Richard P.
Yelp
I spent several days in downtown Indy over the past week as I was offering an awareness/fundraising event on nearby Monument Circle. I had no plans to utilize a motel/hotel option through the planned 3-day, 24/7 event, but had to move to a back-up plan when I realized I was going a bit slower than expected and would require a fourth day to finish my event.
My initial contact with Hilton Garden Inn is primarily the reason why my review is a 4-star rather than a 5-star. As I began to move into my third day of traveling hundreds of times around Monument Circle in my wheelchair, I began to realize that my fatigue was getting really intense and I was really feeling the need for a little rest. Finally, about midnight or so I began exploring nearby options to perhaps find a room and take a nap, a shower, and get renewed before heading back out to wheel some more. I ventured into this hotel. I explained briefly my option. They asked if I was a Hilton Honors member - I stated I didn't think so, but wasn't sure (as it turns out, I am). They quoted a room rate that felt a bit steep considering my limited need, so I declined.
The encounter felt a bit off. I was overwhelmingly tired having just finished 48 hours straight of wheeling around Monument Circle. I certainly didn't look my best. But, to be honest, I just felt a little dismissed here. My event, which was well publicized on 3 of 4 television stations in the area and the newspaper, really demanded that I be fiscally responsible but I sort of felt a wariness that was anything but appropriate. It just rubbed me the wrong way.
Interestingly enough, the very next day a sponsor stepped up and paid for a room at this same hotel. I used it for the exact same purpose - a brief period of rest, an opportunity to shower, and an opportunity to warm up after Indy's weather had suddenly changed. Because my sponsor made all the arrangements and even checked in, my encounter with staff was rather limited but perfectly fine.
I was in Room 603, an accessible room, and was quite pleased with it. The room had a roll-in shower, absolutely delightful, and the shower itself functioned perfectly (which is more rare than you might expect with accessibility options). The grab rails in the bathroom were plentiful - both sides of the shower and along the commode.
The highlight of the room for me was the bed - incredibly comfortable, a great comforter, and absolutely amazing pillows. I was desperately tired and really got some great rest.
The room had other options, of course, though I didn't do much beyond rest, shower, sleep, and then periodically get outside to do more laps.
There's apparently a complimentary, cooked to order breakfast per the website. All I saw on the first floor was a sign for a $12.95 buffet.
The renovated Hilton Garden Inn is definitely a notch above the usual Garden Inn in terms of interior and decor. I found it mostly quiet, though you could hear the piping a bit after hours. The room arrangement was really great for a wheelchair and I never had to struggle to get anywhere in the room. I also didn't struggle at all to get in the bed.
Being in downtown Indy, you can expect prices to be elevated here and parking to be more expensive. The curb cuts are a tad steep, so be prepared for that, but once inside the hotel you should be fine. I did not check to see if the pool has accessibility options.
Overall, I'd give the experience a thumbs up. I'd simply advise that perhaps that dirty guy entering your door is really someone who CAN afford your hotel and they may show up the next night patronizing your business. So, perhaps simply be sure to give everyone top notch customer service. So, 4 stars it is.