Hotel Nickel Plate Fishers, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Hotel Nickel Plate, located in Fishers, Indiana, is a vibrant and historically inspired boutique hotel that harmoniously blends modern design with nostalgic railroad influences. As part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection, this unique property is situated along the Nickel Plate Trail, a significant local landmark that connects the community and preserves a rich heritage. The hotel was designed to embrace its historical roots while cultivating an engaging, approachable, and fun atmosphere.  

The lobby, reminiscent of an old train station, features an eclectic mix of furnishings, art, and memorabilia that narrates the rail line's past. The restaurant, designed to mirror a vintage dining car, boasts a double-sided bar that spills onto a social patio space accessible from the trail. Guest corridors are bookended with photographic murals and the play of light and shadow across finishes creates a rhythmic journey to the guestrooms.

Kimball Hospitality worked closely with ACC Design to create a guest room concept that reflects the hotel’s connection to the Nickel Plate Trail and its railroad history. The guestrooms are thoughtfully appointed with vintage railroad maps and boxcar-inspired hospitality units, infusing the space with a sense of history. Locomotive inspired headboards serve as a subtle salute to the era, rounding out a design narrative that honors tradition while embracing the present. With limited space in the rooms, the team strategically scaled back furniture pieces while ensuring they remained functional and stylish.   

The project pushed design boundaries, especially in crafting a distinctive casegoods package. Kimball Hospitality worked with the team to select materials such as Colt Walnut and neo-deco rounded elements, maintaining a balance between aesthetic appeal and practicality. Engineering challenges arose in integrating hardwood edges, painted elements, and hospitality units with concealed appliances like fridges and microwaves. Ensuring safety and functionality, the team collaborated on power requirements, discreetly hiding outlets while maintaining design integrity.

Customization played a key role in the project, with all furniture pieces tailored specifically for Hotel Nickel Plate. Kimball Hospitality introduced metal inlays, a feature the designers had envisioned but weren’t sure could be executed. The collaboration process involved extensive shop drawings, prototype reviews, and site visits to refine details.

Throughout production and installation, Kimball Hospitality remained engaged in problem-solving, assisting contractors and making necessary adjustments based on client feedback. The team’s consistency and service were highly valued, leading to a successful installation.

The final furniture design enhanced the guest experience by ensuring comfort, accessibility, and visual appeal. Universal design principles were applied across the rooms, standardizing elements such as desk heights. The outcome was a high-end, custom furniture package that resonated with both the client and guests. Positive feedback highlighted the durability, uniqueness, and how well the furniture complemented the overall hotel design. The project was recognized for its design excellence, winning ACC Design the 2025 Top ID Award for NEWH Mid-South Region. With a highly custom approach and attention to detail, Kimball Hospitality successfully brought the designer’s vision for Hotel Nickel Plate to life, setting a new benchmark for hospitality design.