Indianapolis' Hidden Gem: Uncover the Secrets of the Looking Glass Inn!
Indianapolis' Hidden Gem: Uncover the Secrets of the Looking Glass Inn! - A Review (And a Confession)
Okay, people, listen up. I've just stumbled out of The Looking Glass Inn in Indianapolis, and my brain is still trying to unscramble itself from the experience. Forget your cookie-cutter hotels, this place… this place is different. And honestly? I'm still not entirely sure if I liked it, or if I'm secretly planning to sell everything and move in. (Don't judge!)
Let's start with the basics, and then we'll get into the good stuff – because trust me, there's a LOT of good stuff… and a few interesting bits too.
Accessibility & Safety First (Because Grown-Ups Gotta Know):
I am a person of average abilities, but I did take a note of all the accommodations for you. The Looking Glass Inn ticks a lot of boxes on the Accessibility front. They have Facilities for disabled guests (elevator!), and the ramps I saw looked good. I didn't personally test everything, but that's a big plus.
Safety & Cleanliness: They really leaned into this. I'm talking Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, the whole nine yards. They had Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere, and the staff all looked like they'd been through hazmat training. It's reassuring, yeah, but also… a little intense after a while? The staff trained in safety protocol which is super necessary. They also had First aid kits. The Check-in/out [express] was nice after the long drive, and seeing CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property gave me peace of mind. They truly care about the safety of their guests.
COVID Considerations: They're VERY aware of COVID and how important it is to remain safe so they have Cashless payment service, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and Individually-wrapped food options – which leads me to…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Stomach's Perspective):
Okay, so here's where things get a little… messy. The Restaurant situation had me scratching my head. They boasted Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, and a Vegetarian restaurant, which is all good on paper. They also had Breakfast [buffet], which sounded promising. But… the execution? It was… varied.
The Buffet Debacle: The buffet breakfast was a visual masterpiece. It looked incredible, the buffet area was clean and well-maintained. They had everything from Asian breakfast options to Western breakfast. The selection was wild. However, the egg station was slightly understaffed, and the bacon was, well, I'm politely calling it "crispy." And I'm not always a fan of Buffet in restaurant. Now, the coffee? Surprisingly good. They even have a Coffee shop, which is a lifesaver when you need a caffeine fix.
The Bar & Beyond: They have a Bar, which is always welcome. They even have Poolside bar which is pretty cool. And the Snack bar? Great for a quick bite. The Coffee/tea in restaurant are nice and convenient. They also offer Room service [24-hour], which might be a lifesaver.
The Extras They have Bottle of water, but I always grab more. I like how they have Coffee/tea in restaurant.
Rooms & Amenities (The Cozy Corner):
Alright, this is where The Looking Glass Inn truly shines. Forget the sterile hotel rooms of your nightmares. These rooms… they're like they're been curated for a movie set.
My Room (A Love Story): I had a Non-smoking room (phew!). The Air conditioning worked like a charm, which was a blessing. I had Free Wi-Fi – which is a must-have in this day and age. Now, the really good stuff: They had a Bathrobe, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Bathroom phone (because, why not?!), Blackout curtains (bliss!), Coffee/tea maker (essential!), a Desk (I actually worked!), Free bottled water (hydration!), a Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator. The Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, and Telephone and Toiletries. This wasn't just a room, it was a curated experience. Seriously, I would sell my apartment and move in.
The Extras: But I also saw they had extra long beds, and all the extra amenities. They also have things like Alarm clock, Closet, Complimentary tea, Extra long bed, High floor, Interconnecting room(s) available (perfect for families!), Linens, On-demand movies, Reading light, Smoke detector, Soundproofing, Towels, Wake-up service, and a Window that opens. So many of the essentials and extras.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax (The Zen Zone):
Okay, this is another area where The Looking Glass Inn goes above and beyond. Forget just a pool and a gym.
The Spa: First, there's the Spa. They have a Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, and a Steamroom. You could literally spend all day just rotating through these. I got a massage and it was… transportive. Like, I think I saw colors I'd never seen before. Okay, maybe not, but it was good.
The Pool (With a View!): There's a Swimming pool, and, wait for it, Swimming pool [outdoor]! With a Pool with view. It's a fantastic way to unwind after a long day.
