Bloomington

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About Bloomington

South-west of Indianapolis, Bloomington is a bustling little city with a prestigious university, a thriving foodie scene and a lively cultural programme. With the region’s beautiful landscapes right on your doorstep, this is a terrific destination for adventurous explorers, as well as fans of great food and art. Accommodation options are wide-ranging, including simple B&Bs and striking city hotels suitable for a whole host of budgets. The best places to stay in Bloomington are in the heart of town — perfect for getting in on the action!

Home to just 85,000 people, this small city brims with things to see and do. The city is centred around Courthouse Square, and there are bookshops, antique shops, bars and eateries in the vicinity, ideal for on-foot explorations. Alternatively, hop on a bike and join Bloomington’s many cycling aficionados as you zip past limestone edifices, pausing to dip into popular cafés or to pop into a trendy gallery. Culture lovers will adore the Eskenazi Museum of Art, as well as the burgeoning theatre, music and art scene of the 60-block Bloomington Entertainment & Arts District. There’s a Saturday Farmers’ Market to peruse, too, along with international cuisine to savour in charming restaurants.

Venture beyond the city centre for hiking, kayaking and picnicking amidst the natural beauty of the Griffy Lake Nature Reserve, swimming or fishing at Lake Monroe, and outdoor activities aplenty in Hoosier National Forest. For something totally different, try a meditation session at the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Centre, founded by the Dalai Lama’s brother, who taught at IU in the 1960s.

Brilliantly located in the heart of the city, the best places to stay in Bloomington promise easy access to both the great outdoors and the fabulous food and artsy events of the city centre.

The Best Places to Stay in Bloomington

For a charming inn

  • Grant Street Inn is an iconic property in central Bloomington. Behind the pretty white-and-yellow exterior are comfortable bedrooms with big cosy beds and period furnishings, a smart gym, a library, and a lovely restaurant for hearty breakfasts. The wrap-around verandah is a beautiful space to unwind. A charming boutique B&B for couples or families keen to explore the city.

For city style

  • Graduate Bloomington is a chic, stylish choice, inspired by neighbouring Indiana University. The interiors riff off an old-school university vibe, with wooden panelling and generous desks, but they also boast funky patterned touches, cosy armchairs and quirky wallpapers. Fun and well-priced, this is a great pick for campus visitors as well as travellers of all ages! Centrally located.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY COTTAGE

  • 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 jump aboard a bus or take a taxi from Indianapolis to Bloomington.
  • Alternatively, there are daily Amtrak rail links to Indianapolis from Chicago amongst other services. You can then continue to Bloomington by car or bus.
  • 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!

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Best Hotels in Bloomington

  • Graduate Bloomington Bloomington (Indiana) 150 rooms from £74

    Graduate Bloomington
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    Local exploring  -  Located by Indiana University making this perfect for visitors to the campus but also well placed for exploring the city
    City Style  -  A stylish hotel that's cleverly used university inspired design to smart effect
    Sights nearby  -  Astrological enthusiasts should make a trip to the nearby Kirkwood Observatory
    Great walks  -  Take a scenic walk around Griffy Lake Nature Reserve
    Air conditioningRestaurantPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    Inspired by its neighbouring academic institute (Indiana University) this is a smart, yet lighthearted, hotel. Rooms include beds with wood-panelled backdrops, large wooden desks set alongside light hues and simply patterned fabrics. Plus there's a lobby cafe and bikes to borrow. Superb! See More

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  • Showers Inn Bloomington (Indiana) 12 rooms from £122

    Showers Inn
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    Local exploring  -  It's a short walk into downtown Bloomington; head to Courthouse Square and Kirkwood Avenue for shops and restaurants
    Whirlpool Bathtub  -  Rooms 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11 feature bubble-jet bathtubs
    Great walks  -  Enjoy scenic hikes in McCormick's Creek State Park
    Full of character
    Air conditioningGardenDisabled accessParkingNo pets

    An elegant B&B walking distance to the university & downtown. Spacious well-appointed rooms in the 1903 Greek Revival building with Art Nouveau features, fireplaces and bay windows. Newer Composer House rooms boast a shared porch, kitchenettes & jetted tubs. A tranquil and comfortable stay. See More

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  • Grant Street Inn Bloomington (Indiana) 40 rooms from £124

    Grant Street Inn
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    Local exploring  -  Ideally positioned close to Indiana University, Bloomington's entertainment and arts district and many state parks and lakes
    Fishing  -  A number of nearby lakes allow fishing including Griffey Lake and Lake Monroe
    Local markets  -  Sample local produce at the buzzing Saturday Farmers Market
    Great walks  -  Take a hike in the scenic Hoosier National Park
    Air conditioningParkingNo pets

    Comprising a whole block, made up of five properties, Grant Street Inn is an iconic and central establishment. Rooms are individually designed - some have an old-world elegance, others feel more contemporary. The wrap-around porch is perfect for unwinding with a good book. A charming stay. See More

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