Hotels Near Indianapolis Speedway

Celebrate May with the Indy 500 Festival

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Indy 500 fans love their racing action, and it wouldn’t be the Indianapolis 500 without all the celebrations that take place before, during and after race day. The 500 Festival ensures that May in the city is a fun time for everyone with events, parades and programs for the whole family to enjoy.

And nothing kicks off the season than a good old parade to get the blood pumping and fans cheering as a pageant of floats and marching bands stream by along with plenty of recognizable celebrities and a general feeling of celebratory good times before the world’s largest event. This year’s 500 Festival Parade is scheduled for Saturday, May 26th at noon in Downtown Indy, and for more information contact the ticket festival ticket office.

For those runners out there, the 500 Festival Mini Marathon is a regularly scheduled event. This year’s race is set for Saturday, May 5th. With sell outs year after year, the roster fills up fast so be sure to register early.

Downtown Indy hotels also fill up quickly as well so to receive the best hotel deal Indianapolis guests and residents can expect, contact our historic hotel Indianapolis for special packages. As one of the premier hotels near Indianapolis Speedway, our guests enjoy deluxe accommodations, luxury amenities and close proximity to all the city’s fun attractions. Visit us online today to reserve your room for the Indy 500 Festival.

Downtown Indy Hotels Gearing Up for the Indy 500

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Downtown Indy hotels are making preparations for the influx of visitors to Indianapolis for the Indianapolis 500 scheduled for May 27, 2012. Tickets are on sale for the event now, and hotels near Indianapolis Speedway are booking up fast for this fun event for the whole family.

Be sure to call our hotel for Indianapolis hotel packages to this traditional racing event. In fact, visit the Indy 500 website to receive a deluxe package for a three night stay at our hotel from Friday, May 25th to Monday, May 28th. The package includes tickets to the Indy 500, Saturday's Driver's meeting, motor coach police escorted transfers to the race, welcome gift and program as well as breakfast and other goodies during your stay.

While visiting Downtown Indianapolis, also make a holiday for the whole family by also stopping by area attractions that interest all ages. Several museums and historical attractions are nearby along with the zoo, theatre and plenty of fine dining. And don't forget the extras at the hotel for relaxing and getting away from it all. The Hilton Garden Inn has an indoor heated pool and spa, fitness center and restaurant to make your stay complete. When you want a little privacy, your room features high speed internet, on demand movies and a hospitality center with fridge and microwave. Room service is also only a call away.

Make your reservations to join city residents and visitors to attend the racing event of the year. Visit our online reservation center or give us a call to book your hotel package today.

Motorcycles on Meridian & Sportbike Championship XDL Heat up the INDY Speedway

Thursday, July 21, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

The summer is heating up for motor cross fans as Indianapolis prepares for the motor bike event of the season, the Red Bull Indianapolis GP world championship round that starts Sunday, August 28th. While everyone gets ready for the weekend activities sure to provide fun and excitement for attendees, a few other favorite events will help to kick off the motorcycling action.

The Motorcycles on Meridian will fill the streets with roaring engines and lots of leather gear as fans and motorcycle enthusiasts celebrate the upcoming Red Bull Indianapolis GP. Sports Bike fans will also enjoy the 2011 XDL Championship Series on August 26th and 27th. It promises to bring thrilling action that will leave fans and spectators in awe at the skill to which these riders push the limits of sport bike tricks.

The first Motorcycles on Meridian event took place at the same time as the Red Bull GP action in 2008. The streets of South Meridian and Monument Circle fill from curb to curb with sports bikes and choppers that anyone can meet and greet with other fellow enthusiasts at this free event on Friday, August 27th and Saturday, August 28th from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. See the sights and sounds of those who take the art of motorcycle building and customization to a whole new level!

The 2011 XDL Championships for Sportbikes promises to deliver white knuckles and mind bending trick stunts that will blow the audience away. The competition will be hot as 40 riders compete for $10,000 and the championship title.

Several areas have been designated for parking and tailgating. See the Indianapolis Motor Speedway site for details about where to get the party started.

Tent camping and RV parking lots will also be open on Thursday, August 25, 2011 for those planning to stay outside close to the action. Shower facilities are available on some lots and several areas are suggested for use by those who are 21 years of age or older. There are also areas for those who want a little family oriented environment for the kids. Small portable grills may be used and portable shelters no larger than 10 feet by 10 feet can be erected behind and secured to vehicles.

