Luxury vacation rental in the heart of Bloomington and the IU campus
Top rated by guests





10.0Outstanding
(84 Ratings)
"I guarantee you have not rented a VRBO quite like this! Essentially the former Scholars Inn and Bar with the kitchen converted to 3 bedrooms. Very cool bar and restaurant area and outdoor decks. Gr..."
Jeremy H.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 3 baths
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Top-tier experienceA high end property in this area
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental
Formerly the Scholars Inn Gourmet Cafe and Wine Bar, luxury accomodations await you and your friends for your next visit to Bloomington and the IU campus. Every inch of this home built in 1845 has been lovingly restored with modern amenities while maintaining respect for its rich history. All 4 bedrooms, 3 full and 2 half baths are newly constructed with beautiful tile and fixtures. A brand new kitchen is situated where the bar once stood and will allow for casual or formal entertaining. The home can be rented in its entirety sleeping up to 10 people or each floor can be rented separately. The main floor has 3 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, kitchen, living room, patio and large side deck. It can accommodate up to 6 guests with ADA access. The VRBO listing for the main floor unit (A) is 1943515. The upstairs is a 1 bedroom suite with its own living room, kitchenette, full bath, bonus full-sized bed sleeping room and large outdoor deck as well, sleeping up to 4. The VRBO listing for the upstairs unit (B) is 1994566. The decor is modern, eclectic, whimsical and fun with a nod to it's past life as a Bloomington landmark restaurant and bar. There are 5 large flat screen smart TV's, 2 upstairs(B) and 3 downstairs(A), board games, a sound system, vintage record player with vinyl, and lots of books for entertainment and relaxation. We are walking distance to the downtown restaurants and bars, Farmers Market and shops, as well as the IU campus and stadiums. The property is easy to get to from I-69, and we have plenty of parking. Make sure to book both listings if booking the house in its entirety and be sure to cross-check availability. VRBO 1943515 (A) downstairs unit and VRBO 1994566 (B) upstairs.
Non-smoking
No pets allowed
Family friendly
Cleaning & other feesWe include all stay related fees in the Cleaning Fee line, which may include cleaning, property manager, resort, tourism and other stay related fees. All Vrbo properties are professionally cleaned after each stay.
Booking feeNo booking fees, easy credit card payments.
Service feeThis helps Vrbo provide a safer and more secure booking experience.
TaxesTaxes on accommodation such as Occupancy Tax, VAT, or GST. May also include tourism fees.
Customer support is handled by our partner Vrbo
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Top rated by guests
10.0Outstanding
(84 Ratings)
"I guarantee you have not rented a VRBO quite like this! Essentially the former Scholars Inn and Bar with the kitchen converted to 3 bedrooms. Very cool bar and restaurant area and outdoor decks. Gr..."
Jeremy H.Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
Ratings and reviews
10.0 / 10.0
I guarantee you have not rented a VRBO quite like this! Essentially the former Scholars Inn and Bar with the kitchen converted to 3 bedrooms. Very cool bar and restaurant area and outdoor decks. Great place for a meetup prior to walking to football games or downtown activities. I loved that the owners left the bar area intact complete with tv's, bar stools and beer/wine fridge.
10.0 / 10.0
Great location, plenty of space, comfortable beds! Fun spot to stay while in Bloomington and hosts are so nice and hospitable!
10.0 / 10.0
This old & venerable house, has become a funky sports bar. Once a wine cafe, it is a roomy eclectic gathering spot. The lower level has 3 bedrooms ( with 2 sharing a BR).The kitchen is a bit chopped up as it was a bar & it has a spacious deck and several sitting areas.My wife loved the vibe (it reminded me of my fraternity house) and I imagined it would be a lively game day party house ( we came for a summer wedding). It’s close to the Square and campus, walking distance to shops & restaurants.It can be a bit musty, given it’s history, but that’s part of it’s charm.
10.0 / 10.0
The house was perfect for our group during Little 500 weekend. We had both units. The open common space with the bar was a definite plus. I would definitely stay again.
10.0 / 10.0
We rented both the upstairs and downstairs got a long weekend. This is our third year in a row to stay at the KEEP. I do not think there is much that would make this a better spot for a long weekend get together.
10.0 / 10.0
Multiple stays downstairs and upstairs. Property and owner communication outstanding.
