About Indianapolis

Indiana’s state capital — also the second largest city in the Midwest — has long been a favourite amongst motorsport fanatics. As well as being home to Indy Car Racing and the annual Indy 500, Indianapolis is a lovely city for cultural and nature-focused holidays with friends and family. Accommodation options range from simple inns to smart city hotels, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Indianapolis are clustered close to the city centre, but our recommendations also include attractive hotels in more tranquil surroundings.

Explore the picturesque 8-mile Indianapolis Cultural Trail on foot, Segway or bicycle, taking in the parks, shops and museums of the city centre, or experience the popular Monon Trail on two wheels. There are beautiful riverside paths in White River State Park, too, close to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art, the Indiana State Museum and an IMAX Theatre with a six-storey screen. The Indianapolis Museum of Art, on the 152-acre Newfields campus, is very special. Families should head to Go Ape Treetop Adventure, an obstacle course in Eagle Creek Park, or to the enormous Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Outdoorsy travellers, on the other hand, will adore hiking, running, kayaking, lake swimming in the area.

And if you’re a real petrolhead? The Indy Racing Experience and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum are not to be missed. Book your trip well in advance if travelling in May, when the crowds descend for the Indy 500 — the best places to stay in Indianapolis fill up fast!

The Best Places to Stay in Indianapolis

For an Intimate Inn

  • Nestle Inn offers just six cosy rooms in a heritage residence. Now an owner-run inn with plenty of period touches, this is a lovely, low-key spot for a city break. Chef-led cooking classes are a great addition, and the two-bedroom suite works well for families.
  • The Looking Glass Inn sits within an elegant, Victorian-era mansion. Rooms feature Empire-style antique, clawfoot tubs and decorative fireplaces. Breakfasts are served in the dining room. Traditional and romantic, close to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.
  • Hotel Broad Ripple is a more contemporary choice on the Monon Trail. The 13 well-appointed rooms are individually decorated, and guests can enjoy drinks at the bar before dining at nearby eateries. A good value option for groups and keen cyclists, with a small-town feel.

For a Downtown Hotel

  • The Alexander Hotel is an appealing contemporary base in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, just a few minutes' walk from the Cultural Trail. Rooms and public areas boast a plethora of art pieces and expansive city views. There's a fitness suite, two restaurants and a cool cocktail bar. Two-bedroom suites are great for families.
  • Le Meridien Indianapolis is a swish downtown hotel with sleek contemporary interiors, modern artwork, a popular restaurant, a fireside lobby lounge and 24-hour gym. Buzzy, stylish and brilliant for business or leisure. Just alongside the Indiana Convention Centre.
  • Conrad Indianapolis is an elegant luxury hotel with opulent suites, an impressive array of paintings — including works by Picasso and Dali — as well as a stylish cocktail bar and fine-dining restaurant. Unwind at the spa after big days of exploring. A real treat in a central location.

For Groups

  • Ironworks Hotel Indianapolis is a chic, newly built property with three restaurants, a lively rooftop lounge and generous rooms for indulgent business or leisure stays. Think exposed pipes, salvaged barn wood, and huge windows in rooms and suites, some of which also offer great workspaces. Groups will appreciate the sociable buzz, large public spaces and flexible room options. There are cycling trails nearby.

FOR AN APARTMENT

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Indianapolis International Airport and travel into the city by car, bus or shuttle.
  • Alternatively, there are daily Amtrak rail links to Indianapolis from Chicago and other big cities.
  • Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Travel between June and September for the warmest weather. Remember that winters are very cold!

STILL NOT SURE?

Weather

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.

The best hotels in Indianapolis

Nestle Inn

Indianapolis (Indiana)

An owner-run inn set nearby downtown. Situated in a historic family dwelling, there is a warm and relaxed feel to the homely rooms and two-bedroom suite with four-poster beds and antique writing desks. Enjoy breakfast in nearby local cafes or a chef-led cookery class. A low-key base for exploring.

  • Local exploring - As the closest inn to the downtown you are walking distance to sites, restaurants, bars, breweries and evening entertainment
  • Sights nearby - Indiana War Memorial, Monument Circle and Indiana State Capitol are all in the local vicinity
  • Cooking classes - On-site cookery classes include demos on sushi-making, Afternoon Tea and Thai food
  • Views
from AU$234 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Looking Glass Inn

Indianapolis (Indiana)

Tasteful B&B housed in an elegant Victorian-era mansion. Well-appointed rooms decorated in rich jewel tones with Empire-style antiques, clawfoot tubs, luxe linens and decorative fireplaces are warm and inviting. Breakfast is served in a traditional dining room. Classic yet cosy home-away-from-home.

