**Indy's BEST Downtown Hotel? Hampton Inn IUPUI Review!**
Indy's BEST Downtown Hotel? Hampton Inn IUPUI Review! (Spoiler: Maybe…)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the beans (and possibly a little coffee) on my recent stay at the Hampton Inn IUPUI. Let's just say, the reviews I read beforehand were… optimistic. I'm here to tell you the TRUTH. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because this hotel experience was nothing if not a ride.
First Impression: The Gateway Drug of Brick
Pulling up, the Hampton Inn kind of… just is. It's a solid, reliable brick building, the kind you’d expect in a mid-sized city like Indianapolis. Not architecturally stunning, mind you, but it felt… safe. Which, in the current climate, is HUGE, right? The exterior definitely doesn't scream "luxury getaway," but it does say "this is a place you probably won't get robbed." Score one for the good guys!
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (Like My Mood Swings)
Right off the bat, I noticed the elevator. Crucial for someone like me, who, let's just say, isn’t exactly built for stairs. Facilities for disabled guests are mentioned, so that’s promising! But I didn’t dive deep into the specifics of accessibility. Let’s chalk that up to a lack of personal need, but definitely something I’ll make a point of investigating next time. There's also CCTV in common areas, which adds to the feeling of security. So far, so good.
Cleanliness and Safety: My Germaphobe Side Approved!
Listen, cleanliness is KING (or Queen, in my case). I was ridiculously relieved to see the hotel seemed serious about COVID precautions. They had anti-viral cleaning products in use, and there were prominent signs about daily disinfection in common areas. I also saw staff consistently wearing masks, and plenty of hand sanitizer stations dotted around. The fact that they offer room sanitization opt-out available is fantastic. It's a small thing, but it speaks volumes. I loved that they had individually-wrapped food options and safe dining setup. All the sanitized kitchen and tableware items put my mind at ease. The professional-grade sanitizing services really did instill confidence. I can tell you that I did not get sick.
Rooms: Decent, But Not Dreamy
My room? Okay. It was a non-smoking room, which, thank GOD. I can't handle cigarette smoke. It had your basic necessities: air conditioning, a desk (crucial for my laptop), a coffee/tea maker (essential for survival), a refrigerator (snacks are a MUST), and free Wi-Fi. The Internet access – wireless situation was decent, if a little slower than I’d hoped. The Internet access – LAN option was there, but honestly, who uses that anymore?
The bed? Comfortable enough. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in (because, you know, vacation). The towels were… well, they were towels. Not the fluffiest I’ve ever experienced, but they got the job done. Bonus points for the mirror and the hair dryer. There was a safety deposit boxes so that was nice. The bathroom was functional. Nothing to write home about, but perfectly acceptable for the price. Okay, I'm getting picky. All rooms have the usual suspects: Alarm clock, Carpeting, Closet, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Interconnecting room(s) available, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, and Wi-Fi [free]. So all good things. The rooms do not have the: Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Slippers, Sofa, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, and Window that opens.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun (Or the Frustration)
Alright, let's talk food. The breakfast [buffet] was… fine. It was your typical Hampton Inn spread. Breakfast service was available, but it was also breakfast takeaway service, which I very much appreciated because I like to eat in my room to avoid the noise. There's a coffee shop, so you could grab a cup of Joe. There's a bar with a limited menu, and the Poolside bar is pretty nice. But here's the thing. I’m a super picky eater. I wanted Asian. I wanted international foods. I wanted desserts in restaurant. Alas, The only thing remotely exciting was the bottle of water. But at least there's room service [24-hour], and this is crucial for a late-night snack attack. Alternatives meal arrangement is a plus. As well as, Coffee/tea in restaurant.
The Pool: An Escape I'll Never Forget
Okay. This is where things got interesting. I was craving some relaxation. So I headed for the swimming pool [outdoor]. Let me tell you, this pool was a saving grace! The pool with view was absolutely stunning, it made my entire stay. I spent like, an hour there just staring out at the sky. It was incredible. The pool was clean, the chairs were comfy, and for a fleeting moment, I actually forgot about my mountain of deadlines. The Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and other ways to relax are missing, so no luck.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The staff trained in safety protocol knew what they were doing. They also had Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. The front desk [24-hour] was always helpful. They were nice and pleasant, even when my inner Karen came out.
