Right in the heart of Indiana, Indianapolis is the largest city and capital of the state! Known best for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this fast-paced city attracts petrolheads from across the world. It is also a gateway to the American Midwest, letting you experience some of the more unique aspects of local culture – as well as a fascinating history.
Home to over two million people, Indianapolis is a surprisingly large city – and many visitors fail to prepare for this in advance. Sprawling out from the Downtown core, Indianapolis has a wide range of neighborhoods each with something different to offer.
That’s why we’ve built this guide! We’ve consulted locals, travel experts and bloggers and pinned down the three best places to stay in Indianapolis. We also took the time to check out the best things to do, places to visit and accommodation options in each area.
So let’s zoom right ahead!
Quick Tips: Where to Stay in Indianapolis?
- Overall Best Place to Stay in Indianapolis – Mile Square
- Where to Stay in Indianapolis for Couples – Fletcher Place
- Coolest Place to Stay in Indianapolis – Fountain Square
Where to Stay in Indianapolis
In a hurry and not fussed on which neighborhood to stay in? These are our four top picks for accommodation in Indianapolis.
For those looking for a good value place to stay, then this three-star hotel provides contemporary rooms and exceptional service at an amazing price.
The Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites boasts a modern and sleek design, complete with dark wood furnishings and exceptional common areas, and is a perfect mid-range option in Indianapolis.
If you’re looking for a luxurious place to stay in Indianapolis, this four-star hotel is the perfect choice! The Alexander is located just a short walk from Monument Circle and features amazing facilities including two on-site restaurants and a stylish cocktail bar.
Indianapolis 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Want to make sure you have the perfect itinerary? Check out our guides to the three best neighborhoods in Indianapolis below for the best things to do, places to visit and hotels to stay in!
Neighborhood#1 – Mile Square
Overall Best Place to Stay in Indianapolis
- COOLEST thing to do in Mile Square – catch an authentic American Football game at Lucas Oil Stadium – right in the heart of Downtown!
- BEST place to visit in Mile Square – Indiana State Museum has some fascinating exhibits dedicated to the history of the region
Mile Square is the neighborhood right in the heart of Downtown Indianapolis! This is where you will find some of the biggest attractions. Whether you want history, culture or cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this neighborhood. This is where the city first began, and remains the epicentre of activity to this day.
If you’re interested in nightlife, the southern end of Mile Square is home to the most popular nightclubs. As the most central neighborhood, it also has the best transport links to other parts of the city and beyond. If you are visiting for the Indy 500, there are plenty of excursions to the stadium departing from Mile Square.
- Head to the White River Gardens and enjoy a relaxing stroll along the waterfront
- Indianapolis Zoo is a great attraction for all the family
- The Eiteljorg Museum is dedicated to American art from across the Midwest – as well as the far west of the country
- Take a stroll along the canal – this is also where you will find some of the best restaurants, boutiques and casual bars
- Speaking of boutiques – Circle Centre Mall is the main shopping mall in the city, with a good mix of local and national brands
- Sip on a classic cocktail at the 1933 Cocktail Bar, modelled on prohibition era speakeasies
- Rhythm! Discovery Centre is another great attraction for families, with interactive exhibits about percussion
Best Budget Hotel in Mile Square
Home2 Suites
Home2 Suites is the Hilton’s budget-friendly range – and their Indianapolis accommodation remains one of the most popular hotels in the city! It comes with an indoor pool and fitness suite where you can keep up your routine throughout your stay. There is also a complimentary breakfast.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Mile Square
Hilton Indianpolis Hotel & Suites
Hilton Indianapolis Hotel & Suites has a beautiful design, with the hotel being fitted with modern and sleek décor and dark wood furniture throughout. The hotel also features spacious rooms, exceptional common areas, and gourmet dining options.
Best Luxury Hotel in Mile Square
Conrad Indianapolis
Connected by skybridge to the City Centre Mall, this is a great pick for anyone interested in hitting local stores and boutiques! As the only five star hotel in the city, it is a popular choice with visitors that really want to splash out. There is a large spa on-site offering a wide range of holistic therapies.
Interested in Indianapolis? Read up on the history of Indianapolis!
Neighborhood#2 – Fletcher Place
Where to Stay in Indianapolis for Couples
- COOLEST thing to do in Fletcher Place – take a relaxing stroll through Edna Balz Lacy Park – a major meeting spot in the neighborhood
- BEST place to visit in Fletcher Place – 1205 Distillery is the perfect example of laid-back nightlife in the area
Fletcher Place is located just south of the city centre, and is a great option if you want a more laid-back alternative to Mile Square. For couples, Fletcher Place is great for its close-knit vibes, easy-going nightlife and quirky, independently owned cafes. Fletcher Place truly epitomises cool without being pretentious.
Fletcher Place is also one of our favourite neighborhoods for foodies – with plenty of innovative restaurants waiting around every corner! In the evenings, the neighborhood comes alive with contemporary cocktail bars, microbreweries and wine tasting opportunities. Sandwiched between Mile Square and Fountain Square, it’s also great for getting around the city.
