Downtown Indianapolis Farmers' Market

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 by Lindsay Gill
It's official!  The Indianapolis Farmers' Market is open!  Wednesday, May 4 marked the first week of the Summer season!  This downtown Indianapolis institution takes place every Wednesday May through October.

I walked from our downtown Indy hotel two weeks ago to check it out for the first time.  (Is it sad I've lived here all these years without ever having visited this wonderful market?)  The Farmers Market is located on Market Street between Pennsylvania and Delaware Streets just one block from the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown and in front of the City Market.  From honey to chocolate, butter lettuce to smoothies, coffee to flowers, the Original Farmers Market has it all!  Well-priced foods support local people!

I can't wait to go check it out again soon.  Though I'm trying to lose some weight, the puppy chow, homemade fudge and honey bbq sauce were all calling my name.  The huge shiitake mushrooms looked great and I think I saw some fresh grown garlic, too.  This is such a great thing to do on your lunch hour in the summer time.

So stop by the Original Farmers Market and when you're done, come visit our three star hotel downtown Indianapolis!  We're a hop, skip and a jump away and you never know, you might decide to make your Indianapolis hotel reservation to celebrate your upcoming anniversary, birthday, bachelor party or setup Indianapolis group travel reservations for a family reunion, wedding or company holiday party!

Discount Hotel Indianapolis Group Value Dates

Friday, May 6, 2011 by Lindsay Gill
Here's another money-saving tip from Lindsay!

Did you know we have some special offers on HGI.com?  If you are planning Indianapolis group travel, we can help you save some cash!  On lower-demand dates, we have special discounts available for a block of ten rooms or more per night.  Save even more when you book a meeting, group meal or other even in our Indianapolis meeting hotel.

Some of the savings are up to 30%, some rates go as low as $89 for your hotel reservations Indianapolis!  Celia, our Catering Sales Coordinator, has also added deals for meeting rooms.  Her deals are complimentary meeting room rental, food discounts and additional Hilton HHonors Points!

If you're looking for a conference hotel Indianapolis, please visit our Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown.  Check out our GROUP VALUE DATES information page for details.  From there, you can submit a request for proposal so we can check availability for you immediately.

We look forward to working with you!

Indianapolis Bike To Work Day 2011

Friday, May 6, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

It's May.  The weather hasn't been the best so far this spring.  It's been cold, rainy, stormy, rainy, cloudy, rainy, wet and rainy.  With the nicer (hopefully) weather coming up this weekend, I'm really looking forward to getting on my bicycle and riding around town.  I just moved downtown about two miles away from work and love to ride around downtown and to my downtown Indy hotel.

Downtown Indianapolis is such a bike-able area!  We have the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, the Central Canal Towpath and hookup to the Monon Trail.  See my post from last April about Indy being named a top 10 bike-friendly city!  There is so much to see and do in downtown Indy and traveling by bicycle is a quick, healthy and environmentally friendly way to get around.

May 20th this year celebrates the Indianapolis Bike To Work Day.  Residents from all over the city will leave their car at home and put on their helmets for a ride.  Even those who live outside of downtown and usually commute can put their bike on the bus and ride to a closer spot before pedaling.  As an employee of our green hotel Indianapolis, I'll definitely be participating on my new single-speed cruiser.  I've never been able to participate before, having lived 30 miles away from downtown.

There will be plenty of bicycle parking on Monument Circle, just 1/2 block from the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown.  The festivities kick off at 6:30am with group bike trains from various points throughout Indy.  Monument Circle opens to bikers at 7am, a speech by the mayor and others will take place just before 8am and there will be food and vendors on the Circle all day.  Lunch rides on the Cultural Trail will happen at noon.  Finally, at 3:30pm, the Tomlinson Tap Room will begin their happy hour and will be serving fresh, local beer.  Tomlinson Tap Room is located just one block from our three star hotel downtown Indianapolis inside the City Market.

Let's Meet PBS KIDS in the Park

Friday, April 15, 2011 by Lindsay Gill
It's almost time for summer!  And what happens in summer around here?  Well, among many other things, one of my favorite events!  Marsh presents WFYI Let's Meet PBS KIDS in the Park!  The date is Saturday, June 11 in Military Park in downtown Indianapolis.  This event begins at 10am and ends at 4pm.  We are one of the hotels near Military Park at only five blocks and we are proud to once again be the official hotel of Let's Meet PBS KIDS in the Park for the third consecutive year!

