How to Book a Hotel in Indianapolis

Indianapolis, the capital of Indiana and a vibrant Midwestern hub, welcomes over 20 million visitors annually. Whether you’re attending the Indianapolis 500, visiting the Children’s Museum, exploring the historic Canal Walk, or traveling for business, securing the right accommodation is essential to a seamless experience. Booking a hotel in Indianapolis isn’t just about finding a place to sleep—it’s about optimizing location, value, comfort, and accessibility to ensure your trip is efficient, enjoyable, and stress-free.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you confidently book a hotel in Indianapolis. From understanding the city’s neighborhoods and hotel categories to leveraging the best tools and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll walk away with the knowledge to make informed, strategic decisions—no matter your budget or travel purpose.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Travel Purpose and Dates

Before you begin searching for accommodations, clarify why you’re visiting Indianapolis and when. Your purpose directly influences your hotel choice. For example:

• Attending the Indianapolis 500? You’ll want proximity to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and a hotel with parking.
• Visiting for a business conference at the Indiana Convention Center? Prioritize downtown hotels with Wi-Fi, meeting spaces, and shuttle services.
• Traveling with family? Look for properties with pools, kitchenettes, or free breakfast.
• On a budget trip? Consider areas like Broad Ripple or near I-70 for more affordable rates.

Also, note your exact check-in and check-out dates. Indianapolis experiences peak demand during major events like the Indy 500 (May), the Big Ten Football Championship (December), and the NCAA Final Four (when hosted). Prices can surge by 200–400% during these times. Avoid last-minute bookings if possible—early planning yields better rates and selection.

Step 2: Choose the Right Neighborhood

Indianapolis is divided into distinct districts, each offering unique advantages:

• Downtown: Best for business travelers, event attendees, and first-time visitors. Close to the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and the Canal Walk. High-end chains like The Westin, Hyatt Regency, and JW Marriott are here.
• Meridian-Kessler: A quiet, upscale residential area with boutique hotels and bed-and-breakfasts. Ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful retreat.
• Broad Ripple: Trendy, artsy, and walkable. Offers boutique hotels, local restaurants, and a lively nightlife. Great for younger travelers or those avoiding the downtown hustle.
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND): Convenient for early flights or late arrivals. Hotels here (like the Hilton Garden Inn or Hampton Inn) offer free shuttles and are ideal for short stays.
• Northwest Indianapolis: Near I-465 and I-74, this area is ideal for road trippers or those attending events at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. More budget-friendly options available.

Use Google Maps to visualize proximity between your destination (e.g., museum, stadium, office) and potential hotels. A 10-minute drive can mean the difference between a convenient stay and a frustrating commute.

Step 3: Set Your Budget and Prioritize Amenities

Indianapolis hotel rates vary widely—from $70 per night at economy chains to over $300 at luxury downtown properties. Determine your maximum nightly spend and stick to it.

Identify non-negotiable amenities. For example:

• Free breakfast?
• Parking (especially if you’re renting a car)?
• On-site gym or pool?
• Free Wi-Fi with high speed?
• 24-hour front desk?
• Family-friendly features like cribs or connecting rooms?

Many budget hotels charge extra for Wi-Fi or parking—always read the fine print. A $90 hotel with $20 daily parking fees may cost more than a $110 hotel with free parking. Calculate total cost, not just the room rate.

Step 4: Use Multiple Booking Platforms

Never rely on a single booking site. Compare prices across platforms to find the best deal:

• Google Hotels: Aggregates prices from Expedia, Booking.com, and direct hotel sites. Shows price trends and maps proximity.
• Booking.com: Often offers flexible cancellation and member discounts.
• Expedia: Good for bundling flights and hotels, especially for out-of-town travelers.
• Hotels.com: Rewards program offers a free night after 10 stays.
• Hotwire or Priceline: Use “Express Deals” for discounted rates—name your price or book anonymously.

Always check the hotel’s official website. Many properties offer “Best Rate Guarantee” programs—if you find a lower price elsewhere, they’ll match it and often give you an extra discount or perk like free breakfast or late checkout.

Step 5: Read Reviews Critically

Reviews are powerful—but not all are reliable. Focus on:

• Recent reviews (last 3–6 months) to ensure accuracy.
• Reviews from travelers with similar needs (e.g., “traveling with kids,” “business trip”).
• Consistent complaints: If multiple guests mention noisy hallways, slow elevators, or dirty rooms, take note.
• Positive mentions of staff: Hospitality in Indianapolis is often a standout feature. Look for praise like “friendly front desk” or “helpful concierge.”

Avoid hotels with fewer than 100 reviews unless they’re newly opened. Also, be wary of overly glowing reviews with no detail—they may be fake.