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Well, I wasn't there for the hotel amenities. But they offered Things to do. I was there to find some peace. I'm not a big person for the Fitness center or the Gym/fitness, the massage. The Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, and other Spa stuff are also not there.
For the Kids: Families Welcome (Sort Of)
The hotel is billed as Family/child friendly, which is nice. They offer Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I can't say definitively, as I don’t have any kids.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location
The hotel has Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. I used a Taxi service to go to the Airport transfer.
The Verdict: Would I Return? (Probably)
So, would I recommend the Hampton Inn IUPUI? The answer is… a qualified YES. It's not a luxury resort, but it is a solid, reliable option in a good location. The emphasis on cleanliness and safety really gave me peace of mind, and the pool was a total game-changer. If you're looking for a comfortable, functional basecamp for your Indianapolis adventures, this is a good bet. Just manage your expectations, pack your own snacks, and maybe bring a good book.
Final Thoughts: The Imperfections Make It Human
The Hampton Inn IUPUI isn't perfect. But honestly? That's kind of what I loved about it. It wasn't trying to be something it wasn't. It was just… there. A reliable haven in a sometimes-crazy world. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. I'd come back.
Escape to San Antonio: SeaWorld Fun Awaits at La Quinta Inn!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn’t your perfectly-curated Instagram travel blog. This is… me, after a long day, scribbling on a napkin that’s probably seen better days, figuring out this Indianapolis trip, and hoping to God I remember to eat besides vending machine chips. And, yeah, it's based around staying at the Hampton Inn Downtown IUPUI. God bless budget travel!
Indianapolis: The Itinerary That's Just Praying It Doesn't Implode (aka Shit Happens)
(Disclaimer: This is a hypothetical, messy itinerary. Don't expect perfect timing. Expect me to get hangry. Expect me to complain about parking. And probably, to love something unexpectedly.)
Day 1: Arrival – The City of Speed (and Maybe a Little Bit of Anxiety)
1:00 PM (ish): Land at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND). Ugh, airports. I swear, every time I fly I feel like I'm being herded through a giant, overly-lit cattle pen. Quick, where's that pre-flight anxiety? Must find a coffee shop. Stat. Need caffeine to survive the rental car ordeal.
1:45 PM: Rental Car Scramble. Okay, this is where the real fun begins. Finding the shuttle. Getting the car. Praying it's not the one that's been through a demolition derby. Seriously, I bet the rental companies have a "Pre-Loved Condition" section and I got the car from there.
2:30 PM: Finally Escape the airport, feeling like an escapee from a holding facility. GPS pointed towards Hampton Inn Indianapolis Downtown IUPUI. Hope the parking isn't a nightmare. (Spoiler alert: It probably will be.)
3:00 PM (maybe): Check-in. Hopefully, my room isn't next to an ice machine or a convention of competitive snorers. Good, the room is fine, nothing spectacular, you know, a Hampton. But clean. Decent. Okay, time for a lay down? No, I do not want to lay down, I want to explore!
3:30 PM: This is the part where I should get myself together. Take a walk! But it's probably cold, I think I will stay in and relax for a bit.
6:00 PM: Attempt for a pre-dinner walk and get a small snack.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. I love the Indy's food scene! Depending on how I'm feeling, I'll probably head to a place that's not too far from the hotel. The Brickyard is a great idea. Great!
9:00 PM: Collapse in bed and then maybe watch some TV. I want to sleep.
Day 2: Museums, Muffins, and Maybe Some Regret (aka "Why Did I Eat That Gas Station Donut?")
8:00 AM (Attempted): Wake up. Probably hit snooze at least twice. This is where I curse whoever invented the snooze button.
8:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Free breakfast, hooray! However, I can't wait to eat it elsewhere. It is what it is. Cereal, maybe some sad-looking fruit, and the ever-present possibility of questionable scrambled eggs. I'm still happy.