- Calvin Fletcher’s Coffee Company was one of the first third-wave coffee stores in the city, and remains popular with the speciality crowd
- Head to Tappers Arcade Bar where you can enjoy fresh brews, modern cocktails and classic arcade games
- General American Doughnut Company is a must-visit for anyone in the area – grab a bag for the road!
- The Pickled Pedaler is a great night activity for groups where you can enjoy local beers and pedal your way through the city
- Idle Park is one of the best spots in the city for photos of the skyline – perfect for grabbing that Instagram shot
Best Budget Hotel in Fletcher Place
Hyatt House Indianapolis
This three star hotel offers more bang for your buck, with modern rooms and great levels of service! There is a spacious fitness suite on-site, as well as an indoor swimming pool. It straddles the boundary between Fletcher Place and Mile Square, giving you easy access to both neighborhoods.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Fletcher Place
FRONTDESK 531 Virginia Ave Apts Downtown Indianapolis
Fletcher Place isn’t home to any mid-range apartments, but this apartment will certainly do the job. With a fantastic location in the neighborhood with plenty of things to do nearby along with bright and modern furnishings, FRONTDESK 531 is a super comfortable place to base yourself for exploring the city.
Best Luxury Hotel in Fletcher Place
The Alexander
This four star hotel is perfect if you want a bit of an upgrade! It is only a short walk from Monument Circle, where many of the biggest events are held in the city. There are two restaurants on-site, as well as a stylish cocktail back where you can kick back and enjoy the modern menu.
Neighborhood#3 – Fountain Square
Coolest Place to Stay in Indianapolis
- COOLEST thing to do in Fountain Square – catch a comedy show – or even some burlesque if you’re brave enough – at White Rabbit Cabaret Club
- BEST place to visit in Fountain Square – the Museum of Psychphonics is a must for antique lovers
Just to the east of Fletcher Place, Fountain Square has a youthful atmosphere and cool vibes! If you are interested in shopping, this is a great place to check out thrift stores, record shops and antique boutiques. Like Fletcher Place, Fountain Square is a great destination for foodies – though it can be a little hipstery.
The nightlife in Fountain Square is very laid-back, with plenty of alternative options on offer! This is a great neighborhood if you want something more than drinks and dancing, with plenty of cultural venues throughout the area.
- The Hoosier Dome is a live music venue where you can catch up and coming local talent
- Nine Lives Cat Cafe is the perfect place to unwind with some feline friends and an excellent cup of coffee
- Rooftop Garden Cocktail Club is the perfect start to the evening, with gorgeous views of Downtown Indianapolis
- The Brass Ring Lounge is an excellent bar and brewery where you can sample some local liquor
- Pleasant Run is a small river with a beautiful walkway – perfect for soaking up the city atmosphere in the morning
Best Budget Hotel near Foundation Square
Tru By Hilton Indianapolis Downtown
Tru By Hilton Indianapolis Downtown is conveniently set in the centre of Indianapolis, just a short walk from Foundation Square and provides modern and sleek facilities. The hotel offers, 24-hour reception, fitness center and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout.
Best Mid-range Hotel near Foundation Square
Chic Cozy Stay in DT Indy
Unfortunately, Foundation Square isn’t home to any mid-range hotel, but this chic apartment is a beautiful place to stay on a mid-range budget. The apartment is situated just a stone’s throw away from Foundation Square, meaning there is plenty to do nearby and provides super comfortable facilities to unwind after.
Best Luxury Hotel near Foundation Square
Luxurious 3,000 Square Foot House Downtown
A lavish and brightly decorated villa set just outside of Foundation Square, this is the ultimate place to stay if you’re looking for a sense of luxury on your trip to Indianapolis. The air-conditioned villa comes with 4 beautiful bedrooms, a cable flat-screen TV, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Final Thoughts on Where To Stay in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis is a deceptively diverse city, with far more to offer than just the Indy 500 races! The city centre is packed with unique dining and nightlife options, as well as some incredible museums and historic attractions that have to be seen to be believed. If you want to sample authentic midwestern culture, Indianapolis is the perfect starting point.
If we had to pick one neighborhood as our favourite place to stay, we have to go with Fletcher Place! Well connected to the other two neighborhoods in this guide, it perfectly showcases the city’s history whilst still enjoying some of the more contemporary attractions.
That being said, the city centre is fairly easy to get around – and both Mile Square and Fountain Square have their charms. The best place for you depends on what you want to get out of your trip. We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your options.
Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments!
***Disclaimer*** Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you book your accommodation through the site, One Weird Globe will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me keep the site going :)
- Hostels 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Staying in a Hostel for the First Time - September 7, 2023
- 5 Best PARTY HOSTELS in Chicago [2023] - February 1, 2023
- 5 Best PARTY HOSTELS in Santiago! [2023] - January 31, 2023