The Indianapolis International Airport stands out as “Best Airport in North America” – a title it’s held for thirteen straight years according to Airports Council International. This remarkable gateway leads you straight to a city where finding hotels close to Indiana Convention Center comes naturally.
The Convention Center’s impressive features speak volumes. Starting from 1972, the center grew to accommodate 71 meeting rooms, 11 exhibit halls, and 3 ballrooms. The Convention Center’s connected hotels give you the convenience you’ll need during events. Your access to both the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium becomes effortless with nearby hotels that eliminate long walks.
Moving around the city is a breeze. Downtown Indianapolis’s 73,000 parking spots come with varying rates. You’ll find options from Gate 10 Parking’s $10 daily rate with a tip-based shuttle to the convention center’s connected properties charging $47 nightly. Electric vehicle drivers will appreciate the city’s 688 charging stations, and 109 of these won’t cost you anything.
This piece will guide you to your perfect stay based on location, budget, and amenities. Let’s discover your ideal spot for that Indianapolis convention visit!
How to Define ‘Near’ the Indiana Convention Center
Location plays a crucial role in Indianapolis. “Near” means something different based on your travel priorities and how you plan to get around. Let’s explore what close really means when it comes to the Indiana Convention Center.
Walking distance vs. driving distance
Your hotel choice becomes easier when you know the actual distances to the Indiana Convention Center. Downtown Indianapolis boasts excellent walkability with over 7,100 hotel rooms in the downtown area. Most guests prefer to stay within half a mile of the venue.
A simple guide to walking distances:
- Immediate vicinity: 0.1 miles (1-2 minute walk)
- Very close: 0.2 miles (3-4 minute walk)
- Close: 0.3 miles (5-6 minute walk)
- Manageable: 0.4 miles (7-8 minute walk)
Downtown hotels sit no more than a 15-minute walk from the Convention Center. This compact design makes life easier for conference attendees.
The Convention Center lies 21 km (about 13 miles) from Indianapolis International Airport. A typical drive takes 23 minutes without traffic. Bus service connects these locations in roughly 29 minutes.
Downtown’s design puts 200 restaurants within walking distance of the Convention Center. You won’t need transportation to find great dining options during your stay.
Hotels near the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium give you easy access to both venues. You can walk to Circle Center Mall, Indianapolis Zoo, and Canal Walk from these locations.
Skywalk-connected hotels explained
Indianapolis’s convention district stands out because of its climate-controlled skywalk system. This network links the Convention Center directly to several hotels. You can move between venues without going outside – a huge benefit during winter or bad weather.
The Convention Center connects to 4,700 hotel rooms through skywalks. Recent expansions have brought the total to 13 connected hotels with 5,500 rooms. USA Today named Indianapolis the “#1 Convention City in the U.S.” because it has the most hotels and rooms connected to a convention center.
The skywalk system connects you to:
- Lucas Oil Stadium (home of the Indianapolis Colts)
- Circle Center Mall with over 100 retail stores and restaurants
- Various entertainment venues
Conference attendees love these connections. You can walk straight from your room to your meeting without worrying about weather, parking, or directions.
Indianapolis now offers more than 10,000 rooms within easy reach of the Convention Center. This includes both skywalk-connected and nearby properties. You’ll find plenty of options at different price points while staying close to your destination.
Look for hotels that advertise skywalk connections. Room rates might be slightly higher, but business travelers often find the convenience worth the extra cost.
Top Hotel Types to Consider
Your choice of accommodation can make or break your convention experience. Indianapolis has places to stay that fit every taste and budget. Let’s take a closer look at the best options based on comfort, cost, and location.
Luxury hotels near the convention center
Indianapolis gives you some amazing luxury choices if you’re looking for premium accommodations. The Conrad Indianapolis shines as the city’s premier 5-star hotel with a guest rating of 4.6/5. You’ll find it just a short walk from the convention center, complete with a full-service spa, elegant rooms with Lavazza coffee machines, and a beautiful pool area.
The JW Marriott Indianapolis stands tall in the skyline and features 1,005 rooms along with 104,482 square feet of meeting space. Condé Nast Traveler ranks it as the #1 hotel in the Midwest, #5 in the U.S., and #25 in the world. The hotel’s location in the Marriott IndyPlace complex puts you right across from White River State Park.
