Page 2 - Downtown Indy Hotels | Hilton Garden Inn

Springtime Stay in Downtown Indy

Wednesday, December 21, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

If the wintery cold weather has you feeling down, then why not look forward to a spring time getaway by planning a weekend trip to Downtown Indy this year? There’s nothing like a visit to the city to get you going again after being cooped up at home during snowy weather, and our Indianapolis hotel packages can be a real spring treat for you and your loved ones.

Warmer weather brings with it the blooming trees and flowers and there is no better time to visit the Indianapolis Zoo to see all the animals as they wake from winter’s slumber. Our Indianapolis Zoo package gives you deluxe accommodations, valet parking and zoo parking as well as zoo tickets for two adults and two kids. To get your day started, we’ll also provide breakfast for four at the Great American Grill.

With nature coming to life after the cold, there’s plenty to do in the city with walking around Downtown to see historic sites, visiting museums or even attending the theatre. Come for a weekend or week, and really enjoy the warmer weather.

And of course, spring is the start of the wedding season, and our hotel is one of the finest Indianapolis wedding hotels available for your special day. Give us a call to learn more about our hotel accommodations Indianapolis getaways or wedding packages.

Big Ten Men’s Basketball Coming to Indy March 2012

Monday, December 19, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

If you want to attend the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Conference, then now’s the time to reserve your hotel accommodations Indianapolis before Downtown Indy hotels are completed booked. As one of the most luxurious hotels near Conseco Fieldhouse, the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown will have you near all the action while staying in style and comfort.

The 2012 Big Ten Men’s Tournament starts the second week of March so planning for your Indy stay ahead of time will help you beat the crowds. Our hotel is conveniently located to all the area attractions so you’ll probably want to see some of the sights by touring the downtown area and dine in some of Indy’s fine restaurants while you’re here.

For more information about the men’s basketball conference, you can visit their tournament site so you can stay updated with dates and teams. Tickets will be available through Ticketmaster, all Big Ten university ticketing offices, the Conseco Fieldhouse or by calling (800) 745-3000 to reach Ticketmaster offices.

Our deluxe rooms offer complimentary high speed internet, in room hospitality center, room service and more. Call to reserve your room today (317) 955-9700.

Treat Your Valentine at Our Historic Hotel Indianapolis Downtown

Friday, December 16, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

With February just a short time away, are you planning a special Valentine’s Day for your sweetheart? Planning early will not only ensure that you have everything ready without delay, but it will also let him or her know that you spend a lot of time thinking about your love.

Why not spend your Valentine’s Day at the historic hotel Indianapolis Hilton Garden Inn Downtown?

Our special romance package will give you two the private time away from it all so you can focus just on each other. Our luxurious room accommodations will have you relaxing in comfort with sparkling wine or cider chilling and waiting for your arrival. You’ll enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool or a sensuous soak in the whirlpool. The Romance Package also includes a full breakfast for two at our gourmet restaurant or you can also exchange it for a dinner at participating Downtown Indy hotels instead. In fact, you might have so much fun and connection that you will want to linger a little longer with a late checkout or an extra overnight stay.

Perhaps instead for Valentine’s, you might want to enjoy a couple’s weekend with friends or even a little family time with the kids. Our Bed and Breakfast package is sure to bring a smile to every face and give everyone time to enjoy each other’s company away from everyday life. A day in the Indy city starts with a big, piping hot breakfast to get your vacation started touring and seeing the sights that Downtown Indy has to offer. This deal includes breakfast for up to four adults in the same room with kids 12 and under eating free. We even offer lazy breakfast room service until noon on weekends. Now how is that for a great getaway?

For hotel reservations Indianapolis guests should call our reservation line at (317) 955-9700 or visit us online.

Travelocity's Top 5 Christmas Trees

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

Just hours ago, Travelocity posted an article about the Top 5 other Christmas trees to see this year...that is, outside of the world-famous tree at Rockefeller Center in NYC. Our very own "tree," built around the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Monument Circle, made the list! I don't know how one could not get into the Christmas spirit with this multi-colored, 284' tall beauty.

