Hotels in Indianapolis

Best time to visit Indianapolis

With plenty of sunshine, lower humidity levels and average temperature of around 55 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit, fall months of September – October are the best for visiting Indianapolis. The peak tourist season is from June – August when the weather is hot and humid. Average temperatures can go as high as 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are often bitterly cold and also experience occasional snowstorms. Average temperatures from November – March range from 30 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring is a transition season and the highly varying weather conditions often produce thunderstorms and tornadoes. In May, the Indianapolis 500 races attract large crowds and hotel rates tend to double. Try to book your accommodation a few months in advance if you plan to visit during this time.

Getting around Indianapolis

Indianapolis Downtown is walkable at any time of the year. A large network of climate-controlled skywalks connects over 4,000 hotels to restaurants, popular attractions, and the Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium. The city has a flat landscape, and an 8-mile long biking and walking path called the Indianapolis Culture Trail that connects all the Cultural Districts of Indy. Make use of Pacers Bike Share, the city’s official bike-share program that gives you access to over 250 bikes across the city. Unlock a bike from any of the stations and enjoy unlimited 30-minute trips for a 24-hour period by paying $8.00 USD. Indy’s public bus system called IndyGo operates several routes throughout the city and suburbs. Single fares are a $1.75 USD and day passes are available for $4.00 USD. Taxis are available in the downtown area and in Broad Ripple Village, but you will need to call ahead. Ride share options such as Uber and Lyft are also available. If you choose to drive around in the city, check out Blue Indy, the all-electric car share program. You can pick up a car at the airport, drive it downtown, and drop it off at another charging station near the convention center or at your hotel. You can also look for attractive deals on car rentals with momondo.

Best places to stay in Indianapolis

Known for its thriving cultural events, emerging culinary and brewing scene, and legendary hospitality, Indianapolis, popularly called ‘Indy’, is a vibrant and energetic Midwest US city. The sports-obsessed city is home to the prestigious Indianapolis 500 auto-race event, and professional baseball and football teams such as Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts. Downtown Indy has 7 designated neighborhoods known as ‘Cultural Districts’. Before you choose your hotel, select a district that caters to your interests.

Fountain Square

This is a vibrant neighborhood with famous eateries, quirky shops and impressive architecture. With a European village-like ambience, a town square, and central fountain, this area is renowned for its visual, literary and performing artists. Adjacent to The Fountain Square Theatre Building, and just a 2-minute walk from the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art, enjoy the antique-décor and contemporary rooms at the Fountainview Inn.

Mass Avenue

A perfect example of the pedestrian-friendly lifestyle that Downtown Indy is known for, Mass Avenue is spread over 5 blocks filled with farm-to-table restaurants, bars, art galleries and numerous local boutiques. Stay at The Harney House Inn Bed & Breakfast, and enjoy the spacious suites, delicious food, and convenient location in the historic Lockerbie Square. Check out Nestle Inn, a B&B with individually decorated rooms, just a block from the trendy restaurants, jazz clubs, and breweries on Mass Avenue. Murat Theatre in the Old National Center is also just steps away from this inn.

Wholesale District

The epicenter of Downtown Indianapolis, you will find many historic buildings, modern high-rises, and popular tourist attractions here. This area is a lively sports and entertainment hub, and also features large, brightly-lit shops, restaurants and theaters. Check out the unique and modern accommodation offered by Le Méridien Indianapolis that is connected by skyway to Circle Centre Mall and the Indiana Convention Center. Consider the Omni Severin Hotel, a 100-year old luxury hotel that offers the elegant grandeur of the early 1900s with modern amenities and well-appointed guestrooms. The hotel is just a short walk from over 300 shops, restaurants, and cafés, as well as the Lucas Oil Stadium.

Market East

One of the newest districts in Downtown Indy, Market East is where historic landmarks sit side by side with modern, green buildings. The area also features a bustling market, unique gift shops, and restaurants and bars serving local brews. Half a block from Monument Circle and just a 4-minute walk from the City Market Indianapolis, you can stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown located on East Market Street. Enjoy their spacious rooms and suites along with excellent service. You can also look at Home2 Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown, an all-suite hotel located on Pennsylvania Street, steps away from several popular attractions.

