Conrad Indianapolis has opened its doors as the city’s first true luxury hotel, as the fourth Conrad hotel in the United States and the first to be constructed from the ground-up. The 23-story tower, which includes 241 guest rooms, two dining options in the hotel’s restaurant and lounge, 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art meeting space and a business center, Spa Chakra, fitness facilities, and 15 private residences, is located at 50 W. Washington St. - in the heart of Downtown Indianapolis.

Located at one of the city’s prominent intersections, the hotel is integrated into the innovatively designed Artsgarden, a public space for the performing arts, and Circle Centre Mall. A structure of concave glass and steel provides an uninterrupted path from the hotel’s ballroom and meeting rooms to the Artsgarden and Circle Centre Mall. The hotel is within walking distance of the Indiana Convention Center and a short drive to both the Indianapolis International Airport and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Conrad Indianapolis’ monochromatic limestone-colored façade echoes the classic high rises of Indianapolis. The cap of the building is punctuated by an arcade of double-height windows and a strong crown that is illuminated at night to announce the building on the skyline. The tower is terraced at the top to enhance its verticality while providing a gentle transition from the body of the tower to the smaller-scaled buildings on the street. The terraced design also creates balconies for several of the private residences.

Entrances to the hotel and residences have been separated to create distinct identities for each. Residents enter the building on Illinois Street through an elegant steel and glass canopy that takes its cues from classic Park Avenue entries.

“Less than two years ago, we stood on the most coveted undeveloped block in Downtown Indianapolis and dreamed of completing the final piece of the magnificent Circle Centre Mall project - one envisioned by business and city leaders nearly 30 years ago,” said Alvin Kite, president of Circle Block Partners and Conrad building owner. “This project represents more than the fulfillment of a dream. It is a rare opportunity for Indianapolis to add one of the crown jewels in hotel offerings - the Conrad - to an already outstanding stable of hospitality assets and heighten our ability to attract more visitors, more conventions and more great events, such as the NCAA Final Four to this great city in the years ahead. The Conrad will also become a resident community for 15 families who will call it home and enjoy the stature and culture of fine urban living.”

Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson, said, “The Conrad represents the continuous growth and evolution of our downtown and its skyline. To see the bold vision for this development become a reality is tremendous, and it speaks volumes for the future success of our city,” he said. “Indianapolis already has the reputation as a world-class host city for major events, and the addition of a premier, high-rise hotel in the heart of our vibrant downtown will certainly raise that bar for success even higher.”

A series of spectacular Conrad Indianapolis grand opening festivities is planned for May 2006.

Guests arriving at the hotel will have their business needs, leisure desires, unexpected whims and personal comforts met. A services representative will offer services, such as unpacking guests’ belongings, a drink and cool towel or perhaps drawing a bath. Check-in will not be necessary for repeat guests. They will have their room temperature set to their preference. The technology offered in-room will be highly advanced with T-1 line access, as well as Wi-Fi connection throughout the hotel, three phones with direct dial into the room and call forwarding to any number.

These details are the responsibility of General Manager Jan Chovanec, whose role is to anticipate the needs of guests and ensure that the hotel’s 225-person team delivers consistently exceptional service, in line with the reputed Conrad Service Culture Standards.

“When well-traveled guests come to a luxury hotel, they expect not only unparalleled service, but also to be pleasantly surprised. That’s what we will offer at Conrad Indianapolis,” Chovanec said. “We will treat guests as individuals and create the right experience for them,” he added.
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