For those seeking comfortable hotel accommodations Indianapolis, there are several downtown hotel options that offer Indianapolis hotel packages and group packages for special events in the area. The Hilton Garden Inn is located in downtown Indianapolis and is conveniently located close to the Speedway and all area attractions. Visit us online to make hotel reservations Indianapolis.

Sports – You Name Them, Indianapolis Has Them!

Friday, June 10, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Downtown Indianapolis is a very happening place these days. There’s something for everybody here. No wonder hotels near Indianapolis airport are in such great demand. Whether you are a shopaholic, a foodie, an adventure seeker, an arts enthusiast, a party hopper or a sports buff, you’ll have choices aplenty to keep you happy and occupied during your stay in Indiana.

Speaking of sports, if you or your high school or college sports team is looking for hotels near Lucas Oil Stadium, Hilton Garden Inn (that’s us) is the perfect fit. We're near Conseco Fieldhouse, Victory Field (Baseball fans, this one’s for you’ll), Pepsi Coliseum (Hockey!), Indianapolis Motor Speedway (auto racing), White River State Park and Military State Park.

Irrespective of whether you are into basketball, biking, bowling, karting, fishing, golf, skating, hiking or simply running, you are sure to find venues in downtown Indy where your choice of sport is played with gusto. And if you are dropping in to check our pro-sports teams and wish to get hotel accommodations Indianapolis has us.

Visit our website to get a better idea of what our hotel has to offer. If you’d like to check out all sports and recreation spots in Indianapolis, drop by visitindy.com.

Summer in Indianapolis

Friday, May 20, 2011 by Lindsay Gill

Summer is almost here! I know the staff of the our downtown Indy hotel loves this season. Being so close to Monument Circle and one of the hotels near Conseco Fieldhouse and the Murat, we have quick access to so many events going on!

I have recently made a list of some things I'd like to do with my guy this summer. Some I've experienced, some I have not. Let me list some off for you and we'll get some ideas flowing!

Attend a film at the Indianapolis Museum of Art
- Outdoor, summer evening films. The Sandlot, Zoolander, Mommie Dearest and more!
Revisit the Indianapolis Zoo
- They've added some animals since my last visit.
Bicycle the Monon/Central Canal
- I have a cruiser now so little hills kill me. But it looks so nice to chill out and maybe stop at Huddle Frozen Yogurt on 86th Street for a cool treat!
Go to a concert at The Lawn
- I already plan on seeing Umphrey's McGee, The Black Keys and The Avett Brothers there. If you've read some of my posts, music = life.
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's Marsh(R) Symphony on the Prairie
- Another I miss year after year. I'm determined to visit Conner Prairie this year for some symphonic renditions of popular music.
Rib America Festival
- This is one of the best weekends downtown. Four days of music, sun, and of course some of the best bbq in the country! you might catch me there every day. See my upcoming blog about this event and check out our Indianapolis hotel package for an amazing deal!!
Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
- It's race weekend but I'll be out of town for a four-day music festival in Illinois. So...maybe I'll visit for Brickyard 400 or Red Bull Indianapolis GP is my only chance of the year. We are one of the downtown hotels near Indianapolis Speedway...so it's not too far from work!
Rock & Roll BBQ
- A new event to Indy at Victory Field. Country music and rock & roll with more bbq! I think this is 4th of July's answer to Labor Day's Rib Fest. Music and food? I'm IN! What about you? We still have the availability for you to make your Indianapolis hotel reservations and attend this first year event!

Well, those are some of the things I want to do in Indy this year. Other things I'd like to do are out of city/state: That four-day music festival this weekend, Phish in Ohio next weekend, camping in Hoosier National Forest, road trip to Florida to see my parents....it'll be a good summer.

What do you like to do in and around Indy in the summer? Share some of your faves!

Like Hilton Garden Inn? Show It On Facebook!

Saturday, May 7, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

If you’ve stayed at Hilton Garden Inn anywhere in the world, you’d know that the service we offer is unsurpassed. Of course, when it comes to our newly renovated hotel Indianapolis location, we are far above par than other hotels near Indianapolis airport.

Have you loved your stay at any of Hilton Garden Inn's locations? If yes, then you might want to show your love by liking Hilton Garden Inn on Facebook. Liking us will not only make you eligible for several contests that we have running, it will also allow you to interact with several other Hilton lovers.

For instance, recently we had a “Like Us for Points promo” on Facebook, wherein Facebookers could simply click the Like button and take advantage of 250 Hilton Honors points – points that are coveted by every Hilton regular.

