Once it was confirmed that I would be going to
Indianapolis for an industry event, I immediately began looking for cheap
accommodation so I could spend a couple of days to check out the city. I was on a bit of a scouting mission as I
plan to go to the Indy 500 in 2016 for the 100th Running. With the convention going on during the last
week of October, my options were extremely limited. In fact, the average price for budget hotels
were going for around $100 US per night – far more than my budget would allow
for a weekend getaway.
I had even considered using Air BnB, but with
prices not much cheaper and a bit further out of the way from downtown, I
quickly eliminated that idea.
Eventually, I decided on staying at the Indy Hostel. For about $35 US per night and fifteen
minutes south from the heart of Broad Ripple Village – the epitome of
Indianapolis’ College nightlife scene – I really couldn’t go wrong here.
 |
| Indy Hostel - Indianapolis' Only Hostel |
Airport Pick Up/Drop Off
The Indy Hostel is located on the south end of
Broad Ripple Village, so it is by no means an easy destination to get to from
the airport. You could take a cab, but
that might easily run you over $80 US.
You could take the Airport Shuttle downtown for about $10 US, and then
catch the Number 17 bus at the State Capitol for an additional $1.75 for a one-way
trip. However, public transit is
terrible in Indianapolis, so you would be waiting for at least an hour for the
bus to pick you up.
For $48 US, the Indy Hostel can either pick you
up or drop you off at the airport for a one-way trip. I opted for this choice because it was
quicker, reasonably priced, and it gave me a chance to speak with one of
the Hostel workers about restaurant and tourism suggestions within Indy. When you book your reservation online, you
can opt-in for this service. Payment can
be made via cash or credit card once you arrive at the hostel.
 |
| Heading to the Indy Hostel |
Location
Since my budget was limited for this trip – and
I was not looking to party the night away – choosing to stay at the Indy Hostel
was the right choice for me given its location within the Southern area of
Broad Ripple Village. Located at 4903
Winthrop Avenue, the Indy Hostel is located within a quiet neighbourhood about
a 20-minute walk south of the vibrant downtown area of Broad Ripple
Village.
As for getting to downtown Indianapolis, the Indy Hostel is a mere four block walk east of the North College Avenue & East 49th Street bus stop. The Number 17 bus can get you downtown within 20 minutes. Furthermore, this neighbourhood has one of the most unique bars that I have ever seen – the Sinking Ship – and a nearby liquor store where tall boys of Rolling Rock for a mere $2 US per can!
 |
| Common area inside the Indy Hostel |
As for getting to downtown Indianapolis, the Indy Hostel is a mere four block walk east of the North College Avenue & East 49th Street bus stop. The Number 17 bus can get you downtown within 20 minutes. Furthermore, this neighbourhood has one of the most unique bars that I have ever seen – the Sinking Ship – and a nearby liquor store where tall boys of Rolling Rock for a mere $2 US per can!
Aesthetics & Amenities
Not quite a hostel, but not quite a Bed &
Breakfast, either, the Indy Hostel is like a “home away from home” for
backpackers. The walls are adorned with
the works of local artists. The living
room was warm and cosy with plenty of DVDs for guests to watch. Internet access was readily available with
free WiFi. The backyard also had a fire
pit, which we all gathered around at each night. There was also a stage in the backyard for
local musicians to entertain guests and locals for special Band Jam
events. Since I was here in late
October, the backyard was adorned with plenty of Halloween decorations, which
further added to the homely vibe.
I was astonished by how clean the hostel was,
as well. Having stayed in a few hostels
in Los Angeles, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro, I was quite impressed by how well
the Indy Hostel staff took care of this place.
From what I understand, this hostel generally attracts a much older
crowd (late twenties to early thirties), business travelers, and families who are in
town to watch their children graduate from one of the local colleges.
 |
| Some of the Halloween decorations around Indy Hostel |
Customer Service
It goes without saying that customer service should always be
top priority for any business. When I first landed
into Indianapolis, I received a voicemail and several texts saying that
no one would be picking me up despite requesting it when I booked my
reservation in September. While trying to come up with an alternative
method of transportation, I took my sweet ol' time admiring some of the kitschy
artwork and posters around the airport.
Around this time, I received one final text from the Manager
on Duty that they would in fact be sending someone to pick me up after
all, and not even 30 seconds later, the Intern had called me to let me
know she was waiting for me in the Arrivals area. Although you initially
screwed up my initial request, you quickly won me over again with this prompt
customer service, Indy Hostel!
 |
| Indy Hostel - A "Home away from Home" |
The People
As with any hostel experience, you typically meet some
interesting characters along the way. The first two people that I met at
the hostel – Jamey and Debra – had been living there for almost a month.
Jamey came from Atlanta to work on a renovation project with a few of his
friends, and Debra had recently moved here from Pennsylvania as per "God's
wishes." I found her to be a bit crazy to move to Indianapolis on a
whim like that, but she quickly got a job at one of the local hotels and had a
heart of gold.
English Dennis was a man in his late forties that I met during my first night at
the hostel while chilling around the bonfire. Dennis had left London at
the beginning of September for his "Wrong Shaped Balls" tour, which would see him
tour every single NFL stadium during the 2015 regular season. To visit
every NFL stadium within a regular season is tough, but to come from Europe to
do it is just absolutely insane and awesome!
Abdul was another guest I met staying at the hostel that
weekend. He was in town visiting one of his College friends.
Originally from Saudi Arabia, Abdul told me how he ended up living in
Central Illinois to pursue his dream of studying in the United States. It
was just cool to have a drink and a casual conversation with someone from the
Middle East where the culture is far more conservative than here.
Aidan was the last person I met during my stay at the Indy Hostel.
Deciding he would take some time off to enjoy a gap year before starting
College, Aidan told me about his plans to build up his film portfolio and
travel around the world extensively in 2016. He was in town for a film
festival showcasing one of his latest projects. In some way, he reminded
me of a younger version of myself, except I never had the balls that he did
when I was his age. All in all, the Indy Hostel really impressed me and
is a place worth staying at if you are going to Indianapolis.
Indy Hostel
 |
| Daytime view of the Indy Hostel's backyard |
 |
| English Dennis discussing his Wrong Shaped Balls tour with other guests |
 |
| Computer room with complimentary Internet access & printing services |
 |
| Indy Hostel - Indianapolis' Only Hostel |
4903 Winthrop Avenue
Indianapolis,
IN 46205
United States
Phone: (317)
727-1696
Email: stay@indyhostel.us
Website: www.indyhostel.us