There are many reasons to visit Indy, and whatever brings you to town, I am so happy you’re here! If you’re searching for where to stay in Indianapolis, here is a list of a few top hotels in Indy (and one in Carmel 😉) that I would stay at again and again.
And if you’re an Indianapolis local looking for a weekend getaway idea, I’ve got you too!
Indianapolis has seen a large increase in tourism over the years. I attended the Visit Indy State of Tourism event at the beginning of this year, and was blown away by the numbers 2025 brought in for the Circle City. There are many things we can thank for that, including our fantastic sports teams, big-name events and concerts, and most importantly… conventions, conventions, conventions!
What brings you to Indy? Let me know here!
Quick Picks: My Favorite Indianapolis Hotels
Best overall: Bottleworks Hotel
Best for a Carmel getaway: Hotel Carmichael
Best for a staycation: Ironworks Hotel Indy
Best downtown location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
Best for couples: Bottleworks Hotel or Ironworks Hotel Indy
Best for conventions and Colts games: Embassy Suites
Best for a luxury getaway: Bottleworks Hotel
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book a hotel through one of my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend places I’ve personally stayed at or would genuinely recommend to my audience.
Keep scrolling for my full reviews and why I’d stay at each of these Indianapolis hotels again.
The following hotels are ~roughly~ listed in order of price (descending). Obviously, depending on the weekend, this could change!
Bottleworks Hotel
📍850 Massachusetts Ave Ste 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
If you’re visiting Indianapolis for the first time, this is one of the hotels I’d recommend most. The location makes it incredibly easy to explore some of the best things to do in downtown Indianapolis without getting back in your car. Bottleworks Hotel is THAT GIRL!! Swanky, eclectic, stunning, perfect. it’s right inside Indianapolis’ hottest hangout spot: The Bottleworks District, home to PINS Mechanical, The Garage Food Hall, and some of Indy’s best restaurants. Plus, it’s downtown on Mass Ave. Perfect for out-of-town visitors coming to Indy for a vacation, a girls’ trip, or a couples getaway.
🚗 Parking: Valet $48 / Garage rates vary
HIGHLIGHTS:
Room service for breakfast + dinner
Proximity to Indianapolis hot spots like The Garage Food Hall, PINS Mechanical, Blue Collar Coffee, Good Neighbor, The Fountain Room, and so much more
Luxurious Robes
Hotel Carmichael
📍1 Carmichael Square, Carmel, Indiana 46032
Looking for a hotel near Indianapolis with more of a small town vibe? This gorgeous hotel is right in the heart of charming Carmel, Indiana. I know I am cheating a bit because this hotel is in Carmel rather than Indianapolis, but it would be truly criminal to leave them off this list! Hotel Carmichael is walkable to iconic restaurants, the Monon Trail, and the best local boutiques in Carmel, Indiana. Don’t miss a show at Feinstein’s downstairs! This is a live music lounge inside the hotel with dinner + shows that are always a good time. They also have a French-inspired restaurant called Vivante that you can check out for brunch, lunch and dinner.
Full disclosure: I have never actually stayed the night at Hotel Carmichael (any Hotel Carmichael execs want to hit me up?👀), but my sister stayed here for her wedding night and still RAVES about it to this day. I have attended several events at the hotel and they are always fabulous!
🚗 Parking: Valet $30 / Self-parking free
HIGHLIGHTS:
Proximity to the Monon Trail, several restaurants, bars, and boutiques
Feinstein’s for live entertainment
4PM Champagne toast
Ironworks Hotel Indy
📍2721 E 86th St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240
Ironworks Hotel Indy is a rustic, moody, and stunning hotel on the north side of Indianapolis. Perfect for local couples looking for a weekend getaway, or visitors who refuse to settle for “boring” hotels. BONUS: My favorite Indy sushi spot and brunch spot are both right downstairs! We went to the Ironworks Hotel for a Valentine’s Day getaway (hint, hint: it’s never too early to start planning for V-day 2027). This hotel is perfect for a local getaway because once you arrive, you never have to leave! There are plenty of restaurants and bars surrounding the Ironworks property. Plus, a spa and a gym inside the hotel.
🚗 Parking: Valet $10 / Self-parking free
HIGHLIGHTS:
Proximity to some Indy restaurant favorites: Blue Sushi, RIZE, Ruth’s Chris, Daredevil Brewing
Vintage-style Photobooth
Luxurious Robes
Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
📍110 W Washington St, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204
Affordable hotel in downtown Indianapolis with a pool, gym, and the best hotel breakfast I’ve ever had! If you’re coming to Indianapolis for a convention, Colts game, Pacers game, concert, or another downtown event, this is one of the more convenient hotels to consider. It’s also a good option if you want a downtown location without paying the luxury-hotel price. Parking was $48 a night when we stayed there, but there are several other garages you can check out instead.If I could’ve stayed here longer, I definitely would’ve spent more time checking out their pool and hot tub area. It looked clean and luxurious!
🚗 Parking: Garage $48
HIGHLIGHTS:
Best hotel breakfast ever with a made-to-order omelet station
Pool and Hot Tub
Best hotel location for Colts Games and Indy conventions
If you’re coming to Indianapolis and looking for the best places to stay, I hope this Indy hotel guide has given you some inspiration! Don’t forget to check out my other guides to the best restaurants in Indy, things to do in Indy, Indy coffee shops, and Indy date night ideas. I hope you enjoy your time in the Circle City!
My local friends looking for a romantic weekend getaway close to home, welcome! You really can’t go wrong with any of the above hotels.
Whatever it is you’re looking for, Where Is Sondra has tons of local guides and lists, so you never have to spend hours searching for the perfect things to do in Indianapolis (and beyond!)
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Where Should You Stay in Indianapolis?
Bottleworks District: Best for restaurants, nightlife, entertainment, and a fun weekend getaway.
Carmel: Best for a quieter luxury getaway with walkable restaurants, boutiques, and the Monon Trail.
North Indianapolis: Best for couples, staycations, shopping, restaurants, and travelers who don’t necessarily need to be downtown.
Downtown Indianapolis: Best for conventions, sports, concerts, and exploring the city without driving everywhere.
What is the best area to stay in downtown Indianapolis?
Downtown Indianapolis is one of the most convenient areas for first-time visitors because you’re close to attractions, restaurants, sports venues, conventions, and entertainment. The Bottleworks District and Mass Ave are especially fun for a weekend getaway.
What is the best hotel in Indianapolis for couples?
For a romantic Indianapolis getaway, I’d personally choose Bottleworks Hotel or Ironworks Hotel Indy. Both have great restaurants and entertainment nearby, so you can park your car and enjoy a walkable staycation.
Where should I stay in Indianapolis for a Colts game?
If you’re visiting Indianapolis for a Colts game, look for a downtown hotel within walking distance to Lucas Oil Stadium. Parking and driving is a MESS on game days!! Embassy Suites by Hilton Indianapolis Downtown is one option I’ve personally enjoyed.
Is Indianapolis a good weekend getaway?
Absolutely! Indianapolis has enough restaurants, sports, entertainment, museums, shopping, and local attractions to make a great weekend trip, whether you’re visiting from out of town or planning a staycation as an Indiana local. If you’re more of a small-town, low-key person (like me) Carmel, Indiana is the perfect place to stay away from the downtown hustle and bustle.
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