The romance of a hotel bar is underrated—whether you’re in town visiting for business or pleasure, you need a staycation, or just a night out for well-mixed cocktails. The bartenders at hotel bars are often a different breed, too. Sure, they’re trained to whip up your favorite drink and local favorites but they also have a knack for making you feel welcome, whether that’s three hours away, three thousand miles away, or three blocks away from where you call home. They’ll be your tour guide, your therapist, and your new friend. If they’re really good at what they do, you’ll go back on day two to tell them about how you spent the day exploring their recommendations.
Check out this roundup of stunning hotel bars in the Indianapolis area that are perfect for your out-of-town visitors…and you, too.
Plat 99 at The Alexander Hotel
The vibes at Plat 99 are immaculate. Designed by artist Jorge Pardo, bursting with stunning colors, and natural light with huge windows that overlook the sports mecca of the city. A drink at this hotel bar is more than just a drink, it’s an artistic experience. The art shines through on the walls, intricate installations and artisanal libations. Partake in the small plates, outdoor flames, and cocktails at night and then wake up in the morning for an elite coffee bar experience with fresh pastries.
Spoke & Steele at Le Meridien
The bartenders at Spoke & Steele bring mixology to another level by serving up unique drinks and always knowing what to pair them with on their locally-sourced, elevated American menu. The dim lights and intoxicating perfumed hotel smell in the air makes this one of the sexiest bars in Indy.
Adagio Lounge at Hotel Carmichael
Think old Hollywood energy meets eclectic jazz bar and you have the Adagio Lounge at Hotel Carmichael. This stunning bar, nestled inside Carmel’s newest luxury hotel boasts views of crystal chandeliers, an inviting fireplace, and a baby grand piano. Known for their weekly live music, this is the place to make you feel like you’re on a date with a member of the Rat Pack.
Provision at Ironworks Hotel
Provision Restaurant is a fabulous place for dinner at the Ironworks Hotel, but we beg you not to sleep on the bar at the back of the restaurant. The art deco bar lamps help set the mood for a night of quiet conversation. The space also has a stunning elevated patio perfect for drinks by the fire.
The Club Room at Bottleworks Hotel
The newest addition to Downtown Indy, The Club Room at Bottleworks is the perfect spot for a late night sip. With subtle nods to the hotel’s history of being a former Coca-Cola bottling plant, this bar brings stunning themed drinks to the table, artdeco vibes, and the best mezcal old-fashioned you’ve ever had to Mass Ave.
Our biggest piece of advice is to ask all the questions. Ask about the cocktail you’re about to drink, the monument around the corner, and about the hideaways only the locals can tell you about… because you just never know who might be sitting next to you overhearing the conversation waiting for their chance to jump in.
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