Escape to Notre Dame: Unbeatable Deals at Microtel Inn & Suites!
Escape to Notre Dame? Microtel Inn & Suites: A Hot Mess, But in a Good Way (Maybe?)
Alright, folks, let's dive headfirst into the chaotic, often contradictory, and sometimes surprisingly delightful world of Microtel Inn & Suites, near Notre Dame. This isn't your sterile, corporate review. This is your friend, spilling the tea after a weekend of… well, let's just say it was an experience.
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First Impressions: Where's the Charm?
Okay, let's be honest. The exterior? Kinda… beige. It's functional. It’s certainly not going to win any architectural awards. But hey, we're here for Notre Dame, not a beauty pageant. Plus, the car park [free of charge] is a HUGE win, especially after those heart-stopping parking prices in downtown South Bend. Car park [on-site] is another bonus because getting to the university could be a pain in the neck.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, As Always
Now, I have to say, the Facilities for disabled guests section is a bit of a head-scratcher. I didn’t personally need them, but the website made some promises. I glanced about the common areas. It seemed like they had put some effort in, but I wouldn't bet my life on it. Still, credit where credit's due for trying. Elevator? Check. So, overall, not perfect, but better than… well, some places.
The Wi-Fi: Bless Up!
Okay, this is crucial. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually works! My inner millennial rejoiced. I mean, Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services? Yeah, it has the works. I needed to get some emails out ASAP, and it was a lifesaver. (And the Wi-Fi for special events is something else, they probably could handle the entire Wi-Fi demand for South Bend.)
Rooms: Cozy, But Is 'Cozy' Code for Cramped?
My room? Let's just say it was… intimate. Air conditioning blasted like a hurricane, which was great because it was HOT. Air conditioning in public area was not the greatest. At least the Non-smoking rooms were enforced; the air was blessedly clean. Additional toilet would have been a godsend when my friend and I were getting ready to go out on a Saturday. Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for battling the early morning sun and preventing any potential hangover-induced horrors.
The bed? Comfortable enough. The Extra long bed was appreciated, not going to lie. I'm a tall person. Having to sleep with my knees bent? No, thank you. The desk was functional for working, and the Laptop workspace was okay. I actually had to work a bit, which was a bummer, but the Free bottled water and coffee/tea maker were nice touches. The mini bar was practically empty, with just some chips and chocolate. But let's be honest, if you're in town for a game, you're probably not relying on the mini-bar.
Cleanliness: Did Someone Say "Sterile?"
Okay, let's talk about cleanliness. Rooms sanitized between stays. Rooms sanitized between stays is also something nice to read. Anti-viral cleaning products? Checked. They really seemed to be trying to keep things spotless. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. This felt reassuring. Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep. All things considered, I felt pretty safe, which is a huge thing these days.
The Stuff:
- Bathroom and Shower*: You know, essential bathroom features.
- Wake-up service: You know, in case you need to be woken up.
- Safety/security feature: Safe.
- Non-smoking: Good.
- Ironing facilities: If you need them.
- Smoke detector: Essential.
- Socket near the bed: Good.
- Soundproofing: Eh.
- Towels: Clean.
- Hair dryer: Functional.
Amenities: The Good, The Bad, and the 'Is That Even a Thing?'
- Swimming pool: Yep, a small outdoor pool. It was clean and refreshing, but a bit on the smaller side. Pool with view? Nope. More like "pool with slightly obscured view of the parking lot."
- Fitness center: Tiny, like a glorified closet with some treadmills and weights. I peeked inside, took one look, and bolted. Probably not the place to get your workout on.
- Breakfast: The buffet was the real star. They tried. It was pretty basic, but the Breakfast [buffet] was better than a lot of free hotel breakfasts I've had. I'm talking waffles, scrambled eggs, the usual continental suspects. The Buffet in restaurant was actually pretty good. I grabbed a Coffee/tea in restaurant and sat down. It's filling and gets you going.
- Poolside bar: I'm pretty sure there was a bar poolside. I might have been drinking. Don't quote me on it.
