Darija Stojanovic 
Visiting Indianapolis? How cool! I’ve been a Hoosier State local for one year and am here to tell you all about our beautiful capital (and help you discover where to stay in Indianapolis for your trip)!
I’ve compared and handpicked the best hotels across 6 top areas and sorted them according to budget, so you can literally book your stay in a few clicks!
The best area to stay for first-timers is Mile Square in Downtown Indy, as this is where all the action is! But I’ve got you covered with more options for more specific interests.
I guarantee this article will save you time AND money because you’ll know you’re getting the best bang for your buck – all the hotels in my selection are top-rated! Plus, I’ve sorted them all by price.
Don’t forget to make sure you book your stay in advance to secure your stay and get the best hotel prices!
Quick Picks for Your Stay
These are the best hotels in Indianapolis to book right now:
Contents
- Quick Picks for Your Stay
- 1. Downtown (Mile Square) – where to stay in Indianapolis for the first time
- 2. Lockerbie Square – where to stay in Indianapolis for history
- 3. Fletcher Place – where to stay on a budget
- 4. Broad Ripple Village – where to stay with family
- 5. Fountain Square – a hipster area in Indy
- 6. Carmel – where to stay in Indianapolis for nature lovers
- BONUS 1: Best hotels near the Airport
- BONUS 2: Best places to stay near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- FAQs about where to stay in Indianapolis
- Conclusion
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map of all the areas where to stay in Indianapolis that I will be talking about in this post:
- Downtown (Mile Square): for first-timers
- Lockerbie Square: for history lovers
- FLETCHER PLACE: on a budget
- BROAD RIPPLE VILLAGE: with family
- FOUNTAIN SQUARE: for trendsetters
- Carmel: for nature lovers
1. Downtown (Mile Square) – where to stay in Indianapolis for the first time
Downtown Indy is the best place to stay for first-timers, as it’s where most of the attractions and big chain hotels are situated. There are several districts of Downtown, with Mile Square and The Canal and White River Park being the most popular ones.
Mile Square is the very center of the city from where Indianapolis started developing, and all the attractions here are located within a mile of each other! The enclosed skywalk system (a map is available here) that connects major buildings and hotels in the city also makes it possible to do sightseeing during the winter months without freezing outside!
The iconic landmark of Mile Square is the Soldiers and Sailors Monument (map) housing a Civil War Museum and it’s a must-visit! In Mile Square, you’ll also find the Indiana Convention Center, Indiana War Memorial & Museum dedicated to WWI soldiers, and the home stadium of the Pacers, Gainbridge Fieldhouse!
Indianapolis is also known as Circle City in honor of the Monument Circle Street in Downtown, in the center of which is the grandiose Soldiers and Sailors Monument!
The Canal and White River Park is a great area for outdoorsy visitors who like recreation, as you can stroll in the White River State Park or visit the Indianapolis Zoo. You can also learn something new at the Indiana State Museum (Indiana history) and Eiteljorg Museum about Indian American and Western art.
Of course, Victory Field, the home field of the Indiana Indians, is just next to White River Park! There’s even a picnic area, so you can make a day out of it! You can also explore the nearby City Market area to try authentic foods and stock up on fresh groceries!
And when you want to catch a break, grab a drink or meal in the Slippery Noodle Inn (map), the oldest bar in Indiana, established in 1850! They always have live blues musicians, so the here atmosphere is pretty cool!
There are tons of hotels in Indianapolis suited for each type of traveler, but I would make sure to book them in advance if I were you.
How about a good long swim in this hotel’s indoor pool after a full day of visiting all the attractions Downtown? The guest suites are super spacious, and the hotel offers on-site spa services and breakfast. Pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy a bath with a great view of the city!
