Newly Renovated Hotel Indianapolis

On a lazy weekend, what's better than a trail where you get to taste different kinds of wine? A wine trail coupled with BBQ!

Indy Wine Trail is an organization comprised of seven area wineries.

The trail starts at the noon time and ends at 6 p.m.  It takes you to seven different wineries where you get to sample their finest creations - each with something different to offer. The wine is not the only attraction point of this package. You also get to buy your favorite wines at awesome prices. Along the way, you can taste various BBQ offerings and give yourself a much deserved fun outing.

However, we at Hilton Garden Inn, treat you to a lot more than the Wine trail alone. If you drop into our discount hotel Indianapolis to take advantage of our Wine Lovers Package, your weekend will not only be dotted with an exciting winery trail, but also relaxing accommodations, a bottle of Easley Winery Reggae Red Wine, breakfast for two, a special gift from the Indy Wine Trail and a 10% discount on merchandise from any one of the trails. What more could you ask for?

This is just one of our many Indianapolis Hotel Packages - it is open for patrons 21 years or above in age. You can also take advantage of our Designated Driver facility, the tickets for which are available for $12.

“BBQ & Wine Lovers” trail is a must-do activity for making your weekend extra special. You also get an 18 oz. Indy Wine Trail balloon glass as a souvenir towards the end of the trail. So, what are you waiting for? Get your hotel accommodations Indianapolis booked at our newly renovated hotel, Indianapolis and set out on a pleasure trip.

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

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

Are you headed to Indy this summer for the 41st Summer Celebration of the Indiana Black Expo?

No matter where you are coming from in Indiana or even if you are coming from out of state to participate in the festivities, you will definitely want to find hotels near Indianapolis where you can crash, but also hotels near Indianapolis Convention Center.  After all, the Convention Center is where a lot of this year's activities will be taking place.

Our hotel might be the perfect place for you to stay.  Here is a run down on our special hotel accommodations Indianapolis for the big event:

• Single Occupancy $135
• Double Occupancy $135
• Triple Occupancy $135
• Quad Occupancy $135

Tickets for the 41st Summer Celebration are on sale now!  Here's a run down of the ticket categories and prices:

• Advance General Admission Tickets - $8 per person per day (Purchased by July 14, 2011)
• Advance General Admission Seniors' Tickets (age 62+) - $7 per person per day (Must be purchased by July 14, 2011)
• Three-day General Admission Pass (July 15-17 only) - $19.99 (Must be purchased by July 14, 2011)

There are more ticket options available, especially after the 14th of July.  You can read more about all the ticket options on Indiana Black Expo's website.

Of course, you are more than welcome to stay at our newly renovated hotel Indianapolis.  In order to secure one of the rates listed above, all reservation requests must be made through the Indiana Black Expo Housing Bureau. DEADLINE: Thursday, June 24, 2010.

What are you plans for June 20th – 24th? If you still have not finalized anything, it would be great to come to the National Congress of Christian Education in Indy. 

On Wednesday, June 22, the keynote speaker at the Congress President's Banquet will be Donna Brazile.  Donna will be speaking at the Hyatt Regency Indianapolis.  If you are interested in attending this portion of the event, then you have to order tickets by May 2, 2011.  General admission tickets are $50 and VIP seats are $110.  You can download a ticket form online.

If you are looking for a hotel deal Indianapolis, while you are in Indy for the convention, then you will definitely want to check out our newly renovated hotel Indianapolis because it is one of the hotels near Indianapolis  Convention Center - which is where the National Congress of Christian Education is being held.

Hundreds of delegates from all over the country will be attending the National Congress of Christian Education.

There are different hotel packages to choose from and depending on whether you will be attending the entire convention or just a day, there's a room for you.  Please get in touch with our reservation department to set up a room for you during your stay.

Are you going to be coming to the Congress?  Have you been before?  Can you tell us a little bit about it and what goes on?  Share your experience with our readers by leaving a comment below.

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.

The Do It Best Convention will be held from May 19-23, 2011 and members of Do It Best Corp will be attending the convention from all over the country and the world. It is one of the most awaited events for both members and vendors.
 
Here's a quick line up of Workshops that are taking place during the convention:

• Thursday, May 19 - Plumbing Workshop
• Friday, May 20 - Electrical Workshop, Power Tool University, Education Day, Sneak Peak
• Saturday, May 21 - Kickoff Breakfast, Market Floor Open, Lunch N Go
• Sunday, May 22 - Market Floor Open, Lunch N Go
• Monday, May 23 - Market Floor Open

Indianapolis will be hosting the convention and hundreds of people from all over the country will be in attendance.