  • Self catering to rent - 900 sq ft Hideaway Suite features a full kitchen, as well as spacious living and dining area; ideal for long stays
  • Local exploring - Old Northside Historic District is home to appealing shops, restaurants, sites, boutiques, theatres and galleries
  • Great walks - Admire the area's Queen Anne and Italianate mansions and Victorian-era architecture on a neighbourhood stroll
  • Whirlpool Bathtub - Gold room comes with a jetted tub. Rose and Green rooms feature indulgent two-person whilrpools
from AU$258 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Indy

Indianapolis (Indiana)

Find the unique charm of a Brutalist architecture-inspired hotel, in Indianapolis's bustling Wholesale District. With a modern vibe, rooms showcasing downtown views through floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant furnishings. Indulge in the local flavours at The Hulman & cocktails at The Cannon Ball.

  • Families - Hotel Indy, a family-friendly stay, offers cosy rooms and is close to the zoo and parks, perfect for family fun
  • Local exploring - Immerse in city vibes at Hotel Indy: steps from sports venues and top attractions, ideal for urban exploration
  • Great walks - Explore the scenic White River State Park, a serene retreat in the heart of the city with beautiful trails
  • Hotel Entertainment - Relish unique cocktails with a view at The Cannon Ball Lounge, Indy's newest rooftop bar
from AU$286 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Hotel Broad Ripple

Indianapolis (Indiana)

Contemporary inn with a lodge feel located on Monon Trail. Steps from the White River and Dawson Lake, rooms are well-appointed and individually decorated. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the lounge and drinks at the bar before exploring nearby eateries. Spacious yet cosy offering small-town charm.

  • Groups - Many of the rooms sleep up to three or four guests in cosy configurations; this also works out as a great-value option
  • Cycling - The property backs onto the Monon Trail; a 27 mile former rail track which offers fantastic cycling in the region
  • Local exploring - Perfect base from which to explore Broad Ripple's culture, eateries, galleries, breweries and shops
  • Great walks - The Monon Trail will also appeal to walkers and hikers; it stretches all the way to downtown Indianapolis and beyond
from AU$297 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Conrad Indianapolis

Indianapolis (Indiana)

A luxury giant in this vibrant city. Smartly designed suites offer reams of space and chic modern style. Functioning both as a hotel and an art gallery you can view works by Picasso or Dali before heading to the bar for a cocktail. The fine-dining restaurant is equally impressive.

  • Artworks - The hotel's own gallery includes works by Picasso, Warhol and Dali. This property is bound to please any art connoisseur
  • City Style - Featuring luxury suites, renowned artworks, a spoiling spa and fine-dining restaurant, this hotel has reams of style
  • Spa - Evan Todd Spa and Salon offers a wide range of body and hair treatements using AVEDA products
  • Sights nearby - Visit the Indiana State Capitol and admire the majestic architecture
from AU$300 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Alexander Hotel

Indianapolis (Indiana)

Striking, contemporary decor - rooms on the top floors offer vibrant city views. Includes two in-house restaurants and a bar. Long stay facilities available in residential style suites. High-speed internet and 24-hr room service. Ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

  • Local exploring - Conveniently located in the downtown area, close to important sites
  • Families - Suites available with 2 bedrooms including full kitchens
  • City Style - Artfully designed rooms with all modern amenities
  • Restaurant - Market Table restaurant serves breakfast and the juicy steak at the Cerulean restaurant is a must try
from AU$306 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Le Meridien Indianapolis

Indianapolis (Indiana)

Deluxe downtown hotel with a buzzy feel and fab location beside the convention centre. A popular restaurant, fireside lobby lounge and 24-hour gym ensure all bases are covered. Sleek, inviting and well-designed rooms are a tasteful blend of textures and styles. Spoiling, fun and functional base.

  • Business meetings - Connected to the Indiana Convention Center, this is a perfect base for business travellers. Rooms boast ergonomic work spaces
  • City Style - Much more than just a business hotel, this historic property has been transformed into a bastion of contemporary urban cool
  • Local exploring - Ideal location for both work and play; walk easily to shops, meetings, restaurants and entertainment
  • Sights nearby - Indianapolis Zoo, Hilbert Circle Theatre, Fountain Square, Monument Circleand Indiana State Capitol are in the area
from AU$628 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia