🇺🇸 Indianapolis, United States
Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway
📍 3740 N High School Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46224, USA
Your stay — Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway
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The Property — Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway
Walking into the Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway feels like stepping into a well-worn motorsport memorabilia shop that also rents beds. The lobby is clean and functional, with racing prints on the walls and a distinct lack of fuss. For a 3-star property, it’s unapologetically basic: free parking, an outdoor pool, and rooms that do the job without pretence. This place makes most sense if you’re in town for the Indy 500 or a race at the Speedway — it’s a five-minute drive from the track, and the clientele tends to be gearheads who value proximity over polish.
Chronicles of Indianapolis
Indianapolis was founded in 1821 as a planned state capital, laid out in a circular ‘mile square’ grid that still structures the downtown. The city’s big moment came in the early 20th century when the Indianapolis Motor Speedway opened in 1909, turning it into the world capital of auto racing — the ‘500’ has run every May since 1911. Postwar deindustrialisation hollowed out parts of the core, but a cultural revival since the 2000s has brought new sports venues, a revitalised canal district, and a food scene heavy on pork tenderloin sandwiches and craft beer. Today, Indianapolis pitches itself as a midwestern convention hub with a small-city feel and serious claims on basketball (the Pacers) and motorsport history.
Best Time to Visit
Full Indianapolis guide →Best months
May for the Indy 500 buzz (though it’s mad crowds); September for warm weather without the race chaos; June for pleasant highs around 27°C and lower hotel rates than May.
Peak / festival surge
May is the peak, driven entirely by the Indianapolis 500 (last Sunday) and the month of qualifying and practice events that fill every hotel room in Speedway. Room rates at the Royal Inn can more than treble; book by January or face sold-out status. The city also sees spikes in August for the Brickyard 400 NASCAR race and July’s Gen Con gaming convention.
Budget shoulder season
April and October offer the best balance: temperatures in the teens (°C), green surroundings, and room rates 40-50% below peak. You’ll have the Speedway Museum almost to yourself in October.
Weather & packing
Indianapolis weather is famously fickle — you can get a 30°C day and a 10°C frost in the same week of June. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and always bring a hoodie even in summer, because air-conditioning in Midwestern hotels is cranked to Arctic levels indoors.
Live City Briefing — Indianapolis
- The Indianapolis Red Line bus rapid transit has extended its hours for 2026, making downtown to Speedway easier without a car — check for construction detours still in place near 16th Street.
- The Indy 500 in May 2026 will feature a new hybrid engine format for the first time, which is drawing extra media attention and ballooning ticket resale prices already.
- A major reconstruction of the I-65/I-70 north split downtown is ongoing into 2026, expect lane closures and ‘significant delays’ on the drive from the interstate into Speedway — use the Crawfordsville Road exit instead.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jun 2026Before you check in to Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the top floor possible. In a 3-star motor inn like this, upper floors reduce foot-traffic noise from the corridor and car park below.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, ice machine, or vending alcoves. Also skip ground-floor rooms facing the main road or car park – they get headlight glow and engine rumble.
Best views
Ask for a room at the back of the property, overlooking the internal courtyard or side street rather than the highway. No guarantee of a view, but you'll get less road noise.
Quietest floors
Upper floors are quieter, especially away from the lift lobby. Side wings away from the central staircase also help.
🔊 Noise notes
Thin walls are common at this level. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Also, outside doors can slam – rooms near the exit doors amplify that.
Insider tips
Book direct on the hotel's own website rather than third parties – you can often add a free late checkout or early check-in by calling ahead. Also check if the 'speedway' rate is valid when races aren't on; it can be cheaper.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway
Free basic Wi-Fi throughout; speed around 10 Mbps down — fine for email and browsing. No login constraints, just accept terms on landing page.
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections.
Complimentary digital newspapers via PressReader in lobby tablets. No physical papers. Building is a straightforward mid-rise motel-style block from the 1970s with a modern reception extension.
Check-in from 15:00. Early bag-drop available at front desk. Late check-out until 12:00 at no charge; after 12:00 subject to half-night fee. Luggage storage behind desk while you wait.
Complimentary, behind the front desk on request.
Step-free entrance via ramp at main door; accessible rooms on first floor near lift. No structural limitations beyond standard hotel corridors.
Free on-site open lot parking for cars and small trucks; no valet. Nearest public car park is at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (about 1 mile south), $10 per event day. No EV charging on site.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: Marion County hotel tax 9% plus applicable state tax; included in quoted rate. None.
Deposit & card hold: First night deposit due at booking; incidentals hold of $100 per stay on a credit card at check-in.
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →US Dollar, USD
Use ATMs at major banks or credit unions for best rates; avoid airport currency exchange kiosks and tourist bureau booths which charge high fees and poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard accepted nearly everywhere; American Express and Discover less common but widely taken; contactless and mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay) standard at most retailers and restaurants.
