Hotels in Indianapolis

The more expensive hotels are downtown, but many moderate and budget hotels are in the surrounding area. Most downtown hotels offer weekend or theme packages. Throughout the city, chains dominate. We recommend the Embassy Suites (tel. 800/EMBASSY [362-2779]; www.embassysuites.com) downtown location, with a sky bridge connection to Circle Centre Mall, 110 W. Washington St. (tel. 317/236-1800), which features suites with coffeemakers, wet bars, refrigerators, and microwaves. The Westin Indianapolis, 50 S. Capitol Ave. (tel. 800/228-3000 or 317/262-8100; www.starwood.com), also connects to Circle Centre. For a moderately priced downtown hotel, try Hampton Inn Indianapolis-Downtown, 105 S. Meridian St. (tel. 800/426-7866 or 317/261-1200). Housed in a 1920s National Historic Landmark building, this hotel offers two-room suites and king rooms with whirlpool tubs in addition to the usual doubles. The Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, 501 W. Washington St. (tel. 800/321-2211 or 317/635-4443; www.marriott.com), on the edge of White River State Park, is another solid choice.

If you'll be spending a lot of time at the Speedway, the Brickyard Crossing Golf Resort & Inn, 4400 W. 16th St. (tel. 317/241-2500; www.brickyardcrossing.com), is worth checking out. It's a convention motel, and its location is really the only reason to stay here, but the rates are reasonable and it offers free outdoor parking, as well as a golf course (with 4 holes inside the Speedway).

For a bed-and-breakfast alternative that's near downtown but sports a local charm, check into the Villa Inn, 1456 N. Delaware St. (tel. 866/626-8500 or 317/916-8500; www.thevillainn.com). The property offers six rooms, a full spa, and a restaurant.

Near the airport, Days Inn, 5860 Fortune Circle W. (tel. 800/DAYS-INN [329-7466] or 317/248-0621), is your standard budget motel, with a restaurant, bar, small workout room, and outdoor pool. Another good airport choice is the Holiday Inn, 2501 S. High School Rd. (tel. 800/465-4329 or 317/244-6861), right on the airport grounds and 10 minutes from downtown.