Stay in Style
Hotel Broad Ripple Undergoes Expansion
Writer / Alesha McCarty
Photographer / Michael Durr
A space that feels like home, and a location that places you in the heart of Broad Ripple and surrounds you with a wonderful community – can you imagine?
For the last six years, Hotel Broad Ripple has been a home away from home for families and travelers looking for a unique experience. In 2014 Debbie and Charles Hasbrook set out to create the hotel.
The primary building is a brick home built in 1883 by Milas Boardman. The adjacent property is a log-style home, combining the two properties to create Hotel Broad Ripple. Debbies knack for design and customer service made for success, and in 2017 they sought growth by adding a property, which is now referred to as the Cottage. Originally built in 1940, the Cottage now serves as a four-room, peaceful retreat for guests. The owners became co-owners of their newest space at 6508 East Westfield Boulevard, using the first floor as an event space.
The newest addition is a five-story building built in 1974. The space offers wonderful views of the White River and a unique perspective over the rooftops of Broad Ripple. Debbie took the opportunity to expand Hotel Broad Ripple, adding six more rooms as options for the community. The new space will feature a 1960s and 1970s feel, including a Dorothy Draper-themed room.
Renovations began with removal of the large glass curtain walls on the east and west of the building, allowing for private balconies for each of the six new rooms. Three of the rooms will have a wonderful view of the village, while the other three overlook the river. Debbie is passionate about reconnecting our community with the river.
Broad Ripple and the river have not ever been connected the way they should be, and were trying to change that, Debbie says.
The meeting space on the first floor is also undergoing renovations and will have a large outdoor space that overlooks the river. Comfortable furniture, greenery and outdoor heaters will be included. The meeting space is beautifully designed, with light coming from both the east and west windows.
There is an era and an aesthetic for everyone at Hotel Broad Ripple. The new space includes a slightly different design feel for each of the six rooms. Each space at Hotel Broad Ripple is thoughtfully curated, while having all the essentials for a weary traveler.
We often have guests that want to try every room, Debbie says.
Debbie is often inspired by found objects from local spots like Midland Arts & Antiques. Each room in the new space will also have a refrigerator, vintage ice bucket and coffee maker.
When I opened this, all I wanted was that people left and said, Oh, that was nice, and its been so much more than that, Debbie says.
The owners have 40% to 50% repeat customers. Hotel Broad Ripple largely serves Butler University families.
They feel like family, and after four years its very sad to know they wont be back, Debbie says. You get very attached to your guests.
Debbie takes pride in the fact that she can provide a home for families in the Broad Ripple community, and the hotel is also the perfect space for a staycation.
The hotel owners take great pride in connecting with the community here. In addition to furniture and decor from Midland Arts & Antiques, Debbie sources many items for the hotel locally. Each room has a fresh flower arrangement from Molly & Myrtle. The bathrooms are stocked with luxurious products from William Roam.
The Bunkhouse Lounge is open to the public on weekends from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and is stocked with libations from Sun King Brewing and Bier Brewery. Mugs from local potter Chris DePrez will keep your coffee warm. In the evenings you can often relax outside with a free weekly concert.
Debbie loves being located near the Monon Trail.
Guests can go north to nature, or go south to take in the buzz of the village, Debbie says.
In tribute to the community, the facility will feature a 20 peace sign, painted by Broad Ripples very own Blice Edwards.
What other message can we send right now – its what the community needs, Debbie adds.
Hotel Broad Ripple is located at 6520 East Westfield Boulevard in Indianapolis. For more info, visit hotelbroadripple.com. They improved their website with help from a hotel SEO agency.
If you also want to visit Resorts in Phoenix with a water park, you can check them out online to see their availability and services.
