Wingate by Wyndham South Bend/Notre Dame

The hotel's strong Notre Dame theme, evident through extensive decor and memorabilia throughout the property, creates a unique and memorable atmosphere. Guests frequently highlight the hotel's overall cleanliness, the friendly and accommodating nature of the staff, and the good value it offers for its price point. The convenient location, especially for those visiting Notre Dame, and the presence of an onsite bar and restaurant are also consistently praised. The hotel fosters a family-friendly environment, making it a suitable choice for various types of travelers. This hotel is particularly well-suited for families seeking a comfortable and engaging stay, Notre Dame visitors and fans attending games or events, and business travelers looking for a reliable and well-located base. Pet owners are also accommodated, though with specific policies. To ensure a smooth experience, it is advisable for guests to confirm the current status and temperature of the pools, especially if traveling with children, and to clarify pet policies and associated fees prior to arrival.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests appreciate the availability of both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, though feedback on their condition is mixed. While some families found the indoor pool enjoyable for children, many guests reported it was often cold, unheated, or had maintenance issues, including concerns about cleanliness and even mold in the pool area. The hotel also features a fitness center, which is generally described as well-equipped. Wi-Fi is available and noted for being reliable and fast, allowing guests to stay connected. Parking is convenient and ample, including space for larger vehicles. However, some common areas and hallways are noted for being cold and having unpleasant odors, such as mildew or pet urine, detracting from the overall comfort outside the rooms. The hotel's layout can also be confusing for some guests.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness is generally positive, with many rooms described as immaculate and spotless, reflecting a high standard of upkeep. Rooms are often noted for their spacious layouts, providing ample room for movement and storage. The beds receive consistent praise for being comfortable, firm, and of good quality, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some guests found pillows to be lumpy. Noise levels are mixed; most guests found their rooms quiet, but some experienced issues with thin walls allowing noise to travel. The bathrooms receive more critical feedback, with common complaints including being dated, having slow drains, ants, mold or mildew, and frequent issues with hot water availability or low water pressure. Shower heads are sometimes described as too short or old. In-room amenities like televisions are present, but their size or functionality can vary, and some rooms lack expected items such as hair dryers or sufficient toiletries.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers a breakfast that receives mixed but generally positive reviews. Many guests appreciate the variety of fresh options, including a popular pancake machine, and find it to be a good basic offering that satisfies families. However, some note that the breakfast can be minimal, and on occasion, the food has been described as cold or microwaved, and the staff sometimes appears unprepared for large groups. The onsite restaurant and bar, often referred to as the Lucky Gnome, is a significant highlight for many visitors. It is frequently praised for its cozy atmosphere, great ambiance, and tasty food, making it a convenient and enjoyable spot for dining and socializing. While most experiences are positive, a few guests noted that the restaurant or bar was unexpectedly closed during their stay.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location is consistently highlighted as a major advantage, particularly for its proximity to Notre Dame University and its associated events, making it an ideal base for visitors and fans. Guests find it conveniently situated with easy access to the interstate, facilitating travel to and from the area. The surrounding vicinity also offers a good selection of food and coffee shops, adding to the convenience for guests. Parking is readily available and described as easy and convenient, including options for larger vehicles like trucks. While the immediate area around the hotel is generally considered safe, some guests noted that there isn't much available for large groups to gather outside the hotel's own facilities.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests recount positive interactions, highlighting their accommodating nature and willingness to assist with requests. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as quick, seamless, and efficient, contributing to a stress-free arrival and departure. However, feedback regarding housekeeping is less consistent; while some rooms are well-maintained, several guests reported that rooms were not cleaned daily or restocked with towels and coffee, requiring them to request these services. Despite the overall positive sentiment towards the staff, a few isolated incidents mention dismissive or rude interactions, particularly concerning issues like hot water availability or deposit disputes.

Additional Information
The hotel has a pet-friendly policy, though guests report varying experiences with associated fees, which can include significant deposits. Some pet owners found the designated pet rooms suitable, while others noted noise issues or challenges with finding appropriate outdoor areas. A recurring and significant concern among guests, particularly those traveling with teams, is the hotel's incidental deposit policy. Numerous reviews detail instances where deposits, often $100 or more, were not returned, with guests citing unverified claims of property damage or unruly behavior. This has led to considerable frustration and disputes. The hotel has undergone renovations, with some guests appreciating the updated rooms and improved aesthetics, while others still find parts of the property dated. There are also frequent reports of overbooking, especially during peak event weekends, leading to last-minute cancellations or room changes for guests who booked in advance. The hotel's layout is sometimes described as confusing or spread out, making navigation challenging for some.