You should also check out our Wall on Facebook – it is a very happening place. There is a lot of interaction always going on there between people who are regular visitors to Hilton Garden Hotels, people who had their first experience with Hilton and those who are going to vacation or drop by a Hilton hotel in the near future. Peep in and you’ll love the active discussions we have there.

Coming back to Indianapolis, if you are wondering whether Hilton Garden Inn is one of the hotels near Murat Centre – we are. We are also close to the speedway, the Lucas Oil Stadium and the Convention Centre. Come drop by and we’ll give you a reason to like us on Facebook.

Hold Your Family Reunion at Our Hotel In Indy

Wednesday, April 13, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Are you planning your family reunion and are looking for the place to hold the reunion, but you also want to make it more special and more fun for everyone?

Have you considered holding your family reunion at one of the Downtown Indy hotels?

The reason why it's a great idea to hold your family reunion at our hotel is because we are near many of the great attractions in Indianapolis including:

Lucas Oil Stadium
Indianapolis Convention Ceter
Murat Center
Conseco Fieldhouse
Indianapolis Speedway

We also have large conference rooms and ballrooms that you can take advantage of for your family reunion. We can set up dinners, lunches, buffets and more in these rooms to make for a memorable family reunion. You might consider playing ice breaker games, storytelling, setting up craft tables for the kids, watching family videos on a big screen, doing a family talent show, doing family skits, making a quilt, having a pie eating contest or even a white elephant exchange for some extra fun.

Our star hotel Downtown Indianapolis was recently renovated and therefore has deluxe accomodations with spacious rooms. We also offer great group travel discounts, so be sure to reach out to us if you are looking for group hotel packages.

Coming to Indy for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP This Year?

Friday, March 25, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Are you and a group of friends thinking about coming to Indy for the Red Bull Indianapolis GP this year? Or how about your family? This year the Indianapolis Red Bull GP takes place on August 28th. The annual Red Bull Indianapolis GP is a round of the MotoGP World Championship and has taken place annually since 2008.

This round of the most prestigious motorcycle road racing series in the world is on a 16-turn, 2.621-mile road circuit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including part of the speedway's famous oval.

There are three World Championship classes that compete at the event:

MotoGP
Moto2
125cc

While other events are paused for rain, the Red Bull Indy GP takes place come rain or shine.

Here is a quick run down of this year's Indianapolis Red Bull GP calendar:

Thursday, August 25, 2011 - 2011 Camping Lots Open
Friday, August 26, 2011 - 2011 Practice Day
Saturday, August 27, 2011 - 2011 Qualification Day
Sunday, August 28, 2011 - 2011 Red Bull Indianapolis GP Race Day

Have you been searching online for Indianapolis hotel packages because you need to find hotels near Indianapolis Speedway? Then you have come to the right place. You will love our newly renovated hotel Indianapolis. No doubt, there will be other race fans at the hotel to celebrate with when your favorite driver wins a race.

Indy 500 at The Indianapolis Motor Speedway - May 29, 2011

Tuesday, February 8, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Are you coming to Indy this year for “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” otherwise known as the Indianapolis 500?

As you may already know, the Indianapolis 500 is the world’s most famous auto race. This year the famous race takes place on May 29, 2011. Of course, there are a number of events leading up to Race Day and the events commence on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at the Centennial Era Balloon Festival.

The prestiguious Indy 500 auto race has taken place since 1911 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (except for 1917-18 and 1942-45 during the USA's participation in world wars).

The Indy 500 covers 500 miles, 200 laps on the famous 2.5-mile oval. The “500” is the world’s largest single-day spectator sporting event.

Here are some important details about this year's event:

If you are coming for the entire event or even for part of it, then you will want to find a hotel room Indianapolis that will allow for extended stay options. The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown has hotel reservations Indianapolis ready to go for the entire event because the Hilton is preferred hotel provider of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Check out this great YouTube video that will get you in the mood for this year's event:

Are you coming to the event this year? Did you come last year as well? What would you recommend as far as what to bring and what to expect? Please share your thoughts and comments with fellow readers by leaving a comment below.

Brickyard 400 at the Indy Motor Speedway

Tuesday, February 1, 2011 by Hilton Garden Inn Team

Most folks not involved in racing are familiar with the Indy 500, but those of you who are tried and true race fans, are also aware of the Brickyard 400 and no doubt, you might be headed to Indy this year to either participate in some form or another or come as a fan.

Since 1994, the Brickyard 400 is one of the annual races in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for stock cars.