Bottleworks Hotel creates a romantic atmosphere with its 4.5-star amenities including:
- Full-service spa and onsite pool
- Special romance packages with Champagne Service
- Architectural charm and proximity to theaters
The Westin Indianapolis gives you 575 rooms with stunning views of the Indiana State House. The Omni Severin Hotel sits perfectly between the convention center and Lucas Oil Stadium.
Budget-friendly options within 0.5 miles
You don’t need deep pockets to stay near your convention. Several affordable hotels are just a short walk away.
The Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown sits just 0.3 miles away with an impressive 4.3/5 rating. Guests love its cleanliness, helpful staff, and free breakfast. A quick tip: ask for a courtyard-facing room to avoid weekend street noise.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites keeps rates reasonable at 0.3 miles from the convention center, right across from Lucas Stadium. This 4.2/5-rated hotel gives you all the basics without the extra cost.
Homewood Suites by Hilton maintains a 4.4/5 rating just 0.2 miles away. Its spacious rooms come with kitchenettes – perfect if you’re staying through the whole convention. You’ll be steps away from both the venue and downtown restaurants.
The Hyatt Place Indianapolis Downtown earns a 4.4/5 rating and sits 0.3 miles from the convention center. Guests love its comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and easy access to restaurants and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Hotels connected to Indianapolis Convention Center
The most convenient option might be staying where a climate-controlled walkway leads right to your event. Indianapolis boasts 13 hotels with 5,500 rooms connected to the convention center through skywalks. USA Today named it the “#1 Convention City in the U.S.”.
The Marriott Indianapolis Downtown has just finished major updates to its 650 rooms, 42,000 square feet of meeting space, and dining options. This Green Seal™ certified hotel shows its steadfast dedication to environmental sustainability.
The Hyatt Regency Indianapolis was the city’s first convention hotel, offering 499 rooms. Located 0.2 miles away, it holds a 4.1/5 rating. Convention guests really value its direct connection to the center.
The historic Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown Union Station offers 273 rooms in a National Register of Historic Places building. What makes it special? Twenty-six authentic Pullman Traincar sleepers still rest on their original tracks. While rated 3.9/5 by guests, its walkway to the convention center makes it super convenient.
The Embassy Suites Indianapolis Downtown gives you 360 newly renovated all-suite rooms and 24,200 square feet of meeting space. These roomy suites let you stretch out after a busy convention day.
The new Signia by Hilton Hotel will soon add 800 rooms and a massive 50,000-square-foot ballroom. This 38-story tower will feature a sky bar at the top with amazing views of downtown.
Best Booking Strategies for Convention Center Hotels
Booking the right hotel at the right price needs a solid game plan. You’ll get the best value for your money with smart booking tactics when looking for a place to stay near the Indiana Convention Center.
Use filters for proximity and amenities
The perfect hotel search becomes easier with smart filter usage. Most booking sites put their business traveler features right at the top of search results.
Here’s what to look for in your search:
- Distance filters – Set maximum distance from the Convention Center (0.5 miles is ideal for walking)
- Amenity filters – Pick must-have features like free Wi-Fi, breakfast, or parking
- Price range – Set your budget limits
- Eco-friendly options – You can now find “eco-certified” filters if you’re environmentally conscious
Indianapolis offers more than just in-room Wi-Fi. The Convention Center gives you free wireless internet throughout its public spaces, food courts, and skywalks. Notwithstanding that, having internet in your room remains crucial for business travelers.
If you’re driving to Indianapolis, you might want to check hotels with parking options. Downtown Indianapolis has over 70,000 parking spaces, but prices vary by a lot. Some places throw in discounted or free parking – a perk worth looking out for.
Compare prices across platforms
You’ll see big differences in rates across booking sites. KAYAK makes price comparison easy by searching hundreds of travel sites at once.
Your booking timing makes a huge difference in hotel rates. KAYAK’s data shows February and May usually have lower prices for hotels near the Indiana Convention Center. Monday stays tend to be cheaper, while Wednesday bookings cost more.
The time of year matters too. Hotel rates drop noticeably from September through October or December. You can save extra money by bundling your flight, hotel stay, and activities together.
