Without question the common areas are beautiful. The dark carved wood and gorgeous fireplace truly bring the feel of an old gentleman's club, cigars, scotch and beautiful women with long dresses and hats. A formality from another time. It ends there. While they have renovated one floor and refurbished rooms on that floor, the remainder is a tenement. The hallways have been stripped of wallpaper for months (read June 2011 reviews), the register covers are removed from the walls and there are sounds in the gapping holes. Lights are either out or missing and the hallways are dark and dangerous. Appears to be a real fire trap. Obviously, in the middle of renovation and money ran out. The money problems of this place have been widely known for years (See the Indianapolis Business Journal). Our bed linens were fine, but they covered a full size mattress worn so thin, you could feel springs. The bathroom was not only from the 50's, but filthy tile. The room was half of the size of a normal hotel. The walls pink, drapes didn't close, looked at parking garage with lights flooding into room all night. Furniture was easily 50 years old, think early Walmart, not antiques. Drawers did not open. Television was an old, maybe 18" old fashioned television. Truly appeared decorated by Goodwill. Bottom line was location is wonderful, impressive to people who go there for parties and events. There are good hotels in Indy. Please don't ruin your trip here. If there are no other choices, and your event is downtown, rent a car and go north of 75th street.

My husband and I were visiting Indi and happened to fall into and in love with the Columbia Club. Upon first walking into the building we were impressed with the magnificent architecture. Details that can only be experienced in a grand hotel. Call me sappy but I could feel the history and ambiance while walking through the hallways, lounging and dinning areas. All the staff were most accomidating and very friendly. The breakfast buffet was delicious and the variety was much more than a four or five star restaurant. We hope to return in the future and enjoy it all over again. Thank you.

Ok..to each his own... But wow! I love this hotel and staff! 1st time visitor...from Saratoga, NY
Historic, beautiful, amazing! What a gem! I actually felt very special here...Room was clean and even bigger than the Conrad (don't really care for the Conrad much)... Give this hotel a try! In fact, try the fitness center too... great staff! Fantastic trainers David & Michelle! You guys rock! thx...

I tried to book a room at virtually every hotel in downtown Indianapolis, but all of the hotels were already filled. I told my problems to a business colleague who was a member of the Columbia Club, and offered to book a room for me there. I went on-line to read the reviews, and was apprehensive about staying there because so many were negative.

Nonetheless, I was desparate to be downtown and booked the room at the Club. I was pleasantly surprised. The best way to reconcile the wildly divergent reviews is to make sure that you request a deluxe room on the deluxe floors, which are the 8th and 9th floors. My room was, in fact, renovated and very nice. It had a very comfortable king bed, a huge bathroom and, again to my surprise, free internet in the room. The room charge for the deluxe room was only $98 per night, compared to the $250 or so that an ordinary business hotel like the Hilton or Sheraton would charge. My room was clean and the service was fine. The place is very quiet with little activity.

All in all, this place is fine (if a bit stuffy) if you are seeking a nice room in a well-located downtown hotel at a really modest price. Just make sure to book the deluxe floor.