In a previous blog I gave you a rundown of our travel itinerary for our upcoming trip to Indianapolis. Since we are attending a wedding there we will be taking advantage of the special room rates offered to guests attending the nuptials. (See details below.) However, if you are visiting the city and are looking for unique accommodations you might want to consider the following inns and hotels. They may run you a bit more than the local Embassy Suites, but you may find the personalized touches are worth the extra cash.
Villa Inn
The downtown property is technically a Florentine-style mansion built by a local business executive in the late 19th Century. If you are looking to get away from the multi-story, cookie-cutter hotels that fill the streets of Indianapolis then this inn may be exactly what you are looking for. It has just six guestrooms, each with private two-person Jacuzzi baths, high-speed Internet access, and an on-site spa. Rates average: $200-$250.
Stone Soup Inn and Looking Glass Inn
The Stone Soup Inn and Looking Glass Inn are located around the corner from each other in the historic Old Northside neighborhood (10 minutes north of downtown). However, they are vastly different in style. The Looking Glass has an ornate Victorian look while Stone Soup features conservative Mission-style furnishings. Both have been listed in The New York Times as offering some of the finest accommodations in the area. Other unique amenities include complimentary gift baskets (in both inns) and innkeepers that speak German and Japanese. Stone Soup has seven guest rooms; Looking Glass has five rooms and one suite. Rates: $85 to $145.
Frederick-Talbott Inn
The historic Frederick-Talbott Inn is located about eight miles northeast of downtown. A note to parents: the property is for adults-only. The inn is a renovated 1906 cottage with charming touches. Some guest rooms feature Jacuzzis and fireplaces and all are decorated with “conversation pieces,” including portraits, figurines and other fun touches. Juice, coffee, tea and homemade cookies are available all day. A full breakfast is served on weekends, with a Continental breakfast offered weekday mornings. Rates range from $75 to $159.
Indianapolis Marriott Downtown
This is the property where we will be staying. The wedding reception we are attending will be held in the hotel’s ballroom. The Marriott Downtown is one of the city’s largest hotels with 615 non-smoking rooms. It is connected by tunnels to the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome. The property also boats a 24-hour fitness center and an indoor pool. The hotel is also home to a popular restaurant that serves “Dave’s Mom’s Meatloaf.” The “Dave” is none other than one of Indianapolis’ favorite sons, David Letterman, whose family still lives in central Indiana. Rates run about: $100 to $200.
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