Let's Meet logoTo keep the trend with our great Indianapolis hotel packages, we have another awesome hotel deal Indianapolis for you and your family!  Stay Friday night with us and enjoy a very special VIP event in the hotel with craft activities by WFYI, milk and cookies, story time and sing along and a meet-n-greet by a PBS KIDS character!  Enjoy our indoor pool and hot tub and then a super sleep in our comfy beds.  You can make reservations by calling the hotel directly at 317-955-9700.  A limited number of rooms are available and Saturday night rooms are also available.

WFYI is giving this VIP package away as a gift with a $150 pledge.  To support WFYI and make your pledge, call 317-715-2009.  There are also a limited number of these rooms available so act quick!

Don't forget to stop by the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown tent for a chance to win an overnight stay at the hotel with breakfast included, games for the kiddies and general information.  See you there!

Indiana Pacers Playoffs at Conseco Fieldhouse

Thursday, April 14, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

THEY'RE BACK!
THE INDIANA PACERS ARE BACK IN THE PLAYOFFS!

The Indiana Pacers are preparing for a first round match up with the Chicago Bulls. The best of seven game series is set, along with several special events and rallies.

Round One - Game Schedule:

            Game 1 - Saturday @ 1 p.m. - United Center Chicago
            Game 2 - Monday, April 18 @ 9:30 p.m. - United Center Chicago
            Game 3 (Home Game 1) - Thursday, April 21 @ 7:00 p.m. - Conseco Fieldhouse
            Game 4 (Home Game 2) -Saturday, April 23 @ 2:30 p.m. - Conseco Fieldhouse
            Game 5 - Tuesday, April 26 TBD - United Center Chicago (if necessary)
            Game 6 (Home Game 3) - Thursday, April 28 TBD - Conseco Fieldhouse (if necessary)   
            Game 7 - Saturday, April 30 TBD - United Center Chicago (if necessary)

Pacers playoffs tickets can be purchased at Pacers.com, the Conseco Fieldhouse Box Office, Ticketmaster Outlets or by phone at 800-462-2849.

Additional Playoff Activities:

Pacers Pep Rally - Circle Centre Mall

One of the first elements of the Pacers postseason events will be a Pacers Playoff Rally, open to the public in the Food Court at Circle Centre Mall on Friday, April 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The 2-hour celebration will feature:

  • Boomer, the Pacemates, posters and cheer cards
  • A special proclamation from Mayor Greg Ballard
  • An appearance from Pacers greats Rik Smits and Austin Croshere
  • Music by local band Dave & Rae

Game 1 Viewing Party

Can't make the games in Chicago? Then cheer on the Blue & Gold during special viewing parties with the Pacemates and former Pacers players.

Saturday, April 16 at 1 p.m. - Buffalo Wild Wings - 8020 US 31 South - Greenwood

The Pacers are pleased to announce their Presenting Playoff Partners - Indiana University Health, Kroger, Stanley Security Solutions and XFINITY.

Pacers

Information Courtesy of Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. Newsletter.

Indiana Fever Schedule

Monday, April 11, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

Indiana Fever is the WNBA team here in Indianapolis, Indiana.  Conseco Fieldhouse is their home, just two blocks from our three star hotel downtown Indianapolis.  With the Women's Final Four going on in Indy (final game tomorrow), I'm in big basketball mood!  It certainly helps with the Butler Men's team is in the final two, also!

The Indiana Fever is gearing up for their pre-season starting May 24 in Minnesota!  Their next and final pre-season game is at Conseco Fieldhouse on May 31 at 7pm.  Their full HOME GAME schedule is below.  If you are coming downtown to support the Fever, or are supporting our opposing teams, get your game tickets and then be sure to make your hotel reservations Indianapolis at ours, one of the two hotels near Conseco Fieldhouse.  Check here for our rates and specials.

May 31 vs Minnesota Indiana Fever Logo
June 4 vs Chicago
June 10 vs New York
June 14 vs Tulsa
June 25 vs Connecticut
June 28 vs Phoenix
July 5 vs Seattle
July 9 vs Washington
July 13 vs Connecticut
July 15 vs Minnesota
July 21 vs Chicago
July 31 vs Los Angeles
August 9 vs San Antonio
August 13 vs New York
August 21 vs Washington
August 27 vs Atlanta
September 7 vs Washington
September 11 vs Atlanta

Indianapolis Indians Schedule

Wednesday, April 6, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

Last Thursday, March 31, market the opening season of Major League Baseball!  Indy doesn't have a major league team, but we do have the awesome Indianapolis Indians, our Minor League Baseball team!  The Indians are great to watch and there's something special about Victory Field.  It has an old charm to it and overlooks the downtown skyline, one of my favorite views of the city.  Hot dog and a beer, or soda, on a hot summer night in downtown watching some baseball...there's something about that which just feels good.

