Finding a place to stay in North Indy shouldn't be this hard, right? You want a kitchen because eating takeout for three days straight makes you feel like a human salt lick. You need decent Wi-Fi. And honestly, you just want a bed that doesn't feel like a slab of Indiana limestone.
Enter the Residence Inn Indianapolis Keystone.
Most people book this place because they’re shopping at the Fashion Mall or have a meeting at one of the office parks on Counselors Row. But there’s a weirdly loyal following for this specific Marriott property that goes beyond just "location." It’s sort of a cult favorite for people who realized that the big luxury hotels downtown are cool until you have to pay $50 for parking and $25 for a "continental" breakfast that’s basically a cold muffin and a grudge.
The Suite Life (And the Kitchen Sink)
Let’s be real: hotel "kitchenettes" are usually a joke. A half-fridge and a microwave? Please.
At the Residence Inn Indianapolis Keystone, they actually give you a full-sized refrigerator, a stovetop, and—blessedly—a dishwasher. If you’re staying for a week, being able to cook a real meal is a game changer for your sanity and your wallet. You’ve got a separate living area, so if you’re traveling with a partner, one person can watch Netflix on the 55-inch flat screen while the other actually gets some sleep in the bedroom.
The suites aren't just big; they’re laid out logically. No tripping over your suitcase to get to the bathroom.
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What about the noise?
Being right near the Keystone Crossing intersection is a double-edged sword. You’re close to everything, but you're also near heavy traffic. Surprisingly, the soundproofing here holds up. You aren't going to hear every semi-truck roaring down I-465, though if you're a super light sleeper, asking for a room away from the main road is always a pro move.
Why "Keystone" is the Secret Weapon
If you aren't from Indy, you might not realize how much time you'll spend in your car. Staying downtown is great for a Colts game, but if your life involves Carmel, Fishers, or the north side, the Residence Inn Indianapolis Keystone is basically the center of the universe.
- The Fashion Mall at Keystone: It’s practically in the backyard. We're talking Apple Store, Nordstrom, and the good Cheesecake Factory.
- Dining: You’re walking distance (or a very short Uber) from Eddie Merlot’s and Cooper’s Hawk.
- The Commute: You can hop on I-465 in about three minutes.
Kinda makes the downtown traffic look like a nightmare, doesn't it?
The Freebies That Don't Suck
Hotels love to talk about "value," but then they charge you for "high-speed" Wi-Fi. Here, the Wi-Fi is just... free. And it's actually fast enough to hop on a Zoom call without looking like a pixelated ghost from 1998.
Then there's the breakfast.
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Most "free" hotel breakfasts are depressing. This one is a full hot buffet. Eggs, sausage, waffles—the whole nine yards. On weekdays it starts at 6:00 AM, which is perfect for the early-bird business crowd, but on weekends they let you sleep in until 7:00 or 10:00 AM.
The Evening Mix
This is the part most people forget to check before they book. A few nights a week, they do "The Mix." It’s basically a social hour with snacks and drinks. Is it a five-course meal? No. But is it free beer, wine, and food? Yes. For a solo business traveler, it’s a much better vibe than sitting alone in a dark restaurant booth.
The Pet Situation
Bringing a dog to a hotel is usually a massive headache. Residence Inn Indianapolis Keystone is actually pet-friendly, but there are a few things you gotta know. They allow two pets per room (dogs or cats), with a weight limit of about 75–80 lbs per animal.
The catch? The pet fee is around $150 per stay.
If you're staying for one night, that's steep. If you’re there for two weeks, it's a bargain compared to boarding. They have designated rooms, so you don't have to worry about your pup's hair ending up on a non-pet guest's pillow.
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Is it perfect? Honestly, no.
The property was built around 2020, so it’s modern, but it’s busy. Since it's an extended-stay spot, you'll see families with three kids and a Golden Retriever in the lobby. If you want a silent, Zen-like monastery, this isn't it. The outdoor fire pits are a huge hit, but as some recent guests noted in late 2025, sometimes they can be finicky or waiting on parts.
Also, housekeeping isn't daily. It’s more of a weekly deep clean with "light" service on request. If you need fresh towels every morning like you're at the Ritz, you’ll have to call down to the desk or grab them yourself.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Stay
If you're planning to book the Residence Inn Indianapolis Keystone, don't just click "reserve" and hope for the best.
- Request a High Floor: If you want the quietest experience, get away from the ground level.
- Use the Grocery Service: They will literally shop for you and put the food in your fridge. It’s a free service (you just pay for the food). Use it.
- Check the EV Situation: If you're driving a Tesla or another EV, they have on-site charging points, which is a massive win in this part of town.
- Join Marriott Bonvoy: Even if you hate loyalty programs, the mobile key entry here is worth it. Skipping the front desk after a long flight is a luxury you didn't know you needed.
Stay here if you value space and a fridge over a fancy lobby bar. It’s not the flashiest hotel in Indianapolis, but for anyone staying more than a couple of nights, it’s arguably the smartest one.