- Snack bar: I'm pretty sure there was a snack bar. It had snacks.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Football Fanatic
This is the real question. Are you there to eat, or are you there to drink? Or both? Restaurants are in South Bend. Restaurants? It had the works. Bar? The Happy hour was decent. Asian breakfast was okay. Asian cuisine in restaurant was decent. A la carte in restaurant was great. Coffee shop was great. Western breakfast was just alright. Western cuisine in restaurant was great. I had a great time.
Stuff I Didn't Experience, But Still Found Interesting:
- Babysitting service: Interesting.
- Indoor venue for special events: Okay.
- Shrine: Interesting.
- Couple's room: Romantic.
- Exterior corridor: Good to know.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Good.
- Non-smoking rooms: Great.
- Proposal spot: The lobby.
- Smoke alarms: Good.
- Soundproof rooms: Good.
- Car power charging station: Good.
- Taxi service: Good.
- Valet parking: Good.
- Available in all rooms: Good.
- Alarm clock: Good.
- Bathrobes: Good.
- Bathroom phone: Good.
- Bathtub: Good.
- Blackout curtains: Essential
- Carpeting: Good.
- Closet: Good.
- Complimentary tea: Good.
- Daily housekeeping: Great.
- Extra long bed: Great.
- In-room safe box: Good.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Good.
- Internet access – LAN: Good.
- Ironing facilities: Good.
- Laptop workspace: Good.
- Linens: Good.
- Mirror: Useful
- Non-smoking: Good.
- On-demand movies: Good.
- Private bathroom: Good.
- Reading light: Good.
- Refrigerator: Good.
- Satellite/cable channels: Good.
- Scale: Good.
- Seating area: Okay.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Good.
- Shower: Good.
- Slippers: Good.
- Smoke detector: Essential
- Socket near the bed: Helpful.
- Sofa: Comfy.
- Telephone: Good.
- Toiletries: Useful.
- Towels: Soft.
- Umbrella: Good.
- Wake-up service: Important.
- Wi-Fi [free]: Essential.
- Window that opens: Important.
The Verdict: Worth It?
Look, Microtel isn't the Four Seasons. But for the price, the location, and the overall vibe? Absolutely. It's clean, has
Escape to Houston's Hidden Gem: La Quinta Inn & Suites Humble
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. We're going rogue in South Bend, Indiana, and living to tell the tale, hopefully. Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham? Sounds… promising. Let's see how this unfolds.
Day 1: Arrival, Notre Dame, and the Existential Dread of Budget Pizza
- 1:00 PM - The Descent (and Immediate Regret): Arrive at South Bend Airport (SBN). The airport is… small. Which, honestly, is a relief because airports give me a twitch. Grab the rental car – pray to the car gods it’s not a lemon. Anecdote time: My last rental car had a suspicious smell, like old gym socks and despair. Let's hope this one smells like… nothing.
- 1:30 PM - The Microtel Check-In Circus: Navigate the front desk. Hopefully, the room isn't on the fourth floor, because stairs and I are not friends. Quirky observation: I always scrutinize the lobby furniture. Is it trying too hard? Is it comfortable? Does it judge my travel outfit choices?
- 2:30 PM - Touchdown Notre Dame: Head to the Golden Dome! Emotional reaction: Okay, Notre Dame IS pretty impressive. All that history! The architecture is legit, seriously. I'm not even Catholic, but I can appreciate the… grandeur. Try to find a parking spot that isn't a mile away (it’s harder than you think). Take a quick wander, maybe grab some photos (the IG game must be strong).