Vicory Field
If you are coming downtown to support the Indians, or their opposing team, and are looking for hotels near Indianapolis, stay with us!  We are a newly renovated hotel Indianapolis, as of January 2010, are located in the heart of downtown Indy and less than one mile walking distance from Victory Field!  The walk is beautiful, too.  Depending on which way you go, you can walk past restaurants, bars, Circle Centre Mall and museums.

Make your Indianapolis hotel reservations today and come out to support the Indianapolis Indians!  Their full HOME GAME schedule is below.  Click here for tickets.

April 7, 8, 9, 10 vs Columbus Clippers Indianapolis Indians
April 11, 12 vs. Toledo Mud Hens
April 13, 14, 15 vs Louisville Bats
April 26, 27, 28, 29 vs Norfolk Tides
April 30 vs Durham Bulls
May 1, 2, 3 vs Durham Bulls
May 13, 14, 15, 16 vs Columbus Clippers
May 17, 18, 19, 20 vs Buffalo Bisons
May 30, 31 vs Scranton/W-B Yankees
June 1, 2 vs Scranton/W-B Yankees
June 3, 4, 5, 6 vs Syracuse Chiefs
June 11, 12, 13, 14 vs Gwinnett Braves
June 24, 25, 26, 27 vs Pawtucket Red Sox
July 4, 5, 6 vs Toledo Mud Hens
July 9, 10 vs Louisville Bats
July 18, 19, 20, 21 vs Charlotte Knights
July 22, 23, 24, 25 vs Rochester Red Wings
August 4, 5, 6, 7 vs Toledo Mud Hens
August 16, 17, 18, 19 vs Louisville Bats
August 20, 21, 22, 23 vs Lehigh Valley IronPigs
August 24, 25 vs Columbus Clippers
August 30, 31 vs Toledo Mud Hens
September 2, 3 vs Louisville Bats

Downtown Indianapolis Gets New Parking Meters

Monday, March 28, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

Gone are the days of the 75 cents an hour parking in downtown, Broad Ripple and Mass Ave.  Though we've been quite lucky considering the price to park at a metered spot in these areas hasn't changed in three decades, it still puts a little sting at the thought of yet another price increase.  ParkIndy has begun installation of the new parking meter caps.

No more parking for 75 cents an hour. No more free parking after 6pm. And no more free parking on Saturdays. On one hand it will be more convenient for those of us who don't carry cash to pay the meter with a debit or credit card. The deal is supposed to bring jobs to Indy. The city is supposed to benefit from this.

On the other hand, there is this article. I'll leave it up to you to decide.

Meter FailHaving worked at the Front Desk of our fine Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown, I know what it's like to search for affordable parking downtown. I used to drive 30 miles to work before searching for a meter for 15 minutes. Then, working 3pm until 11pm, I would only have to pay $2.25 to park. For the same team members on the same shift today, it will cost them $6. Day shift will be $8.

Forget the garages near our downtown Indy hotel! If you want a monthly parking option! $90 to $160 for a non-reserved spot plus gas and food. It adds up. I understand the city's attraction to this deal...but I'm still waiting on someone to lower prices or offer personal value instead of increasing cost and decreasing value.

Stay tuned while I try to help keep the change in your pocket by offering our Indianapolis hotel packages, tips on free things to do downtown and offers of contests on our Facebook page for free stays and food. It's not much, but it's something. And guess what? When you stay with our green hotel Indianapolis, you can park for $14 a night...unlimited in and out privileges. No waking up at 7am after a night on the town to feed the meter.

Use e-Events to Book Your Next Indianapolis Meeting Hotel

Friday, March 25, 2011 by Lindsay Gill
eEventsDid you know you can plan your entire meeting online at our hotel?  No, really!  No need to call to research pricing for your Indianapolis meeting hotel, or wait for us to come back from an appointment to call you back.  Although we love to talk to our clients more than anything, it's definitely a time-saver to be able to book your Indianapolis group travel all online and review our proposal on your watch!

