Green Hotel Indianapolis

The month of March is a particularly exciting time for the inhabitants of Indianapolis, as well as for those visiting from out of town or even out of state. You don't want to find yourself without an Indianapolis area hotel to stay in, so make sure to book a room with us as soon as you can before the best ones are taken! March has got us pumped for the variety of events taking place around our hotel. Here's a rundown of them:

• March 14 - The Hoosier Lottery Greening of the Canal will take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Stardust Terrace near the Indiana Historical Society. There will be free food, live music, and prizes.
• March 15 - The St. Patrick's Day Parade will last from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. along the Indianapolis Downtown parade route while the Parade Festival takes place on Vermont Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• March 16 - The 22nd Annual Shamrock Run/Walk begins at 10 a.m. at Monument Circle and is followed by the Shamrockin' the Circle with live music, local beer, and good food. Blarney Bash will take place on the Georgia Street boardwalk this year and feature the local bands My Yellow Rickshaw and Flatbed Twitch on a stage in front of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Killian's will be hosting this event and providing all the green beer, delicious food, and live music you could ask for. On the boardwalk, you'll find a variety of bars and restaurants open for this event open to the 21+ crowd.
• March 23 - IHSAA State Basketball Finals for the boys teams will be hosted at Bankers Life Fieldhouse starting at 10:30 a.m. and lasting all day.
• March 29 and 31 - The NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Midwest Regional will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium to host the "Sweet 16" and "Elite 8" games.

In addition to all of the events listed, our Pacers play seven home games at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse this month alone. There will also be a variety of acts being performed such as Sister Act at the Old National Centre and Beethoven's Fifth at Hilbert Circle Theatre. Even the 500 Festival Training Series 10K will be taking off on March 9 at 8 a.m. to warm up participants for the actual marathon.

As you can see, there's no shortage of things to do in Indianapolis this month. If you haven't planned a trip yet, your first step should be booking our Indianapolis downtown hotel so that you don't miss out on a single thing. Your next step will be deciding exactly what you want to do on each day, but hopefully the list will help!
 

Although the month of December usually involves a lot of shopping, it is also a traditional time of year to have a canned food drive because many people are in need for the extra food.

From now until December 30, 2012 we are having a canned food drive - all canned goods will be donated to the Julian Center.  The Julian Center helps victims of domestic violence get back on their feet and provides them a safe place to be until they can do just that. 

If you are interested in helping out, please bring your canned goods to our green hotel Indianapolis and drop them off at the Front Desk of the hotel. 

Not only do victims of domestic violence need a warm meal, but they also need a safe spot to lay their head.  We are also donating 180 lumbar/bolster pillows to help with this effort.

Thank you in advance for your help in providing hope and healing to the folks at the Julian Center.

What are some of the ways that you give back during the holiday season?  What sort of ideas do you have on ways that our newly renovated hotel Indianapolis can give back?

The arrival of October means many things: brisker weather, leaves changing colors, and a night of trick-or-treating fun, to name just a few.  But to many, the beginning of October signifies one other very important event: the arrival of basketball season.  The Indiana Pacers start their season October 31 with an away game against Toronto, and will play at home for the first time on November 3.  Spend an evening on the court cheering for your favorite Indy player, and follow it up with a night of well-deserved relaxation by snuggling it up at our nearby green hotel Indianapolis. 

If you’re a Pacers season ticket holder, consider looking at our Indianapolis hotel packages; discounts are often offered for those of you who book early! 

Listed below for your scheduling convenience is the Pacers’ home schedule so you can begin planning your basketball-filled fall.

Indiana Pacers Home Games:

November 3---Sacramento                   
November 10---Washington
November 13---Toronto
November 16---Dallas
November 21---New Orleans
November 23---San Antonio

December 5---Portland
December 7---Denver
December 12---Cleveland
December 14---Philadelphia
December 19---Utah
December 26---Chicago
December 28---Phoenix

January 2---Washington
January 5---Milwaukee
January 8---Miami
January 10---New York
January 12---Charlotte
January 18---Houston
January 30---Detroit

February 1---Miami
February 5---Atlanta
February 8---Toronto
February 11---Brooklyn
February 13---Charlotte
February 20---New York
February 22---Detroit
February 26---Golden State
February 28---L.A. Clippers

March 3---Chicago
March 6---Boston
March 13---Minnesota
March 15---L.A. Lakers
March 19---Orlando
March 22---Milwaukee
March 25---Atlanta
 

The Indianapolis Colts have another exciting season planned for football fans, and if you’re looking for a comfortable way to stay and watch them play here in Indiana, there are no better accommodations than our Indianapolis Downtown Hotel.

