Local hotels filling up fast for graduation
By HIMANSHU KOTHARI
News Writer
With graduation only three weeks away, hotels in the South Bend and Mishawaka area are reporting full occupancy for that weekend. While this is not true for all hotels, most are optimistic that the housing the University provides on-campus will not be enough.
"We still have 20 rooms available, but we usually sell out and this time, too, we will probably sell out before graduation, but we are still taking reservations," said Kathy Hoban, manager at the Holiday Inn in South Bend.
The Holiday Inn is offering a rate of $159.95 plus tax for its double rooms, with a mandatory minimum of two nights stay.
Among the hotels that were already booked to capacity, the Inn at Saint Mary's and the Jamison Inn give priority to people who have already spent a night at the hotel.
"If they stayed for [Junior Parents Weekend] of 2003, then they would be placed in a lottery for rooms the next year," said Jane Bella, manager of Jamison Inn, which is adjacent to the University campus.
While giving priority to parents who stayed during JPW is something new for the Jamison, the Inn at Saint Mary's makes this a mandatory condition.
"In order to get a room for graduation, [the customer] must stay for JPW as well," said Ryan Holman, guest service representative.
Another hotel that has reported full occupancy is the all-suite Comfort Suites. The hotel did not offer any discounts for graduation but honors A.A.R.P discounts, said Trish Stewart, manager of the Comfort Suite.
The Morris Inn does not offer rooms to the public during Commencement as the University gives the hotel a guest list for the weekend of graduation.
Other hotels still have vacancy for the weekend.
The Boulevard Inn and Bistro is offering family packages and has rooms starting at $145 plus tax for a "city-wide" suite and $165 plus tax for a suite facing the harbor.
A more expensive option is the Marriott in downtown South Bend.
"Rooms are $299 plus taxes and are non-refundable, non-returnable and non cancelable and the rate must be fully prepaid with a credit card for the duration of stay," said Allison Merrick, manager at the Marriott.
A cheaper option is also available at the Days Inn, which has close to 30 doubles available and is offering a flat rate of $140 plus taxes.
All News Stories for Tuesday, April 29, 2003