Here's how:
  1. Visit the Groups & Meetings Page of our website.
  2. Click on the "Get Started Now" button on eEvents
    • If you're not ready to book your meeting and just need pricing, click on the "Get Started Now' button in the Pricing Request box.
  3. Follow the steps and fill out all information completely.
    • The more information we have, the less we have to bug you!
  4. Submit!
  5. The sales manager in charge of servicing/managing your event will call you within a day to confirm the details of your meeting.
For your convenience, the Groups & Meetings page has meeting space capacity charts, meeting room diagrams and even our catering menu so you can see what you need.  If you book your room block online, you'll have access to other online tools which can help you manage your guests' reservations or even create an online booking page where your guests can make their own reservations without picking up the phone.

It's that easy!  It saves you time and puts the control in your hands.  Try it for your next group room block or Indianapolis meeting hotel needs!

Downtown Indianapolis Wedding Hotel

Friday, March 25, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

Congratulations!  You just got engaged!  After the excitement, you realize you have so much to do to prepare and plan for your wedding.  Find a ceremony and reception venue, pick colors, decide on a menu, whittle down the guest list and find an Indianapolis wedding hotel for your friends and family coming in from out of town.

Yes, we are an Indianapolis wedding hotel located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.  We can help you with your friends and family Indianapolis group travel.  Discounted rates may be available for your group of 10 rooms or more.  Indy is a busy city, so we always recommend checking the convention calendar to try to avoid the busiest dates of the year where availability is limited and rates are high.  You want Uncle Ted to be able to buy you a gift and not spend all his money on the hotel, right?

Not only can we help with your hotel reservations Indianapolis, Celia Belden, Catering Sales Coordinator, can assist you with your small(er) ceremony and reception!  Our James Whitcomb Riley room seats about 90 for a ceremony (it's uniquely shaped), and our Benjamin Harrison Ballroom maxes out at 120.Weddings

Click the photo for more information, or to submit a request for a proposal or book your room block yourself, check out our eEvents page.  Start the process of booking with our three star hotel downtown Indianapolis today!  Our location is perfect for your wedding guests to enjoy the fun, and walkable, downtown area!


Some of the wedding venues to which we are closest, 2nd closest or are great partners:

Hilton Garden Inn Welcomes New General Manager

Wednesday, March 16, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

I thought I'd give everyone an update about a management change here at our downtown Indy hotel.  Mike Campbell, General Manager of this hotel from day one, made a decision to resign and his last day was on January 21, 2011.  Mike had been with our management company, First Hospitality Group, for 10+ years and was instrumental in creating the company culture we have at our three star hotel downtown Indianapolis.  He has moved to the Hilton Garden Inn in Bloomington, IN to be closer to his family and home.  We all wish him the best of luck with our most heartfelt goodbyes.

We were happy to welcome the new General Manager of the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown, Richard Letko, on Monday, February 14, 2011.  Here is a quote from Richard:

"The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis downtown has only known Mike Campbell as their General Manager for the past seven plus years. He is to be congratulated for developing a superior management team, and making this hotel the market leader with the help of the entire staff.  I started as General Manager on February 14, 2011. I have 15 years experience in hotel and food and beverage management. My career in the hospitality business began in Atlanta, Georgia. However, I have been in the Indianapolis area for six years and for over two of those years downtown. My management experience has been with Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental, Radisson, and Choice. The transition from one leader to another is going well, and we will have continued success in advancing the hotel to the next level."

Welcome!  We hope you love working at our downtown Indy hotel as much as we do!

If you would like to contact Richard or have any questions for him, you can email him at rletko@fhginc.com.

WWE Raw at Conseco Fieldhouse - March 27, 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

WWE RawWWE Raw - Road to WrestleMania is returning to Indianapolis on Sunday, March 27!  Tickets start at only $15 and go up to $65...pretty affordable in today's economy, if you ask me.  I've been to many a concert at Conseco Fieldhouse and though it's not my favorite venue in town, I've sat in the nosebleeds and could still see just fine!  (No, really.  If I walked up three rows I could touch the ceiling.)

If you haven't read any of my prior posts, we are one of the two closest hotels near Conseco Fieldhouse.  This means you and your buddies, or kids, or parents, or family can walk just two blocks south from our hotel and be in the center of the action!  We have Indianapolis hotel reservations available for you right now.  If you book our Bed and Breakfast deal online, you will receive a discount off of your room and our full American Breakfast buffet in the hotel's Great American Grill.  Make your downtown Indy hotel reservations today by calling 317-955-9700.