Conveniently located in the heart of all the action, we put you right where all the professional sports events take place. You’ll enjoy luxury accommodations in our historic hotel Indianapolis location with plenty of extras to make you feel special while you’re here. Our amenities include heated pool and hot tub, fitness center and room service as well as flat panel high definition televisions and hospitality centers in every room.

With so many reasons to stay with us as you journey to the football game, you’ll probably want to add a few extra days using one of our Indianapolis hotel packages to have additional time to see all the available attractions that make this city such a wonderful place to visit. Here’s the 2012 Colts Season Schedule so you can find just the right weekend for a special football getaway with a group of friends or that special someone.

9/16     Colts vs. Minnesota Vikings @ 1pm
9/23     Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars @ 1pm
10/07   Colts vs. Green Bay Packers @ 1pm
10/21   Colts vs. Cleveland Browns @ 1pm
11/04   Colts vs. Miami Dolphins @ 1pm
11/25   Colts vs. Buffalo Bills @ 1pm
12/09   Colts vs. Tennessee Titans @ 1pm
12/30   Colts vs. Houston Texans @ 1pm

Our green hotel Indianapolis is becoming a whole lot greener and cleaner in 2012 with our participation in the Clean the World soap recycling program.  This innovative program collects and recycles products such as soap, shampoo and lotion that is typically discarded by hotels and bed and breakfast locations. The organization then recycles these items to create new products that are donated to homeless shelters and impoverished nations that suffer from high mortality rates because of infection.

With over 10 million bars of soap and hundreds of thousands of pounds of shampoo and conditioning products recycled, the program eliminates tons of waste while helping to keep those in need clean. Our housekeeping department works to collect leftover hygiene products and then place in provided bins for collection by the Clean the World Recycling Center. Soaps are sanitized to remove any bacteria and repackaged for distribution.

This is just one of the ways our Indianapolis Downtown hotel is committed to providing sustainable solutions that benefit our customers and the environment. For hotel reservations Indianapolis visitors can call our reservation hotline at (317) 955-9700 or visit our informative website to learn about special hotel packages, weekend getaway deals and event planning assistance.
 

While the heat of summer may have you wishing for cooler weather, you can always dream of a winter white wonderland by planning for the holidays now. Meeting and banquet room reservations fill up fast particularly as fall approaches so it’s really time to start thinking about the holidays in order to reserve your spot before it’s too late.

Companies delight in hosting their holiday parties in our historic hotel Indianapolis ballroom, the Benjamin Harrison, or dining and dancing on our historic Mezzanine. This year you can make this event one to remember for many years to come by booking early.

We’re even offering special party packages with 10 percent discount per person on food and waiving both the meeting room rental and bartender fees. Overnight guests also benefit with a full breakfast in the morning, and each event includes one complimentary suite night for every 15 rooms booked. Our holiday special is based upon availability so don’t miss this great hotel deal Indianapolis Downtown.

Call to schedule your next social event or holiday party at the green hotel Indianapolis Hilton Garden Inn by contacting our Catering Sales Manager, Celia Belden, at (317) 405-5711. She may also be reached by email at cbelden@fhginc.com.
 

The World Spirit Federation (WSF) will be cheering in Downtown Indy when they arrive for the December 2012 Championships. The two day showdown brings the world of cheer and dance to the area where teams compete for titles and awards while spectators enjoy some of the best athletes in these sports.

The WSF Indy Showdown will be held at the Indianapolis Convention Center on December 8th and 9th. Considered the Super Nationals for Indianapolis, the competition is a qualifying event for the 2013 World Bid. All Star cheer and dance teams may register now on the WSF website or call them at (865) 777-6826. Spectators may enjoy watching the competition for both days free! Check the website for scheduling information 5 days before the event.

Staying at Downtown Indy hotels will place you near all the cheering and dancing action, and our green hotel Indianapolis Hilton Garden Inn offers guests luxury accommodations and amenities that will enhance your time in the city and at the championships. Guests enjoy in room hospitality centers, wireless internet and flat screen HD televisions. Our non-smoking hotel is located near the convention center and popular attractions. For Indianapolis hotel packages visit our informational website or call us at (317) 955-9700.
 