The race covers 400 miles, 160 laps on the famous 2.5-mile Indy Motor Speedway oval. Here's a great video from YouTube that shows the start of the 2007 Brickyard 400 from a fan's perspective - to get you in the mood!

As with most NASCAR events, the Brickyard 400 is a great family event, especially if you are looking into Indianapolis group travel options. Why? The Indy Motor Speedway is an ideal family setting as an international icon in race history and not to mention entertainment for the entire family.

Here's a quick calendar of events for 2011's Brickyard 400:

Thursday, July 28, 2011 - Brickyard 400 Camping Lots Open
Friday, July 29, 2011 - Practice Day
Saturday, July 30, 2011 - Qualifying Day
Sunday, July 31, 2011 - Brickyard 400

Brickyard 400's website gives you all you need to know as far as directions, parking & tailgating, camping/overnight parking and family affairs are concerned.

If you are looking for hotel accommodations Indianapolis while you are in town for the Brickyard 400, then you might want to consider staying at our newly renovated hotel Indianapolis and of course, you'll want to check out our Indianapolis hotel packages.

Essential Indy

Wednesday, October 6, 2010 by Lindsay Gill

In the "where" publication for Summer/Fall 2010 Indianapolis issue, they have a feature called "Essential Indy" which I really loved and thought to share with our readers on the interwebs. They list 13 of the essential things to do in the Indianapolis area whether Broad Ripple, outskirts or downtown Indianapolis. Here they are:

1. Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument/Indiana War Memorial
Monument Circle, well, circles this beautiful monument located in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. The monument is also home to the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum. The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown is located just 1/2 block from this attraction.

2. Indiana Statehouse
Three blocks from our hotel, built in 1888, this staple is home to our state government. It features our famous Indiana limestone and Indiana oak. Tours are available Monday through Saturday.

3. Broad Ripple
Located just six miles (15 minutes) from downtown Indy, Broad Ripple is a hot spot for entertainment and restuarants. Concert venues, local eateries and quirky shops line the strets of Broad Ripple. At night the area lights up with clubs, pubs and holes in the wall. My favorite bar is located in Broad Ripple (but I'm not telling which bar!).

4. St. Elmo Steak House
Ah yes, the steak house famed for their peel-your-face-off spicy shrimp cocktail! Have you ever had this stuff?! Let's just say if you ever have a stuffy nose, eat here and it will clear your sinuses up in a hurry! They're steak is wonderful and their service exceptional. Located just three blocks from our historic Indianapolis hotel.

5. Indianapolis Motor Speedway
The IMS is still celebrating their centennial through 2011! The home of racing has a Hall of Fame Museum open to visit. You can even schedule a ride around the track in an Indy Car. Of the hotels neart Indianapolis Motor Speedway, we are only about 20 minutes.

6. Conner Prairie
An interactive history park on the northeast side of Indy. Almost every grade school age child has been to Conner Prairie on a field trip. In the summer time, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra performs Symphony on the Prairie here in the evenings.

7. Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art
Home to "one of the finest collections of American Indian art in the country," the Eiteljorg is part of White River State Park and less than one mile from our Hilton Garden Inn. "where" magazine has a great tip: DON'T MISS THE GIFT SHOP!

8. NCAA Hall of Champions
Also located in White River State Park, this attraction has tons of photos and memorabilia from a variety of college athletics.

9. Hinkle Fieldhouse
Home to the Butler University Bulldogs! If you didn't know, Indy is very proud of the Bulldogs for making it to the NCAA Championship basketball game in 2010. Indiana is a sports spot, but basketball is loved above all. The movie "Hoosiers" was filmed at Hinkle Fieldhouse, where the game depicted in the movie was held. Our three star hotel in downtown Indianapolis is about four miles from Butler University and Hinkle Fieldhouse.

10. Madame Walker Theatre Centre
The first self-made African-American millionaire, Madame C.J. Walker, built this Egyptian-themed theater located in the Indiana Avenue district, about a mile northwest of our hotel.

11. Slippery Noodle Inn
My favorite downtown bar! Famous for live blues almost every night of the week, this is Indiana's oldest bar. This bar was also a stop on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. About a four to five block walk, this is a must-see spot when visiting Indianapolis.

12. Downtown Canal
Another part of the White River State Park. This is a great spot for our guests to run, walk and meander under the street level of downtown Indianapolis. There are vendors, bike rentals and kayak rentals available, too.

13. Kennedy King Park
A place I've never heard of, but Robert Kennedy gave a speech here the night of Martin Luther King Jr.'s murder. A place for thought and reflection located about a mile and a half northeast of the Hilton Garden Inn.

