The Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Indiana

The Indiana Statehouse dominates the Washington Street area of Indianapolis | Alamy: © natthaphong janpum / Alamy

3 December 2021

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Brushing up against Kentucky to the south and Michigan to the north, Indiana is technically a midwestern state, but it has a strong southern influence. This means you can expect a warm welcome, hearty food, and an obsession with motor racing – Indianapolis 500, anyone? The Hoosier State also boasts plentiful natural wonders, from the Indiana Dunes National Park on the southern tip of Lake Michigan to the Indiana Cave Trail in the south of the state. Explore it all then rest your sleepy head at one of the best cheap hotels in Indiana, all bookable with Culture Trip.

Grant Street Inn, for a homey, historic stay in Bloomington

Facade of the pastel-hued Grant Street Inn

Courtesy of Grant Street Inn / Expedia

Made up of five 1890s houses, this boutique spot sets the scene with butter-yellow weatherboarding and front porches big enough for a rocking chair or two. Rescued from demolition and restored to its former splendor, the inn boasts 40 rooms, each decorated in its own style, from Victorian to contemporary. In the mornings, don’t miss the feast-like breakfast buffet served in the impressive dining room.

Hoosier Inn, for old-school Americana in Portland

Dark-toned room at Hoosier Inn with wooden furniture

Courtesy of Hoosier Inn / Expedia

Steeped in old-school Americana, this motel-style inn is the ideal base for exploring the equally retro Portland, Indiana. Located on the edge of the city, it is minutes away from numerous restaurants, shops and cafes; green spaces such as the John Cring Memorial Forest; and local attractions like the Museum of the Soldier and Jay County Historical Society. With an in-room microwave, fridge and coffee maker to hand, you can save a few extra dollars by self-catering.

Oakwood Resort, for fun on the water at Lake Wawasee

Guests on the terrace at Oakwood Resort with views to the water

Courtesy of Oakwood Resort / Expedia

Located on the edge of Lake Wawasee, the state’s largest natural lake, this sprawling yet homely lodge lulls you with relaxed Indiana hospitality. Wrapped in white-fenced balconies, the impressive main building houses a lake-view restaurant and bar, a spa and a salon. When you want to hit the water, rent a kayak or pontoon, or head to the sandy beach for a bracing dip.

Graber’s Green Gables, for old-school American hospitality in Odon

Facade of traditional Graber’s Green Gables with lawn out front

Courtesy of Graber’s Green Gables / Expedia

Set on a mere 13 acres (5ha) of the countryside (a small garden around these parts), this charming bed and breakfast could be plucked from the pages of Anne of Green Gables. Old-school American hospitality will greet you in the morning along with your complimentary country breakfast. And with Odon, Montgomery and Washington nearby, you’ll never be short of activities, such as tours of Amish Country and local festivals that give a true flavor of the state.

Best Western Plus Crawfordsville, for a reliable base in Montgomery County

Cozy room at Best Western Plus Crawfordsville with flatscreen, desk and striped carpets

Courtesy of Best Western Plus Crawfordsville / Expedia

You can always rely on a Best Western to provide the ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. Clean, comfortable and affordable, this iteration is only 3mi (5km) from the Carnegie Museum of Montgomery County, 2mi (3km) from Sugar Creek Nature Park and moments from the tasty restaurants of Crawfordsville. There’s a heated indoor pool, sauna and fitness center onsite and, most importantly, the complimentary breakfast includes an omelet station.

Sonesta Select, Indianapolis Carmel, for easy access to the state capital

Sleek room at Sonesta Select, Indianapolis Carmel with turquoise carpets and wooden desk and headboard

Courtesy of Sonesta Select, Indianapolis Carmel / Expedia

Just under a mile from Interstate 465, this conveniently located hotel is a straightforward, contemporary offering. The rooms are modern and generously sized, and facilities include a large indoor pool, a welcoming American restaurant serving breakfast and dinner, a minimart, a well-equipped fitness center and an attractive courtyard with a firepit. You’ll be well placed too, within short driving distance of Butler University, and about 30 minutes from downtown Indianapolis.

Hampton Inn, Lebanon, for business and downtime in Boone County

Modern room at Hampton Inn, Lebanon by Hilton with colourful headboard, wall art and bedside lamps

Courtesy of Hampton Inn, Lebanon by Hilton

Being near several of the region’s corporate offices and manufacturers, this hotel is popular with business travelers, but it’s just as well placed for leisure activities. If you find yourself with some downtime, the Boone County Fairgrounds and Memorial Park are both within 10 minutes’ drive. Stay in the bright, airy accommodation and you’ll have free rein of the well-equipped fitness center and complimentary hot breakfast buffet.

Home2 Suites by Hilton, Fort Wayne North, for a pet-friendly stay in northeast Indiana

Large room at Home2 Suites by Hilton, Fort Wayne North with sofa, footrest, desk, flatscreen and a large window

Courtesy of Home2 Suites by Hilton, Fort Wayne North / Expedia

The cool and contemporary Home2 brand is always a safe bet, and this place is no exception. On the outskirts of Fort Wayne, local dining and bars are five minutes away, and TinCaps baseball is just 15 minutes – almost within catching distance. The cheery, all-suite offering features bright block coloring against cool aqua shades throughout, and amenities include a generous indoor pool and a complimentary breakfast. It’s also pet-friendly.

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