For a long time the Indianapolis Colts have been known through their main quarterback, Peyton Manning.  However, if you follow ESPN on a regular basis, then you've noticed that Peyton has been traded to the Denver Broncos.

With such a trade, there's a different feeling in Indy.  This is the beginning of a new era for The Colts and we are very excited about the 2012 Colts schedule!

2012 Colts Schedule                               

• Week 1    Sun    9-Sep    @    Chicago Bears            1pm    
• Week 2    Sun    16-Sep    HOME    Minnesota Vikings        1pm              
• Week 3    Sun    23-Sep    HOME    Jacksonville Jaguars        1pm              
• Week 4    BYE                                         
• Week 5    Sun    7-Oct    HOME    Green Bay Packers        1pm                                
• Week 6    Sun    14-Oct    @    New York Jets            1pm                                
• Week 7    Sun    21-Oct    HOME    Cleveland Browns        1pm                  
• Week 8    Sun    28-Oct    @    Tennessee Titans        1pm                    
• Week 9    Sun    4-Nov    HOME    Miami Dolphins            1pm                                 
• Week 10    Thu    8-Nov    @    Jaconsonville Jaguars        8:20pm       
• Week 11    Sun    18-Nov    @    New England Patriots        1pm                     
• Week 12    Sun    25-Nov    HOME    Buffalo Bills            1pm                          
• Week 13    Sun    2-Dec    @    Detroit Lions            1pm                                    
• Week 14    Sun    9-Dec    HOME    Tennessee Titans        1pm                  
• Week 15    Sun    16-Dec    @    Houston Texans            1pm                   
• Week 16    Sun    23-Dec    @    Kansas City Chiefs        1pm                                  
• Week 17    Sun    30-Dec    HOME    Houston Texans            1pm  

Our star hotel downtown Indianapolis is the perfect place to stay if you are in town for one of the Indianapolis Colts' games this season.  Maybe there is a group of you that are looking for a conference hotel Indianapolis while you're here for a game.  Whatever the case may be, we're happy to accomodate.

What are some of your favorite Indianapolis Colt memories?  Please share your thoughts and memories in the comment section below.

We are excited to announce that we recently made history by achieving the most water saved in business category through 1st & Green.  You can check out the results on the leader board on 1st & Green's website.

We were able to save nearly 150,000 gallons of water - which is quite a triumph for a hotel.  Of course, we have to thank our guests too - without them it would not have been possible.

1st & Green is a web-based program that allows different groups and individuals to participate in a challenge to see who can save the most water and carbon. 

Groups were allowed to register in five categories:

• businesses
• non-profits
• government
• schools K-12
• other groups

This year's challenge ran through the 2012 Super Bowl and the idea was to help offset the environmental impact of the 2012 Super Bowl.

Here's a photo of our Director of Sales, Mitch Divens, accepting award:

Also important to mention, we came in 5th place for carbon emission savings - we saved 1862 carbon units.

When you are looking for a green hotel Indianapolis, you will find one at the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Indy.  Whether you are looking into Indianapolis group travel or Indianapolis wedding hotels, we can help you plan to not only save money, but also to save the environment. 

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!

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.

• Outdoor Concerts on the Canal
• Indianapolis Museum of Art admission
• Sit outside of the fence at The Lawn at White River State Park to hear the music, but not see it.
• IDADA's First Fridays on Mass Ave
• Bike ride along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail

• Indianapolis Indians baseball game at Victory Field
• Take a salsa class at IntoSalsa Latin Dance Studio
• McCormick & Schmick's happy hour
• Biergarten at The Rathskeller
• Guided tour of Garfield Park Conservatory

• Beer or wine taste at SunKing, Easley Winery and Rock Bottom
• See a play at Indiana Repertory Theatre
• Burlesque show at White Rabbit Cabaret
• Get classical at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra
• Use IDI's Farm to Table Guide to buy some local produce and then cook together

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.

• Kindred Hospital-Indianapolis
• Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health'
• IU Health University
• IU Simon Cancer Center
• IU Health Methodist
• St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital
• St. Francis Indianapolis Hospital
• Community Hospital-East
• Larue D Carter Memorial Hospital
• St. Vincent Women's Hospital

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.