For all those people that come to Indianapolis for events – whether it be a business or tech convention or international sporting event – it’s only fitting that the city offer up a handful of swanky, luxury hotels to all those from out-of-town. Some of these hotels have been hosting visitors for many years, while newer ones have recently sprung up to accommodate our growing downtown infrastructure. Whether you’re here on business, for pleasure or just looking for a fancy night away from home, Indianapolis has just what you need.
JW Marriot
As one of the newer hotels in the city, the JW Marriot has not only made its name by boasting luxury amenities, world-class restaurants and high-rise suites, but with its unique, mirror-blue design that stands amongst downtown’s skyscrapers. The stunning curved structure stands 34-floors above White River Park making it the tallest hotel in the entire city. Inside you’ll find hundreds of neatly-appointed rooms as well as 25 luxury suites with stunning views of places like Lucas Oil Stadium and the Indy skyline itself. Like #thatgoldbuilding, which is the hashtag representing Market Square Center, the JW too reps its own hashtag. Just search #jdubfromhere and check out all the views Hoosiers have taken of this now iconic downtown hotel.
Le Méridien
Le Meridian may, at first glance, appear to be one of the swankiest, most modern hotels in Indy. But once you dig into its history, you’ll soon discover it’s actually one of the most historic. A hotel, in some fashion, has sat at 123 S. Illinois St. since 1858. Though Le Méridien itself has only existed since 2014, the building has seen thousands of visitors come through its doors over many decades. The current iteration of the building has been designed with contemporary art and creativity at its forefront. The rooms sport white and gray interiors, clean lines and wall art embodying the design of our great city. To add to the contemporary environment, one of the hottest new Indy restaurants, Spoke & Steele, lies right on property and not only epitomizes the hotel’s design, but boasts down-home Hoosier cuisine based on local farming and ranching.
The Conrad
Art lovers rejoiced once The Conrad was completed in the mid-2000s. Said to be a cross between an art museum and a luxury hotel, The Conrad has lined its walls with works from revered artists from all around the world including Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and even Pablo Picasso. The Collection, as these particular suites are known, house artworks by famous artists as well as luxury amenities like Bvlgari personal care items and a custom butler bar stocked with all the ingredients for a great cocktail. Things get even better when visiting the top-notch Evan Todd Spa & Salon for a massage and haircut. All this before stepping downstairs and indulging in some fine wines and desserts at Tastings.
The Alexander
Chic, boutique and very, very sleek. These words not only rhyme, but also describe the The Alexander hotel. Similarly to The Conrad, The Alexander is pinned as a sort-of art-inspired hotel – though they’re more Pinterest and playful than art world inner-circle. As soon as you walk in you’ll notice the decorative glass lanterns hanging from the ceiling and the colorful paintings lining the stark white walls. The rooms too are playful in their design with lots of color and sleek tables, beds and lighting. One of the true gems of The Alexander is Plat 99, the in-house mixology lounge, which sports a stunning balcony overlooking the city. Not only are there superb cocktails poured by experienced professionals, but guests even can even take classes called Pour & Play where they’ll learn from a Plat 99 mixologist how to make the perfect cocktail.
Omni Severin Hotel
As the oldest luxury hotel in Indianapolis, Omni Severin truly holds the history of our city right within its walls. Don’t let the over 100-year history of this hotel deter you though, the Omni has managed to keep its nostalgia in-tact while modernizing as well. Marble floors, suede furniture and grand entrances make the Omni as easy choice for our list of the best luxury hotels in the city. As far as on-site dining options go, the refined 1913 Restaurant serves up farm-to-table dishes – including meat from Fischer Farms – while the cleverly named Wine Thief bar pours both local and international vinos in an equally elegant setting. As a bonus, Omni Severin also has a heated indoor pool open year-round and for you parents, the Omni Kids Crew is a program which offers backpacks to children upon check-in filled with all sorts of fun stuff.