The Hilton Garden Indianapolis hotel is the ideal choice for members to come and stay while attending the convention since it is one of the hotels near Indianapolis  Convention Center. The hotel is just a few blocks away from the convention center and this makes it easily connected.

Choosing a hotel that is accessible to the main areas of the city is also essential.  There are different package deals available for the guests. It would advisable to book rooms earlier than the convention date, if you want to avoid not getting a hotel room Indianapolis.

You will love our newly renovated hotel Indianapolis for all the great amenities we offer. 

Are you a Do It Best employee? Or are you a vendor that comes to the convention annually?  What advice can you offer about the convention?  Please feel free to leave a comment below.

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

Forget your diet and your New Year’s Resolutions about losing weight if you will be spending January 24 to February 5 in Indianapolis.

The Indianapolis Downtown Restaurant and Hospitality Association (IDRHA) brings you the Devour Downtown from January 24 to February 5.   This food fest is an annual weeklong event that was started in 2005 as the Indy Restaurant Week.  After two years, the event was lengthened to two-weeks and now takes place twice a year - in summer and in winter.

Restaurants that are members of the IDRHA are invited to participate by giving three $30 dining certificates that will be given away during the event’s promotions.  The restaurants are also asked to create a special $30 menu for the Devour Downtown guests.

For 2011, there will be about 50 restaurants that will be participating at the Devour Downtown Winterfest.  The list includes restaurants known for their classy (and expensive) menus and some little-known restaurants that are also worth checking.  For the complete list of this year’s participants, visit Devour Downtown Winterfest.

It is hard to imagine how a person can dine in all of those participating establishments in just two weeks.  But if you would like to come to Indianapolis for the event, make sure that you stay in a hotel that is accessible to the major roads and destinations in the city.

Our three Star Hotel Downtown Indianapolis is located at 10 East Market Street.  It is just one block from the Chase Tower and the NBD Tower One.  This makes our Historic Hotel Indianapolis the perfect place to spend the night during a Devour Downtown Winterfest Weekend.

Call 317-955-9700 or log on to our Newly Renovated Hotel Indianapolis for more information.

Although the Indianapolis Colts were not able to make it to the division championships, we were still included as a wildcard playoff team in the American Football Conference for the 2010 NFL.

Before the team faced their final game of the 2010 season, the Colts held pep rallies in six elementary schools in Indianapolis.  Blue, the team’s official mascot, also visited pre-selected elementary schools in Terre Haute and Anderson.  These events were closed to the public and media permits had to be secured from the school administration.

The Colts also hosted a Kids Club Playoff Extravaganza exclusive to the members of the Colts Kids Club..

On January 8, the Colts played against the New York Jets to get into the Divisional Playoffs.  The Jets won with a score of 17-16 and will be playing against New England on January 16.

While that may be the last game for the Indianapolis Colts this season, football fans should not wait long as the 2011 NFL Draft is set for April 28-30.  After that will be another line of NFL pre-season events for the Colts and the other NFL teams.

Of course, if you are a true NFL fan, then you are well aware that Indianapolis is hosting next year's Superbowl.  So in other words, Indianapolis is the home for the 2012 Superbowl.  If you are planning on making it to the Superbowl next year with a group of friends then you might want to look into Indianapolis group travel at our newly renovated hotel Indianapolis.

For inquiries, call 317-955-9700 or visit Indianapolis hotel packages online.

Although originally an Irish holiday, Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in many cities in the United States.  In Indianapolis, just like in other cities in the US, the parade on March 17 is the highlight of the St. Patty’s Day celebration.

But 6 days before the parade, the Indy Sports Foundation has also lined up several Shamrock and green events in the city.  The 20th Annual Shamrock Run and Walk will take place at 9am on March 12 at Monument Circle.  This race is open to people of all ages and the participants are encouraged to wear green or Irish-inspired costumes.

Be on Ohio Street early on March 17 for the Greening of the Canal.  At 6 am, city officials and guests pour green dye into the canal.  This is followed by the Tent Party on Vermont Street at 10am.  Aside from featuring an Irish band and Irish foods, the tent party also includes the traditional awarding of the Irish Citizen of the Year.

The 31st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be at 11:30 am, so you may just drop by the Tent Party before or after the parade.