Other accommodation in Downtown (Mile Square)
Have dinner with a view in the rooftop restaurant of this lovely hotel with a heated indoor pool
Affordable rooms for 4 guests with complimentary breakfast, located just next to the Lucas Oil Stadium
Welcome to the jungle! Enjoy your coffee on the balcony of this cool apartment that has 2 rooms and a kitchen
Things to do in Downtown
- Join a walking tour of Downtown Indy
- Take a photo of the Soldiers & Sailors Monument Circle Indianapolis
- Visit the world-class Eiteljorg Museum and Indiana State Museum
- Admire the architecture of the Indiana State House
- Taste the best steak in Indiana at St. Elmo (map)
- Catch a sunset near the White River
- Check the events at the Indiana Convention Center
- Take a stroll down Massachusetts Avenue
2. Lockerbie Square – where to stay in Indianapolis for history
Located within walking distance (less than a mile [1 km]) East of Downtown Indianapolis, the lovely neighborhood of Lockerbie Square is one of the oldest areas in the city. As such, it’s only natural to recommend this place to stay in Indianapolis for travelers who want to see historic points of interest.
Filled with historic 19th-century houses, cobblestone streets, and (a few) attractions, Lockerbie Square is the perfect place in the city just to walk around and explore.
Massachusetts Avenue, which is the city’s cultural hub, passes through this district, and it’s the perfect location to look for accommodation near the action. There are lots of bars, clubs, and entertainment options here.
The stunning architecture and quirky cafes and restaurants will keep you occupied during the day, and if you want to enjoy the city’s hot nightlife, you can always go bar hopping in the Mass Ave.
Lockerbie Square is the oldest residential area in Indy! You can literally see homes that are over 100 years old!
While you’re here, check out the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, which has a German Gothic style. And if old architecture is your thing, the James Whitcomb Riley Museum (a celebrated children’s poet from the 19th century) offers a great insight into the city’s past.
And if you’re up for a road trip, you can explore the best areas to stay in Cincinnati, which is just 2 hours away by car! You can even rent a car and have a short road trip!
PRO TIP: If you plan on staying outside Downtown Indy, I definitely recommend renting a car, as the area isn’t super walkable.
Start your day in the best way on the balcony of your room in this luxurious accommodation 2 miles (3 km) away from the Lucas Oil Stadium. Guests will love the contemporary design of the bright rooms in the hotel. There’s a fitness center on-site and also a bar.
Other accommodation options in Lockerbie Square
I love the historic setting of this accommodation that has a great location and offers breakfast and rooms
This affordable place to stay in Indianapolis offers guests access to a kitchen, a balcony, and free Wi-Fi
I love the design of this accommodation in the city that has 1 bedroom, a kitchen, and a walk-in shower
Things to do in Lockerbie Square
- Learn new things about this historic city at the James Whitcomb Riley Museum
- Walk around the neighborhood and take a photo of the 19th-century houses
- See what’s on at the Old National Centre Theatre in Lockerbie Square
- Go on a food tour on Mass Avenue
- Admire the architecture of the Saint Mary’s Catholic Church
- Drink German beer at The Rathskeller Indianapolis restaurant (map)
- Go shopping for cool souvenirs at Silver in the City in Lockerbie Square
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3. Fletcher Place – where to stay on a budget
Fletcher Place is a charming suburban area of Indy close to Downtown (and all the attractions), it’s only 1.2 miles (2 km) away. The Virginia Ave that runs through the area connects Fletcher Place with both Downtown and Fountain Square (another great place to explore), giving this district a central location between two major city hubs.
Indianapolis is nicknamed “Crossroads of America” because it’s located at the junction of 4 major Interstate highways (I65, I69, I70, I74)!
Although Fletcher Place is mainly a residential neighborhood, it boasts some beautiful architecture and you’ll find plenty of good bars along Virginia Ave. Don’t miss out on the local breweries and distilleries! I recommend the Hotel Tango warehouse-style tasting room (map) for craft spirits and Chilly Water (map) for housemade ales and lagers.
The Lucas Oil Stadium, which is home to the Indianapolis Colts, is within a short 7-minute drive from Fletcher Place, so if you’re in the area for a football game, this is a good place to base yourself.
Oh, and if you’re planning a bachelorette or any other party, The Pickled Pedaler party bike on Virginia Ave is super fun!
Given the low-key nature of the neighborhood, accommodation here is usually cheaper, so it’s a good place to stay if you’re traveling on a tight budget. You won’t find any hotels (except for The Alexander), but there are tons of vacation rentals, including Airbnbs and a few VRBOs.