10.0 / 10.0
We have rented this spot several times now. It's a fantastic place to host dinner for your student and some of their friends. We've been there in the winter every time, but during the warmer months, the upstairs deck is massive. All bedrooms/bathrooms are remodeled and beautiful. Rent the upstairs also if your group needs (2) more bedrooms and you want the place to yourself. Plenty of parking!
10.0 / 10.0
We were in town to enjoy the production of Constellation Theater's Wizard of Oz. We loved the set up of KEEP, as it we were able to host pre-show drinks with friends and family who came to see the show. The rental was very clean, and decorated beautifully, including for the holiday. We were able to make Christmas Breakfast as well as a few meals as we spent our holiday week at the KEEP. The rental is perfectly suited for guests playing games and socializing, while some in your party may wish to retreat to the awesome bedrooms to rest or sleep. Our host, Kerry was wonderful about communications as well as checking in with us. The rental price is not cheap, but well worth it.
10.0 / 10.0
Outstanding space and location. 5 star
10.0 / 10.0
Awesome location and amazing accommodations. Will definitely stay again. Thanks for a great weekend!!
10.0 / 10.0
We celebrated with moms and daughters - the location and set up were perfect! Highly recommend!
10.0 / 10.0
We look forward to renting the house every year. It’s the perfect place to connect with our kids and their parents. We had a large group for a steak dinner on Friday night and everyone had plenty of room! The bedrooms are quiet and super comfortable. Highly recommend!! Kerry is wonderful to work with.
10.0 / 10.0
Great place to stay for a weekend at IU!
10.0 / 10.0
Our family of four stayed at Kerry’s amazing property when we were in town to drop my daughter off at her dorm to start her freshman year. The property was very clean, had everything we needed and very cool. It was conveniently located to school and town, we walked most places. We would definitely stay again!
8.0 / 10.0
We've tried to stay here for years and are glad to have been able to do so this past week. The location's history was very fun to read.
10.0 / 10.0
This is an actual bar that no longer operates as a bar and the whole bar is part of the rental with the bedrooms. Its large. Nice deck.
10.0 / 10.0
Great property! Exactly what we needed for our group! Celebrated my son's wedding and everything was perfect!
10.0 / 10.0
This was our second stay at this amazing property. It is easily the coolest property we’ve ever rented. Comfy beds, well-stocked, safe neighborhood, private parking and very well-kept. We will definitely be back!
10.0 / 10.0
This is the second my brothers got together for a three day weekend at The KEEP. It is a perfect location, it is set up for entertaining with an incredible amount of space It’s in walking distance to the downtown and not a bad walk to Assembly Hall. We didn’t go out for meals as we wanted to spend the time together. The kitchen bar area is ideal we will be coming back
10.0 / 10.0
This property is so special and beautiful. Everything we needed was there with clear instructions for entrance and departure! We had the most wonderful weekend with our college boys! Thank you!!
10.0 / 10.0
Walking distance to coffee shops and restaurants.
10.0 / 10.0
We spent Thanksgiving in Bloomington as our son plays football and was unable to come home. We picked up our other college freshman at her school and also had our 17 yr old daughter with us. The guys loved the multiple tv’s for watching football all weekend and we all loved how close and easy it was to walk to the Kirkwood shops and restaurants and the Saturday farmers market. We had a great, unique and memorable Thanksgiving!
10.0 / 10.0
We’ll book every year. Very spacious inside and out.
10.0 / 10.0
Repeat guest and repeat commentary. Nothing like this place for a gathering with family and friends. Everyone who has stayed with us or has seen it raves about it.
10.0 / 10.0
Your home was beautiful and spacious inside and out. More than enough room for three families as we had the upstairs and downstairs. Great location! The deck area was perfect for outside baggo and games. We will definitely rent again!
10.0 / 10.0
What an amazing home for our weekend in Bloomington. The house is spectacular and awesome to host brunch for my son and his friends. Great location and perfect spot.
10.0 / 10.0
Beautiful house!
10.0 / 10.0
Great property; great location; great times! Walk to downtown and nearby restaurants. Plenty of great vinyl provided for a strong vibe all weekend. Plenty of room for everyone in this unique property. Highly recommended!!
10.0 / 10.0
We were visiting for our daughter’s last sorority Mom’s weekend before she graduates. The property is so unique, welcoming, roomy and well maintained it is tough to describe in a few words. Bedrooms are roomy with comfy beds/linens and great bathrooms. The kitchen is so cool and has everything you could want to cook or entertain friends. Comfy “coffee house” type lounge feel throughout the multiple “living”rooms. Lots of seating including huge bar and plenty of dining seating. Extra touches everywhere. Talented decorating that is welcoming and impressive. All the Moms loved it! Also plenty of parking which is just another great perk. Owner/Mgmt is very responsive.
10.0 / 10.0
Incredible home in a prime location in Bloomington. Rented the upstairs and downstairs of The Keep. Words cannot express how incredible this home is. My two brothers and I and a lifelong friend of ours had a long over due get together. Went to the final home IU men’s BBALL game at Assembly Hall. Easy walking distance to all of the downtown area spots in Bloomington (I am biased as I have lived here since 1997 but it is an incredible town) also an easy walk to Assembly Hall, Memorial Stadium, and the other athletic facilities. Our friend took his wife on a Face Time tour as he was so impressed by the Keep.
10.0 / 10.0
We had an amazing stay at this unique , spacious property close to everything . Plenty of room to spread out , we even were able to enjoy the outdoor deck ! Definitely would rent again .
10.0 / 10.0
Gentlemen’s weekend of IU alums gathering for a Hoosier basketball game and surrounding festivities. This was the perfect location and everyone raved about the choice throughout the stay. “How did you find this place?!” Etc.
Super unique property, having been a wine bar in a past life, it was hard to fully appreciate it even with the photos. Bedrooms were nice but the large communal spaces were the big attraction and made it perfect for our trip. Rather than going out to rendezvous with old friends, we realized we had the coolest hangout spot in town so were able to invite them over for snacks and drinks and catching up. The place had everything we could’ve asked for, and Kerry was super helpful with communication, even letting us check in early and check out late. Try to reserve both parts of the property to really get the full effect. We talked about reprising this trip in the future, and if so we will check first thing to see if we can get this place again! Thanks.
10.0 / 10.0
This is one of the best places I've ever stayed in. The atmosphere is super unique and cool and the entire house was fully stocked with everything we needed. You can easily walk to the square for meals or cook in the super fun kitchen/bar area. I would totally recommend!
10.0 / 10.0
We’ve stayed in the lower level for football and basketball weekends, and it’s simply amazing. The bar, bedroom suites, outdoor areas, ownership/management - all terrific and as good or better than images in listing. The only problem is my hesitation to write such a review due to concern about finding the property available. We absolutely love this place - as does everyone we’ve brought by.
10.0 / 10.0
Fantastic property and location. Small group of friends in town for basketball game. Felt like we had our own private bar/restaurant for World Cup viewing. Walking distance to campus and restaurants. Holiday decorations made it feel even more like home! Highly recommend this property. We all loved it!
10.0 / 10.0
Our host Kerry was amazingly kind and communicative. We booked the upper and lower. Specifically relating to the lower - it is, and our friends who stayed with us agree, the coolest place we have ever stayed. And we seek out cool and unique. It was a perfect venue for our group's occasion to get together. The pictures don't do it justice nor probably will this review because it is just so darn amazing. A wide open gathering area, a "kitchen" with everything and MORE, a vintage record player with the best selection of vinyl, a bar with immense history, outdoor decks, and plenty of private space. You could feel the history in this place - you could imagine the stories being told over the decades. We felt beyond fortunate to make our own memories here. It is very special. Stay here. You will be beyond ecstatic that you did.
5.0 / 10.0
Plenty of space for dining, games and conversation. We will definitely return
10.0 / 10.0
We had so much fun and it was awesome having the extra space for friends.
10.0 / 10.0
Amazing place. Very fun spot for a group. Would definitely go back.
10.0 / 10.0
We enjoyed our stay. It’s a great place for a gathering!
FAQs
Is parking included with this house?
Parking is not specified as an available amenity at Luxury vacation rental in the heart of Bloomington and the IU campus. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Luxury vacation rental in the heart of Bloomington and the IU campus pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Luxury vacation rental in the heart of Bloomington and the IU campus?
We found 3 amenities for this rental. This includes non-smoking, no pets allowed, and family friendly.