KAYAK’s booking data shows people typically stay three days at Convention Center hotels. Recent searches have found double rooms near the Convention Center for as little as $49, with prices averaging around $56.
Don’t forget to break down cancelation policies. Many convention pros book backup rooms they can cancel. This lets them try their luck with convention housing lotteries or special deals later without worrying about ending up with no place to stay.
Look for convention discounts
The best deals often come from convention-specific discounts. Event planners team up with nearby hotels to get better rates for attendees. These special room blocks fill up fast, so you’ll want to book early.
Companies like onPeak negotiate big discounts – usually 30% cheaper than other travel sites. Hotels also give extra perks just for official block bookings, such as:
- Free internet access
- Restaurant discounts
- Cheaper spa services
Booking within the official block helps the convention too. The organizers can show Indianapolis how much money the event brings in and get better deals for future events.
Some GenCon attendees use a clever strategy. They book a cancellable room at regular rates, then try their luck in the convention housing lottery for better prices. If the lottery doesn’t work out, they still have their original room.
Remember to factor in getting around. Cab rides from hotels far from downtown add up quickly – about $30 one-way from places 12 miles out. Uber usually costs less, except during surge pricing.
Loyalty programs give you another way to save. Joining programs like Expedia’s One Key gets you special discounts and lets you earn rewards for future stays.
Parking and Transportation Tips for Hotel Guests
Your convention experience depends heavily on parking arrangements. Downtown Indianapolis has plenty of options to park your vehicle safely or find other ways to get around. Here’s what you need to know about parking if you’re staying at hotels near the Indiana Convention Center.
Hotels with free or discounted parking
Finding free parking in downtown Indianapolis feels like striking gold. Several excellent hotels provide this great perk:
Aloft Indianapolis Downtown earns a 9.4/10 from guests who praise its “super friendly staff and valet service”. This property blends comfort with practical amenities.
Hyatt House Indianapolis Downtown holds an excellent 9.0/10 rating with 1,030 reviewers highlighting its “wonderful staff and amazing breakfast”. You’ll save money each day with free parking at this location.
The options grow when you look beyond downtown:
- Ironworks Hotel Indy (4.9/5 rating)
- Drury Plaza Hotel Indianapolis Carmel (4.7/5)
- Hampton Inn & Suites Indianapolis/Keystone (4.6/5)
Most downtown hotels that offer free parking have pools, which makes them perfect for families. Downtown garage parking costs between $7-$75 daily, so a hotel with free parking can save you quite a bit during your stay.
Nearby garages and shuttle services
Denison Parking manages all Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium parking lots. Downtown Indianapolis has over 70,000 parking spaces, giving you plenty of choices whatever your location.
Popular garages near the convention center include:
Plaza Park Garage (758 spots) costs about $21.15 for two hours and sits just a minute away. Capitol Commons Garage (250 spots) charges around $26.44 for two hours with a 4-minute walk.
Budget-conscious visitors prefer Circle Center – Red Garage (560 spots) and Circle Center – Blue Garage (735 spots), both charging $7.00 for two hours.
Hotel valet parking offers convenience at higher rates. The Hyatt Regency Indianapolis charges $47.59 for two hours but connects directly to the convention center. The Conrad Indianapolis asks $60 for two hours of valet parking.
Parking spaces for persons with disabilities are available in nearby lots and garages on a first-come basis. These spaces include van-accessible options.
Many visitors choose shuttle services instead. Free hotel shuttles run about every 30 minutes during peak times and pick up from Maryland Street beside the Convention Center. IndyGo public transportation links major hotels to the venue.
The Maryland Street canopy serves as the spot for airport transportation taxi services, though some events may restrict access.
EV charging availability near hotels
Indianapolis welcomes electric vehicle owners with open arms. The city has several charging stations near hotels by the Indiana Convention Center.
EV charging comes in two types: DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current). DC charging works faster because batteries use/store DC power. Many hotels provide slower AC charging stations at no cost – perfect for overnight stays.
You’ll find CHAdeMO (Japanese car standard) and CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors, with CCS being more common in European and North American vehicles.
These hotels advertise EV charging:
- Tru by Holton Indianapolis Downtown
- Courtyard by Marriott
- Holiday Inn Indianapolis Airport
- The Alexander Hotel
Tesla owners will find multiple Supercharger locations downtown. Battery experts suggest charging lithium-ion batteries to 80% to keep them healthy and charge faster.
