Crowne Plaza Indianapolis-Dwtn-Union Stn by IHG

The bathrooms were the main drawback for us. They’re tiny and split into two separate spaces, which felt cramped and awkward when sharing a room. Parking can be tough if you don’t use valet, since a nearby spot isn’t always easy to find. Still, we had a cool weekend stay. The big common areas give you room to relax or meet friends, and the industrial details make this Crowne Plaza stand out: exposed steel beams and visible rivets give it a historic, warehouse-turned-luxury feel. It’s right downtown, so restaurants, bars and several attractions are easy to reach on foot.

The best-known feature is the 26 guest rooms made from early-20th-century Pullman train cars, still set on the original tracks. They bring a memorable vintage feel while keeping modern comforts. Their narrow layout and occasional noise from rail activity come with the design, and many guests see those quirks as part of the experience. The hotel occupies America’s first Union Station, a historic depot listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its grand architecture and preserved features give the building real character. Downtown, it’s convenient to the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, with amenities for both business and leisure travelers. A strong pick for anyone looking for distinctive historic lodging in Indianapolis.

The staff made a real effort to help. They were professional, knew about the construction around the hotel, and did their best to make up for the disruption. Once you’re in, downtown Indianapolis restaurants and bars are within walking distance, which is a welcome relief after the stressful trip there. Finding the entrance by car was almost impossible because construction obscures it. I had to call the front desk for directions, and even then it was hard to find a spot. Some rooms have no windows. The ones in my unit faced the corridor, so there was no natural light, which I found unpleasant, though others might not mind. The Union Station hotel restoration was a fine idea, but my room felt stuck in the late '90s, with green wall carpet and a stuffy feel that wasn’t welcoming on a frigid Indianapolis evening. The bed was comfortable; the shower was very small and uncomfortable. IHG is known for quality, but this location didn’t meet the brand’s standards.

I prefer the train car rooms to the standard ones. They’re long and narrow, which separates the TV seating area from the bed a bit. The regular rooms are dark and dated, though comfortable, and the showers are standard. I appreciate IHG’s move to wall-mounted soap, shampoo and conditioner. Breakfast costs extra, so budget $20 or more unless it’s part of your rate. The gym is small: three treadmills, three ellipticals, one bike, dumbbells up to 50 pounds and some exercise bands. It’s similar to Holiday Inns, but below what some larger, more prestigious brands offer. I’ve stayed at this Crowne Plaza more than 30 times in seven years, and we also held a customer conference there for 150 people. The Grand Hall at Union Station is beautiful and works well for events. The hotel is very close to my office, the Indianapolis convention center and Colts Football stadium. Just know it sits under an active train track, and about half the rooms get occasional rumbling and shaking at all hours.