Best Hotels in Bloomington

Just a short stroll from Indiana University, Grant Street Inn is a convenient spot for parents visiting students and for college visits. For commencement weekend, though, rooms are assigned via a lottery system due to high demand. While the rooms at the property are each unique in design and set in five different buildings – including one built in the 1890s – they all feature private bathrooms, irons with ironing boards and flat-screen TVs. Guests can also access the fitness center and enjoy a free homemade breakfast buffet each morning. While several recent guests loved the downtown location, others cautioned that being centrally located came with some noise.

Located about a mile from Memorial Stadium (home of the Indiana Hoosiers), the Holiday Inn Bloomington is a convenient spot for parents visiting college students and those attending basketball and football games at the university. Guests can also catch a shuttle to the Indianapolis International Airport, which is about 50 miles north of the hotel. The property has an outdoor heated pool, a fitness center, free parking, a business center, laundry facilities and free coffee. Inside the rooms, guests will find flat-screen TVs, desks, bathtubs and free Wi-Fi access. Upgrade to a suite for more room and a separate living area. When you get hungry, t on-site Burger Theory restaurant has burgers, appetizers, desserts and local beers. Recent guests had high praise for the customer service throughout the property, though others thought that breakfast should be better staffed. The property is part of InterContinental Hotels Group, so guests can earn and redeem points through the IHG Rewards loyalty program.

Situated on Lake Monroe in Bloomington, Indiana, Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina offers guests a getaway, complete with a private beach, boat rentals and live entertainment. Here, guests can enjoy the hotel’s namesake marina, an indoor-outdoor heated pool, a fitness center, tennis, mini-golf, basketball and volleyball – plus nearby hiking, hunting and fishing. Inside, you’ll find oak furnishings throughout, a breakfast buffet, an American restaurant serving lunch and dinner, a bar and a patio. Settle into a room or suite with a kitchen or kitchenette, balcony or patio, free Wi-Fi, a minifridge, microwave and flat-screen TV. Note: Opt for a lakeview room if possible – otherwise you may be seeing a parking lot. According to recent guests, the highlight of this property is the exceptionally friendly and helpful front desk staff.

The Hilton Garden Inn Bloomington, located in downtown Bloomington, Indiana, is close to local shops, restaurants and attractions. Guest rooms and suites come with free Wi-Fi, HDTVs and Serta Perfect Sleeper beds. Suites also boast minifridges, Keurig coffee makers and microwaves. Travelers commended the cleanliness of the rooms and the customer service at this Hilton hotel. On-site amenities include a business center, a 24-hour Pavilion Pantry for snacks and supplies, a fitness center and an indoor pool and hot tub. Those looking for a more substantial dining option can head to Coaches Sports Bar, which serves breakfast, dinner and beverages; the eatery also serves lunch on select days. The hotel has more than 5,000 square feet of meeting space and has a Grand Ballroom available for large events and receptions. Nearby attractions include Indiana University, the Bloomington Playwrights Project and the downtown district. The hotel is part of the Hilton Honors program and members can earn and redeem points at this hotel.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bloomington has 102 guest rooms and 32 suites, and is a short drive from the Monroe Convention Center. All rooms feature minifridges, microwaves and coffee makers, plus free morning newspapers. The hotel offers a full complimentary breakfast, which recent guests say is delicious, and a free social hour Monday through Thursday. Other on-site amenities include free in-room Wi-Fi, a business center and complimentary parking. Guests can unwind in the indoor heated pool and hot tub or work up a sweat in the fitness center. Indiana University is about 4 miles northeast, so the hotel makes a great home base for guests who want to take in a Hoosiers game or are visiting students. The hotel is part of the IHG Rewards Club and members can earn or redeem points at this hotel.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Bloomington offers one- or two-bedroom suites that are a short drive from downtown Bloomington and Indiana University. Each suite has a full kitchen, including a full-size refrigerator, a two-burner stovetop, a dishwasher and a microwave. Recent guests loved the spacious suites, saying they were impressed with the tidiness. However, some travelers noted issues with the property giving away their reserved rooms to other guests. The hotel also offers a grocery delivery service and a 24-hour on-site convenience store. Those looking to spend some downtime at the hotel can relax in the indoor pool or exercise in the fitness center. Free high-speed Wi-Fi access is available in all rooms and the business center. The hotel serves a free hot breakfast daily, and there's an evening social Monday through Thursday. The hotel is part of the Hilton Honors program and members can earn and redeem points at this hotel.

About a mile from Indiana University’s campus, the Hyatt Place Bloomington situates guests in downtown Bloomington and adjacent to a 3-mile converted railroad that’s now a walking and running trail. At this pet-friendly Hyatt hotel (which participates in the World of Hyatt rewards program), visitors will find an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness center, meeting and event space, a business center and an attached parking garage (available for a fee). Guests love the free, upscale breakfast and central location. This contemporary hotel also offers a 24-hour gallery menu and market – plus the Coffee to Cocktails Bar – but no full restaurant. Accommodations have minifridges, bathrooms with granite countertops, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and sofas or sofa-sleepers. 

In the center of Indiana University’s campus, the Indiana Memorial Union Biddle Hotel and Conference Center is a favorite among new and former students (offering an alumni association discount). At this Bloomington, Indiana, hotel, guests have access to several union dining options, ranging from sushi to Starbucks, as well as morning and evening room service, a 24-hour fitness center, meeting space, free parking and same-day dry cleaning on weekdays, though there is no on-site pool. On campus and nearby, you’ll find galleries, museums, performing arts venues, dining and retail. Rooms and suites feature free Wi-Fi, minifridges, flat-screen TVs and cribs and rollaway beds (for a fee) upon request. Recent guests had high praise for the clean accommodations and top-notch staff.

Located next to the Monroe County Convention Center, the Courtyard Bloomington is a convenient stay for travelers attending a convention or business meeting. All rooms have 42-inch HDTVs, coffee makers, minifridges and microwaves, plus free Wi-Fi access. Breakfast and dinner are served at the Bistro, and Starbucks beverages are available from the eatery as well. The hotel also has a 24-hour market that sells snacks and drinks, and a barbecue area for guests to utilize. What's more, the Courtyard Bloomington houses a fitness room, an indoor pool and a hot tub. The hotel is about 20 miles north of Lake Monroe, Indiana's largest lake, and only 2 miles from Indiana University. Recent guests appreciated the hotel's central location and said its staff members were accommodating. However, some travelers noted the rooms could use some upgrades. The hotel is part of the Marriott hotel group, which means loyalty program members can rack up and redeem Marriott Rewards points at this hotel.