Step 6: Check Cancellation and Payment Policies

Indianapolis events can be unpredictable. Weather, schedule changes, or last-minute work obligations may force you to alter plans. Always choose a flexible booking option when possible.

• Free cancellation: Most hotels allow cancellation up to 24–48 hours before check-in without penalty. This is ideal.
• Non-refundable rates: Often 20–30% cheaper, but you lose your money if you cancel. Only choose this if your plans are absolutely firm.
• Prepayment: Some sites require full payment upfront. Avoid unless the rate is significantly lower and you’re confident in your schedule.

Look for “No Credit Card Required” options if you’re uncertain about your plans. Some independent hotels or B&Bs offer this flexibility.

Step 7: Book Directly When Possible

While third-party sites are convenient, booking directly with the hotel often yields better benefits:

• Priority check-in or room upgrades (especially during busy events).
• Access to loyalty programs (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, etc.).
• Personalized service—staff remember your name and preferences.
• Direct communication if you need special requests (e.g., early check-in, accessible room, high floor).

After booking through a third-party site, call the hotel directly to confirm your reservation and request preferences. This builds rapport and increases the chance of a complimentary upgrade.

Step 8: Confirm Your Reservation

Within 24 hours of booking, you should receive a confirmation email. If you don’t:

• Check your spam folder.
• Log into your booking account.
• Call the hotel directly using the number on their official website.

Ask to have your reservation confirmed by name, dates, room type, and rate. Request a confirmation number. Keep this in your phone and printed copy (if traveling).

Step 9: Prepare for Arrival

Before you leave:

• Save the hotel’s address and phone number in your phone.
• Download the hotel’s app if available (many offer mobile check-in and digital keys).
• Check parking options—is it complimentary? Is there valet? Is street parking allowed?
• Review the check-in time (usually 3–4 PM) and check-out time (usually 11 AM–12 PM). If you arrive early or depart late, ask about luggage storage.
• Confirm if breakfast is included and what time it’s served.

Indianapolis traffic can be heavy during rush hours (7–9 AM and 4–6 PM). Plan your route to the hotel using real-time apps like Waze or Google Maps to avoid delays.

Step 10: Handle Special Requests Proactively

If you have specific needs, don’t wait until you arrive:

• Accessibility needs? Request a room with roll-in shower, grab bars, or visual alarms.
• Traveling with pets? Confirm pet policies and fees. Some hotels allow pets for free (e.g., Kimpton properties).
• Need a crib or high chair? Call ahead—even if it’s listed as “available upon request.”
• Hosting a special occasion? Ask if the hotel offers complimentary cake, champagne, or room decoration services.

Most hotels in Indianapolis are accommodating and appreciate advance notice. Proactive communication leads to a smoother experience.

Best Practices

Book Early for Events

Indianapolis hosts over 20 major annual events. The Indianapolis 500, for example, draws 300,000+ spectators. Hotels within 10 miles of the Speedway sell out 6–12 months in advance. Set calendar reminders to book 4–6 months ahead for major events. Use Google Alerts to track when ticket sales open—hotel availability often follows shortly after.

Use Loyalty Programs

Even if you’re not a frequent traveler, joining free loyalty programs (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards) is free and worth it. Members often receive:

• Discounted rates
• Room upgrades
• Late checkout
• Free breakfast
• Exclusive access to sales

Sign up before booking—many sites let you apply points retroactively within 30 days of your stay.

Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

Indianapolis is less crowded—and hotels are cheaper—during these periods:

• January–February (after holidays, before spring events)
• September–early October (after summer, before football season)
• Mid-November (after Thanksgiving, before holiday rush)

These months offer 20–40% lower rates and fewer crowds at attractions. You’ll enjoy a more relaxed experience and better service.

Consider Extended Stay Hotels

If you’re staying more than 3–4 nights, consider an extended stay property like Staybridge Suites, Homewood Suites, or Residence Inn. These offer:

• Full kitchens (save on meals)
• Free daily breakfast
• Laundry facilities
• More space and quieter environments

They’re ideal for business travelers, families, or anyone seeking value over time.

Use Incognito Mode for Price Comparisons

Some booking sites track your searches and raise prices if you repeatedly view the same hotel. To avoid this:

• Use browser incognito/private mode.
• Clear cookies before searching.
• Compare prices on different devices (phone vs. laptop).

This ensures you see the true market rate, not a personalized (and inflated) one.

Verify Location with Google Street View

Before booking, use Google Street View to walk the neighborhood around the hotel. Look for:

• Well-lit sidewalks
• Active businesses nearby (indicates safety)
• Proximity to public transit or major roads
• Presence of parking lots or garages

This visual check helps you avoid hotels in isolated or poorly maintained areas, even if they’re cheap.