9:30 AM: Indianapolis Museum of Art (IMA). Gotta immerse myself in culture! Except, you know, the culture that I can understand and that has a good gift shop. And hopefully, I don’t get lost.
12:30 PM: Lunch. I'll find something! Probably grab a quick bite somewhere near the museum. (Or, let's be honest, it'll be a giant sandwich consumed while running to the next activity because I'm chronically late.)
1:30 PM: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. It's Indy, right? Gotta see the cars! I'm not even a huge race car person, but come on… it's iconic. The sheer speed of these things fascinates and terrifies me. And I'm pretty sure I will fall asleep.
4:00 PM: Some free time. Possibly shopping, or just walking around and people-watching.
6:00 PM: Dinner. I'll try a different route.
9:00 PM: Bedtime!
Day 3: The Unexpected Charm of… Something (aka "I Think I Might Actually Miss This Place")
8:00 AM: Repeat from day 2, and make my best effort to get ready.
8:30 AM: I don't know.. let's not talk about it.
9:30 AM: Explore the city.
12:00 PM: I'll decide later.
1:00 PM: Lunch, and then I'll head back to the hotel.
3:00 PM: Last-minute souvenir shopping. Gotta grab something for the folks back home that screams "I went somewhere!" (Even if it's just a cheap shot glass.)
6:00 PM: Dinner. I've got an early flight, so a casual dinner
8:00 PM: Pack. Pray I didn't forget anything.
9:00 PM: Sleep. Because early flights are evil.
Day 4: Departure – The Great Escape (aka "Freedom!")
5:00 AM: Wake up. The alarm is the devil.
5:30 AM: Check out. Quick and easy, hopefully!
6:00 AM: Return rental and head for the airport. The airport experience, pt. 2.
7:00 AM: Fly out.
Final Thoughts (and Unsolicited Advice)
Don't be afraid to wander. Sometimes the best experiences are the unplanned ones. Get lost. Literally. (Just make sure you have phone service!)
Embrace the mess. This trip will probably be far from perfect, and that's okay. Laugh at the mishaps, and learn from the mistakes.
Take pictures, but don't live through your phone. Be present. Soak it in. And then, maybe, post a few on Instagram.
Indianapolis has a lot more to offer than one might think. It's got charm, it's got history, and it's got… well, it's got its own unique vibe. And, hey, at the end of the day, you'll have a story (or a collection of stories) to tell.
And with that… I’m going to bed! Hopefully, I won’t dream of vending machine chips. Until next time, Indy!
**Rochester's Hidden Gem: Centerstone Plaza Hotel Soldiers Field Luxury Awaits!**
Is the Hampton Inn IUPUI REALLY the "best" downtown hotel? (Spoiler: Maybe... with caveats!)
"Best" is a loaded word, isn't it? Like, are we talking "best for a budget-conscious college student attending a conference?" Or "best for a romantic getaway where you need room service and a marble-floored bathroom?" Okay, so for the *first* scenario, yeah, maybe. It’s generally pretty darn good for the price point. I mean, free breakfast! And decent coffee! Seriously, that free breakfast can be a lifesaver after a long drive, or a… let's just say *memorable* evening. (More on that later!). For the *second* scenario... well, let's just say you're not going to mistake this for The Conrad. It's good, but it's not *that* good. Think comfortable, clean, convenient… and blessedly quiet, which is a huge win in downtown Indy.
Okay, so let's zoom in on the breakfast. Is it *actually* edible? I’m talking about the free breakfast, remember?
Alright, the breakfast. This is where things get... interesting. The eggs? Let’s just say they’re… enthusiastically scrambled. Think a slightly rubbery, but ultimately harmless, yellowish substance. The sausage patties sometimes resemble hockey pucks. BUT – (and this is a big but) – the waffles? Those little guys are a tiny beacon of hope in a sea of potential breakfast despair! Freshly made, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside… I've honestly eaten four before. Yes, FOUR. Don't judge me. And the coffee? It's usually decent. Sometimes it's *amazing*, like they have a rogue coffee ninja in the back. Sometimes it's a watery suggestion of coffee. It's a gamble. But hey, it’s *free*. And the cereal? Classic, the standard options you can expect anywhere. My go-to is always the Frosted Flakes. The fruit? Well, it's... fruit. Don't go expecting a gourmet fruit platter. Overall? Acceptable fuel for a day of exploring Indianapolis. Plan accordingly.
