Indianapolis hotels

Located inside a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, Bottleworks Hotel is the anchor of an entire entertainment district in Downtown Indianapolis. The hotel retains many of its original Art Deco features, from its distinctive exterior to exquisite interior details (don’t miss the rotunda surrounding the spiral staircase just beyond the lobby).

Still, its rooms are anything but outdated. Passing from the meticulously restored Deco lobby to the guest spaces beyond, I felt like I was leaving the 1930s and entering the film noir era of the 1940s. Here, sultry scented halls of black walls hung with oversized portraits surround cherry red doors, while soft black carpet rests over gleaming terrazzo tiles. Rooms and suites are outfitted in similarly evocative black, red, and silver tones.

Befitting one of the best hotels in Indianapolis, the plant’s former garages now host a sprawling food hall just outside the hotel, perfect for sampling top local bites.

The Alexander fits every definition of a true art hotel. Public and private spaces have been carefully designed to spotlight its impressively curated multi-million-dollar collection, making it not just one of the best luxury hotels in Indianapolis, but one of the best modern art venues too. The Indianapolis Museum of Art even consulted to help make the art accessible.

I love that the art here was largely commissioned specifically for the hotel’s public spaces and is not just limited to local artists, allowing maximum impact and talent in this free-to-visit spot.

There’s a great Italian restaurant here for dinner, but I especially love the colourful Platt 99 for drinks and small bites in the afternoon, whether catching up on some emails or meeting with a friend. It’s also open late, making it the ideal spot to unwind after dinner.

The Conrad Indianapolis is a bastion of subtle sophistication in Downtown Indy. Uncluttered rooms are appointed with understated yet high-end furnishings, while the stately steakhouse and chic wine bar add to the refined ambiance of the property.

Helping the Conrad rank among the best hotels in Indianapolis is its exceptional spa (the only on-site hotel spa in the downtown area), offering a range of massages, wraps, and salon services. I love that the attached sauna and steam room, in the glass-roofed pool’s locker-room facilities, are always available to hotel guests, even if you’re not booking into the spa for a treatment.

The Conrad is also home to the Long-Sharp Gallery, which means a stay here includes the chance to view works by Picasso, Warhol and Dali. Spring for one of the style-themed suites and you’ll be treated to your own private access to pieces from these and other iconic artists.

While it’s designed to evoke the 19th-century ruggedness of the heartland’s industrial history, Ironworks Hotel Indy is a new-build boutique fully equipped for modern luxury. I love the dynamic mix of materials like brass, leather, barn wood, and glass behind the floor-to-ceiling shop windows of this space.

Spending time here feels both inspiring and comforting—ideal for vacations blending active days and restorative nights. Rooms are large and similarly outfitted in a cohesive explosion of textiles and materials surrounding upscale amenities.

About 16 kilometres outside of downtown, amid one of the city’s top shopping neighbourhoods, the hotel is surrounded by great food, but you don’t need to leave the premises to find any. One of the best hotels in Indianapolis for foodies, the Ironworks campus is home to eight restaurants, all of which are well worth a visit.

On the National Register of Historic Places, Le Méridien Indianapolis was originally built in 1858 and remains beloved for its architecture almost as much as its location.

The noble brick building is within quick walking distance of Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse, but I particularly appreciate the skywalk connecting it directly to the Indiana Convention Center. This is one of the best hotels in Indianapolis for those attending an expo, as even the weather can’t get in your way here.

Spoke & Steele, the hotel’s buzzy bar and restaurant with a particular focus on whiskey, is a chic reservation to make, but I also love just grabbing a drink and taking it to the hotel’s lobby lounge to sit by the fireplace and unwind with friends. Speaking of friends, you’re likely to see furry pals trotting through this pet-friendly hotel too.

A hallmark of dependable class, this is one of the best hotels in Indianapolis for the discerning business set. It’s also a great spot for travellers seeking familiar luxury rather than a boutique atmosphere with vibrant design. It’s connected to the Indiana Convention Center but also boasts almost 10,000 square metres of event space, just as great for weddings as corporate retreats and conferences.

JW Marriott is home to OP Italian, with a menu of homemade pastas, Neapolitan pizzas, and updated classics, as well as the ever-popular sports bar High Velocity. But don’t be afraid to venture out to some of the city’s best restaurants, located just steps from the hotel.

And because this is one of the tallest buildings in the city, I recommend contacting the hotel a few days before arrival to request a higher floor room with a gorgeous view.

The 90-room Hotel Indy thrives on airy vibes punctuated by bold colour pops. This Tribute Portfolio hotel is carefully designed with low furniture and high ceilings, echoing my favourite space on the property, The Cannon Ball Lounge.

This indoor-outdoor rooftop bar is surrounded by the city skyline and is especially spectacular in warmer weather, when it becomes even more abundantly clear why this is one of the best hotels in Indianapolis.

Drinks here are often Instagram-worthy and even more often Indy-inspired, which is a quality you’ll find throughout the hotel. Look for uses of local resources like Indiana limestone and cultural touches inspired by the surrounding neighbourhood, or check out the more obvious local inspiration in the hotel’s art collection. Many of the pieces were commissioned by local and regional artists, both in the permanent collection and in temporary exhibitions.

The Westin is among the best hotels in Indianapolis for budget-conscious travellers who still have an eye for comfort and 4-star service. By no means an economy stay, The Westin offers accessible luxury at more affordable rates than many other upscale brands, without sacrificing favourite brand-wide initiatives like its signature bedding and sleep program.

If you’re a sports fan without tickets to the game, I recommend heading to The Westin’s indoor-outdoor Ten Hands Social Bar and Eatery. In addition to a full bar and a menu of easy bites perfect for gametime, it’s also home to downtown’s largest public televisions, offering maximum viewing opportunities in a lively space. Don’t forget to ask about the chef’s choice burger of the day.

Bonus tip: Westins are also home to one of my favourite signature hotel scents, White Tea, which you’ll experience in the public spaces and bathroom amenities.

With nearly 500 guestrooms and suites, Hyatt Regency Indianapolis is one of the largest hotels in the city. It’s also among the most affordable of the best hotels in Indianapolis, offering mid-level rates without sacrificing quality, cleanliness, or convenience.

Whether with family, friends, or colleagues, if you’re travelling in a group and in need of several comfortable rooms that won’t blow your entire budget, this may be the hotel for you. I love that the 15-floor hotel is designed around a central atrium that’s always filled with activity and builds a buzz without compromising the serenity of the guestrooms.

Below, you’ll find fat Rooster (“fat” is stylized in lowercase), offering a menu of fun takes on classic Midwest comfort foods. Above, you’ll find the hotel’s top draw, The Eagle’s Nest, with 360° views of the Indianapolis skyline and the city’s only revolving restaurant. Make a reservation—it’s popular.

For weddings or other large groups that may require multiple well-appointed suites, Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites rises to the top of the list of the best hotels in Indianapolis. Home to the city’s largest luxury suites, there’s enough upgrade to go around for any comfort-minded group.

I appreciate that the other room categories offered by Hilton Indianapolis are spacious and comfortable too, offering quality at a reasonable rate for all. But don’t come looking for a ton of extra perks in these less expensive categories.

The property’s most unique offering is McCormick & Schmick’s, an upscale seafood restaurant with a national reputation as exciting as its menu. Twice a day, a new menu is printed to highlight the ultra-fresh seafood currently on offer, alongside non-seafood standards like steaks and pastas. 120 West Bar & Grill offers more casual (and family-friendly) fare for all three meals daily.