Canal and White River State Park

A very picturesque part of the city, the Canal and the 250 – acre White River State Park are home to some of the most inspiring museums, attractions, recreation and cultural attractions in Indy. Check out the big rooms and suites (including some with river views) at the Residence Inn by Marriott Indianapolis Downtown on the Canal hotel. The hotel is located on W New York Street and offers easy access to parks, jogging trails, and paddle boats along Canal Walk. Consider the award-winning JW Marriott Indianapolis Downtown hotel for a luxurious stay just steps from White River State Park.

Indiana Avenue

This neighborhood showcases the city’s rich African-American heritage through several historic attractions, museums and parks. Indiana Avenue is also the hub for the hottest jazz shows in the Midwest. Behind the Indiana State Capitol Building, you have the Courtyard by Marriott Indianapolis at the Capitol hotel that offers stylish rooms, and several modern amenities.

Broad Ripple Village

A 20-minute drive from Downtown Indy, Broad Ripple Village is home to Butler University. This is a student-friendly neighborhood with several cheap eats, affordable bars, music stores, thrift shops, tattoo parlors and recreational trails for hiking and biking. A minute’s walk from the White River, you have Hotel Broad Ripple that offers individually-decorated rooms with balconies overlooking the Monon Trail. On the outskirts of Broad Ripple Village, consider the fully equipped studio apartments at the Blue Heron Bed & Breakfast, set in an eclectic 1940’s Arts and Crafts-style cottage. The hotel boasts a landscaped garden and a dock that extends onto White River. You can relax on the dock and spot woodpeckers, beavers, red fox, deer, and a host of other wildlife and birds near the river.

Cheap hotels in Indianapolis

Catering to millions of visitors each year, Indy’s hospitality industry is quite well organized. You’ll find several cheap hotels including budget motels, self-catered accommodation, and B&B-style inns across all city districts. Nestled in the quiet Broad Ripple neighborhood near local restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues, you can stay in bright, colorful rooms at the Indy Hostel. Check out the sleek rooms at the Sleep Inn & Suites & Conference Center Downtown – Hotel. Close to the Lucas Oil Stadium, consider the posh rooms with exposed-brick details at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Indianapolis-Downtown hotel.

Whether you are a culture buff, art aficionado, nature lover, speed demon, or into sports such as football and baseball, Indianapolis has something for everyone. Renowned for its hospitality and comforting Midwestern cuisine, Indy also attracts a large number of families due to its world-class children’s museum and zoo. Here are some suggestions for a well-rounded Indy itinerary.

• Make time to visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum that features an epic 1909-dated Indianapolis 500 race track and a 30,000-square-foot museum that offers several types of guided tours.
• Walk, book a Segway tour, hire a gondolier, or rent a pedal boat or kayak to explore the Indy Canal Walk, a 3-mile loop along the canal. This Walk connects several popular attractions such as the Indiana State Museum, Victory Field ballpark, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the 250-acre White River State Park. Enjoy a spectacular view of the Indianapolis skyline, and admire beautiful contemporary architecture along this path.
• Visit the Children’s Museum Indianapolis, the world’s largest museum for kids that boasts a 5-level playground and a host of interactive exhibits that will keep your young ones engaged and entertained for hours.
• Meet over 1,600 animals and explore over 23,000 plant species segregated within 5 biomes – Oceans, Deserts, Plains, Forests and Encounters, at the Indianapolis Zoo.
• Admire more than 54,000 works of art spanning 5,000 years at the Indianapolis Museum of Art which is among the 10 largest art museums in the U.S.
• Spend time at the 2 museums, 3 parks, and 24-acres of monuments, statues, sculptures and fountains at the Indiana War Memorial.
• Learn about the art, history and culture of the American West and Native Americans at the Eiteljorg Museum.
• Take a guided tour or watch a live game of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts on their home ground, Lucas Oil Stadium. This is a beautiful sports venue with a capacity to accommodate 67,000 spectators.
• If you are a baseball fan, watch a live game or book a guided tour of the 14,000-seater Victory Field ballpark.
• Discover the role of rhythm and percussion in shaping communication, music, and art at Rhythm! Discovery Center, the world’s foremost drum and percussion museum. You can also learn about playing techniques, learn about individual instruments, and enjoy musical performances by local and national performing groups at this venue.
• Make a stop at the Rocket Fizz Soda Pop and Candy Shop and choose from over a 1,000 different types of fun candy, bottled sodas, nostalgic tin signs, and other gifts and toys.
• Enjoy fabulous food and live entertainment, including professional Broadway shows at the 1973-dated Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre near College Park.