InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, has opened its newest luxury property, InterContinental Indianapolis. Located in the city’s downtown, InterContinental Indianapolis is near Monument Circle and the Indiana State Capitol. The destination’s first luxury hotel to open in two decades has 170 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites complemented by two new dining concepts helmed by chef Craig Baker, including the first rooftop bar of its kind for the city, an existing upscale steakhouse Hyde Park, 5,000-square-feet of meeting and event space, and the city’s only penthouse suite on a private floor with views of Monument Circle.
Housed in the historic 100-year-old Illinois Building, the property was listed as one of Indiana’s 10 most endangered landmarks before it was purchased by locally based owner and developer Keystone Group. Construction was substantially completed by Keystone Group in 2024. The expertly redeveloped property began welcoming guests February 20th. The new hotel is redefining the city’s hospitality landscape and providing an urban respite for visitors to Indianapolis and local guests.
“The opening of InterContinental Indianapolis signifies an elevation of the hospitality and tourism industries to include true luxury in one of America’s most vibrant cities," Ersal Ozdemir, owner and developer, Keystone Group, said in a statement. "Keystone Group, with the distinguished InterContinental brand, has transformed the historic Illinois Building into the only luxury accommodation of its kind. With classic contemporary design, luxury finishes, and state-of-the-art amenities all absent from the market, InterContinental Indianapolis is a beacon of elegance, style, and engineering excellence.”
“As we open the doors to InterContinental Indianapolis with Keystone Group, we are proud to bring elevated experiences and create a sense of discovery for the modern luxury traveler while setting a new standard for hospitality in the region," Leanne Harwood, SVP and managing director of Luxury & Lifestyle Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, expanded. "This stunning hotel embodies the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Indianapolis, so whether you’re a visitor exploring the destination for the first time or a local seeking to savor a perfectly crafted cocktail on the rooftop, there is something for all to enjoy.”
Walking in to the hotel, there are opulent brass doors accentuated by intricate grillwork set against alabaster panels. The original ornate elements designed by architect Robush and Hunter in 1925 remain intact but refurbished with a modern colorway. With the addition of an entire rooftop floor as part of the $120 million restoration, the now 11-story hotel includes the preserved historic entry with facets of the building’s lavishly detailed craftsmanship of the past, seamlessly blending in with a new contemporary canopy to welcome guests in the most elevated manner.
The hotel’s exterior, much of which is the Illinois Building’s original architecture, is comprised of granite and limestone with Moderne bas relief panels and topped with gold-glazed terra cotta cornice. Additional stand-out interior design details include bespoke Murano chandeliers and a hand-blown glass chandelier that suspends three stories with ethereal grace from the second-floor lobby, a robust art program that exclusively features pieces throughout the hotel that were commissioned by artists with strong Indiana ties, and Italian marble located throughout the public spaces.
Each of the hotel’s 170 guestrooms and suites evoke a sense of sophistication through interiors that harmoniously blend soft furnishings, 300-thread count linens and Black Label BeautyRest mattresses. All guestrooms have a walk-in shower, with select suites having soothing soaking tubs. Additional in-room amenities include Nespresso Machines, curated mini bars and Bal D’Afrique scented bath amenities by BYREDO. InterContinental Indianapolis also has the only Penthouse Suite in the city with floor-to-ceiling views of the city skyline.
Award-winning Indiana chef Baker serves as the hotel’s executive chef, overseeing all food and beverage offerings, including the new Astrea Rooftop Bar and Serliana. Astrea, the city’s first rooftop bar overlooking Monument Circle, is a polished all-season cocktail destination featuring both indoor and outdoor space. A refreshing cocktail-forward beverage menu includes the aptly named Monument G&T and the Cardinal Crown honoring Indiana’s majestic state bird all among a stunning never-before-seen view of the circle below and the Indiana State Capitol in the cosmopolitan center of the city.