Situated just 0.6 miles (950 m) from Fletcher Place, this 4-star hotel has 2 on-site restaurants, a gym, and extra large (and super comfy) double beds! Book their Residence Suite for the ultimate comfort for the whole family!
Other accommodation options in Fletcher Place
A perfect short-term rental for families or a group of 4, just 20 minutes from the Lucas Oil Stadium
A lovely home in the center of the district with room for 6 guests and free parking on-site
A fabulous apartment for 6 guests with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a masterfully decorated interior
Things to do in Fletcher Place
- Explore the bars on Virginia Ave
- Visit local breweries and distilleries
- Go on a party bike, the Pickled Pedaler
- Catch a game at the Lucas Oil Stadium
- Visit the Holy Rosary Church
- Check out the annual Italian Street Festival if you’re visiting in July
4. Broad Ripple Village – where to stay with family
Broad Ripple is a vibrant, family-friendly neighborhood in Washington Township just 8 miles (12 km) from Downtown Indy. It’s the ideal location if you want to stay out of the City Center but still want to head into the city. It’s a 20-minute drive from the City Center, and it’s also connected to it by the Red Line bus.
If you’re looking for something unique on your Indy trip, the bohemian vibe of the neighborhood (a totally different feel from Downtown) will make you feel right at home!
Indiana is the 2nd largest popcorn producer in the U.S., only behind Nebraska! Visit the Just Pop In! Shop (map) in SoBro for the taste of Indy’s best gourmet popcorn!
If you’re traveling with kids, you definitely don’t want to miss out on a visit to The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. This attraction is situated between Downtown and Broad Ripple and it is the largest children’s museum in the world! (with over 470,000 square feet of exhibit space and 130,000 artifacts)
The nearby Newfields Museum is a nice spot to explore modern art, watch films, see concerts, and stunning Christmas lights if you’re visiting during the holidays! Also, check out the 94-acre Holliday Park along the White River, a favorite family-friendly place in Broad Ripple with tons of trails and unique ruins and monuments!
You can also immerse yourself in a little culture with Broad Ripple’s slightly quieter twin sister, the South Broad Ripple or the SoBro Cultural District. Here, you’ll find a strong artist community and a fine selection of restaurants for every taste and budget.
Also, the Monon Trail, a 26-mile (41 km) walking and cycling trail, connects Mass Avenue to Broad Ripple, making it a great option to explore the entire city.
And when you want to go shopping, head to the nearby Castleton area, which is packed with commercial stores! The Fashion Mall at Keystone (map) is also a great place to freshen up your clothing arsenal!
If you’re looking for luxury, Broad Ripple Village won’t fit the bill since no upscale accommodation is available in the area – it’s a rural district, after all! For luxury, it’s best to stick to Downtown Indy.
Other accommodation options in Broad Ripple Village
A range of room setups, from 1-BR cottages to family rooms with balconies, with free parking, AC, and a snack bar
An animal-themed bungalow with plenty of light, ideal for families and couples looking for an active vacation or just relaxation
A stunning, tastefully decorated cottage with bright rooms and a bistro set on the porch
Things to do in Broad Ripple Village
- Stroll in the Holliday Park
- Go on a cruise along the White River
- Visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- Taste gourmet popcorn in Just Pop In!
- Go on a family day trip to Bloomington’s WonderLab Science Museum
- Be in awe of the modern art at the Newfields Museum
5. Fountain Square – a hipster area in Indy
Fountain Square is your up-and-coming Indy suburb where the vibrant art and entertainment scene is! It used to have a bad history but is slowly growing into a new youth hub in Indianapolis. You’ll find quirky vinyl music shops, record stores, and some of the most popular restaurants!
Ever since the massive revival of Fountain Square kicked off, the artistic area has started to see an increase in tourist visits. It’s a great place to experience city life without the Downtown hustle and bustle. But saying that, the area is well-connected to the rest of the city, making it easy to head into Downtown Indy if you want.
The center of all the action is Virginia Ave, which stretches further to Fletcher Place up to Downtown Indy. You’ll find tons of international restaurants (think Thai, Mexican, Chinese) and great bars here. The Inferno Room Tiki bar (map) is awesome; they have a very generous rum selection, while HI-FI Indy & HI-FI Annex (map) is a must-visit to see bands from all across the country!