The trees that stand up to Rockefeller Center:
1. Biltmore Estate, North Carolina - 34' Fraser fir tree in the ballroom
2. Galleria, Dallas - Texan style with 250,000 lights standing 95' tall
3. Monument Circle, Indianapolis - 284' tall with 4784 lights and 52 strands of garland
4. Toledo Zoo, Ohio - 85' tall and glittering with 35,000 lights
5. Coeur d'Alene Resort, Idaho - 191' live tree decked out with 30,000 lights

What is unique about the Monument Circle display just steps from our historic hotel Indianapolis? Well, it's the only tree on the list that you can see from the inside. Visitors can ride to the top of the monument (21' shorter than the Statue of Liberty). From there you get what Travelocity has dubbed a reindeer's view from the top.

Come visit Indy for Christmas. Stay at our downtown Indianapolis hotel and ask for a room facing Monument Circle for the best view of Indy's most magnificent holiday centerpiece.

Happy Holidays from the staff at the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown!

Experience Cheer and Dance with JamLive Competition

Sunday, November 20, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Indianapolis, it’s time to get your cheer and dance on when the one of a kind JamLive competition hits the stage at the Indiana Convention Center this coming March.

Cheer and dance teams from All-star clubs, schools, recreation groups and colleges are invited to enter the live competition where the red carpet treatment reigns supreme for all participants. Coaches and spectators receive free admission to watch the live event unfold with star quality atmosphere, introductions and live judging. Cheer and dance groups vie for awards and gifts, and champion levels will be streamed live online on JamLive.com on the day of the competition.

JamLive team registrations begin with early registration on January 17, 2012 and on time registration starting on February 16, 2012. The event will run March 17 to March 18, 2012. For more information regarding registration, visit the JamLive site.

Travelers and visitors to the Indianapolis area will find conveniently located hotel accommodations at Downtown Indy hotels. For the best hotel deal Indianapolis guests will want to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn. The newly renovated hotel Indianapolis provides luxury accommodations that everyone can enjoy in comfort in preparation for the big competition. Group rates are available. Please call or email Lindsay at (317) 955-9700 or lgill [at] fhginc.com for more information.

Plan a Holiday Family Getaway or Staycation This Year

Thursday, November 17, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Oh the holidays. They are filled with fun, gifts, feasting and family, and of course, plenty of travel if you live far away from relatives and close friends!

Traveling during the holiday season can be quite the challenge especially if you plan on bunking in with family or friends. But if you are traveling to Indianapolis this year, why not plan on leaving behind the crowded family homes with multiple people trying to share the same bathroom and sleeping head to toe to find more bedroom space?

Join us here at the Holiday Garden Inn and really enjoy your time away from it all. Holiday family getaways are quite the treat especially when you are enjoying our warm and toasty indoor heated pool and hot tub while everyone else you know is fighting over room on the couch to play the latest video game or watch TV.

Meanwhile, you have your choice of downtown dinner locations to stave off hunger, catch a show or see the bright holiday lights decorating the downtown area. And when you return to your room, you can watch all the pay per view movies and play video games to your heart’s content on the big screen LCD flat panel TV. You’ll have all the extra space and luxury you need when on the family trip this year.

So what happens if you are a local? Try planning a little staycation and treat yourself to all the amenities our luxury hotel room Indianapolis location has to offer. There’s nothing like Downtown Indy hotels in the heart of the action to take your mind off the stress of holiday preparations and guests. Indianapolis hotel packages are available for holiday travel so give us a call or reserve your room online today.

Hilton Garden Inn Makes Guest Satisfaction a High Priority

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

If you are considering a trip to Indianapolis, you might be pleased to learn that of the many Downtown Indy hotels, there is one hotel that stands out for its service and customer satisfaction. The historic hotel Indianapolis visitors frequently choose is the Hilton Garden Inn. Our hotel’s luxury accommodations and professional service provide a warm home away from home atmosphere right in a convenient location close to area attractions that appeal to visitors of the city, and our 24 hour business center provides all the space and technology needed by our business guests.

