Writer / Lynda Hedberg Thies
Hotel Broad Ripple, the European-style hotel changed the landscape of Westfield Boulevard along the river when their doors opened in May of 2014. Originally created to serve people in town for Butler University events, clients of Broad Ripple business owners and families of Broad Ripple residents, it has also become a “stay-cation” favorite for locals.
After just one year in business, the success of this cozy boutique hotel set the owners on the path to expand their space and services. After two years of planning, they have opened the doors to a new event space for personal or business events, and will add four additional guest rooms by early summer 2017.
Debbie Stolen Hasbrook and her husband Charles, owners of Hotel Broad Ripple, began acquiring neighborhood properties and realized the need for a small meeting space near the hotel. They had no further to look but to a neighboring 5-story office building located two doors down at 6508 Westfield Boulevard.
Debbie said there was a huge need because there were few small event spaces in the area and with restaurants and the Monon Trail, it created a unique opportunity to provide a scenic and convenient space for small groups. This space is perfectly suited for business meetings, retreats, bridal and baby showers, social events or charity gatherings. The space will accommodate groups under 50 people and recently was the locale of an intimate wedding.
The facility offers close proximity to the Monon Trail and dozens of restaurants for guests to enjoy on or off property. Guests may also work with caterers to provide their food. The Hasbrooks plan to add an outdoor patio to compliment the space. They hope in the very near future to serve wine and beer once they have acquired their permit. In the interim, guests are able to hire a caterer with a permit. Eventually there will be a list of preferred caterers for the facility.
To further compliment the success of Hotel Broad Ripple, the need for additional rooms was also recognized. The small house, which sits between the hotel and the office building, was purchased with the intent of adding four additional guest rooms. This building will be known as The Cottage at Hotel Broad Ripple and is slated to open in early summer 2017.
The Bunkhouse Lounge at Hotel Broad Ripple serves beer, wine and appetizer plates to hotel guests and is also open to the public. It is a favorite of visitors to Broad Ripple Village who want to take a break from hiking/ biking on the trail, a day of shopping, or those who wish to grab a beverage before or after dinner in the Village.
To inquire about reserving the event space or renting a room at Hotel Broad Ripple, please call 317-787-2665 or email hotelbroadripple@gmail.com. For more information about the hotel visit their website at www.hotelbroadripple.com.
