If you’ve ever stepped foot in Morris Inn, you know it’s a special part of the Notre Dame experience. Located right on Notre Dame Avenue, the Inn holds the title as the only AAA Four Diamond hotel in northern Indiana. Its lobby is adorned with University of Notre Dame yearbooks, tables from South Dining Hall, and photos of the Morris, Raclin and Murphy families, generous benefactors of the hotel. It holds a lot of history.
Morris Inn opened its doors in 1952 and since then has served as a meeting ground for university guests, government officials, celebrities, Notre Dame alums, students and more. One of the bartenders at the hotel’s restaurant, Rohr’s, has been at the helm for more than 40 years, and an evening with Murf is essential to a visit - complete with a Fr. Ted Hesburgh Manhattan. Even with all of the history between its walls, it’s time for the hotel to get a refresh with rooms expected to be completed by May 2024.
“This is an exciting time for all of our Notre Dame friends and families that stay with us,” said Kevin Schellinger, director of operations at Morris Inn. We truly appreciate the collaboration and enthusiasm from all of our campus partners. In 2012, the hotel was re-built, in 2020, the lobby and public spaces were updated, and now again in 2024, we’re focusing on refreshing the rooms.”
Hotel guests can expect to see updated bedding, pillows, furniture, carpet, lighting and more in the guest rooms. “My intent for the guest rooms was to refresh them by creating a more updated feel, particularly focusing on key elements in each room. The recent Morris Inn lobby updates have been very well received, so I wanted to incorporate some of those colors and themes into the guest rooms, while still honoring the tradition of Notre Dame,” said Natalie Troyer, interiors project manager at Notre Dame, “I added wallcovering to the headboard wall to make a large visual impact…I replaced the desk with a round table and chairs, which serves the dual purpose of a place to sit and eat or to work,” she said. “Bespoke detailing, quartz stone, and beautiful brass accents are featured in each room.” The art also features architectural reliefs from various buildings throughout campus.
“We’re thrilled to share our new guest rooms with our visitors,” said Schellinger, “and we can’t wait until May when the hotel is complete.”
Guest room reservations are available to book online at http://morrisinn.nd.edu.