Looking for Hotels Near Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

Thursday, March 18, 2010 by Lindsay Gill

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown would like to announce and introduce ourselves as a new member and Preferred Hotel partner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We are very excited about our new partnership! Being one of the Indianapolis downtown hotels near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, it seems natural we partner with the most famous sports venue in the world right here in Indianapolis.

I and the staff at the Hilton Garden Inn are committed to working hard to create competitive packages for our partners, like you, that include preferred partner benefits whether you are here for the races or other meetings and events in town. What are you waiting for? Let the Hilton Garden Inn put you in the driver’s seat for the 94^th running of the Indy 500, scheduled for May 30 at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway! Don't forget about the Brickyard 400® and the Red Bull Indianapolis GP®!

**This is your opportunity to experience our HGI hospitality and the rush of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing® at a great Indianapolis hotel package price!

-=For package pricing and availability on our great Indianapolis hotel deal, please contact Camille Lauer at 317-405-5709 or clauer@fhginc.com.

Visit Indy!

Friday, March 12, 2010 by Lindsay Gill

Indianapolis is fast becoming a major destination for individuals and families looking for an enjoyable and affordable getaway! The beautiful, historic Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown hotel is an ideal hotel to select when seeking exemplary discount hotel accommodations for your next Indianapolis visit In addition to our out of town guests, HGI is becoming ever popular with local residents looking for the perfect, yet inexpensive “staycation”! Many of our guests like our staff and amenities so much, they visit us again and again. This allows us to develop an ongoing rapport with these visitors, and most importantly it allows us to individualize our services even more, to better meet the needs of these guests.

When considering y our next getaway, be sure to call the Hilton Garden Inn – Downtown Indianapolis (317-955-9700) and inquire about your next great hotel deal located in the heart of the city!

***While in Indianapolis, you might want to consider visiting one or more of the following attractions:

The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

The State Soldiers and Sailors Monument and Civil War Museum

Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Museum (Home of the Indianapolis 500)

Indianapolis Museum of Art

NCAA Hall of Champions

Indiana State Museum

Lucas Oil Stadium (Home of the Indianapolis Colts)

Downtown Indy’s Circle Centre Mall

Ladies & Gentlemen, Start Your Engines!

Friday, February 12, 2010 by Lindsay Gill

Guess what? Race season is just around the corner! There are three races this season: The Indianapolis 500 (The Greatest Spectacle in Racing), the Brickyard 400 (NASCAR) and the Red Bull Indianapolis MotoGP.

As a newly renovated hotel in Indianapolis, we are happy to offer rooms and rates during the Indy 500. Our Indianapolis group travel deals are great for your group if you need ten rooms or more. The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown is the northmost Hilton hotel in downtown, making it the Hilton hotel nearest the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

For group rates and Indianapolis hotel reservations information, please contact Camille Lauer, Corporate Sales Manager at clauer@fhginc.com or 317.405.5710.

29th O'Reilly Auto Parts 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals

Monday, February 8, 2010 by Lindsay Gill

Looking for something for the whole family to do in Indy? Although this event isn't until September, it's something to plan for! The 29th O'Reilly Auto Parts 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals will take place September 17, 18 and 19 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. It's a fun 4x4 event the entire family can enjoy! The event includes enthusiasts who come from all over to display their 4x4 trucks and race them the whole weekend. There's vendors and sponsors there to visit as well.

You should check it out! Of course, you know I'll recommend you make a weekend out of it and enjoy the rest of what Indy has to offer, which is quite a bit! There might be a concert at the Murat Centre or a Colts home game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Being one of the hotels near Indianapolis Speedway, you could take a few hours to tour the Hall of Fame Museum.

If you need Indianapolis hotel reservations while visiting, we have discount hotel rates for the 4-Wheel Jamboree online. If you visit the event website, you'll find a great hotel deal for our newly renovated Indianapolis hotel!

The Fight for Nic Nihiser

Thursday, October 1, 2009 by Lindsay Gill

We have a great cause we need your help with. Nic Nihiser, a marketing executive at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, was hit on his bicycle on Saturday, September 19 while riding home. Fox 59 Video As one of the hotels near Indianapolis Speedway, we are supporting Nic on his road to recovery.

Friends and family are holding a spaghetti dinner for him on October 10 from 4-7:30 at Decatur Intermediate School located at 5650 Mann Road Indianapolis. Donations for spaghetti, paper goods, salad, dressing, Parmesan cheese and help setting up are appreciated. Donating directly is also appreciated through PayPal by using the email address thefightfornicnihiser@yahoo.com.

