From the Sales Staff

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.

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

Information Courtesy of Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. Newsletter.

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.

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.


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
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

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.

Having 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.

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.

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.

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:

• D'Amore Events of Indianapolis (attached through Chase Tower Parking Garage
• The Rathskeller
• Murat Centre
• Indiana Landmarks Center
• Conseco Fieldhouse
• Roberts Park United Methodist Church
• Scottish Rite Cathedral
• Mavris Arts & Events Center
• Fountain Square Theatre
• Indianapolis Zoo
• Community Life Center

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."

WWE 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.

Calling all Gleeks!  "Glee Live! In Concert!" will stop through Indianapolis on Thursday, June 2, 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.

Do 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.

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 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!"

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.

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.

Now, 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.

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!

• 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

• 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

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

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.

The 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.