The Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Downtown Union Station hotel offers a unique lodging experience, particularly with its renowned train car rooms. This historic hotel, nestled within the iconic Indianapolis Union Station, provides a blend of vintage charm and modern comfort, making it a compelling choice for travelers.
Here's a breakdown of why you should consider staying at the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Union Station from a lady who stayed there herself and became a massive fan.
A Step Back in Time: Train Car Rooms
Back to Top of ListIndianapolis Union Station is a landmark of historical importance (it's on the National Register of Historic Places), and staying at the Crowne Plaza allowed me to immerse myself in its rich past, something I always try to do whenever I visit a new city. The station's architectural grandeur and the preserved train cars evoke a sense of nostalgia. Again, I'm all about it, so it was a no-brainer to stay there.
If you're looking for a hotel that offers more than just a place to sleep, the Crowne Plaza is a destination in itself. The hotel's most captivating feature is its 26 Pullman train car rooms (the hotel has 273 total rooms). These meticulously maintained cars, resting on their original tracks, offer a one-of-a-kind lodging experience. Each room is uniquely themed, often named after famous individuals who traveled by rail. Staying in these rooms is more than just a novelty; it's a chance to experience a piece of American history.
Staying in a train car is an experience you won't soon forget. It's a perfect choice for those wanting more than a traditional hotel room. It's important to note that train car rooms may have slightly smaller dimensions than standard hotel rooms, which is part of their authentic charm, and you will have to haul your luggage up a few train car steps to your room.
History & Charm
Back to Top of ListThe Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Downtown Union Station offers a blend of history, charm, and modern convenience. Whether you're a history buff, a train enthusiast, or simply seeking a unique lodging experience, the hotel's train car rooms provide an unforgettable stay. Beyond the train cars, the hotel's prime location and amenities make it an excellent choice for any visit to Indianapolis.
The hotel's overall ambiance is extraordinary. The combination of the historic train station setting and the elegant Crowne Plaza amenities creates a memorable stay. I do have to mention that there are windows without an exterior view of downtown. It’s definitely not a deal breaker, but if you like to sleep in the pitch dark, keep those window blinds completely closed!
Additionally, its downtown location provides easy access to Indianapolis's attractions, including the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and numerous restaurants and entertainment venues. During my stay, my daughter and I had an easy walk around the downtown area and didn’t need to worry about finding a parking space.
Lastly, the hotel is also known for the "ghost people" sculptures that are placed throughout the hotel. These sculptures add to the historic feel of the hotel and are a talking point for many guests. Personally, I loved them, although they did make me do a double-take a few times.