A solid parking and transportation plan will help you save money and time during your convention visit.
Local Tips for a Better Stay
Smart local tips can make your Indianapolis visit much better. Here’s how to get the most out of your stay near the Indiana Convention Center.
Avoiding peak traffic times
Indianapolis traffic needs your attention. Rush hours hit hardest from 7-9 A.M. and 4:30-7 P.M. on weekdays. Major events like the Indy 500 make things worse, with morning traffic starting at 6:30 A.M. and afternoon slowdowns lasting until 7 P.M..
Here’s how to skip the traffic:
- Take the bus – Public transportation runs on time to commercial and entertainment areas
- Use express lanes – You can save up to 15 minutes near the I-65/I-70 junction
- Check traffic updates – WIBC 93.1 FM gives you up-to-the-minute traffic reports
Hotels linked to Indianapolis Convention Center by skywalks give you the best solution – you can walk above all the traffic!
Best entrances to the convention center
The Indiana Convention Center has three street-level entrances and five hotel skywalks on the second floor. The right entrance choice saves you time.
Registration happens at Level One by Exhibit Hall HI. Sunday mornings get busy between 7-8 A.M., so plan around these times.
Hotels near Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium connect through skywalks. Walking through Circle City Mall to Lucas Oil Stadium takes about 10-15 minutes. Remember that skywalks close at specific times, so late events might mean walking outside.
Yes, it is common to hear visitors praise these covered walkways. They stay clean, well-lit, and safe even after 10 P.M.. This network links hotels, parking, shopping, and the convention center seamlessly.
Dining options within walking distance
You’ll find plenty of food choices near the convention center. Downtown has over 200 restaurants you can walk to, with something for every taste and budget.
Popular spots include:
- Conner’s Kitchen + Bar – Comfort food with a twist plus craft beers
- High Velocity – A sports bar serving American classics with lots of HDTVs
- Tavern on South – Locals love its second-floor deck with downtown views
- St. Elmo Steak House – A historic spot since 1902 known for great steaks
Bee Coffee Roasters sits right by the convention center, serving small-batch coffee. Want pizza? Napolese makes artisanal pies just a 7-minute walk away.
Convention attendees love the three food courts inside the venue. You’ll find The Landing on Maryland Food Court (outside halls A-D), Capitol Food Court (Georgia Street entrance), and another next to halls D-E.
When to Book Based on Events and Seasons
Smart timing makes all the difference if you want to book accommodations near the Indiana Convention Center. Good planning will save you hundreds of dollars and help you avoid last-minute stress.
High-demand periods to avoid
The Indiana Convention Center sees its biggest tourist crowds in January, April, and July. Room rates shoot up during these months and finding available rooms becomes tough.
The yearly Indy 500 race creates a huge surge in demand. Nearly 300,000 racing fans flood the city during Memorial Day weekend, which drives room rates through the roof.
Other busy periods include:
- NBA Finals games (hotel RevPAR jumped 20-30% compared to previous years)
- NCAA Final Fours (marked for 2026 and 2029)
- WNBA All-Star events (room rates hit $400-600 each night)
Room rates peak on Wednesdays at $618 per night. You’ll save good money by skipping midweek stays whenever possible.
Best months for deals
February gives you the best bang for your buck with rooms averaging $186 per night. March sits at the other end with rates soaring to $1,192 nightly. September also offers great value.
Budget travelers should aim for Monday stays, which cost around $238 per night. Recent deals have shown rooms as cheap as $67.
The peak months bring mostly sunny to cloudy weather with light rain. This weather pattern means you can still enjoy comfortable visits during off-peak seasons at better prices.
How events like Gen Con or Indy 500 affect availability
Gen Con brings more than 70,000 visitors each year, pumping about $75 million into Indianapolis’ economy. Hotels earn an extra $1.19 million per night during this event – 61% more than usual.
Hotels reach 97% capacity during Gen Con. You need to book well ahead.
The Indy 500 changes everything about hotel pricing. Rates climb sharply two days before the race and stay high until race day. Prices then drop over the next four days.
Indianapolis has locked in major conventions through 2030 and beyond. You should check the events calendar before booking to get reasonable rates.