Recently for the first time in the Hilton Garden Inn’s hotel brand 15 year history, J.D. Power and Associates ranked the hotel brand with top honors in European customer satisfaction in the category of guest rooms, hotel services and facilities as well as costs and fees. In particular, guests love our special Garden Sleep System® beds along with our ergonomically comfortable chair, the Mirra®. No doubt our free Wi-Fi available to all guests in all Hilton Garden Inn hotels is a definite incentive when choosing hotel accommodations as well. You can see the complete press release detailing the European J.D. Power award for highest guest satisfaction here:

For hotel reservations Indianapolis guests may go directly to our reservation site for more information.

Holiday Hotel Hotness!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

Turkey Christmas seems like it gets here earlier and earlier every year and Thanksgiving is JUST around the corner! Before you know it you are taking out your menorah or Christmas tree, lighting that first candle and wrapping presents when you realize you forgot to search for that perfect hotel, one where your in-laws would really at home.

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown is that perfect hotel. All decorated for the holiday season, our downtown Indy hotel staff wants your family to have a wonderful holiday season without being in your hair 24/7!

Our hotel accommodations Indianapolis feature over-sized guest rooms with a complimentary refrigerator and microwave. Your family will have all the comforts of home while not sleeping on your sofa. Each of our guest rooms also includes complimentary Wi-Fi and local calls.

Menorah

For families with children, you might suggest Aunt Harriett and Uncle Harry reserve one of our Indianapolis hotel packages, like the Circle Centre Shopping Package. This particular hotel deal Indianapolis includes a $100 American Express gift card to use anywhere AmEx is accepted. They will also receive a gift bag full of gifts from Simon Malls and coupons to use while shopping. Finally, the package includes breakfast for two in the hotel’s Great American Grill!

We have other Indianapolis hotel packages available if they’d like to consider our Bed n Tree Breakfast deal or another money-saving option. Tell your family to call our friendly Front Desk reps at 317-955-9700 or to book online today.

Tip: Our rates during holidays are usually quite low compared to the rest of the year! SHH! Don’t tell anyone, this is just between us. ALSO, you can earn Double HHonors Points or a free night stay certificate before December 31st with four stays!

Light Up Your Holiday with Downtown Indy’s Circle of Lights

Monday, November 14, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

The holiday season is almost upon us, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with Downtown Indy’s Circle of Lights taking place November 25th, the Friday right after Thanksgiving.

Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW

This larger than life event is sponsored by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW 481 and expects a crowd of over 100,000. The free event kicks off with live entertainment and Santa’s very own workshop complete with candy treats, toy soldiers, elves, and of course, plenty of toys. Part of the show is televised and the lighting of the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument occurs at 7:45 p.m. Central Standard Time. One lucky child is chosen from the statewide coloring contest to help flip the light switch with the Indianapolis mayor and Santa Clause.

The beautifully brilliant lights will display throughout the entire holiday season until early January. Families share in the spirit by making this a tradition each year so experience the magic of almost 5,000 lights adorning the Monument along with plenty of peppermint sticks, toy soldiers and sailors to complete the show.

Indianapolis hotel packages are available at our Indianapolis Downtown Hotel Hilton Garden Inn. For our discount hotel Indianapolis rate, visit hgi.com, and enter code LITE11 when making your reservation. To learn more about the 2011 Circle of Light event, visit Indianapolis Downtown’s site.

Indy Karting Classic 2011 Zooming into Downtown Indy

Monday, November 14, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Downtown Indy will be feeling the zoom as the Indy Karting Classic 2011 brings a little racing action to the city at the event scheduled for December 11th at the Conseco Fieldhouse.

Plenty of NASCAR fans and drivers will be rushing to the show as driver Tony Stewart has committed to attend the racing day event along with AJ Allmendinger of Richard Petty Motorsports.

Lovers of karting will enjoy watching the action unfold at this family fun event, and those who want to get in on the action still have time to submit entries to drive. Drivers are placed into roster classes based on age including:

Kid Kart for ages 5 to7,
Yamaha Sportsman Heavy for ages 8 to 12,
Yamaha Junior Heavy for ages 12 to 15,
Yamaha Supercan Heavy for ages 15 and older and
TaG Seniors for ages 15+.