- 4:00 PM - The Bookstore Carnage: Prepare for the onslaught of souvenir shopping. The Notre Dame bookstore is a black hole for your wallet. Resist the urge to buy a leprechaun plushie the size of a small child. (I may or may not have failed this test in the past…)
- 6:00 PM - Pizza Predicament: Dinner. The most important meal of the day. After a quick search for dining options that didn't include anything too fancy or too expensive my friends proposed their favorite pizza joint, I was immediately hesitant. Budget pizza? No thank you. But then, my friends were really excited, so I gave in. The pizza wasn't horrible, but it wasn't what I asked for. It was very greasy, and I think it might have been over-sauced. The pepperoni tasted… bland. Emotional reaction: I swear I'm gonna make a pizza myself tomorrow. Maybe I'm just not a pizza person. Or maybe I'm just super picky. I need something that'll make me feel like I'm not eating a cardboard box.
- 7:30 PM - Unwinding (or Trying To): Back to the Microtel. Crash. Order some room service if they have it (doubtful). Or snack on those sad little chips and salsa from the gas station. Stare at the TV. Question the entire experience.
Day 2: Campus Exploration, Confessionals, and a Desperate Plea for Coffee
- 9:00 AM - The Morning Debacle: Wake up. Realize you forgot your coffee, which is a personal affront. Scramble to find a decent coffee shop. Messy Structure: Did I mention I'm a terrible morning person? The entire day depends on this caffeine intake.
- 10:00 AM - More Notre Dame (Because Why Not?): A more in-depth exploration. Try to see that statue everyone's raving about, and definitely the church. Look into the history; maybe I'll learn something!
- 12:00 PM - Lunch Location TBD: Find somewhere, anywhere, that’s not pizza. I swear I'm gonna make a sandwich at this point.
- 1:00 PM - The Library Visit (Maybe): Check out the Hesburgh Library. See if I can make it around it without getting lost or feeling like I'm back in college. Opinions: Libraries are cool, but the silence is a killer. It's just… intense. Are people actually studying here?
- 3:00 PM - The Confessionals (Or Avoiding Them): If there's a confession, I'm not gonna confess. Unless the priest offers good coffee.
- 4:00 PM - The Hunt of the Good Coffee: I'm going to find the best coffee in town. Coffee is the blood of life. It’s not just a beverage. It is the way. Rambles: Okay, I need a REALLY good coffee. Something that'll make me forget about yesterday's pizza experience, and this small, sad hotel room. Something bold. Something with a hint of… adventure? Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner: Tonight, we have a plan! We shall head to a nice restaurant, but first, let's get a nap.
- 7:00 PM - Nap Time! This is so important for the trip.
- 8:00 PM - Dinner (The Redeeming Factor): Okay, this place better deliver. Good ambience, tasty food, and a friendly staff? Strong Emotional Reaction: If this restaurant fails me, I'm canceling the entire trip!
Day 3: The Farewell or the "Thank God This Is Over" Chapter
- 8:00 AM - The Microtel Escape: Final coffee, one last assessment of the room (did I leave anything?).
- 9:00 AM - Last-Minute Souvenir Panic: Did I forget to buy something? My cousin will probably be mad if I forgot her gift!
- 11:00 AM - The Departure: Head back to the airport. Reflect on the trip.
- 11:30 AM - The Rating: Rate the stay at the Microtel and leave some online reviews.
- 12:00 PM - Flying out of Indiana!
And look, this is just a loose framework. The important thing is to go with the flow. Get lost. Order weird food. Laugh (a lot). Embrace the chaos. And maybe, just maybe, find a coffee shop that understands your soul.
P.S. Don't forget to pack: Comfortable shoes (you'll be walking!), a phone charger, and a healthy dose of cynicism. You'll need it.
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Escape to Notre Dame: Microtel Deals! (And My Brain's Ramblings) - FAQs
Okay, spill the beans. What's the *real* deal with these “Unbeatable Deals” at Microtel near Notre Dame? Sounds a little…sales-y, don't you think?
Alright, alright, deep breaths. "Unbeatable" is probably a tad dramatic. But hey, marketing, right? Look, basically, Microtel (and I'm guessing other hotels in the area) know people flock to Notre Dame. Games, graduations, you name it – the demand is CRAZY. So, they often have deals, especially *off*-season or if you're booking in advance. Think…maybe a discounted rate, or maybe a package with free breakfast (which, by the way, is KEY when you're dealing with pre-game jitters or post-game…well, let's just say *celebrations*). But definitely DON'T expect the Ritz. Microtels are usually…functional. Clean-ish. The water pressure *might* be a gamble. But hey, you're there for the Irish, not the luxury, right?
