Bottleworks Hotel Review: Indianapolis Gem

It was like walking through a postcard from another era… Everywhere you look, you find yourself imagining the people who walked these halls before you. Never have I been so charmed (and artistically inspired)by a hotel before. It’s no wonder this Art Deco gem was nominated for “Best Boutique Hotel” by USA Today! In this Bottleworks Hotel review, I aim to answer all your the FAQs about the hotel.

I’ll also share my perspective after two stays in different room configurations. Spoiler alert – I’m itching to go back! If you’re looking for a unique boutique hotel experience that puts you near the heart of it all in Indianapolis, the Bottleworks Hotel might be the property you’re seeking.

Ruffle Blouse – Sezane (my favorite – many colors available!)

What is the Bottleworks Hotel?

The hotel describes itself quite well as “a classic reimagined.”

So, let’s take a trip back in time… The Bottleworks is the former Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Indianapolis. And oh-my-goodness can you see the references. There are spaces in this hotel that are the spitting image of the plant in its heyday! You can also see nods to it history in the color scheme, with bright Coca-Cola red doors.

As a primer, this was not just any bottling plant. The Bottleworks was once the largest Coca-Cola bottling plant in the world. Explains the grandeur, doesn’t it? The Yuncker brothers (Lee and James) commissioned the Massachusetts Ave hotel and started bottling in the 1930s. The hotel talks about its history here.

It was a vision then and now. Consequently, this is not mere nostalgia.

The stunning architecture and state-of-the-art equipment quickly grounded the plant as a pillar in the community. Bottling started on Massachusetts Avenue in the 1930s. At its peak, the factory produced more than 2 million bottles of soda per week. The plant moved in 1964 and the property sat empty until 1969. Its reimagined future launched in 2016, as a real estate developer eyed the property as a hub for entertainment, history, and art.

Fast forward to current day, and it is drawing all kinds of accolades. For instance, in 2023 Yelp named the revitalized property its top “place to stay.” The ranking listed the country’s top 100 hotels, inns, campgrounds, and resorts based on ratings/reviews. Another Indianapolis hot spot, the Ironworks Hotel, also made the list at number 27. You can read my full review of that property here.

As with most hotels, room rates vary depending on your travel dates. You can snag a better deal if you stay during the week than the weekend (i.e., Friday, Saturday, into Sunday). Likewise, you can often get a better rate booking through a third party vendor than the Hotel’s website. Rooms at the Bottleworks Hotel generally start upwards of the $200 mark.

• Book via Expedia
• Book via Hotels.com

Historical photos: Courtesy of the Bottleworks Hotel

Bottleworks Hotel Review – My Experience

I first discovered the hotel while looking for an Art Deco vibe for a video project. For those who are new here, I’m a former news anchor/reporter who now teaches journalism and video production at Purdue. Consequently, I pay keen attention to aesthetics when choosing a hotel.

If you take nothing else away from my Bottleworks Hotel review… know this.. The Bottleworks is a visual dream for creatives! The stunning, original exterior immediately sparked inspiration. I spent hours wandering outside attempting to capture its magnificence. In that first trip, I did not stay at the hotel, I merely enjoyed the common areas and its surroundings.

Shortly after, I booked a stay for a girl’s getaway. It was so delightful, I did a repeat with another bestie (who happens to be a photographer). She was moving to another state and we creatives needed a last hurrah together!

Thanks to the Bottleworks Hotel for hosting this stay. All opinions about the property and experience are my own. 

Sequin Mini Dress (under $80) | Bow Pumps

On that trip, we had a photography field day inside. We immersed ourselves in its “Great Gatsby” vibe and left feeling so inspired. The lobby is breathtaking with a fun pool table (which we of course used for photos). There’s so many visual highlights! However, the most beautiful element in my opinion, is its spiral staircase. Be sure to walk past the lobby and the golden door at the end, so you can see it two. This spot cannot be missed!

