You don't have to go far to experience a relaxing and luxurious weekend escape. Treat yourself to a night away at the newest boutique hotel in Central Indiana and this itinerary filled with good food and drinks.

Stay

Hotel Carmichael opened in August 2020 and is Hamilton County’s first boutique hotel. This luxurious property is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, meaning there's no other hotel like it in the world. The 122-room Hotel Carmichael features a full-service restaurant, on-site bar and Feinstein’s Cabaret, a jazz nightclub and performance venue. The décor is inspired by the Great American Songbook era with musical touches throughout. Oh, and you can’t miss the chandelier in each of the guest rooms.

Eat & Drink

Start your weekend with drinks at Adagio Lounge, located in the lobby of Hotel Carmichael. A grand piano plays Great American Songbook classics while you sip cocktails by the wood-burning fireplace – the only one in any Marriott property worldwide.

Wander downstairs to enjoy a meal at Vivante, a French eatery serving approachable fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Eat al fresco on the patio that overlooks the Monon Trail and watch the world go by.

Looking for other upscale dining options nearby? Walk over to the magical Cake Bake Shop Carmel by Gwendolyn Rogers for a decadent (and glittery) slice of cake. These desserts have made Oprah’s “Favorite Things” List for their superior taste and flavor. Guests can also enjoy lunch and dinner with savory selections like Chicken Velvet Soupe.

For smaller bites, visit divvy in Carmel City Center. This 21+ venue is known for its drinks and small plates, with popular items including corn crème bruleé and blistered Brussels sprouts.

A short walk or car ride north to the Carmel Arts & Design District brings you to Anthony’s Chophouse, a fine dining restaurant serving steaks and seafood. End with a nightcap upstairs at adjoining space 3UP Rooftop Bar for spectacular aerial views of the Monon Trail and downtown Carmel.

Shop

Find fabulous shopping with walking distance of Hotel Carmichael at adjacent Carmel City Center, a dining and shopping destination. Popular stores include 14 Districts, Addendum Gallery, Out of the Blue Polish Pottery & Gifts and Bath Junkie, where you can customize your own bath scrub or body lotion.

In the Carmel Arts & Design District, check out gift shops like Silver in the City or high-end galleries like Evan Lurie Gallery to pick out a piece of artwork for your home. For more home décor inspiration, stop by the Indiana Design Center.

Things to Do

There are plenty of things to do and explore in Hamilton County, but if you’re looking to stay close to the hotel, here are fun and relaxing options, perfect for couples or small groups.

Reserve a table at Penn & Beech Candle Company in Midtown Plaza. Here, you can create your own candle or reed diffusers by mixing and matching oils and pouring your own wax. Within two hours, your candle is ready to take home.

Book a private chocolate making class with Joann Hofer at XChocol’Art. Her intimate studio is located off Main Street in downtown Carmel. You’ll learn about the origin of chocolate and cacao beans and make your own mouthwatering (and beautiful) chocolates to take home and eat.

The popular rails-to-trails pathway, the Monon Trail, runs directly past the Hotel Carmichael. It spans 20+ miles through central Indiana and connects south to downtown Indianapolis. It’s popular among walkers, runners and bicyclists but also serves as a connection to Midtown and the Carmel Arts & Design District, located less than a half-mile north from Hotel Carmichael.

You can’t miss the stunning Center for the Performing Arts, visible from the west side of Hotel Carmichael. The Palladium concert hall hosts concerts throughout the year ranging from jazz to symphonies to country stars.

If you’re visiting in the summer months, wake up early on Saturday mornings to experience the Carmel Farmers Market, located at Center Green just south of the Palladium and west of Hotel Carmichael. The market is open 8-11:30 a.m. May through September and features dozens of local vendors.

If you’re visiting in the winter months, get in the holiday spirit with the Carmel Christkindlmarkt, an authentic German holiday market with European food, drink and gifts. Plus, ice skate around the Ice at Center Green.

Start planning your weekend getaway to Hamilton County, Indiana, and request a free copy of our Travel Guide. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see what's happening.