Local businesses, friends, family and others are providing and seeking donations to auction off at the dinner. All proceeds will benefit Nic and his family in his recovery. You can follow his progress and learn more about how to help on the Facebook page The Fight for Nic Nihiser. Our Indianapolis hotel will be donating one overnight stay with breakfast for two to be auctioned off at the dinner.

Hotel Tax Increase

Friday, August 14, 2009 by Lindsay Gill

It's been all over the news lately: How will Indianapolis fix the Capital Improvement Board's $46 million deficit? Most of the talks have centered around taxes. It has now fallen on downtown Indianapolis hotels, and all Marion County hotels, to help fund the ailing CIB.

Hotel taxes in Marion County will increase from 9% to 10%. This will make total taxes paid on a hotel room 17%. From hotels near Indianapolis Convention Center to hotels near the Indianapolis Airport, east, west, north or south will make that jump on September 1, 2009. This means that $99 rate will be $115.83 instead of $114.84 - not a huge difference right? The $199 rates during races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will now be $232.83 instead of $230.84...again, not a large difference.

There is a lot of media hype about Indianapolis being one of the nation's highest in hotel tax. That is a fact but look what little difference it makes. We all have to roll with the punches sometimes and make changes when it comes to supporting and improving our city. This is just one thing Marion County will be doing to help the CIB.

Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

It's Been Awhile

Friday, July 24, 2009 by Lindsay Gill

...since I've blogged. I had the privilege of meeting my favorite band, Incubus, for the second time this past Wednesday, July 22. Every time I see them live, it's a great experience and my eyes and ears are glued to the stage. It got me thinking, what are our guests passionate about? Maybe it's the upcoming concert at Conseco Fieldhouse, the Colts games this year at Lucas Oil Stadium or our three star hotel downtown Indianapolis. Feel free to tell us what you're passionate about, including comments about our hotel!

We're near the Indianapolis Speedway and this is the perfect time to be one of many downtown Indy hotels close to that venue. Saving Abel is playing there this weekend, practice is running and the Brickyard 400 is Sunday! I'll be there, will you? There are lots of upcoming events this summer including some major conventions. GenCon, the Best Four Days in Gaming, will be held downtown in August and we are near the Indianapolis Convention Center - only a five block walk!

Since my favorite topic is live music, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra plays at Conner Prairie every year for Symphony on the Prairie. I've not been myself, but I hear it's great. If you'd like to stay in an Indianapolis area hotel after the Prairie, get online and check out our special rates for this event! Just input Group Code SOTP09.

There's only a couple months of summer left! Tell us how you'll make the most of it!

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter! We will soon be setting up a Facebook and Twitter rate, too...stay tuned for more...

It's Still Race Season

Friday, June 12, 2009 by Lindsay Gill

The Indy 500 may be over, but there are still two great races to think about in the coming months! In July, the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard will return for it's 16th running at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. What about the 2nd annual Red Bull Indianapolis GP in August? Also at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, this motorcycle race is not one to miss!

Do you know which downtown Indy hotels are near the Indianapolis Speedway? Our three star hotel downtown Indianapolis is one of the closest! The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown is located just six miles SE of the IMS. If you're looking for discount hotel rooms in Indianapolis, or group travel for the races, please call us! We have great rates and Indianapolis hotel packages for Indianapolis group travel - small and large! And even though Indy has a new airport terminal, don't be fooled. Downtown hotels near the Indianapolis Airport have not moved, a short drive will get you from the airport to our downtown Indy hotel and from here to the races.

Contact Camille Lauer today at (317) 405-5709 or clauer@fhginc.com to arrange your hotel accommodations in Indianapolis at the Hilton Garden Inn Downtown!

Allstate 400 at the Brickyard

Monday, June 1, 2009 by Michael Campbell

NASCAR fans, this year stay in one of the best Downtown Indy Hotels!

The Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown is one of the best values for any of the hotels near the Indianapolis Speedway. Located just seven miles from the race track, a stay at the Hilton Garden puts you in walking distance to Indy best nightlife and fine restuarants, such as St. Elmo's Steakhouse, Buca Di Beppo, Fogo de Chao, Oceanairre, and Palamino's, as well as the bars and nightlife such as Scotty's Brewhouse that open just 2 blocks from the hotel. Make your hotel accommodations in Indianapolis Downtown this year. Right now take advantage of the down economy and book for all three nights and receive one of the best discount hotel rates in Indianapolis.