Continue down Virginia Ave, and you’ll make it to Prospect Street, another important artery in the area. This is where you’ll find more shops, restaurants, and even live music venues like Hoosier Dome (map).
You won’t find any luxury options in Fountain Square, as there’s only 1 hotel, and the rest are all vacation rentals.
Other accommodation options in Fountain Square
A 2-star hotel with 3 on-site restaurants, a bar, free parking, and comfortable beds suitable for couples and groups of up to 4 people
A private bedroom and bathroom in a fully-equipped apartment with shared common space and free parking
A charming cottage in modern/boho style for up to 4 guests in the heart of the neighborhood
Things to do in Fountain Square
- Visit the local bars on Virginia Ave
- Check out the hipster shops and buy a unique souvenir
- Have dinner at La Margarita (map), an iconic Mexican restaurant
- See bands playing at HI-FI Indy & HI-FI Annex
- Get inspired at Fountain Square’s local art galleries
6. Carmel – where to stay in Indianapolis for nature lovers
Located 20 miles (30 km) away from Downtown Indianapolis (Mile Square), this suburban neighborhood in Indiana was named the best place to live in America by Niche.com! It’s my top choice to stay in Indianapolis if you love spending time in nature and doing various activities!
Although the location allows you to visit Downtown Indianapolis (Mile Square) only by public transportation or car, I’m sure you won’t care much when you see all you have around you!
Carmel is known as the city of roundabouts – it has over 150 roundabouts, more than any other U.S. city!
The area is also nicknamed the Arts and Design District due to the large number of art galleries! I highly recommend the Museum of Miniature Houses here!
It’s not only the art galleries and parks like the beautiful 4,000-acre Eagle Creek Park that make Carmel a great place to stay in Indianapolis. The Midtown Plaza Carmel (map) is also a lovely spot to mingle with the locals, eat good food, and spend quality time.
Carmel also has some beautiful gardens. If I had to pick my favorite, I’d definitely choose the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden, a super tranquil spot with a small pond and some flowers.
Don’t let yourself be fooled by nature, there are many other cool things to try in Carmel. Although you won’t get a busy nightlife here, the Peace Water Winery is a great place to get tipsy on Napa Valley wine!Oh, and if you have time for a day trip, I totally recommend the Indiana Dunes in the North of Indiana! I lived very close to it and LOVED going for walks there and chilling on the beach! This National Park has 15 miles (24 km) of beaches by Lake Michigan and over 50 miles (80 km) of sand dune trails perfect for family outings!
I love the elegant decor of this accommodation, and I’m sure all the guests will also like it! This 4-star hotel has super spacious suites equipped with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. Dress up nicely and head downstairs to the elegant dining room for a delicious meal!
Other accommodation options in Carmel
Relax with a swim in the pool of this hotel, which has family rooms and a fitness center on-site
An affordable stay on Pennsylvania Street featuring an indoor pool, free parking, and spacious rooms
A one-century-old farm spread across 8 acres for peaceful living just outside of Downtown Indy, ideal for an extended stay
Things to do in Carmel
- Eat delicious food and socialize at Midtown Plaza Carmel (map)
- Take a relaxing walk in the Kawachinagano Japanese Garden
- Spend a fun day at the Laser Flash Tag Center in the city
- Have some family fun at The Waterpark
- Enjoy a breath of fresh air in Central Park
- Get tipsy at Peace Water Winery in the city
- Explore the beautiful Coxhall Garden
| 👑 Luxury price: | $220 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | $150 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | $110 |
| 📍Best area: | Downtown Indianapolis |
| 👪 Best area for families: | Washington Township |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Conrad Indianapolis |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Hyatt Regency Indianapolis |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Holiday Inn Express |
BONUS 1: Best hotels near the Airport
Looking for great hotels to stay near the airport during your visit to Indianapolis, Indiana? This totally makes sense if you have an early/late flight or are staying on a layover.
Check out the best hotels in my carefully curated list that I sorted according to budget:
- Luxury ($220 and up): Embassy Suites By Hilton – Chill in this nice hotel with a pool after a long flight! This 4-star hotel in Indiana offers a free airport shuttle and is 3 miles (5 km) from the airport. The rooms are modern, and the accommodation offers breakfast for its guests.
