The Past
In 1902, Notre Dame student Ernest M. Morris could not pay his tuition. He asked the school president for two favors: to let him continue enrollment on credit, and to take care of his horse Dexter. Rev. John W. Cavanaugh, C.S.C., graciously agreed. Morris graduated and went on to found his own investment firm. He donated $1 million to aid the University in its post-war expansion, and Morris Inn was constructed in his honor. Asked why he did so much in return, Morris said, “I’ll just never forget how kind Notre Dame was to my horse.”
The Present
Morris Inn sits at the heart of Notre Dame’s storied campus and is known as “The Living Room of the University.” It is the first building on campus with a green roof to decrease noise and increase energy efficiency. Following a $30 million renovation, Morris Inn offers 150 guest rooms, including 18 spacious suites. Café J, a café located directly across from the first-floor elevator, offers a more relaxed atmosphere and serves drip coffee, lattes, nitro and cold brews, and baked goods from executive pastry chef and Food Network star Sinai Vespie. The Inn’s welcoming and inviting lobby allows guests to feel at home, sip their Café J lattes, and browse old Notre Dame yearbooks while also drawing students to gather and study. The lobby features a variety of artwork, sculptures, and furniture that emulate the history of the University.
With two distinct dining options—Rohr’s and the Wind Family Fireside Terrace—guests will find the perfect atmosphere in which to enjoy a business lunch, family gathering, special occasion, or a casual meal. Wander up to the bar at Rohr’s and you may be served by Patrick Murphy, or Murf, as most people know him. Murf began working at Morris Inn as a busboy in the 1960s and is now a staple behind the bar. He is renowned for pouring great drinks, listening, and sharing stories that live in Notre Dame lore.
In addition, Morris Inn has a spacious ballroom and ample meeting space with modern amenities to host business meetings and social events. It is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel, placing it in the top 5 percent of hotels in the United States.