Great Escape in Downtown Indy

A friend and I recently shared a well deserved, if I do say so myself, Mom’s Night Out.  As we lamented the fact that our Cinderella adventure was about to end and we must soon face the realities of motherhood, a cheerful voice and excellent service at The Capital Grille, allowed us to bask in the luxury a little longer. It was the perfect end to a perfect day and we were just eating breakfast! 

Since that sounds a little confusing, allow me to explain.

After making sure that our families were well situated, our adventure began with a short drive from our homes to the  Conrad Indianapolis.  The Conrad (map) is prominently situated in downtown Indianapolis, across the street from Circle Center Mall, making this the perfect setting for a Mom’s retreat.

Pulling up in front of the hotel, our pampering began with valet parking, a huge plus considering the chilly temperatures outside. Walking into the lobby, the chill instantly vanished as we were warmly greeted by several members of the staff who quickly checked us into our rooms.  As we entered the elevator, we were immediately put to ease as a hotel key is required to activate the elevator. This added security is another huge plus for women traveling alone.

Entering our room, a corner suite, a wave of relaxation took over.  I felt at home in the spacious welcoming room with its 1 1/2 baths, sitting area and separate bedroom with a bed I can only describe as a huge fluffy marshmallow, I swear it was bigger than my first apartment! Fighting the urge to take a nap on the tempting bed, I opened the drapes to see a wonderful view of the city and the beckoning Circle Center Mall (map).

The Conrad is connected to several downtown buildings by enclosed walkways including the Convention Center, Artsgarden and Mall, and considering the previously mentioned winter weather, it was wonderful to leave our coats in the room on our shopping adventure.  After hitting a few stores namely Nordstrom, H & M, and Coach and resisting all motherly tendencies to shop for our families, we decided it was time for lunch and headed to P.F. Chang’s (map).

Knowing that we had dinner reservations at Harry & Izzy’s, our lunch consisted of sharing a few appetizers, among them the famous Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Having just enough room for a treat from Godiva Chocolatier, I offer this word of advice, a strawberry in winter in Indiana, chocolate covered or not, can be really expensive!!

After a  little window shopping and a little relaxing in the room, we had just enough time for a cocktail before dinner.  A wine bar, Tastings, is located on the street level of the Conrad, and offers more than 100 wines for tasting.  Since this seemed like an experience we didn’t want to rush through, we opted to save this for another visit and instead crossed the lobby to the attached entrance of The Capital Grille.

Having both been to a Capital Grille in other cities, we both knew that we wanted a Stoli Doli, a delicious pineapple infused vodka martini. The rich mahogany setting made us both comment that this would be an excellent location to return with our husbands.  That thought disappeared as quickly as the martinis and we were off to join friends at the locally owned  Harry & Izzy’s (map).  The sister restaurant to the Indianapolis icon, St. Elmo’s Steak House (map),  guests at this this location can indulge in the same shrimp cocktail with the world famous, extra spicy sauce.

After such a full day, though I really wanted to soak in the jacuzzi at the fitness center, it would have to wait until the morning.  After a relaxing soak and quick swim, I was so glad I waited until daylight as the unique view was amazing.  And this brings us back to breakfast at Capital Grille, the only location to serve breakfast and perhaps the best continental breakfast I have enjoyed.

This was my first stay at the Conrad, but, I must reassure you that on that short drive home, I could think of a million reasons to return.

Photo Selection: Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association

5 places are mentioned in this post!

1. Conrad Indianapolis
   This newcomer with a limestone exterior opened in March 2007 "close to
2. Nick's at Circle Centre Mall
3. P F Chang's China Bistro
4. Harry & Izzy's
   Harry & Izzy's is an independent, upscale American Grill located in the
5. St Elmo Steak House
   St. Elmo Steak House has been a landmark in downtown Indianapolis since

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