For more information about participating in the event, visit the Classic’s webpage or like them on Facebook.

For Downtown Indy hotels near Conseco Fieldhouse, you need look no further than the historic Hotel Indianapolis locals and visitors enjoy when planning a short weekend or long vacation stay, the Hilton Garden Inn. With luxury accommodations, restaurant, fitness center all wrapped into one comfortable stay, the hotel is conveniently located to all the downtown action. Make your reservations today before rooms are full and plan on attending the Indy Karting Classic 2011 this December.

Circle of Lights

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Celebrating it's 49th year, the Circle of Lights® presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and Electrical Workers of IBEW is one of the most beloved traditions of downtown Indy.

This year's event will take place the day after Thanksgiving, on Friday, November 25, 2011. The actual light up will happen at about 7:45pm.

Decorations for the event include T26 larger-than-life toy soldiers and sailors, along with 26 peppermint sticks. There will also be 52 garland strands with 4,784 colored lights! Talk about a spectacle!

In addition to the decorations, there will also be live entertainment - selected from state wide auditions and national acts. This is a great event for families and for couples. In fact, over 100,000 people are expected to be there to celebrate the event.

Are you looking for the perfect event to propose to your sweetheart? This might just be it!

Whether you are from Indy or are coming to visit and experience the Circle of Lights, you might be interested in a hotel room Indianapolis. We have a hotel deal Indianapolis for the Circle of Lights that includes breakfast and a great view from the hotel's entrance. Go to www.hgi.com and us Group Code Lite11.

Butler Basketball Hits the Courts with 2011/2012 Season

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Butler University Bulldog fans, students and alumni are in for a real treat this basketball season. With the 2011/2012 season in full swing, there’s nothing better than getting in on the action of a live game. As one of the premiere Downtown Indy hotels and historic hotel Indianapolis locals and visitors love to frequent, the Hilton Garden Inn is ready for the basketball crowd with our special discount rates for Bulldog fans.

Find the Butler Men’s Basketball schedule for 2011-2012 below and begin planning your stay for the team’s home games in our luxury hotel accommodations Indianapolis visitors love:

November
Nov 2        Northern State
Nov 5        Franklin
Nov 12        Evansville (away)
Nov 15        Chattanooga
Nov 19        Louisville
Nov 21        Savannah State
Nov 23        Gardner Webb
Nov 27        Indiana (away)
Nov 29        Oakland City

December
Dec 3        Valparaiso
Dec 7        Xavier
Dec 10        Ball State (away)
Dec 17        Purdue
Dec 20        Gonzaga (away)
Dec 22        Stanford (away)
Dec 29        Green Bay
Dec 31        Milwaukee

January
Jan 6        Wright State (away)
Jan 8        Detroit (away)
Jan 13        Cleveland State
Jan 15        Youngstown State
Jan 19        UIC (away)
Jan 21        Loyola (away)
Jan 26        Milwaukee (away)
Jan 28        Green Bay (away)

February
Feb 2        Wright State
Feb 4        Detroit
Feb 9        Youngstown State (away)
Feb 11        Cleveland State (away)
Feb 14        Loyola
Feb 18        ESPN Bracket Busters
Feb 21        UIC
Feb 24        Valparaiso (away)
Feb 28        Championship 1st Round – tba

March
Mar 2        Championship Quarterfinals
Mar 3        Championship Semifinals
Mar 6        Championship Finals
Mar 13        NCAA Tournament 1st Four
Mar 15        NCAA Championship 2nd Round
Mar 22        NCAA Regional Semifinals - Finals
Mar 31        NCAA Final Four

2011 Indianapolis LBGT Film Festival

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

The 2011 Indianapolis LBGT Film Festival presented by Indy Pride will be November 11-13, 2011.

