Small, slow-paced and sparsely populated, Indiana is brilliant for nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Explore vast forests, expansive cornfields, the undulating dunes which border Lake Michigan and the shores of the Ohio River on foot, bicycle or horseback. The state’s quaint towns and buzzing cities are well worth visiting too, offering accommodation options ranging from traditional inns to swish modern hotels, fit for a whole host of tastes and budgets. Many of the best places to stay in Indiana are owner-run and intimate, ensuring that visitors can experience the region’s warm hospitality firsthand.

Cosmopolitan Indianapolis, the state capital, boasts a handful of excellent art galleries, museums and restaurants. Little ones will love the zoo and the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, whilst outdoorsy travellers can enjoy access to the Monon Trail and to beautiful White River State Park. The biggest draw is undoubtedly the Indy 500, a motor enthusiast’s dream! Don’t miss the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum or the impressive Indianapolis Museum of Art. The university cities of Bloomington and South Bend are also well worth visiting for their fusion of artsy and nature-focused attractions.

Northern Indiana, on the other hand, is home to idyllic rural landscapes and tranquil Amish villages, preserving a way of life which has largely disappeared elsewhere. Go adventuring in the Indiana Dunes National Park, on the edge of Lake Michigan, or head south to Brown County State Park before returning to one of the best places to stay in Indiana.

The Best Places to Stay in Indiana

FOR City Style

• 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.
• Hotel Carmichael offers a chic downtown base in Carmel, with Greek pillars, chandeliers and glossy marble floors. Rooms fuse traditional design with hi-tech comforts, and there's a buzzy bar, restaurant and cabaret lounge for big city nights. A glamorous couples' or business trip choice.
• 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 in Indianapolis.
• 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 Indianapolis location.

FOR AN INTIMATE INN

• The Oliver Inn offers just 10 guestrooms in a heritage residence within walking distance of the heart of South Bend. The two-bedroom suite is ideal for families, dogs are welcome and big breakfasts are ideal for kick-starting the day.
• 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.
• 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 Indianapolis city break. Chef-led cooking classes are a great addition, and the two-bedroom suite works well for families.
• Prairie Guest House is a cosy, owner-run B&B set within a 19th-century farmhouse and cottage, jjust north of Indianapolis. The pretty guestrooms are spacious and comfortable, homemade breakfasts are a treat, and there are two acres of gardens to discover. The yoga studio is wonderful!
• Hotel Broad Ripple is a more contemporary choice on the Monon Trail near Indianapolis. 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.
• Brick Street Inn resembles a storybook home with its shingle façade and white picket fence. Cosy up for a relaxed night in Zionsville, with drinks on the bar terrace and curious independent shops and eateries within walking distance.
• Showers Inn has well-appointed rooms in a 1903 Greek Revival building with appealing Art Nouveau features in Bloomington. Book a room in the Composer House for access to the shared porch, as well as your own jetted tubs and kitchenette. Good for families and friends as well as couples.

For Romance

• Charley Creek Inn is a striking Georgian building in Wabash. Meticulously refurbished, the hotel offers a real sense of 1920s elegant, with hardwood floors, four poster beds and warm terracotta tones. Think old-world luxury for a lovely couples' break. The wine tastings are a great touch!
• The Pepin Mansion sits close to the Ohio River in New Albany, close to a number of heritage house museums. Romantic couples will adore the graceful suites, complete with four poster beds, soaring ceilings and original fireplaces. For history buffs. Children over age 12 are welcome.
• The Looking Glass Inn sits within an elegant, Victorian-era mansion in Indianapolis. Rooms feature Empire-style antiques, clawfoot tubs and decorative fireplaces. Breakfasts are served in the dining room. Traditional and romantic, close to the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site.

FOR A University CAMPUS HOTEL

• Morris Inn promises a smart city stay on the University of Notre Dame campus in South Bend. Complete with extensive event facilities, this is a brilliant business trip or big celebration choice. Expect classic rooms, a good restaurant and easy access to the picturesque university campus.
• 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 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 pipework, 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.
• 4411 Inn & Suites has been transformed from a mid-century motel into a bright, fresh base moments from Lake Michigan. Pick this place for an active group trip, with the option to grill your own BBQ dinners, gather around the fire pit and explore the great outdoors. Three-bedroom suites are ideal for friends or families.
• New Harmony Inn is a resort and conference centre made up of a collection of buildings close to the Wabash River. Stay here for the excellent event facilities and appealing group deals. There's a large pool and fitness centre, and the little-explored town of New Harmony retains plenty of charm. Ideal for wedding and other large-scale events which can be held in the lovely gardens or function rooms.

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 or to South Bend International Airport, and travel to your destination by car, bus or train. There are regular Amtrak rail links from Chicago and other big cities to Indianapolis, South Bend and other regional hubs.
• Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Travel between June and September for the warmest weather. Summers tend to be hot and humid. Remember that winters are very cold!

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our pick of all the best places to stay in Indianapolis.
• Broaden your search to include the best places to stay in neighbouring Illinois.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

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