Arrive At Your Convention Event With Metropolitan Shuttle
Arrive at your Indianapolis convention in style and stress-free with Metropolitan Shuttle. Whether you’re attending an event at the Indiana Convention Center or a nearby hotel venue, our Indianapolis group transportation service ensures your team, clients, or attendees get there on time and together. Skip the hassle of coordinating multiple rides or navigating downtown traffic—our professional drivers and comfortable shuttles make event transportation seamless. From corporate conferences to large trade shows, Metropolitan Shuttle is your reliable partner for group travel in Indianapolis.
Conclusion
Looking for the perfect hotel near Indiana Convention Center is easier than you might think. Indianapolis gives convention-goers a unique experience with its extensive skywalk system, diverse accommodations, and smart city layout.
You’ll find everything you need to pick the right place to stay. The city has hotels that fit any budget – from luxury 5-star properties to budget-friendly options within walking distance. The city also features 13 hotels that connect directly to the convention center through climate-controlled skywalks, making your visit super convenient.
Room rates change substantially based on timing. You’ll find the best deals at the time of February and September, and you’ll save money by avoiding major events like Gen Con and the Indy 500. Hotel stays cost less on Mondays compared to midweek, so adjusting your schedule could help your budget.
Smart planning makes transportation worries disappear. Downtown hotels often provide free or discounted parking. Public transportation and ride-sharing services work well too. The area now has plenty of charging stations for EV drivers.
The compact downtown layout means you’ll spend more time at your convention and less time getting around. You can walk to more than 200 restaurants, and the complete skywalk system lets you access everything easily.
These insider tips will make your Indianapolis convention trip smooth and enjoyable. Book early, pick the right spot, and discover why USA Today called Indianapolis the “#1 Convention City in the U.S.”
Key Takeaways
Finding the right hotel near Indiana Convention Center becomes simple when you know the local strategies and timing secrets that can save you money and maximize convenience.
• Book skywalk-connected hotels for ultimate convenience – 13 hotels with 5,500 rooms connect directly to the convention center via climate-controlled walkways, eliminating weather and parking concerns.
• Time your booking strategically to save money – February and September offer the lowest rates, while avoiding major events like Gen Con and Indy 500 prevents price spikes of 20-30%.
• Use proximity filters and compare multiple platforms – Set 0.5-mile distance limits and check convention-specific discounts that average 30% below standard rates through official housing blocks.
• Consider total costs beyond room rates – Downtown parking ranges $7-75 daily, but hotels with free parking and skywalk connections eliminate transportation expenses entirely.
• Plan around Indianapolis’ compact downtown layout – Over 200 restaurants sit within walking distance, and the farthest downtown hotels require only a 15-minute walk to the convention center.
With over 10,000 hotel rooms within easy reach of the convention center and the most connected accommodations of any U.S. convention city, Indianapolis makes attending events remarkably stress-free when you apply these local insights.
FAQs
Q1. What are the parking options and costs at the Indiana Convention Center?
Parking charges at the Indiana Convention Center typically range from $5 to $10, depending on the event. The center is surrounded by numerous parking options, including nearby garages and lots operated by Denison Parking.
Q2. What defines a convention center hotel?
A convention center hotel is typically a property with 50 or more rooms that offers specialized facilities and services designed to host meetings or gatherings. These hotels often feature direct connections to convention centers, auditoriums, or outdoor venues, catering specifically to event attendees.
Q3. Is the JW Marriott connected to both the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium?
Yes, the JW Marriott Indianapolis is connected to both the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium via a climate-controlled skywalk system. This allows guests to move between the hotel, convention center, and stadium without going outside.
Q4. What are the best strategies for booking hotels near the Indiana Convention Center?
To find the best deals, book hotels in February or September when rates are typically lower. Use proximity filters to find hotels within 0.5 miles of the convention center, and compare prices across multiple booking platforms. Look for convention-specific discounts, which can offer up to 30% savings through official housing blocks.
Q5. How many hotels are directly connected to the Indiana Convention Center?
There are 13 hotels with a total of 5,500 rooms directly connected to the Indiana Convention Center via climate-controlled skywalks. This extensive network of connected accommodations has earned Indianapolis recognition as the “#1 Convention City in the U.S.” according to USA Today.