Here's a run down of what's on tap for the festival this year:

November 11, 2011

7:30 - Opening Announcements
8:00pm - Premier Night Comedy Shorts - Cried Suicide, 52 and Hollywood to Dollywood

November 12, 2011

Events run from 12:30pm to 8:45pm and films are shown in The Toby and the Deboest Lecture Halls. There will be Youth Shorts, Gay Shorts and Lesbian Shorts.

November 13, 2011

Events run from 12 noon to 4:45. There will be another series of short films featured on Sunday.

If you want a more detailed schedule of the events of the 2011 Indianapolis LBGT Film Festival, be sure to visit their website where you can see the 2011 Schedule.

You can also buy 2011 Indianapolis LBGT Film Festival tickets online. A full festival pass is just $60 and a premier party pass is $40.

Are you coming to Indy for the event this year? If so, you might be looking for a hotel deal Indianapolis. If you are looking for hotel reservations Indianapolis, then you might want to check out the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Indy.

Finish the Year off Right with Music Concerts & Events

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Indy residents and visitors will enjoy the exciting music events and concerts scheduled from now until the end of the year, and to make the holiday season special for friends and family, why not take the time to experience a mini vacation right in area Downtown Indy Hotels?

Our Indianapolis hotel packages offer a real get away from everyday life so treat yourself to luxury accommodations at our historic hotel Indianapolis residents just love to visit for some much needed rest and relaxation. While you are here, take in one of the over 100 area concerts with family and friends. Below find just a few of the exciting events scheduled for November and December.

November Events

November 2nd    Elizabeth Cook with Tim Carroll at Birdys
November 3rd    Lotus at Vogue Theatre
November 4th    JJ Grey & Mofro at Vogue Theatre
November 5th    Rock it to a Cure! At the Egyptian Room
November 5th    Ray Davies at Vogue Theatre
November 6th    Five Finger Death Punch at Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
November 8th    Yonder Mountain String Band at Vogue Theatre
November 9th    Drumline Live at Murat Theatre
November 10th    Skrillex at Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
November 11th    Naturally 7 at Clowes Memorial Hall
November 11-12th    Diary of Black Men Theatrical Play at Murat Theatre
November 12th    Everlast at the Amber Room
November 19th    Cameo featuring Steve Arrington at The Venue Conference Center
November 19th    Amy Grant and Michael W Smith at Murat Theatre
November 19th    Ledisi at Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
November 21st     Furthur at Murat Theatre
November 22nd    Kid Rock at Egyptian Room
November 25th    The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band at Vogue Theatre
November 26th    Jeff Dunham at Conseco Fieldhouse
November 26th    Anthony Hamilton at Murat Theatre

December Events

December 2nd    Straight No Chaser at Murat Theatre
December 6th    Chicago at Murat Theatre
December 9-10th    Rejoice at Clowes Memorial Hall
December 17th    Handel’s Messiah performed by Indianapolis Symphonic Choir at Clowes Memorial Hall
December 19th    Christmas with Mannheim Steamroller at Murat Theatre
December 28th    Jim Brickman at Murat Theatre

For more details about November and December concerts as well as ticketing information, visit livenation.com or ticketmaster.com box offices online. For hotel reservations visit us online.

Get the Party Started with the Tonic Ball

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

November is sure to be the hottest month for music with the 10th annual Tonic Ball on Friday, November 18th at Fountain Square Theater. Listen to the music made famous by Michael Jackson, David Bowie and R.E.M. all in one night jammed packed with live band entertainment all supporting a worthy cause.

The Tonic Ball raises funds to help raise funds to support Second Helpings, a charity dedicated to feeding Indy’s hungry. This incredible organization takes food that would normally be thrown out by restaurants, grocers and distributors and prepares it in their kitchen in order to distribute meals to the needy. Over 3,000 meals are delivered to missions, day care facilities and senior centers 6 days a week. Not only does Second Helpings serve food, they also created a culinary training program so those in need can also be trained for good jobs and gain employment in the food industry.

Tickets are on sale now for the Tonic Ball, but hurry because they sell out fast.

For hotel accommodations Indianapolis visitors will find the historic hotel Indianapolis Hilton Garden Inn to be conveniently located to the Tonic Ball and other desirable downtown attractions. Find the best Indianapolis hotel packages available for luxury accommodations, fine dining, swimming pool and exercise center at our location. Visit us online to make your reservation today.