For more information on WWE Raw and who will be showing up near our historic hotel Indianapolis, check the WWE website for details.

Looking for hotels near Conseco Fieldhouse for GLEE?!

Monday, February 21, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

Calling all Gleeks!  "Glee Live! In Concert!" will stop through Indianapolis on Thursday, June 2,Glee Live on Stage 2011.  The stage show will feature 13 of the cast members singing and dancing to some of the most popular songs from seasons one and two.  Will your favorite cast members be performing in downtown Indianapolis?  Here are the actors/characters who will be making an appearance:
Lea Michele (Rachel), Cory Monteith (Finn), Amber Riley (Mercedes), Chris Colfer (Kurt), Kevin McHale (Artie), Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina), Mark Salling (Puck), Dianna Agron (Quinn), Naya Rivera (Santana), Heather Morris (Brittany), Harry Shum, Jr. (Mike), Chord Overstreet (Sam) and Darren Criss (Blaine)

I am a Glee fan and in honor of this show, I have decided to offer all you Gleeks out there a special rate.  With tickets starting at $64.55, including all those pesky fees, I figured those of you looking for Hotels Near Conseco Fieldhouse would enjoy a break on your Indianapolis hotel reservations rate.  We are located only two blocks (less than a 5 minute walk) north of Conseco Fieldhouse, one of the closest hotels to the venue.

Here's the deal: I have only 10 rooms set aside at a special [deep] discount hotel Indianapolis rate.  When those sell out, I will set aside 10 more rooms at a higher rate and when those sell out...well, you get the point.  Get yours before it sells out and the rate increases!

How to make your reservations at our downtown Indy Hotel:
1. Call us at 317-955-9700 and ask for the Glee1 rate.
2.Click here to make your hotel reservations.

FREE Things To Do in Downtown Indianapolis

Friday, February 11, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

Man Free SignDo you know how many FREE things there are to do in downtown Indy?  I know I'm supposed to be selling my hotel for people to book their Indianapolis hotel reservations, but I thought I'd swing a different route here to help our readers save some cash.

According to Indianapolis Downtown, Inc., there are many free tours you can take advantage of in the city.  The newly built Indianapolis Central Library is just a few blocks north of our three star hotel downtown Indianapolis.  They offer free tours at 2pm on Saturdays.  Easley Winery offers free tours on Saturdays from noon to 5pm and Sunday from noon to 3pm.

The Indianapolis Museum of Art, about four miles north of our historic Indianapolis hotel, has free admission all the time!  They also have free meditation hikes Thursdays from 5pm to 6pm.  The IMA is such a beautiful museum and they have great exhibits, new artist installations all the time, and even outdoor movies in the summer!  They also have free permanent collection tours Tuesday-Sunday at 1pm and Thursday-Friday at 7pm.  Finally, they offer free family tours!  This is the place to be!

Now through April 20 "Commitment to Excellence in Art and Sport: A Fine Art Competition Exhibit"at the National Art Museum of Sport at IUPUI.  Mass Ave Wine Shoppe has Tasting Tuesdays from 5:30 to 7pm.  The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library hosts the Indiana Black History Challenge during museum hours through February.

Dean Johnson Gallery - through February 26 - Christopher West presents HenningFree Sign Strassburger - Wednesday-Friday, 7am to 5pm; Saturday noon to 4pm.

Dean Johnson Gallery - through March 4 - In the Gallery: Oblong -Wednesday-Friday, 11am to 5pm; Saturday noon to 4pm.

There are free events throughout the year at the Indianapolis Artsgarden which is only about two blocks from the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown.

As you can see, there are plenty of free things to do in Indy and around our hotel.  Take advantage of some!  Support the arts, go to a free festival or just walk around the Central Canal to get some fresh air and take in the sights of our city.

Vintage Indiana in Downtown Indianapolis

Friday, February 11, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

Summer in downtown Indianapolis is the time for festivals.  There are many to choose from in the summer months: 500 Festival, Italian Street Festival, Let's Meet PBS KIDS in the Park, El Dia De La Familia, 4th of July, Indiana State Fair, Rib America Festival, Chinese Festival, Irish Festival, Fiesta Indianapolis, Jazz Fest and Vintage Indiana!

