DoubleTree by Hilton South Bend

This hotel, with its distinctive atrium-style architecture, offers a central downtown experience, often noted for its convenient location near local attractions and event venues. While many guests appreciate the building's grand design, a significant number highlight that the property is in considerable need of modernization and maintenance. The hotel is particularly well-suited for event attendees, sightseers, and business travelers who value proximity to the city's core. Families attending local tournaments or weddings also find the location beneficial. To ensure a smoother stay, guests are advised to confirm the operational status of all amenities prior to arrival and be aware of the parking garage's height restrictions.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel features an atrium that serves as a central gathering space, though some guests noted it can be quite chilly. A Starbucks is conveniently located within the hotel, providing easy access to coffee, and some guests appreciated the presence of vending machines and ice machines, though the latter were frequently reported as broken or limited to certain floors. The fitness center is generally well-regarded, with guests praising its equipment and cleanliness, though some mentioned a lack of water or stretching mats. However, the pool and hot tub are a recurring source of disappointment, with numerous reviews indicating they were closed for repairs or had been out of order for an extended period, often without prior notice. Many guests found the pool water to be too cold when it was open.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is highly mixed. While some guests found their rooms to be clean and beds comfortable, a substantial number reported issues such as dust accumulation, stained carpets, peeling wallpaper, and worn furniture. Specific concerns included dirty bathrooms, mold in showers, and hair on surfaces, suggesting inconsistent housekeeping. Many rooms are described as dated and in need of renovation, with some reporting AC units that were noisy, ineffective, or repaired with tape, leading to uncomfortable temperatures. Small bathrooms and noisy conditions from traffic or internal hotel activities were also frequently mentioned, impacting overall comfort.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers on-site dining options, including a restaurant and bar. While some guests praised specific dishes, such as the salmon dinner or boneless wings, and highlighted the friendly service from restaurant staff, overall feedback on food quality and variety is often negative. The breakfast buffet, priced separately, received frequent criticism for being inedible, cold, or having limited options, with some guests noting items were consistently out of stock. Many found the dining experience to be overpriced for the quality provided. Additionally, the restaurant and bar were occasionally reported as having limited operating hours or being unexpectedly closed due to staffing issues.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location in downtown is consistently praised as a major advantage, offering easy walking distance to numerous restaurants, bars, and attractions like the Morris Performing Arts Center and the riverwalk. Guests attending events at the Century Center appreciate the direct skywalk connection. The hotel provides parking in an adjacent garage, which many found convenient, though it often comes with an additional fee. Some guests noted the parking garage has a very low ceiling clearance, making it challenging for larger vehicles. While the location is generally considered safe, some guests experienced issues with the parking garage security.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, standing out as a major highlight of many guests' stays. Reviewers frequently commend the front desk staff for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional, often going above and beyond to assist guests with issues like room changes, directions, or special requests. The check-in process is generally described as smooth, and many guests appreciated the warm cookies offered upon arrival. Housekeeping and restaurant staff also received praise for their attentiveness and positive attitudes, with many guests feeling that the staff genuinely cared about their experience despite the property's physical shortcomings.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel is undergoing renovations, which may result in construction noise during the day and impact the availability or condition of certain areas, including hallways and elevators. Several reviews mentioned only one or two of the elevators being operational, leading to long wait times. The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, which is appreciated by those traveling with animals. Some guests noted issues with room key cards not consistently working, requiring multiple re-keys. There were also reports of a persistent musty smell or sewage odor in hallways, particularly on certain floors, which was a significant detractor for many.