Best Indy Staycation - On a Budget to Lavish and Luxurious
Exploring new cities can be so much fun, but since we are limited right now when it comes to traveling and staying safe, it’s good to remember that we can always have an adventure in our own backyard. Indianapolis has amazing places you can stay, some classic and timeless, some new and bold. There’s also something really special about staying in your home and making it a space of luxurious, because after 2020, you deserve to treat yourself. I’ve put together a guide to have the best staycation in the best city, if that means living it up in your living room, trying a unique stay that’s a little more in budget, or going all out on a room with a view.
ON A BUDGET
The best choice for having a great staycation while saving money is to have it at home. However, this doesn’t have to be like just another weeknight, there are so many ways to amplify the experience! I’d start with going around and finding all the blankets and pillows you own and making a blanket fort (you know this sounds like so much fun) and making sure it’s stocked with snacks and drinks, with lids so you don’t ruin said blankets. Pop on a new to you Netflix movie, or you can rent movies on Youtube and cast them to your TV. The Kan Kan Cinema also offers On Demand movies for you to watch and also support local with. Top off your ‘stay’ with some breakfast in bed, or blanket fort, and maybe even order a mimosa package from Gallery Pastry Bar to celebrate your staycation.
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
If you’re looking to get out of the house but don’t want to spend a ton of money, Indy has some great Airbnb options! Airbnbs are more of a unique stay than a hotel and generally cost way less, but is still a nice way to treat yourself. You could try the Mod Pod on the Old Northside, with a nightcap at West Fork Whiskey before turning in as well as Festiva for dinner. Or you could get away from the city and spend a night at the Hotel Tango Farm, a more quiet and tranquil stay but still near all the fun of Fountain Square.
LAVISH AND LUXURIOUS
If you’re looking to go all out and spend a night in a nice hotel, Indianapolis isn’t short of luxurious stays. Downtown has the new Bottleworks Hotel off of Mass Ave that is revamped from an old Coca Cola bottling plant and will open the Garage, a food hall with tons of local restaurants in early 2021. The Conrad is also a great stay if you’re looking to relax and unwind, and you are steps away from Monument Circle. I also recommend stopping in at Tastings for a drink after dinner at the Eagle’s Nest. If you’re a St. Elmo’s fan, a stay at Le Meridien would be great, or you could dine at Spoke and Steele before making your way up to your room. If you prefer the northside, Ironworks Hotel has beautiful rooms and close proximity to Rize or Yolk for brunch and Verde Flavors of Mexico or Provision for a nice dinner.