- Mid-Range ($140 – $200): Holiday Inn Indianapolis – Indulge in all the good food in this hotel located 2 miles (3 km) away from the airport that offers a free airport shuttle! Relax in the pool and spend a cozy night in your spacious room.
- Budget ($90 – $140): Hyatt Place Indianapolis Airport – This is a great budget option for anyone coming to Indiana and staying near the airport. The rooms are comfortable, and there’s also a shared kitchen and a pool.
BONUS 2: Best places to stay near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the largest sports facility in the world and is where the famous Indy 500 car race takes place! The race is the world’s largest single-day sporting event!
Therefore, since I know many of you will want to find hotels near this place, I cherrypicked the top ones with prices between mid-range and budget. Note that there aren’t any luxury hotels near the Motor Speedway, so if you are looking for 5-star quality, you will have to choose an area closer to town.
Oh, and as you’re here, don’t forget the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where you can see the Motor Speedway Hall of Fame! There’s no better place to be for Indy 500 fans to delve behind the scenes of the event and its top performers.
1. Courtyard by Marriott ($$)
Go for a dip and relax by the indoor pool of this hotel that’s situated 3 miles (5 km) away from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The accommodation offers breakfast and a fitness center for its guests.
2. Hampton Inn & Suites ($$)
This 3-star hotel is around 2.5 miles (4 km) from the Speedway. It features an indoor pool and a fitness center and has a 24-hour front desk. You can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast.
3. Candlewood Suites ($)
Chill on the little terrace and make use of the BBQ facilities. Buy some food and make a whole day out of it! This accommodation offers free parking spots, and you’ll find the Indianapolis Motor Speedway just 3 miles (5 km) away from the hotel.
FAQs about where to stay in Indianapolis
🤔 Is it safe to stay in downtown Indianapolis?
Yes, Downtown Indy (Mile Square) is a safe area to stay in the city, plus it has all the main attractions and amazing hotels like Conrad Indianapolis.
🌆 What are the nice areas of Indianapolis?
Downtown Indianapolis (Mile Square) and Washington Township (including Broad Ripple) are the best areas to stay in Indianapolis, Indiana. Here, you can see all the cultural attractions, enjoy the nightlife, and stay at the best hotels like Conrad Indianapolis and Ironworks Hotel Indy.
⚠️ Where not to stay in Indianapolis?
Haughville (West Indianapolis) and Tuxedo Park (East Indianapolis) are two areas that you should avoid in Indianapolis due to high crime rates. As a rule of thumb, avoid hotels on I-465 and generally the areas in the South and East of Indianapolis.
💯 What are some cool places to stay in Indianapolis?
Conrad Indianapolis and Ironworks Hotel Indy are two of the best places to stay in the city. Both hotels have amazing designs, good reviews, and great service.
👪 Where to stay in Indianapolis for families?
Washington Township (including Broad Ripple) is the best area to stay in Indianapolis for families, and you can book your rooms at the Ironworks Hotel Indy, a top-notch hotel.
✨ What is the hippiest place in Indianapolis?
Fountain Square is the most up-and-coming, hipster area of Indianapolis. You’ll find tons of cool bars and shops here, as well as some of the most popular restaurants in the city.
Conclusion
I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Indianapolis, which neighborhood to pick, and what cultural attractions to visit! I hope you’ll enjoy the people, food, and culture of the Hoosier state as much as I did!
You’ll find plenty of choices here, but I know how hard it is to decide, so here are my top 2 favorite hotels, both located in Downtown Indianapolis (Mile Square):
- Conrad Indianapolis – a luxury hotel that offers spa services
- Hyatt Regency Indianapolis – a cool hotel that boasts some great city views and is connected to the Convention Center
All that’s left to do now is to book your hotel in advance (and pack your bags, of course); that way, you can get your hands on the best rooms and reasonable prices!
Have fun in the amazing Indiana State and enjoy its nightlife! Visit the Indianapolis Zoo, take a pic with all the animals, and don’t forget to check out Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the largest sports facility in the world!
I want to hear all about your experience in Indy, so don’t forget to leave me a comment below if you have any questions about the city. I’m here to answer them all!
Safe travels,
Darija
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