Fitness Fanatics Rejoice! They have a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness which will help with your fitness goals..
The Quirks: They also have a Shrine. Okay, I didn't quite get that one. But hey, it adds to the mystery, right?
Services and Conveniences (The Little Helpers):
The Looking Glass Inn seems to have thought of everything.
- The Basics: They have Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Daily housekeeping (thank goodness!), Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, and a Terrace.
- The Extras: They also have Cash withdrawal, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Laundry service, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Smoking area, and Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids (The Family Factor):
I'm not a parent, but The Looking Glass Inn seems pretty kid-friendly.
- They have Babysitting service, and they're Family/child friendly.
Getting Around (Navigating Indianapolis):
- Airport Transfer: They offer Airport transfer, and it's a lifesaver.
- Parking: They have Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking.
The Verdict (The Honest Truth):
Look, The Looking Glass Inn isn't perfect. The buffet breakfast might need a little… refining. And the shrine thing? Still a mystery. But it's charming. It's got character. It's got soul. It makes you feel something, which is more than I can say for most hotels.
The (Slightly Rambling) Offer:
Tired of the same old hotel routine? Crave an escape that's equal parts luxurious, quirky, and unforgettable? Then book your stay at The Looking Glass Inn in Indianapolis NOW!
Here's what you get:
- Exclusive Deals: Book directly through [hotel website] and get our best rates, plus a welcome drink at the amazing bar!
- Relax and Rejuvenate: Indulge in our world-class spa, featuring massages, saunas, and more. (My advice: book the massage. You won't regret it.)
- Explore Indianapolis: We're perfectly positioned for exploring the city, with easy access to [mention key attractions].
- Safety and Security: Rest assured, our commitment to your safety is unparalleled. Enjoy peace of mind with our rigorous cleaning protocols and 24-hour
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sterile, perfectly curated travel guide. We're going deep, down and dirty into the heart of…well, the Looking Glass Inn in Indianapolis, Indiana. Prepare for a ride.
The "Pre-Trip Dread & Unrealistic Expectations" Phase (aka, I'm Packing!)
- Day -3: The Panic Sets In. Okay, okay, I said I'd book this trip weeks ago. I swear I did. But life, you know? It's like, "Oh hey! Remember that deadline you had?" And I'm just there, scrambling. Finally, after another frantic search on Google for "Indianapolis looking glass inn reviews" (because, you know, gotta double-check, even if I did book it already). I see it. My little digital oasis. The confirmation. YES!
- Day -2: The List & The Lie. Okay, now I’m prepping. Need… a list. A realistic list. A list that, in actuality, will crumble under the weight of my own procrastination. The goal? Pack lightly. I mean, who needs more than three pairs of shoes, right? Right?! (Spoiler alert: I pack five. And regret none of them.)
- Day -1: The "Oh God, I Forgot About…" Moment. Okay, so I have the shoes, the clothes, some hand sanitizer (in case I encounter any public bathrooms, you know), and my emergency chocolate stash. Then, it hits me. The travel-sized toiletries. The charger adapters. Oh, and the book I was totally going to read on the plane (spoiler: I didn't). Cue the frantic last-minute dash to the drugstore.
Arrival: Indiana, Here I Come! (and I'm Already a Mess)
- Day 1: Arrival, Indiana Time. Landed! Indianapolis airport is… well, it's an airport. Efficient, I guess. But I'm already running late to get to Looking Glass Inn! I'm so excited, I had to do a detour, and then a road block… and also, I'm currently getting lost… I finally make it to the inn, and I'm greeted by a blast of… warmth. Not just the climate-controlled kind, but a genuine, welcoming feeling that makes you think, "Okay, I can breathe now." The front desk person (bless her heart, I forgot her name in all the franticness) is super friendly, gives me the lowdown, and… wow. This place actually looks like the photos. Always a win.
- The Room: Oh, my God, my room! (Okay, I'm not even in my room right now, I'm still at the front desk, but I saw a sneak peek. It’s all antiques, that unique-style bedding. More importantly: a giant bed. I'm sold. The walls tell a story. I found a cute antique doll on the side and almost broke it. I almost did the same on a small table! I am so clumsy! I love it. I'm already in love.
- First Impression Ramblings: There's a distinct absence of that cold, clinical hotel vibe. It's like they actually want you to be comfortable. Weird. But I like it. Also, did I mention the bed?
