Suggestions for a family reunion in Indy this summer? (Indianapolis: how much, hotels)

[ACWhite]

We are thinking of planning a reunion this summer in Indianapolis, for relatives who are all over the country and ages ranging from the 80s to preschool. Some are in Indy and some will probably drive from within 1-4 hours; others will fly.



Can anyone suggest a good, mid-priced but very clean and comfortable hotel that might give group discount rates and offer a place to have a dinner for maybe 30-50 people (we have no way of knowing how many might come at this point)? It might be nice to be near the zoo, or near other places where relatives might like to visit before or after the dinner.


Or, do you have ideas about a better way to plan this, other places to go or things to do, etc.?



Also, are there weekends to avoid, that might be especially crowded (such as the weekend of the 500 or the Brickyard?)


Thanks!

[msamhunter]

If you want to be near the zoo downtown is it. Blocking x amount of rooms should net the cheapest price. Hotels negotiate based off of occupancy rate. If they are high they will negotiate but you have to be good at it for dt hotels. Best bet stay out of the mile sq. The hotels on south west street south of lucas oil should net your best rates. If you just want cheap, east indy off of shadeland and 70 or 465 and emerson in beech grove is your best bet.

For weekends to avoid visit the indiana convention center web site and look at upcoming conventions. Anything not of moderate size should be a good weekend.

[ACWhite]

Thanks. Does anyone else have idea, such as specific hotels to recommend?

[ischyros]

I don't know about specific hotels without looking how much you're wanting to spend. But if you're planning to stay downtown, I'd avoid the time around the black expo or summer celebration as it's called now in July. Hotels downtown will be packed and rates will be sky high. Also watch out for Gen Con, which is in August. It's the biggest convention in Indy, I believe. If it isn't the biggest, it's one of the biggest and packs hotels downtown.

Like msamhunter said, for cheaper hotels downtown you could look at the Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites, or Comfort Suites on the west side of Lucas Oil Stadium. They'd still be close enough that you could possibly walk to the zoo or other White River State Park Attractions. The Residence Inn on the canal is nice as you can walk out and be right on the canal but it's pricey. Closer to 465 is going to be cheaper for the most part, except around Keystone at the Crossing and along Meridian Street in Carmel.

My experience is hotels will give a group discount, but you need to know the number of rooms to reserve in advance. Sometimes they will give you a cutoff date where the number becomes fixed. Say you reserve 20 rooms but find out you only need 15. You have to know by that cutoff date. If you don't, then the contract usually says you are required to pay for a night in those extra rooms anyway. I've also seen where if you reserve too few rooms, say you reserve 20 and you really need 25, if they have the space available, they'll give those extra 5 rooms for the discount price. Reserving space in a hotel for a family reunion is common.

You could also look into the Caribbean Cove Hotel and Water park at I-465 and Michgan Rd on the northwest side. You can get special rates on the rooms and the attached indoor water park.