The Marriott Place in Indianapolis – WOW!
Earlier this week I was invited to a grand opening reception for three of the new hotel properties that are now available at The Marriott Place development that’s being built in downtown Indianapolis.
If you’ve been near downtown in the last few months and earlier, you’ve probably noticed the gleaming, tower of blue tinted glass that’s been shooting into the Indianapolis skyline. The tall tower is the new JW Marriott that’s going to be opening in 2011, but right now there are three properties that are now open and available in the lodging complex.
The three hotels that are currently open to serve guests are the new Courtyard Indianapolis Downtown, Spring Hill Suites Indianapolis Downtown and the Fairfield Inn & Suites Indianapolis Downtown. I was immediately blown away by the fresh and contemporary new look for each of these properties. It wasn’t too long ago that I made my living in the travel and hospitality industry and these facilities feel light years ahead of the hotels I toured and reviewed for travelers back then.
You can see the modern new look and colors in the photo slideshow in this post, but that doesn’t even do justice to this new addition to downtown. The view of the city, and they’re not ones you’re used to seeing, are extraordinary. They really highlight that there beauty in our city in plenty more areas than you might think.
Located between beautiful Victory Field, home of the Indianapolis Indians, the Eiteljorg Museum, home of western and Native American art, White River State Park and the expanding new Indianapolis Convention Center, The Marriott Place development is poised to be in the center of it all for convention and vacation business in our wonderful city.
Coming back with the family of hotels is the downtown TGI Friday’s location that was a favorite place to go for a bite after attending an Indian’s game or visiting one of the many attractions within walking distance.
Altogether, there will be over 1,600 new hotel rooms available at The Marriott Place with opening of the JW Marriott in 2011. With all the options in properties, services and amenities visitors will be sure to find a fantastic room to enjoy while visiting our city.
All properties will share access to an indoor pool, valet parking, free wi-fi, room service from TGI Friday’s and plenty of other food options during your stay. You really can’t miss a great experience by staying at any of these locations.
Another note about the spectacular views, if we’re lucky enough to get the Sky Concert back this year, there will be some more great guest rooms to reserve and watch the fireworks in downtown.
Follow the jump to see a really cool artist rendering aerial flyover of The Marriott Place and JW Marriott complex.
Dinner with Friends at Weber Grill
Last night I got to enjoy a great meal at Weber Grill in Indianapolis with some friends from college. Normally when the alumni office schedules an Indianapolis alumni dinner I seem to always have a conflict in my schedule. It was great when my friend Kim contacted me via Facebook and invited me to join her and another friend, Micah, out to dinner. I chose Weber Grill because I’d never been there, but always "smelled" it when I’ve been downtown and was immediately hungry.
After I made reservations I quickly setup an event in Facebook and invited each of us to it with all the details. I arranged to pick-up Kim at University Place Conference Center & Hotel and we would meet Micah at the restaurant.
The interior of the restaurant is great. It balances being very classy with being open and welcome of a casual atmosphere as well. We were seated in one of their side rooms and were immediately welcome with drinks and their pretzel rolls. Which were amazing! My daughter wouldn’t try them until I pulled the center out of them, then I think she had a couple of baskets all her own.
The kid’s meals were great and loaded with food. My son (who had a little pocket incident walking to the restaurant) got ribs with broccoli and cheese, fresh fruit and tater tots. He wasn’t a big fan of the taste of the BBQ sauce so we ended up exchanging those for a plain cheeseburger which was also amazing.
My adventurous daughter played it safe with plain cheese pizza, but was also enjoying the same variety of sides as her brother did with his meal. They also both got a yummy ice cream sundae in a waffle cone to finish off the meal.
My wife enjoyed the beef brisket, which was cooked to perfection, with baked beans, and mashed potatoes. I had the blackened catfish with garlic sautéed spinach and whipped sweet potatoes. Everything was absolutely delicious!
The conversation with great friends and reconnecting or connecting them with my own family was very much appreciated and valued. What is it about sharing a meal together that makes relationships feel so much more intense and appreciated?
If you’re looking for a great dining experience in Indianapolis and having tried Weber Grill Restaurant, then you owe it to yourself to experience it. They even have a special grilled Thanksgiving feast you can enjoy.