To be able to participate in all the St. Patty’s Day events, be sure to be in downtown Indy early on March 17.  You may book a room for March 16 at our Newly Renovated Hotel Indianapolis so that you can easily come to the event venues the following day.  Monument Circle is just half a block away from our discount hotel Indianapolis.

Looking for great Indianapolis hotel packages?  Check out our website or call 317-955-9700 for more information.

College basketball players, enthusiasts, fans and spectators are expected to come to Indianapolis as the city welcomes the NCAA Women’s Final Four Basketball Tournament.

The NCAA Final Four is composed of three games that determine the 2011 NCAA Women’s Basketball Champion.  The Conseco Fieldhouse is the venue of many of the NCAA Final Four events including the games, practices and autograph sessions, so if you are thinking of attending this year's Final Four, then you want to look for hotels near Conseco Fieldhouse.

The intensity of the quest for the NCAA National Championship will be felt during the semifinals on April 3.  Two games will be held at the Conseco Fieldhouse to determine the two teams that will make it to the NCAA Final Four Championship.  The games will be held at 7pm and 9pm EST.

There are also a number of other NCAA activities in Indianapolis.  These include the Middle School Madness' mural and essay writing contest, Pinnacle of Fitness Program, the NCAA Youth Clinic at the Indiana Convention Center, and a Junior Journalism Workshop at the Conseco Fieldhouse.

Since the activities for the 2011 NCAA Final Four will be held in various locations in Indianapolis, choose hotels near Indianapolis that are accessible to the key areas in the city.  Call our newly renovated hotel Indianapolis at 317-955-9700 for more information. 

For the 10th straight year, the Conseco Fieldhouse will be hosting the Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament.  This will also be Indianapolis’ 16th year to welcome the tournament, so no doubt you might be on the hunt for hotels near Conseco Fieldhouse.

March 3-6, 2011 will be four days of 10 demanding basketball games, with the champion becoming the conference’s automatic representative to the NCAA Tournament.

The bracket for the Big Ten Women’s Basketball will be announced on February 27, 2011, the last day of the regular season.  The bracket is classified according to the final team standings during the regular season.

The first Big Ten Tournament was held at the Hinkle Fieldhouse in 1995.  From 1997 up to 1999, the RCA Dome became the venue of the Big Ten games.  The tournament was first held in Conseco Fieldhouse in 2000, yet it was moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2001.  The tournament came back to the Conseco Fieldhouse in 2002 and has remained here.

The Big Ten Tournament has welcomed over 450,000 fans and spectators to Indianapolis in the past 16 years, with six different teams being named champions.  Purdue is the record holder winning seven championships, four championships ahead of Ohio State with only three.

Buy your tickets now for the Big Ten Women’s Tournament.  Don’t forget to reserve a room at out Newly Renovated Hotel Indianapolis, which is just a few minutes away from the Conseco Fieldhouse.  Call 317-955-9700 for more information about our Indianapolis Hotel Packages.

Lovers of art and culture will find the Murat Center in Indianapolis as a sweet treat as there are various events and performances for people of all ages and sometimes even Indianapolis hotel packages to go along with some of the events.

Here are upcoming performances happening at the Murat Center to entertain people who are looking for modern, contemporary and classic music:

• Wicked (Dec. 15, 2010 to Jan. 1, 2011)
• Need to Breathe with the Daylights: Young and Far From Home Tour (Dec. 19, 2010)
• Here Come the Mummies (Dec. 31, 2010)
• Wiz Khalifa (Jan. 13, 2011)
• Paula Deen (Jan. 15, 2011)
• Miranda Cosgrove with Greyson Chance (Jan. 29, 2011)
• Dark Star Orchestra (Jan. 29, 2011)
• Girls Night: The Musical (Feb. 5, 2011)
• James Taylor (Mar. 4, 2011)
• The Pink Floyd Experience (Mar. 3, 2011)
• Flogging Molly (Mar. 10, 2011)
• Cheaper to Keep Her (Mar. 13, 2011)
• Celtic Woman (Apr. 9, 2011)
• Sister’s Easter Catechism (Apr. 9, 2011)
• Orla Fallon (May 1, 2011)

There are also events to entertain kids and kids at heart:

• Legends of Hip-Hop (Jan. 14, 2011)
• Sesame Street Live: 123 Imagine! with Elmo and Friends (Feb. 25-27, 2011)
• Madagascar Live (Mar. 29, 2011)

And while giving yourself and your date an artistic treat, drop by and stay at hotels near the Murat Centre.  Our Newly Renovated Hotel Indianapolis has marble floors and brass works that are still the original features of the former Fletcher Trust Building.  Call 317-955-9700 to ask for hotel reservations Indianapolis.