Vintage Indiana LogoVintage Indiana is located in Military Park in downtown Indianapolis.  Military Park is just five blocks from our three star hotel downtown Indianapolis.  This particular festival takes place on Saturday, June 4, 2011 and features Indiana wineries from all over the state.  Beginning May 1 you can purchase a ticket for only $22 which allows you to sample wine and food, listen to local musicians and check out artwork from 11am to 7pm.  Tickets will be available at Marsh Supermarkets and other vendors; check the website for details.

Designated drivers can even have a good time!  With more than just wine, and a $10 ticket, DD's can enjoy the festival and receive free soft drinks and purchase wine to take home (no sampling).  The event has a big draw each year and happens RAIN OR SHINE!  I've not been able to attend yet but plan on going this year.

If you want to make a night of it to relax after sampling all day, make your Indianapolis hotel reservations at our downtown Indy hotel.  You can walk back from Military Park, put your DD to work or take a $5 cab ride; tell the driver "Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown, please!"Easley & IWT Glasses

To get more out of your weekend, book our Wine Lovers' Package!  You'll receive a bottle of Easley Winery's Reggae Red, two Indy Wine Trail glasses, two bottles of water, valet parking, breakfast for two and 10% discount off any non-alcoholic merchandise at any of the seven Indy Wine Trail wineries.

Wine Lovers Indianapolis Hotel Package

Friday, February 4, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

Looking for something to do the weekend of February 12th?  You're in luck! First off, if you scroll down, you'll see my previous post about our two Valentine's Day Indianapolis hotel deals: Sweet Slumber Package and Ex-Valentine's Day Package.

IWT Chocolate Lovers' photoNow, the Indy Wine Trail also has something really great going on!  Do you love chocolate?  Do you love wine?  (Who doesn't love at least one of those things?!)  Indy Wine Trail is celebrating their Chocolate Lovers' Wine Trail next Saturday and Sunday, February 12th and 13th.

Here's the deal:

  1. Buy a $25 ticket ($30 day of and designated drivers are $12).
  2. Visit all six* of the IWT's wineries.
  3. Get wine tasting, glass of wine, a decadent chocolate dessert and an 18oz balloon wine glass at the last winery.
After all that drinking and consuming that yummy yummy chocolate, who would want to drive home?  Make your Indianapolis hotel reservations at the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown!  Our Indianapolis hotel rooms each include a refrigerator so you can store what wine needs to be chilled that you bought during the day.

The Wine Lovers' Package includes a stay at our newly renovated Indianapolis hotel, a bottle of Easley Winery's Reggae Red, two Indy Wine Trail glasses, valet parking at the hotel AND...

10% OFF ANY NON-ALCOHOLIC MERCHANDISE AT ANY OF IWT'S WINERIES!!
(ta-da!)

Secure your hotel accommodations Indianapolis today!  Call 317-955-9700 or book online using the link above.

*Grape Inspirations Winery is currently closed due to a fire.

Naptown Roller Girls & Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown

Thursday, January 27, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

On Saturday, February 5th, the Naptown Tornado Sirens roller derby team will compete against the Arch Rival All Stars from St. Louis, MO.  Cupid Strikes Back is the first event to be held at the new Indianapolis Convention Center.  The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown hotel's near Indianapolis Convention Center by about six blocks.

I have only been to see NRG compete twice in the last year.  It's been fun each time, no matter if you're sitting in the stands or on the floor in the "suicide seats."  These girls are bad!  They're competitive and athletic to squeeze through the opposing team's blockers or swerve to avoid a hip check to stay in bounds...all while on four wheels.  Check out a video from DoItIndy from the 12/4/10 bout at Pepsi Coliseum.

The Tornado Sirens are sanctioned by the WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association).  WFTDA oversees more than 160 leagues across the U.S. 

I really want to be a part of this event and offered NRG a special rate for their fans that weekend.  Whether you want to stay Friday, Saturday or both nights that weekend, I've got an Indianapolis hotel deal for you!  Just click here to make your downtown Indianapolis hotel accommodations and show your support for the Naptown Roller Girls and their Tornado Sirens!  I'll be there!

You can get tickets online OR visit one of these local vendors to avoid the Ticketmaster fees.
@ Strange Brew Coffee (Greenwood)
@ Indy CD & Vinyl (Broadripple, cash only)
@ Homespun Indy (Irvington, cash only)
@ Silver in the City (Downtown, cash only)
@ Indy Swank (Fountain Square, cash only)
@ Marten House Hotel (1801 W. 86th St., cash only)
@ IUPUI Jagtag card services office
@ The Mill Tavern (Westfield)
or from your favorite roller girl!

