Last Updated on November 24, 2024 by Katrina

Photo credit: Bottleworks Hotel

Indianapolis is famous for its love of sports—from the Indianapolis 500 to the Pacers to the Colts—but staying in Indianapolis offers lots to do even if you’re not here for a race or game. Downtown Indianapolis is home to acclaimed museums such as the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, as well as plenty of shopping and locavore cuisine. The best hotels in Indianapolis offer easy access to Circle City’s top sights and unique glimpses into its history, too.

Conrad Indianapolis (50 W Washington St.; 317-713-5000) Downtown

A standout among the best hotels in Indianapolis is this 247-room Hilton-affiliated hotel on downtown’s Mile Square. Not only is the Conrad “in the thick of it all,” writes TimeOut, but it “boasts its own fine art gallery, with works by Picasso and Warhol” plus art-themed suites. A Google reviewer loves another elegant amenity—the onsite wine bar—and the hotel’s convenient location. “You don’t need a car to get to other restaurants, bars, and venues. However, if you want to explore further, a quick 10-minute cab or Uber ride will take you to Fountain Square or Bottleworks.”  >> Book this hotel for less

JW Marriott Indianapolis (10 S West St.; 317- 860-5800) Downtown

The 1,005-room JW Marriott, housed in a 33-story building, places you in the heart of downtown with “jaw-dropping views out over the city,” writes TimeOut, as well as “easy walking distance to destinations like the Circle Center Mall, Victory Field, the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium.” One Yelper bemoans the lack of a pool but writes that “our room had a cool view of downtown Indianapolis. There wasn’t too much to do around us the weekend we went, but we were super happy with the hotel’s sports bar, the lobby lounge with live music, the Starbucks and Italian restaurant.”  >> Book this hotel for less

Le Méridien Indianapolis (123 S Illinois St.; 317-737-1600) Downtown

Located conveniently near the Indianapolis convention center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and Circle Center Mall, this branch of the luxury brand is “the height of modern luxury,” according to TimeOut. “Le Méridien comes with its own curated library (which guests can actually borrow from), a tip-top fitness center, and a restaurant and bar that specializes in bourbon-based tipples.” A Tripadvisor user notes that “this is a downtown, established hotel, and that means the rooms are going to be a little smaller,” but likes the access to the convention center and Circle Center Mall. “You go from the convention center to the hotel, with access on the second floor of the mall. Easy and convenient, especially if it is raining outside.”  >> Book this hotel for less

Bottleworks Hotel (850 Massachusetts Ave; 317-556-1234) Bottleworks District

Get a taste of Indianapolis history at this boutique hotel that anchors the city’s Bottleworks District, named because the former tenant was once the world’s largest Coca-Cola bottling facility. Today, Condé Nast Traveler applauds the 139-room hotel for its “original Art Deco details, carefully restored to 1930s splendor. Don’t forget to gaze up at the rotunda—its spiral staircase and soda bottle cap-inspired ceiling plaster.” One Tripadvisor user calls the hotel “unique and beautiful” while another likes its convenience: “The Garage is directly across the street with many restaurants and a few shops. Also across the street is an arcade with Duck Pin bowling and bar. A ‘Living Room’ IMAX theater is next door.”  >> Book this hotel for less

Ironworks Hotel Indy (2721 E 86th St.; 463-221-2200) Northside

Rounding out the best hotels in Indianapolis is the Ironworks. You’ll feel like “you’re staying in a luxurious factory,” writes TimeOut of this 120-room hotel “inspired by the industrial revolution” and “decorated with pipes, wooden beams and exposed metal.” The pet-friendly hotel offers on-site eateries, free parking, free coffee, and easy access to the upscale Fashion Mall at Keystone. “The vibe is cool and the deco unique,” writes a Google reviewer. “It smells so great everywhere I bought the ‘signature smell’ (not kidding!). I couldn’t believe how affordable it was.”  >> Book this hotel for less

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