You might be thinking, "What? It's not even Thanksgiving yet!"  However, when it comes to celebrating the New Year in Indianapolis - downtown hotels fill up quickly.

Besides, you might be one of those people that likes to plan ahead - or you might also know that you are coming to Indy for the Christmas holiday and would like to stay for New Year's - so even if you need a room for one night or for the entire time that you are here - if you book early, no doubt you will find great Indianapolis hotel packages, if you start looking now.

What are your New Year's Eve plans?  Do you have any yet?  Here is a quick list of events that are happening in the downtown Indianapolis area to bring in 2011:

• New Years Eve 2011 @ 10th Pub & Grille
• New Years Eve 2011 @ 2001 Bar
• New Years Eve 2011 @ 31 Bar & Grill
• New Years Eve 2011 @ Basey's Downtown Grill
• New Years Eve 2011 @ Arabian Room - Murat Shrine Club

If you're looking for more opportunities to bring in the New Year - you can check out Indianapolis New Year's Eve - a website that lists all the events that are happening in Indy on December 31, 2010.

One of the best ways to be safe on New Year's Eve is to find a hotel room within walking distance or even a short cab ride from the event that you're attending.  So, if you are considering hotel accommodations Indianapolis, then you will love our new renovated hotel Indianapolis.

Likewise, if you book early enough, you can benefit from a hotel deal Indianapolis as well.

Whether you are headed to the Murat Centre for a performing arts production, a concert or for another reason, you might be looking for hotels near Murat Centre.  Whether you live in Indy or a few hours away, it's always nice to plan a weekend or a week day evening downtown and treat yourself to a night in our newly renovated hotel Indianapolis. 

The Murat Centre is located in downtown Indy in the Massachusetts Avenue cultural district.

Here is a list of the upcoming events at the Murat Centre:

• Nov 13 - Chelsea Handler: Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang 07:00 PM
• Nov 20 - Experience Hendrix 07:30
• Nov 24 - Straight No Chaser 06:00 PM
• Nov 27 Sat Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker 02:00 PM
• Nov 29 Mon Shinedown with Apocalyptica 07:00 PM
• Dec 2 Thu Bottomless Soda: WNOU Santa Slam featuring B.O.B. & More 06:15 PM
• Dec 4 Sat John Prine 08:00 PM
• Dec 1 Fri Chris Isaak
• Dec 15 Wed Wicked 07:30 PM

• in person at the box office
• online at www.livenation.com
• over the phone at 317-239-5151

For 24 years, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) has presented the Duke Energy Yuletide Celebration, featuring uplifting carols, tap dancing Santas and flying reindeer.

Celebrating its 25th year, this year’s event commences on December 4th at the Hilbert Circle Theatre in downtown Indianapolis.

Our Indianapolis downtown hotel is just a two minute walk to the Hilbert Circle Theatre.  So whether you are in town to celebrate the 25 years, just passing through or are planning a trip with your family, we, along with ISO and WFYI, have come up with two great Indianapolis hotel packages for the event this year.

Yuletide, Shop & Stay Package #1 (valued at $400) includes:

• Hotel accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn Indianapolis Downtown
• Two main floor tickets to the Yuletide Celebration
• One year membership to WFYI
• Breakfast for two
• A $25 Simon Malls Visa Gift Card
• A gift bag with shopping coupons and goodies from WFYI
• A voucher for two Lilly Classical Series tickets for a future show

Price of Yuletide, Shop & Stay Package #1 = $225!

Yuletide, Shop & SAVE Package #2 (valued at $350) includes:

• Accommodations at our three star newly renovated hotel Indianapolis
• Two 2nd mezzanine tickets to the Yuletide Celebration
• One year membership to WFYI
• Breakfast for two
• A special holiday surprise gift!
• A Lilly Classical Series voucher for two tickets to a future show

Price of Yuletide, Shop & Save Package #2 = $195!

You are welcome to book either one of these packages online or you may phone us at 317.955.9700 to reserve your package.  If you make reservations by Monday, November 22, you’ll receive an invitation via email to our annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Party held on Friday, November 26 in conjunction with the Circle of Lights®.

For show dates and times, call the ISO Box Office at 317.639.4300 or 800.366.8457 (outside Central Indiana) for more information.