Check out why you won’t want to miss the Tonic Ball in the following video.

Downtown Indy Gearing Up for Spooky Halloween Fun

Monday, October 17, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

With spooky festivities gearing up for a lot of horrific fun as the countdown begins toward the scariest October day of all, all Indianapolis residents should prepare for frightful times in the days leading up to Halloween. Downtown Indy is preparing for all Hallowed Eve with some exciting events sure to scare the socks right off of both young and old.

Run Like Hell
For 3 long miles goblins, ghouls and zombies will be on the chase for the best Halloween costume in the city as participants come dressed in their Halloween best for a fun race in the Run like Hell event at White River Park near the old Washington Street Bridge in downtown. Special prizes are awarded for best costume in a number of different categories with a bonus bounty of snacks and drinks for everyone who joins the race.

Historic Ghost Walk
For a haunted ghost walk or tour of ghostly hot spots, visitors will have a chilling experience visiting places where spirits haunt, killers lurk and scary tales came to pass throughout the city’s history. Historic Indiana Ghost Walks and Tours leads this family fun event into downtown Indy’s hauntingly historic past.

The Shining
Indianapolis Museum of Art presents The Shining on DVD. Buy tickets to see director Stanley Kubrick’s masterpiece of terrifying horror for Friday, October 28th at 7 p.m.

Children’s Museum Haunted House
Join the Indianapolis Children’s Museum for the Vampire Vacation, a family friendly haunted house with spooky scenes from famous locations around the U.S. Rated in the top ten of haunted houses by Rand McNally, this Halloween destination is sure to please all ages.

Downtown Indy hotels offer convenient locations right near all the Halloween action. For the best Indianapolis hotel packages, call us here at the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis downtown hotel for affordable luxury accommodations or make your reservations right online.

10 Things To Do Without a Super Bowl Ticket, #5-1

Friday, September 30, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

Ways to participate in Super Bowl XLVI without a ticket, ideas 5-1:

5. Check out the new Chase Near East side Legacy Center and Indianapolis Youth Education Town

The NFL supports the development of a Youth Education Town in each city. This leaves a lasting legacy for the youth and families in the area. Indy's Super Bowl will focus on Arsenal Tech High School. You can see the webcam of the center's pr ogres here.

4. Stay Connected with Super Bowl XLVI

Sign up for newsletters and updates leading up to the Big Game. Keep in touch with 1st & Green, Super Service and more! Keep in touch with our hotel as well! Find the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown on Facebook and Twitter!

3. Encourage kids to be active with the NFL Play 60 Challenge

You've probably seen the commercials. This program is geared toward schools, but you can certainly apply its principles to your neighborhood, after-school care, kids, etc. The challenge to to get kids outside and playing actively for 60 minutes a day at school and home. Let's help prevent childhood obesity! Our Indianapolis meeting hotel staff is considering starting up a workout program a couple evenings a week. The cookies at the Front Desk continue to put pounds on all of us! Ha!

2. Celebrate "all things football" in Super Bowl Village

Georgia Street is under construction to turn into a great pedestrian-only boulevard in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It will lead directly to the NFL Fan Experience in the convention center. We are one of many hotels near the Indianapolis Convention Center even at six blocks away. NFL will be represented with all 32 franchises surrounded by bars, nightlife, great dining and live music!

1. Be your own pro-football star at the NFL Experience

An interactive theme park dedicated to football? Yes, please! Memorabilia. Kids' football clinics. Autograph sessions. More. More! MORE!! The most exciting thing? TICKETS ARE AFFORDABLE FOR THE NORMAL PERSON!

10 Things To Do Without a Super Bowl Ticket, #10-6

Friday, September 30, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

As you might have guessed, hotels are sold out, restaurants will be packed and to get to Super Bowl XLVI the normal person may have to sell an organ or their soul. I'm sure to be on call 24/7 and sleeping in the office that weekend. Luckily, we just ordered new, comfortable (I hope) chairs. Ha!