**Anecdote Time:** I once saw a particularly grumpy-looking businessman load his plate with a truly alarming amount of sausage. He then proceeded to take a bite, grimace dramatically, and *still* eat the whole thing. The commitment! The perseverance! It was breakfast theatre, people. Breakfast theatre.
What about the rooms? Are they… you know… *clean*? (Because nobody wants bedbugs.)
Generally, yes. I’ve stayed there, oh gosh, probably a dozen times now. And knock on wood, I haven't encountered anything… creepy. They’re standard Hampton Inn rooms. Clean, comfortable, with the expected amenities. The beds are usually pretty comfy. The bathrooms are… well, they’re bathrooms. They don't sparkle like the Ritz, but they do the job. The housekeeping is always a plus and the staff seems to do a good job keeping on top of things. I had a friend who is a neat freak, and even she found them acceptable, which is a high bar to clear! My *ONE* complaint is the same as with every hotel! And that is the lighting. It's *always* inadequate. Seriously, hotels, give us more light! It's like they're actively trying to create a shadowy, vaguely menacing atmosphere.
Location, location, location! Is it actually *downtown* downtown? And is it safe?
Technically, yes. It's *very* close to IUPUI, hence the name, which is a bit of a misnomer. But a short walk will get you to various attractions. You can reasonably walk to the Canal Walk, the Indiana State Museum, even Lucas Oil Stadium (if you're feeling ambitious). It's not in the *absolute* heart of things, which can be both a pro and a con. It's a bit quieter than being right on Monument Circle, but you might have to do a little more walking or take a quick rideshare. As for safety… it’s downtown, so use common sense. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. I've never felt genuinely unsafe there, but I wouldn't wander around alone at 3 AM. I've seen the occasional sketchy character, but that's the reality of most cities. Overall, the location is solid, walkable, and convenient.
What's the parking situation like? Because nobody wants to spend half their trip circling the block.
Okay, the parking. This is where the Hampton Inn at IUPUI has a slight… *quirk*. They have an attached parking garage, which is *fantastic* for convenience. But, and this is a big BUT… It's often *packed*. Especially during major events (conferences, sporting events, anything at the convention center). So, plan ahead. Get there early. Or be prepared to circle. Or, even worse, park in the overflow lot a few blocks away. I once arrived late for a conference, and I ended up parking about a ten-minute walk away in a slightly… questionable… looking lot. It was fine, but I spent the whole night worrying about my car. Learn from my mistakes! Factor in extra time for parking, or better yet, consider Uber/Lyft, especially if you're catching a game or drinking. The cost of parking can sometimes outweigh the convenience.
Is there anything *really* bad about the Hampton Inn IUPUI? Spill the tea!
Okay, okay, let's get real. The biggest downside? The soundproofing. It's not the best. You *will* hear hallway noise. You *might* hear your neighbors. If you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs, my friend. Seriously. Consider it mandatory. I've endured entire late-night conversations through the walls, the joyful sounds of a toddler at 6:00 a.m. (bless their cotton socks), and the general cacophony of people coming and going. It's not a dealbreaker for me, but it's something to be aware of. And honestly? Sometimes the elevators are a little… slow. Especially during check-in/check-out times. Be patient. Or take the stairs. (Unless you’re on the 10th floor. Then maybe just wait for the elevator.)
Would you stay there again? And if so, why?
Absolutely, yes. Despite the minor flaws, the Hampton Inn IUPUI remains a solid choice for me. It’s convenient, clean, generally quiet (with earplugs!), and reasonably priced. The free breakfast, despite its occasional quirks, is a lifesaver. The location is good. And honestly, it's justHotel Bliss Search