- Afternoon: First Wanderings and the "Where's the Damn Coffee?" Crisis. Okay, unpacked-ish. Showered (bliss!). Now, time to explore. The inn itself is a maze. I literally get lost trying to find the complimentary coffee in the morning (which, honestly, is a travel right, not a perk!). I get a little frustrated, but that's on me, if I was less clumsy and distracted… But hey! At least I finally found it. I might need more coffee.
- Evening: Dinner Debacle & Accidental Adventure. Okay, dinner plans. My fault, I didn't reserve anything. I wing it. I find a place that looks intriguing online, then get lost in the parking lot. I end up in a dive bar which… honestly, it's fantastic. This is now my favorite bar. Met some really cool locals, and had some of the best onion rings I've ever tasted. The bar has such a soul. (Side note: I really should have dressed up, I wasn't planning on anything but the experience was worth it)
Day 2: Immersion, Inner Peace, and Indianapolis-Style Culture Shock
- Morning: Breakfast Bliss and the Quest for Inner Peace (with a Side of Hashbrowns). Okay, the promised breakfast is… good. Like, really good. This inn isn’t joking around. Big win. So, with my caffeine fix sorted, I try to embrace a little "me" time. I mean, who am I kidding? I'm not a "meditate in the garden" person. But I did sit on the porch swing for, like, five minutes. Almost got bitten by a mosquito but that was it.
- Midday: The City I have a plan! The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. I am literally in awe that I finally saw it! The art! The history! The cars! Everything is amazing. I am in total shock! This is the best thing in the world! I love it!
- Afternoon: A Walk in the Park - and a Moment of Reflection (or, more accurately, a Moment of "Wow, I'm Bad at Planning"). You know, I had grand plans for the afternoon. Researching the local parks, the best walking routes, the optimal light for Instagram. Of course, I somehow just wandered, got lost, and ended up in a different park than the one I planned to go to. But the trees were nice. And the squirrels were entertaining. And the accidental detour made me feel like I am so free!
- Evening: The Emotional Rollercoaster of a Restaurant. Okay, I'm not sure what happened there. I managed to get in to a restaurant. I had a steak. I burst into tears! Wait… I was hungry (it's too late. I'm already in the zone) You know!
Day 3: Saying Goodbye (And Already Planning the Return)
- Morning: The Reluctant Packing and Farewell Coffee. Packing. The worst part of any trip. I swear, every time I pack to leave, I think about all the things I didn't do. I have to grab one last cup of coffee, and soak in the feeling.
- Final Thoughts: Okay. This trip. It wasn't perfect. I got lost. I forgot things. I had moments of "what have I done?"… but it was real. It was messy. It was honest. And it was… amazing. The Looking Glass Inn, if you're listening, you've got a permanent fan. Indianapolis, you've got a new admirer.
- Departure: The Sad Goodbyes & the Unspoken Promise. The drive to the airport is a blur of nostalgia. I'm already plotting my return. Because, let's be honest, I need more onion rings in my life. So, until next time, Indianapolis. You quirky, surprising, wonderful city. You've got a piece of my heart.
The Looking Glass Inn: FAQs... That Actually *Get* It
Okay, so... What *is* the Looking Glass Inn, exactly? Is it even worth the hype?
Alright, deep breath. The Looking Glass Inn? Imagine a Victorian fever dream crossed with a quirky antique shop. It's a bed and breakfast, sure, but "bed and breakfast" barely scratches the surface. Think less perfectly-starched linens, more... well, let's just say "character." And the hype? Dude, it's *deserved*. Honestly, I went in expecting Instagram-perfect everything. What I got was... something *real*. A little dusty, a little worn around the edges, but overflowing with soul. Worth it? Absolutely. Especially if you're not the princess-and-the-pea type.
Tell me about the rooms. Are they actually... livable? (I'm a bit of a clean freak, judge me.)
Okay, confession: I am *NOT* a clean freak. But even I, Mr. "Eh, a little dust is fine," had a moment upon entering my room. (I think it was the "Alice in Wonderland" room, if memory serves). It's not a surgical theater, okay? But the rooms are absolutely livable. Think antique furniture, mismatched wallpaper (in the best way!), and a general sense of stepping back in time. It's cozy, not clinical. And honestly? The imperfections are part of the charm. Like, the slightly wonky doorframes? They add to the character! It's a living, breathing space, not a sterile museum. Though, yes, a quick dusting on the chandelier wouldn't go amiss, but hey.