So, let’s talk location…

Bottleworks Hotel Indianapolis – About The Location

A key question for anyone looking up Bottleworks Hotel reviews is definitely location! This boutique hotel puts you right where the action is. As the anchor of the Bottleworks District, you can tap into all kinds of food and entertainment amenities at the Bottleworks.

For example, there’s the Garage Food Hall, the Living Room movie theater, and Pins Mechanical bowling alley. It has a fabulous bar right, Sundry and Vice, right inside. Kelly and I asked the bartender for advice and he recommended the most delicious seasonal drinks.

You can visit Blue Collar Coffee in the morning. With its lounge-style seating, it’s a delightful place to catch on emails with freshly roasted coffee. There are also a variety of shops and services nearby. You can get you nails done at W Nail Bar, pick up a class at YogaSix, or have a “good hair day” with a Drybar blowout.

If you plan to venture a bit further, you’ll find the best of Indianapolis is either walkable or a quick drive away. You can walk to Monument Circle (the center of downtown) in about 20-25 minutes.

Here are some other destinations you might wish to explore:

• Indianapolis Zoo/White River State Park – 10 minute drive
• Children’s Museum – 10 minute drive
• Lucas Oil Stadium – 10 minute drive

The Rooms 

You will find eight different types of rooms at the Bottleworks Hotel, as well as a incredibly luxurious penthouse suite. It comes complete with a pool table and walk-out veranda! We didn’t stay there. However, we did experience the luxury of its Priestly Suite. Oh my goodness, the bathroom and its soaker tub was divine! This room is super spacious and ideal for girls getaway.

There’s plenty of counterspace for you to get ready for a night on the town, plus a comfy couch for lounging or watching a movie when you get back to your room.

The other room I stayed in was the Terrace King. It’s quite spacious – nearly 600 square feet. However, the best part is the open-air terrace. It looks out onto historic Carrollton Avenue. I thoroughly enjoyed having my morning coffee and a sweet treat out there.

With that said, you will have a wonderful experience in any Bottleworks Hotel room. I took a look at the standard configuration rooms too. The Classic King was equally beautiful and well-appointed. Every guest will find plus robes, exquisite marble bathrooms, divinely soft linens, a Keurig coffee-maker and in-room dining options. You also have access to free Wi-Fi.

Bottleworks Hotel Review – FAQs

Does the Bottleworks Hotel allow pets?

It sure does! In fact, this hotel will go the extra mile to pamper your furry friend. With a one-time pet fee of $25, you’ll find everything your pet could want in your room: dog bowls, a custom-made sweet treat, and placemat from an Indy-local dogs grocery. Click here to view the full pet policy and fees.

What about parking?

The Bottleworks Hotel offers valet parking. It’s $48 for overnight stays.  However, there’s surface parking available really close (on the North end of the hotel – corner of 10th Street and Bellefontaine). It’s much more affordable and what I opted for both times.

Is there a pool? 

No pool unfortunately, but you could have a spa instead. The Woodhouse Day Spa looks quite fun.

What if I need to cancel my reservation? 

The Bottleworks Hotel is quite understanding if your plans shift. If you cancel 24 hours prior to your arrival, there is no penalty.

Final thoughts?

To conclude this Bottleworks Hotel review, let’s just say the property is worth the trip! Any time I have friends or family coming into the Indianapolis area, the Bottleworks Hotel is the first I recommend. It’s also my top pick for a regional staycation. The Bottleworks District has everything you could want if you’re looking for the type of getaway that encourages you to slow down, relax, and enjoy the moment.

It feels luxurious, but requires zero effort because everything you need is right at your fingertips. There’s no need to drive to find a great restaurant, spa, or salon. You can simply turn a corner and it’s right there!

Additionally, it’s a great spot for artsy souls. Not only did I encounter many spots that offered visual inspiration, but I also left feeling enthusiastic to be creative back at home.

If you have any questions about a stay here, don’t hesitate to drop them below. I hope you enjoy your trip!