you can stay in bright, colorful rooms at the Indy Hostel. Check out the sleek rooms at the Sleep Inn & Suites & Conference Center Downtown – Hotel. Close to the Lucas Oil Stadium, consider the posh rooms with exposed-brick details at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis-Downtown hotel.