There are plenty of other ways to get involved with the Super Bowl in downtown Indianapolis starting right now! A list created by the Super Bowl Host Committee gives us the top ten things we can do to be involved in the BIG GAME without a ticket!

10. Fight breast cancer with Indy's Super Cure

Indy has partnered with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Tissue Bank at IU Simon Cancer Center. You can contribute financially, become a tissue donor to increase the diversity of breast tissue samples received to help fight cancer and/or volunteer at the Komen Tissue Bank. Tissue donation events will be taking place up to and including the week of Super Bowl XLVI.

9. Join the 1st & Green Challenge

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown management team is participating in this. Our green hotel Indianapolis is very proud to be a part of this challenge. You can sign up as an individual or an organization. You track green activities on, at least, a weekly basis. Activities such as planting a tree, reducing your shower time, choosing for alternate transportation and opting for reusable shopping bags are tracked.

8. Knit, crochet or weave Super Scarves

Blue and white, handmade scarves will be presented to all volunteer staff. If 8000 scarves are made, excess scarves will be given to front line hospitality employees who will provide SUPER SERVICE for our city's guests!

7. Plant one of the 2,012 trees by 2012

It's pretty simple. Plant a tree - you can track it in 1st & Green or volunteer with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful to participate in a planned tree planting. Trees provide so many benefits to the environment and, let's face it, they're pretty. Function & form, form & function. Our downtown Indy hotel usually participated with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful each year for a downtown cleanup.

6. Participate in neighborhood cleanups to leave a lasting legacy

This project is focused around the near east side of Indy. The idea is to leave a lasting impression of this civic project well beyond the Super Bowl.

We may not be able to help you with hotel reservations Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI, but you can always get involved in other ways. I'm just excited to be working and living downtown during this event!

Take a Modern Trip Back in Time at the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown

Thursday, September 29, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Lovely historic architectural detail of the hotel letter box

Professional photographers recently came to the hotel to take pictures of the extensive renovation to our historic 1915 building. In case you didn't realize, the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places so staying with us is like taking a little luxurious, modern journey back in time.

As the most recent newly renovated hotel Indianapolis downtown offers, there are exciting features that guests and visitors to the area will appreciate. Besides adding all new furniture, carpeting and electronics, our interior colors were also changed to create a relaxing and trendy atmosphere. Travelers can find food and comfort after their long journey. Business people can socialize and have meetings while visitors to the area can tour and admire the historic features that make our hotel so unique.

Since pictures speak louder than words, here are a few that will demonstrate the beautiful ambiance and historical features found only in the best downtown Indy hotels such as our Hilton Garden Inn. Make sure to also visit our Facebook page to view new photos as we add them, and of course, if you are in the Indianapolis area, come for a stay in our comfortable hotel accommodations Indianapolis guests appreciate because of their deluxe amenities and convenient location near all the area attractions, events and restaurants.

1915 stairway and bannister – notice the intricate detailing

March on Down to Downtown Indy with Music for All

Wednesday, September 28, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Get ready for marching this fall in early November as the Music for All brings their 2011 Grand National Championships to Downtown Indy. Yamaha presents this national championship for high school marching bands, and this year more than 90 bands will work hard to compete for the title over 3 days, November 9th to November 12th, at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis.

The marching band that wins this prestigious title also has the honor of receiving an invitation to play at the 2013 Rose Parade in the Tournament of Roses. For Indiana music lovers, this is a great time to visit the downtown area to see marching and music at its finest. Also featured in the same week is the 2011 convention of the Percussive Arts Society so you will also be able to hear drums, keyboards and all sorts of other percussion instruments played at the same time.

So for a musical extravaganza that will be a feast for marching feet, take a trip to Downtown Indy in early November for a visit you won’t soon forget. For hotels near Lucas Oil Stadium, you will be find comfortable, deluxe amenities at our Historic Hotel Indianapolis guests and visitors love to visit. The Hilton Garden Inn is one of the premier Downtown Indy Hotels convenient to Music for All event and other popular area attractions. Call us today to reserve your stay: 317.955.9700.