Restaurants: 15-20% before tax; taxis/rideshare: 10-15%; hotel staff: $1-2 per bag for porters, $2-5 per night for housekeeping; bartenders: $1 per drink or 15-20% of tab.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Drip coffee from a gas station or fast-food joint: approximately $1.50–$2.50.
Fast-food combo meal or a sandwich from a deli counter: about $7–$10.
A main course at a casual diner or family restaurant (like a burger or pasta dish): roughly $12–$16.
Food trucks and carts near commercial corridors, especially around shopping plazas and office parks; expect tacos, hot dogs, or gyros for $5–$8.
Aldi, Walmart Neighborhood Market, and Kroger are the common budget supermarkets in this area.
Chain discount stores like TJ Maxx, Ross, or Walmart provide affordable clothing; also check thrift stores like Goodwill.
IndyGo bus single fare $1.75 (day pass $4) is cheapest; from Indianapolis International Airport, take bus route 8 (downtown connection) for $1.75 instead of a taxi or rideshare ($25+).
Buy groceries and cook at your lodging; use the IndyGo day pass for unlimited bus travel; eat lunch specials rather than dinner menus at sit-down restaurants.
Good to know — Indianapolis
Type A/B · 120V
safe
USD ($)
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Indianapolis, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Indianapolis International Airport Bus Stop → Washington St & Mitthoeffer Rd (near hotel)
💡 Buy a day pass for $4 if you plan multiple rides. The stop is a 10-minute walk from the hotel; get off at the 'East Washington Street & mitthoeffer' stop and walk south.
Downtown Indianapolis (Washington St & Illinois St) → Washington St & Mitthoeffer Rd (near hotel)
💡 This route is useful for day trips downtown. Get off at the same stop as Route 8. The hotel's area is mostly car-centric, so keep the bus schedule handy.
Indianapolis International Airport (IND) → Indianapolis East Knights Inn
💡 Avoid surge pricing by booking a scheduled ride in the app. The hotel has a large car park so drivers find it easily.
Indianapolis International Airport → Indianapolis East Knights Inn
💡 Fixed rates to most hotels apply — confirm the fare before you get in. Use the taxi stand outside baggage claim; no booking needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway?
Request a room on the top floor possible. In a 3-star motor inn like this, upper floors reduce foot-traffic noise from the corridor and car park below.
Which rooms should I avoid at Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway?
Avoid rooms near the lift, ice machine, or vending alcoves. Also skip ground-floor rooms facing the main road or car park – they get headlight glow and engine rumble.
Is Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway noisy?
Thin walls are common at this level. Bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper. Also, outside doors can slam – rooms near the exit doors amplify that.
Which rooms have the best views at Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway?
Ask for a room at the back of the property, overlooking the internal courtyard or side street rather than the highway. No guarantee of a view, but you'll get less road noise.
What are insider tips for staying at Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway?
Book direct on the hotel's own website rather than third parties – you can often add a free late checkout or early check-in by calling ahead. Also check if the 'speedway' rate is valid when races aren't on; it can be cheaper.
What time is check-in at Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway?
Check-in at Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi throughout; speed around 10 Mbps down — fine for email and browsing. No login constraints, just accept terms on landing page.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway?
Marion County hotel tax 9% plus applicable state tax; included in quoted rate. None.
Where can I eat cheaply near Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway?
Fast-food combo meal or a sandwich from a deli counter: about $7–$10.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Royal Inn Indianapolis / Speedway?
IndyGo bus single fare $1.75 (day pass $4) is cheapest; from Indianapolis International Airport, take bus route 8 (downtown connection) for $1.75 instead of a taxi or rideshare ($25+).
When is the best time to visit Indianapolis?
May for the Indy 500 buzz (though it’s mad crowds); September for warm weather without the race chaos; June for pleasant highs around 27°C and lower hotel rates than May.
Top Attractions in Indianapolis
💡 The park itself is free. Rent a bike or just stroll the canal walk—it connects to the downtown Cultural Trail. Parking is paid, but street parking is free on Sundays.
💡 Go for the quiet and the vistas, not just the famous graves. The Crown Hill Heritage Trail is a self-guided walk that covers the cemetery's history. Pick up a map at the office.
💡 The grounds are open for free, too—worth a walk through the gardens and the 100 Acres Art & Nature Park. Check the website for which exhibits are free on the day you visit.
💡 General admission is $15, but the ground-floor exhibits on the Ice Age and the Indiana limestone industry are free. Also, the first Sunday of each month is half-price.
💡 Admission is $22–28, but the first Thursday of every month is free from 4–8pm. Arrive early to queue; it gets busy.