Pay with a Credit Card

Always use a credit card—not debit—for hotel bookings. Credit cards offer:

• Chargeback protection if something goes wrong
• Travel insurance (many include rental car coverage or trip delay benefits)
• Dispute resolution if your reservation is canceled without notice

Debit cards can lead to large holds on your account (up to $200) for incidentals, which can disrupt your cash flow.

Review Your Bill Before Checking Out

Always request a detailed receipt before leaving. Common overcharges include:

• Resort fees (often hidden in fine print)
• Early check-in or late checkout fees
• Mini-bar charges you didn’t use
• Wi-Fi fees

Ask for clarification on any unfamiliar charges. Most hotels in Indianapolis are transparent and will correct errors immediately.

Tools and Resources

Google Hotels

Google Hotels is the most underrated tool for booking. It aggregates data from dozens of sites, shows historical pricing trends (so you know if today’s rate is good), and maps hotel locations relative to attractions. Use the “Price Graph” feature to see how rates change over your dates. Filter by “Free Cancellation,” “Free Parking,” or “Breakfast Included.”

HolidayIQ and Trivago

These meta-search engines compare rates across 200+ booking platforms. Use them to scan for the lowest possible price before committing. Trivago’s “Best Value” filter helps balance cost with guest ratings.

HotelTonight

Perfect for last-minute bookings. If you’re flying into Indianapolis and need a room on short notice, HotelTonight offers deep discounts on unsold rooms—often 30–50% off. Available for same-day or next-day bookings.

Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) Website

The official tourism site, indyvisitor.com, offers curated hotel lists by neighborhood, event, and budget. It also includes exclusive visitor discounts and packages (e.g., hotel + museum tickets). This is a trusted, local resource with no affiliate bias.

Hotel Website Directories

Many independent hotels in Indianapolis don’t appear on big booking sites. Use directories like:

• Best Western – Local franchises with strong service
• Choice Hotels – Includes Quality Inn, Comfort Inn, and Econo Lodge
• Hyatt Place – Modern, mid-range option near downtown
• Kimpton Hotels – Boutique, pet-friendly, upscale

Visit each brand’s website and use their “Find a Hotel” tool to locate Indianapolis locations.

Public Transportation Maps

Indianapolis has a growing public transit system: IndyGo. Download the IndyGo app or visit indygo.net to see bus routes. If your hotel is near a major bus line (like Route 8 on Michigan Street), you can save on parking and ride to downtown attractions.

Weather and Traffic Apps

Use Waze for real-time traffic alerts and AccuWeather for Indianapolis-specific forecasts. Snowstorms in winter or thunderstorms in spring can affect travel plans. Knowing the forecast helps you choose a hotel with good snow removal or indoor parking.

Local Facebook Groups

Search for “Indianapolis Travel Tips” or “Visit Indianapolis Forum” on Facebook. Locals often post about hotel deals, hidden gems, or recent issues (e.g., “The Hilton lobby is under renovation until June”). These groups offer unfiltered, real-time insights.

Real Examples

Example 1: Business Traveler to the Indiana Convention Center

Scenario: Sarah, a marketing director, is attending a 3-day conference at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. She arrives Tuesday at 2 PM and departs Thursday at 11 AM. Budget: $180/night.

Process:

• She uses Google Hotels to search “downtown Indianapolis” with dates and filters for “free cancellation,” “free parking,” and “breakfast included.”
• She compares The Westin, Hyatt Regency, and Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites. All are within 5 minutes of the convention center.
• Hyatt Regency offers a $175 rate with free parking and breakfast—$20 cheaper than the others.
• She books directly through Hyatt’s website and joins their loyalty program.
• She calls ahead to request a room on a high floor with a view of the canal.

Outcome: Sarah gets a quiet, well-located room, free parking, and breakfast included. She saves $60 over three nights and receives a complimentary upgrade to a corner suite.

Example 2: Family Vacation During Summer Break

Scenario: The Chen family (two adults, two children under 10) visits Indianapolis in July to see the Children’s Museum and the Indianapolis Zoo. They plan to stay 5 nights. Budget: $120/night.

Process:

• They search “family-friendly hotels Indianapolis” and filter for “pool,” “kitchenette,” and “free breakfast.”
• They find Homewood Suites by Hilton near the zoo (10-minute drive). It has suites with separate living areas, free breakfast, and a pool.
• Rate: $115/night. Total for 5 nights: $575.
• They book directly and request two connecting rooms.
• They pack snacks and use the kitchen to save on meals.

