Staying In Indiana: 5 Best Western Plus Hotels Compared

Indiana is a car-first state - public transport is limited outside Indianapolis, and most attractions, dining, and shopping require a vehicle. The state draws a mix of motorsport fans, business travelers passing through on I-65 or I-70, and families visiting state parks or casino destinations. Indianapolis Motor Speedway alone pulls nearly 300,000 visitors during the Indy 500 weekend in May, making hotel availability extremely tight in a wide radius around the city. Outside race seasons, the state runs at a noticeably slower pace, with far less crowd pressure in mid-sized cities like Anderson, Brazil, or Monticello.

Travelers who benefit most from staying in Indiana are road-trippers, motorsport enthusiasts, and those visiting Purdue University or state parks like Mounds or Pokagon. Those expecting urban walkability or robust public transit will find Indiana underwhelming - a rental car is practically mandatory for any itinerary beyond downtown Indianapolis.

Pros:
* bullet Indiana's highway network connects major cities efficiently, with most drives between hotel locations and key attractions under 30 minutes
* bullet Hotel rates across the state remain competitive compared to Midwest neighbors like Illinois, with mid-range properties averaging around $110 per night outside peak periods
* bullet Access to racing venues, state parks, casinos, and university campuses covers a wide range of traveler interests

Cons:
* bullet Car dependency is unavoidable - nearly every attraction requires driving, and most hotels are situated along highway corridors rather than walkable town centers
* bullet During major events like the Indy 500 or Brickyard 400, room availability collapses across a broad radius and prices spike sharply
* bullet Rural stretches between cities offer limited dining and entertainment options, particularly in the evenings

Best Western Plus properties occupy a well-defined mid-tier position in Indiana's hotel market - consistently delivering amenities like free breakfast, indoor pools, fitness centers, and in-room microwaves and refrigerators that budget chains skip entirely. In a state where most travel is road-based, these properties are strategically positioned along key highway corridors, making them logical overnight stops for both transient and destination travelers. Compared to independently owned motels, Best Western Plus properties in Indiana offer standardized quality assurance, which matters when booking in less-visited mid-sized towns where hotel quality can vary significantly.

The price point typically sits around $100-$130 per night for standard rooms, landing meaningfully below branded full-service hotels while outperforming budget chains on space and included amenities. Room sizes at Best Western Plus properties tend to be generous by mid-range standards, with most rooms providing a proper work desk, armchair, and in-room appliances - practical for both one-night transient stays and multi-night family or business trips. The trade-off is that these hotels lack the dining, bar, and full-service features of upscale properties, and their locations - typically near highway exits - prioritize car access over local atmosphere.

Pros:
* bullet Free daily breakfast is included across all five Indiana properties, eliminating a recurring daily expense for families and road-trippers
* bullet Indoor pools and fitness centers are consistently available, a differentiator from budget-tier competitors in the same price bracket
* bullet In-room refrigerators and microwaves are standard, supporting longer stays and reducing reliance on restaurant dining

Cons:
* bullet Highway-adjacent positioning means most properties are surrounded by commercial strips rather than walkable neighborhoods or local dining scenes
* bullet No on-site full-service restaurant or bar at most locations - guests needing evening dining must drive
* bullet Rooms are functional and clean but lack design character, which matters for travelers prioritizing experience over practicality

Indiana's five Best Western Plus locations serve distinctly different geographic purposes. Greenwood (south Indianapolis metro) and Anderson (northeast of Indianapolis) are the strongest picks for travelers focused on the greater Indianapolis area - Greenwood sits around 20 minutes from downtown Indy and 30 minutes from the Motor Speedway, while Anderson provides access to Hoosier Park Racing & Casino and Mounds State Park. Brazil, located in western Indiana, is best positioned as a stop between Indianapolis and Terre Haute, with Indianapolis International Airport reachable in around 75 km. Howe, in the far northeast corner of the state, serves travelers exploring Pokagon State Park or transiting between Indiana and Michigan. Monticello is the most niche location, suited specifically to visitors targeting Purdue University events or the nearby lakes region.

For Indianapolis-area visits, booking at least 8 weeks ahead is essential during May (Indy 500) and July (Brickyard 400) - both events compress availability statewide. Outside those windows, last-minute bookings are generally viable for all five properties. Free on-site parking is available at all locations, which is a genuine logistical advantage in a state where driving between stops is unavoidable. Travelers using these hotels as a base for day trips should factor in that most Indiana attractions - state parks, racing venues, universities - are accessible within a 30-minute drive from at least one of these five properties.

Indiana's travel calendar is heavily shaped by its motorsport events. The Indianapolis 500 in late May and the Brickyard 400 in July are the two hardest periods to book in - availability drops sharply across the entire greater Indianapolis area, and properties in Greenwood and Anderson fill up fastest given their proximity. Booking at least 8 weeks ahead for any May or July travel is essential; last-minute attempts during race weekends routinely result in no availability within a 40 km radius of the Speedway.

Outside those windows, Indiana's shoulder seasons - April, September, and October - offer the best combination of manageable crowds, pleasant driving weather for state park visits, and competitive hotel rates. Winter stays (December through February) see the lowest prices but limit outdoor activities significantly, with Pokagon State Park being a notable exception due to its toboggan run. For most travelers, a stay of 2 to 3 nights is sufficient to cover a specific Indiana destination - one night is realistic for transit or single-attraction visits, while Purdue event weekends or multi-park itineraries justify extending to around 4 nights. All five Best Western Plus properties offer free cancellation windows at most booking windows, supporting flexible itinerary planning outside peak periods.