So, is it *actually* close to the action? I don't want to be battling traffic for an hour just to get a hot dog.
This is where things get a little…fuzzy. "Near" is subjective, my friend. "Close" in hotel terms often means "within a reasonable taxi or Uber ride." Microtels in the area are *usually* within a few miles of campus. Google Maps is your friend here, seriously. Check the specific Microtel you're looking at! I once stayed at one (don't ask me which, it was a blur of tailgating and celebratory tears) that seemed *close*, but then getting *out* was a nightmare. I swear, I aged a decade waiting to get off the property. Lesson learned: factor in game day traffic. Seriously, give yourself HOURS.
What's the room situation *really* like? I need room for me, my significant other, and a small army of Notre Dame gear.
Okay, let's get real. Microtels aren’t known for sprawling suites. Think…standard hotel room. Two double beds (probably a safe bet), or a king. The size of the room? Well, let's just say strategic packing is *highly* recommended. And the closet? Probably the size of my last shoe box. My advice? Call ahead and *actually* ask about room sizes and if they have connecting rooms. If you have a toddler AND a Notre Dame super fan? Might need a suite or to book two rooms. The chaos will be worth it.
Breakfast. The most important meal of the day…especially when hungover. Is it a sad continental breakfast situation?
Oh, the breakfast. This is where things get potentially dicey. Usually, it's...a continental breakfast. Which is code for: pre-packaged muffins that taste vaguely of cardboard, watery coffee, and maybe, *maybe*, some rubbery scrambled eggs. I'm trying to be optimistic here, but honestly, temper your expectations. Pack some granola bars. Or, preferably, scout out a good local brunch spot the night before. Trust me, that's a much better hangover plan. One time, the breakfast was SO bad, I skipped it entirely and ended up eating a gas station donut. (Don't judge.) This is one area where you're *really* not getting a luxury experience.
Okay, so are there any hidden fees or "gotchas" I should be aware of?
Always, always, read the fine print, people! Seriously. "Unbeatable deals" can sometimes mean hidden resort fees (even if there’s no resort). Parking fees are a big one, especially around game days. Make sure you understand the cancellation policy *before* you book. And, here's a personal anecdote: I once booked a *fantastic* deal, thought I was golden, and then they hit me with a "mandatory energy surcharge" that was almost as much as the room itself! It wasn't even mentioned on the booking site. Ugh! Always call the hotel directly or double check the terms and conditions to avoid those nasty surprises. Check those policies. Don't be like me. I learned the hard (and expensive) way.
Is it actually *worth* it? Should I just suck it up and shell out for a fancy hotel?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? It depends. If you're only going to be in your room to sleep, and your primary goal is to see Notre Dame and experience the game day atmosphere, then a Microtel deal could be perfectly fine. It gets you close-ish, saves you money (potentially), and lets you focus on the important stuff (the Fighting Irish!). If you're looking for a luxurious, relaxing getaway, maybe not. Consider the value of your time and comfort. Sometimes, spending a little extra for a nicer hotel closer to the stadium (or with a better breakfast!) is worth it. It's all about your priorities. Me? I’m a sucker for a good deal, and the atmosphere is more important to me. Though, I’ll *always* pack my own breakfast bars now. And maybe a travel hairdryer. Just in case.
Anything else I should know before booking this "unbeatable deal"?
Okay, a few last things: 1) Read reviews! Seriously, scroll through those reviews like your life depends on it. They'll tell you *everything* you need to know (or don't want to know). 2) Book far in advance, especially for game days. Prices skyrocket the closer you get. 3) Be prepared for noise. Hotels near a university on game day are NOT quiet places. Pack earplugs if you're a light sleeper. 4) Don't expect miracles. Just manage your expectations, and you'll probably have a great time. And most importantly? GO IRISH!
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