Outcome: The family enjoys spacious rooms, a pool for the kids, and breakfast included. They save over $200 compared to booking two standard hotel rooms.

Example 3: Last-Minute Trip for a Concert at Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Scenario: Mark wants to see a concert at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night. He books his flight for Thursday afternoon and has no hotel yet. Budget: Under $150.

Process:

• He opens HotelTonight and searches “Indianapolis” for Friday night.
• He finds a Hampton Inn near the arena with availability for $139.
• It has free parking and is a 7-minute drive from the venue.
• He books instantly and saves his confirmation.
• He uses Waze to navigate to the hotel after landing.

Outcome: Mark gets a clean, reliable room at a great price. He arrives tired but well-rested and walks to the concert the next night.

Example 4: Budget Traveler Using Public Transit

Scenario: Alex, a backpacker, visits Indianapolis for 4 days with a budget of $60/night. He doesn’t want a car.

Process:

• He checks IndyGo’s bus map and finds Route 8 runs from the airport to downtown.
• He books a room at the Red Roof Inn near the airport ($58/night).
• He takes the airport shuttle to the Red Roof, then rides the bus into downtown daily ($1.75 per ride).
• He uses Google Maps to time his bus rides around attraction hours.

Outcome: Alex spends $232 total on lodging and $14 on transit—far below the average visitor’s $600+ hotel bill. He still sees all major attractions.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to book a hotel in Indianapolis?

The best time to book is 3–6 months in advance for major events like the Indy 500, and 4–8 weeks ahead for regular travel. Off-season months (January–February and September–October) offer the lowest rates and least crowding.

Are there hotels in Indianapolis that allow pets?

Yes. Many hotels welcome pets, including Kimpton, Hyatt Place, and some Choice Hotels. Fees typically range from $25–$75 per stay. Always confirm pet policy before booking.

Is it better to book directly or through a third-party site?

Booking directly often provides better perks (upgrades, loyalty points, direct support), but third-party sites may offer lower prices. Always compare both and use the hotel’s “Best Rate Guarantee” if you find a lower price elsewhere.

Do hotels in Indianapolis charge resort fees?

Some downtown luxury hotels charge daily resort fees (typically $15–$30) for amenities like Wi-Fi, parking, or fitness center access. Always read the fine print before booking.

Can I get a room with a view in Indianapolis?

Yes. Downtown hotels near the Canal Walk or the Indiana Statehouse often offer rooms with city or water views. Request one when booking or at check-in—many hotels will upgrade you if available.

What’s the easiest way to get from the airport to my hotel?

Most hotels offer complimentary shuttles. If not, ride-share apps (Uber/Lyft) cost $15–$25 to downtown. IndyGo bus Route 8 runs from the airport to downtown for $1.75.

Are there hotels in Indianapolis with kitchenettes?

Yes. Extended stay hotels like Homewood Suites, Residence Inn, and Staybridge Suites offer full kitchens or kitchenettes. These are ideal for longer stays or families.

Is downtown Indianapolis safe at night?

Downtown Indianapolis is generally safe, especially around the Canal Walk, Circle Centre Mall, and near major venues. Stick to well-lit, populated areas. Avoid walking alone in unlit industrial zones after midnight.

What should I do if my hotel reservation is canceled?

Contact the hotel directly immediately. If you booked through a third party, contact them too. Most reputable hotels will rebook you at a comparable or better property. Keep records of all communication.

Can I request a late check-out in Indianapolis?

Yes. Many hotels offer late check-out (usually until 1–2 PM) for a small fee or free if rooms are available. Ask at check-in or when booking—especially if you have a late flight.

Conclusion

Booking a hotel in Indianapolis is more than a transaction—it’s a strategic part of your travel experience. By understanding the city’s layout, aligning your accommodation with your travel purpose, and leveraging the right tools and practices, you can secure a stay that enhances your trip rather than complicates it.

From the bustling energy of downtown to the quiet charm of Broad Ripple, Indianapolis offers lodging options for every traveler. Whether you’re here for a high-stakes business meeting, a family vacation, or a last-minute concert, the key is preparation: define your needs early, compare your options thoroughly, and communicate your requests clearly.

Remember: the cheapest room isn’t always the best value. A slightly higher rate with free parking, breakfast, and flexible cancellation can save you time, stress, and money in the long run. Use the resources outlined here—Google Hotels, the Indianapolis CVB, loyalty programs, and real-time traffic tools—to make confident, informed decisions.

With this guide, you’re no longer just booking a hotel—you’re crafting the foundation of a successful, enjoyable visit to one of America’s most welcoming Midwestern cities. Plan smart, book wisely, and enjoy everything Indianapolis has to offer.