InterContinental Indianapolis opens following $120 million restoration

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has opened its newest luxury property, InterContinental Indianapolis. Located in the city’s downtown at 17 West Market Street, InterContinental Indianapolis is steps from the iconic Monument Circle and the Indiana State Capital. The destination’s first luxury hotel to open in two decades features 170 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites complemented by two new dining concepts helmed by award-winning 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 featuring spectacular 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 on 20th February. 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,” said Ersal Ozdemir, Owner and Developer of Keystone Group. “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.”

Leanne Harwood, SVP and Managing Director of Luxury & Lifestyle Americas, IHG Hotels & Resorts, expanded: “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 traveller while setting a new standard for hospitality in the region. 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 savour a perfectly crafted cocktail on the rooftop, there is something for all to enjoy.”

Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into the hotel through 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 colourway. With the addition of an entire rooftop floor as part of the $120 million restoration, the now 11-storey 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 programme 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 guest rooms and suites evoke a sense of sophistication through interiors that harmoniously blend luxurious soft furnishings, 300 thread count linens and sumptuous Black Label BeautyRest mattresses. All guest rooms feature a walk-in shower, with select suites offering soothing soaking tubs. En-suite bathrooms include double vanities for a glamourous way to prepare for a night out, while a full wet bar entices guests to spend an enjoyable evening in. Additional in-room amenities include Nespresso Machines, curated mini bars and Bal D’Afrique scented bath amenities by BYREDO. InterContinental Indianapolis also boasts the only Penthouse Suite in the city with floor-to-ceiling views of the city skyline.

Award-winning Indiana Chef Craig 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 honouring Indiana’s majestic state bird all among a stunning never-before-seen view of the circle below and the Indiana State Capital in the cosmopolitan centre of the city.

InterContinental Indianapolis will soon become a sought-after place for all of the city’s ‘Incredible Occasions’ – one of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts’ brand hallmarks. From intimate weddings and inspiring galas to productive meetings and private rooftop social events, the contemporary venues provide everything needed for modern, one-of-a-kind events in downtown Indianapolis. The hotel features over 5,000 square feet of meeting and event space including a 2,500-square-foot ballroom ideal for weddings, galas and corporate events as well as an executive boardroom.

Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts

What does Keystone Group do? 

Keystone Group is one of the largest privately owned real estate development and investment firms in Indiana. Headquartered in downtown Indianapolis, Keystone specializes in complex transformational mixed-use developments that are located in premier locations.

For over 20 years, Keystone Group has focused on elevating communities by bringing transformational development.to the areas it serves. Keystone was a catalyst for the renowned Arts and Design District in downtown Carmel, Indiana, with its mixed-use project Sophia Square; developed 3 Mass Condos, centrally located in Indianapolis’s cultural epicenter, Mass Ave; redeveloped the old AT&T Tower in downtown Indianapolis to the standard-setting, luxury mixed-use development, 220 Meridian, and the now open luxury historic conversion, the InterContinental Indianapolis. Keystone Group is presently developing the Grand Park Sports District into a vibrant live-work-play and stay sports entertainment district.

Which hotels are in the IHG group?

IHG Hotels & Resorts is a global hospitality company with a family of 19 hotel brands including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, which is the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand with over 220 hotels spanning 70 countries and representing over 73,350 bedrooms around the world. Founded by Pan American Airways Founder, Juan Trippe in 1946, InterContinental is guided by the belief in the power of travel to expand the mind and connect cultures.

Other brands under IHG ownership are: Six Senses, Regent Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Garner Hotels, avid hotels, Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites, Holiday Inn Club Vacations, Candlewood Suites, and Iberostar Beachfront Resorts.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group’s holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 385,000 people work across IHG’s hotels and corporate offices globally.

Main image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts