SOUTH BEND, IN

[MaltLiquorBull]

I know it's early, but I was wondering if anyone knew about the hotel situation in South Bend for next year's Notre Dame game.  Is it one of those situations where you would have to book a year in advance to stay in town.  I've never been there, but I'm guessing it's not a very big town.

[bull2saintleo]

I would think booking a room as soon as possible might not be a bad idea.  I have some friends that have been in the area for a game and had to stay in southwestern Michigan due to bad planning on their part.

Just doing some simple research, Gary, Indiana is just about an hour outside of South Bend with Chicago being an hour and a half, so that could be your best bet.

[JoeB]

Southwestern Michigan is closer than Gary, Indiana.  ND is only a few miles from the Michigan state line.  I want to say less than 10 miles.  I normally stay in Mishawaka.  Its a neighboring town but has alot of options.  They all have 2 night minimums, and the rates get jacked up during football season.  The earlier you book the better off you'll be.  That is for sure. 

[mikemcp88]

Gary, IN is not the nicest of towns. If you have to stay in Michigan, stay by New Buffalo. They got a casino there and its a nice town

[CousinRicky]

We're booked in a Hampton Inn in Elkhart, IN, just 20 miles from South Bend.  The Marriott site didn't have those dates available as of a few days ago so we went ahead and booked 3 rooms at the Hampton.

I think I would stay away from Gary as well.

[IncrediBULL]

Here is the deal, I used to go to SB Indiana monthly.

They have very few hotels and it is really just a small town, outside of the IUSB, St Mary's, and ND schools. 

Flights there are expensive, but Northwest goes via Detroit then puddle jumper to there. 

Best bet is to fly into Chicago/Midway (on the south side) and get a hotel room somewhere along the route to SB, maybe 45 minutes away.  Cheaper, no two night minimum, and gets you closer to the airport.  Chicago Midway is definitely the cheapest flight you will most likely find.  O'Hare is expensive.  South Bend is expensive.

As for hotels, preferntial treatment is given to the ND fans who stay there every time. 

I am plannint on going up for this one.

[CousinRicky]

Marriott's calendar is now open for those dates for those of you who are interested in booking.  About 25 miles east of South Bend there are some Marriott family hotels.

[Raetus]

As a Hoosier, dear god stay away from Gary, IN. Unless you have money to spend, I wouldn't stay in South Bend, either.

[___ Eats It]

I just reserved the Fairfield about 1500 feet from the stadium.  They want $450 per but I will have enough points to get it for free =)

[IncrediBULL]

Two things.  Just realized that is Labor Day weekend.

Most hotels won't allow a booking this far in advance, including Expedia.