If you’re looking for a truly unique staycation experience, or if you have a train-obsessed child (or are one yourself!), there’s an amazing recommendation: The Indianapolis Train Hotel, which is actually the Crowne Plaza Hotel at Union Station in downtown Indianapolis. Yes, you read that right – you can actually sleep in a train car in Indianapolis at this one-of-a-kind hotel! It offers a unique opportunity to experience a Pullman Train Car Hotel.
My son and I recently had the chance to experience this, along with my best friend and her two kids (including her newborn!). We were pleasantly surprised at how easily the train car accommodated all of us, though it’s worth mentioning, getting the stroller up the few steps and into the train room was a bit of a workout!
Related Page: Fun Family Travel & Vacation Ideas
Step Back in Time at Union Station
The Crowne Plaza, home of the Indianapolis Train Hotel, is located inside the historic Union Station, making it a historic hotel in Indianapolis and the first of its kind in the United States. The atmosphere is incredible. You truly feel like you’ve stepped back in time. They’ve converted 13 train cars into hotel rooms, each named after famous personalities from the early to mid-20th century. We stayed in the P.T. Barnum room, which felt fitting for our lively crew!
Inside the Pullman Train Car: A Unique Hotel Room Experience
Let’s talk about the room itself – because that’s the main attraction, right? Stepping into a Pullman Train Car Hotel room is like stepping into a different world. Here’s what it was like at this downtown Indianapolis hotel:
- Shape and Layout: The room is, unsurprisingly, long and rectangular, just like a real train car. This is definitely different from your typical square hotel room, and it adds to the charm. One entire wall is lined with windows, letting in natural light and offering a unique perspective.
- Cozy and Streamlined: While the shape is unique, the room is surprisingly cozy. It’s decorated in a way that feels both modern and reminiscent of the train’s history. Think warm colors, comfortable furnishings, and subtle nods to the golden age of train travel.
- Space Considerations: We had a room with two double beds, and it was more than enough space for our group. The layout is efficient, making the most of the unique dimensions.
- Authentic Touches: One of the most special aspects of staying at the Indianapolis Train Hotel was being close to actual working train tracks. We could hear and feel the gentle vibrations of passing trains, and it was fun to fall asleep thinking about how our “train” could start moving. It really added to the immersive experience. *Functionality: Even though it is a unique shape, the room had all the typical amenities: a bathroom, TV, and temperature control.
It’s not just a hotel room; it’s an experience. The unique shape, the windows, the sounds, and the overall ambiance make you feel like you’re actually traveling on a train, even though you’re stationary.
More Than Just a Train Room
*Note: The pool is currently closed.
The hotel itself has a lot to offer. Our kids’ absolute favorite part (besides the train, of course!) was the indoor pool. It’s located right in the main lobby area, but it’s completely fenced in and requires a room key for access, so it felt safe and secure. It never got too crowded during our spring break stay, which was a huge plus. We spent hours splashing around and relaxing.
Another fun activity was hunting for the “ghosts” – life-sized white statues scattered throughout the hotel. They represent people from Union Station’s past, like flappers and train conductors, and it was a fun way to learn a little history, perfect for a staycation in Indianapolis.
Speaking of history, Union Station itself is a landmark. Presidents like Theodore Roosevelt and even Abraham Lincoln passed through here. It’s amazing to walk the same halls and imagine what it must have been like in its heyday.
The kids were also happy to spend a lot of time playing on the landing and steps up to the train cars. They took turns pretending to be the conductor, and had elaborate stories of where our speeding train would take us. This simple activity kept them entertained for quite a while!
Exploring Downtown Indy
The location is perfect for exploring downtown Indianapolis. We took an easy one-block walk to The Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner, which was perfect for keeping with our train theme! The Children’s Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo, and major sports venues are all nearby, so there’s no shortage of things to do in Indianapolis with kids.
A Restful Night’s Sleep
You might think that sleeping in a train car near active train tracks would be noisy. However, the rooms at the Indianapolis Train Hotel were quieter than we expected. The comfortable beds and perfect room temperature also contributed to a surprisingly restful night’s sleep.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a memorable and unique hotel in Indianapolis, I highly recommend a stay in the Pullman train cars at the Indianapolis Train Hotel (Crowne Plaza). It’s a perfect blend of history, comfort, and fun. Sleeping in a real train car is a rare opportunity, and it’s something my family won’t soon forget! It’s great for all ages, and truly is a Pullman Train Car Hotel experince.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel is located at 123 W Louisiana St., Indianapolis. Book your Pullman Train Hotel Room at crowneplazaindydowntown.com.