Breakfast? Is it the usual continental blah, or something actually interesting?
Breakfast! Now *this* is where things get interesting. Don't expect a predictable buffet of sad bagels and watery orange juice. At the Looking Glass Inn, breakfast is an *event*. I’m talking homemade goodness. The owner, bless her heart (she's got more stories than a library!), actually cooks. (She's also a bit of a character, but we'll get to that.) Think fresh-baked bread (that smell... heaven!), possibly some sort of quiche… and coffee so good, it'd make even the grumpiest guest crack a smile. One morning, she even made these little mini-pancakes with maple syrup, and I SWEAR I nearly licked the plate clean. Warning though, the owner's storytelling is only second to her cooking skills. You may be there longer than expected. Worth it. Absolutely.
The owner... You mentioned she's a character? Spill the tea!
Oh, *the owner*. Okay, buckle up. I can't use her name, but let's just call her "Alice" because, well, it fits. Alice is the soul of the Looking Glass Inn. She's... let's say, "spirited." She's got a million stories, a booming laugh, and a penchant for eccentric decorating. You'll find her wandering the halls, maybe adjusting a vintage hat on a lamp, or regaling guests with tales of the house's history (which, by the way, is *fascinating*). She’s the kind of person who’ll offer you a piece of cake at 10 pm, then tell you about the ghost she swears she saw in the attic. She's amazing. And yes, sometimes things run a little... eccentrically. The breakfast might be a *touch* late, or the hot water might take a minute, but that's Alice. That's the magic. That's why you go.
Anything I should avoid? Any horror stories?
Avoid? Hmm. The "avoid" list is short. Don't expect a five-star hotel experience. That's not the point. (And if you *do* expect that, you will be disappointed. You've been warned.) I guess if you're allergic to cats, maybe give it a miss. I *think* they had a resident feline. And if you're easily offended, take a deep breath and lean into the quirkiness. Horror stories? Okay, I did hear a rumor about a leaky roof once, but I'm pretty sure it's been fixed. And look, it's an old building – things happen. Embrace it! But the cat... yeah, maybe bring some allergy meds just in case.
So, is it actually *haunted*? You mentioned ghosts...
Okay, okay. The ghost thing. Alice *insists* it's haunted. She's got stories. Lots of them. I... I'm a skeptic, mostly. But the atmosphere *is* kind of… eerie. In a good way! One night, I swear I heard footsteps in the hallway outside my room. And I am not a person who hears things! I mean, maybe it was just the wind. Maybe it was the house settling. Or maybe it was… the ghost of a disgruntled Victorian-era guest. Honestly, I don’t know. But it adds to the intrigue, doesn't it? I didn’t see any ghosts, but I can’t deny that feeling of *something* watching in the corners. And it's part of the charm. I'm not saying it *is* haunted, but I'm not *not* saying it, either.
What's the best way to book a room? Is it hard to get in?
Booking? Hmm, depends. I'd advise booking well in advance, especially during peak season or on weekends. It's not impossible to get a room, but don't expect to just waltz in last minute. The website (check it, seriously) probably has the details on reservations. Maybe call Alice directly when you are sure of your dates. She’s a gem, but remember, she's not always the most tech-savvy person. Be patient, but DO book it. You will love it. Just make sure your expectations are in line with reality. (And reality is a little dusty, a little wonky, but utterly wonderful at the Looking Glass Inn.)
Is there anything else I should know? Any random tips?
Okay, listen up! Here's the insider info: * **Embrace the chaos:** It's part of the fun! * **Chat with Alice:** She's a walking encyclopedia of local history and gossip. * **Bring your camera:** You'll want to capture the quirks. * **Pack comfortable shoes:** You'll be exploring the house (and maybe the grounds) more than you think! * **Leave your pretenses at the door:** Seriously. This isn't a place for stuffy attitudes. * **Prepare to be charmed:** Seriously, you will be. I had this idea it would just be a quick weekend and left thinking about my time at the Inn years later, the details of the house still crystal clear in my mind. * **And most importantly:Book For Rest