Valentine's Day: Romantic or Repulsive?

Thursday, January 13, 2011 by Lindsay Gill
HeartIt's that time of year...when couples and lovers take the 14th of February to celebrate their love together.  Things seem sweeter, colors seem brighter and the papers and commercials are filled with advertisements for candy, flowers and jewelry.
Love Stinks
It's that time of year...when Hallmark capitalizes on a feeling.  Things seem more bitter, those advertisements make you want to puke and step on those little candy hearts with steel-toed boots.  A cheesy, commercial holiday.

My best Valentine's Day was when my roommate and I went out drinking at Howl at the Moon and Subterra to celebrate our recent breakups with our boyfriends.  We had a blast even though downtown was quiet.  We even got a free drink from a cute bartender.  :)

Whatever your feelings about Valentine's Day, you can bet the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown has a hotel package for you!  Make your hotel reservations for one of these great Indianapolis hotel packages!

Sweet Slumber
  • Deluxe Indianapolis hotel accommodations
  • Bottle of sparkling wine or sparkling cider (depending on your age)
  • Chocolate-covered strawberries
  • Breakfast for two in the Great American Grill at the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown
Make dinner reservations at Mo's, Oceanaire or whatever your fancy, then come back and pop open the sparkling wine, savor the strawberries and revel in each other's awesomesauce.

Ex-Valentine's Day
  • Deluxe Indianapolis hotel accommodations
  • One drink per person in the hotel's lounge (soda for you youngin's!)
  • Free admission pass(es) to Howl at the Moon
  • Black heart iced cookies
  • Breakfast in the Great American Grill at our historic Indianapolis hotel
Ask the bartender for a fun drink to start off the night!  Something bitter.  Or with tequila.  Or Jagermeister.

Indianapolis Named 5th Best Shopping City in U.S.

Monday, January 3, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

I remember when Circle Centre Mall opened. I was not yet in high school and would visit a shop called The Junkyard in order to get Manic Panic hair color in and Hard Candy nail polish. The mall has come a long way since then and I no longer have to ask Mom for a ride. Working at one of the downtown Indy hotels near Circle Centre Mall, I can visit on my lunch break or after work. It's less than a two block walk.

Forbes released an article a couple of weeks ago listing The Best Shopping Cities in the U.S.  Indianapolis was ranked 5th among the list.  Castleton Square Mall, the largest mall in the state with over 130 retail stores, was singled out in the article.  Indianapolis has almost 6,000 retail locations, 18 shopping centers and a low sales tax (7%) compared to the big boys like New York and L.A.

A writer for the Indy Star says, "Maybe it's no surprise we're among the best, since the headquarters of Simon Property Group, the No. 1 shopping mall owner in the U.S., are located in Downtown Indianapolis."

Would you like to experience some of the great shopping Indy has to offer on your next trip?  The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown has some great Indianapolis hotel packages, including our Circle Centre Shopping Package.  This hotel deal includes a gift bag from Simon Malls, a $100 American Express gift card and breakfast for two in the hotel's Great American Grill.  Call the hotel to make your reservations today!  317-955-9700

Downtown Indy Featured in Article About Indianapolis Cultural Trail

Monday, December 27, 2010 by Lindsay Gill

Last summer, Mike Campbell wrote about the Indianapolis Cultural Trail and how our Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown will be connected to it.  (You can read his blog here.) Downtown Indy was featured in an article on Project for Public Spaces, "a nonprofit planning, design and educational organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build stronger communities."  Our city was featured in an article next to cities like Hong Kong, Melbourne, Zurich and Bogota who are all transforming, or have transformed, to become a greener, less auto-reliant cities.

Indy Cultural TrailThe Indianapolis Cultural Trail is a pedestrian and bicycle focused greenway which, when completed, will connect many cultural districts in the central city.  As our green hotel Indianapolis is 1/2 block away from Monument Circle, we are essentially connected.  I think the City of Indianapolis is doing great things with this project.  The Cultural Trail will connect hotels near Indianapolis Convention Center to the Murat, Conseco Fieldhouse, Fountain Square district and more.

I can't wait to move back downtown and ride my bike to work on this trail!

For more information on Project for Public Spaces and to read the article, visit their website.