From well-known historical names to celebrities and other travelers alike worldwide, the Grant Street Inn has been welcoming many individuals through its doors for over a century.
Built for love – William Rogers, former dean of Indiana University School of Law, built The Ziegler House in 1883, as a gift for his bride, Belle. In later years, The Ziegler House will become the key piece that spurs the boutique inn into existence.
Subsequent owners of The Ziegler House included William Graham, builder of the Graham Hotel, and William N. Showers, owner of Showers Brothers Furniture Factory, which was named the largest in the world by the 1920s. Thereafter, in 1944, Charles and Martha Ziegler bought the house. Following Mr. Ziegler’s passing in 1987, the First Presbyterian Church gained ownership.
By 1989, the First Presbyterian Church began to expand its facilities without making plans to preserve the house. Concerned university students living in the house collected 200 signatures on a petition of protest. Bloomington Restorations, Inc. negotiated an agreement between the church and CFC Properties where CFC bought the house for $20 and promised to relocate it.
March 19, 1990, CFC moved The Ziegler House to its present location and adjoined it with The Gilstrap House. The move was quite the spectacle. The enormous home was carefully lifted and transported down the road one and a half blocks to its existing location.
Early 1991, the renovated Queen Ann style inn opened with 14 rooms. Proceeding successful years, the inn expanded to 40 rooms. Today, the inn owns five one-of-a-kind buildings that occupy an entire block, between 7th and 8th streets. Each room has a distinct style ranging from victorian-chic to modern old-world elegance. Many would say there is a room for everyone. Explore the rooms and pick your favorite by visiting https://www.grantstinn.com/rooms/.
This American gem has attracted many with its historic charm over the years. The Grant Street Inn has often been labeled a top destination for Girlfriends’ and a Couple’s getaway. In 2020, Reader’s Digest named it one of the most romantic hotels in Indiana and Visit Indiana coined it one of Indiana’s “Best Unique Sleeps”!
Bloomington, one of the top college towns, is well known for its diverse food palate, micro-breweries, culture and art, and historical beauty. Indiana University is one of the oldest universities in the country; its magnificence campus boasts an abundance of details worth exploring. With having many walking trails, it’s easy to stay occupied for hours! Time Out Chicago Market identifies Bloomington, including the Grant Street Inn, as one of the top ten best weekend getaways from Chicago. For more things to enjoy in the area, check out the Grant Street Inn website’s “Things To Do” page.
Besides the inn’s remarkable hospitality, you can expect to find all the modern amenities you would need. Including a few extras you might not expect, like afternoon baked goods made from scratch along with hot tea and coffee. Every morning, you can enjoy partaking in a bountiful breakfast as well.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, surprise your loved one with a personalized note card, a cake for two, a bouquet of seasonal flowers, and a bottle of wine or Champagne! The inn believes it’s those little details that matter most – so, make the most of it!
Special promotions at the inn change throughout the year, so it’s always best to visit https://www.grantstinn.com/promotions/ to see what’s available. To make you feel comfortable about your stay, the inn has their COVID-19 policies, including updates, posted on their website as well. For the 2021 travel year, the inn is accepting reservations for May 1 and beyond. Make plans to escape soon by reserving your stay by calling 1-800-328-4350 or make your reservation online. There’s never been a better time to get away than now!
