The Morris Inn became the 10th hotel in the state of Indiana to receive the AAA Four Diamond award, the University stated in a press release on Oct. 9.
According to the release, AAA is an organization that independently ranks and rates hotels based on condition, cleanliness, management, staff, grounds, exterior, public areas and décor.
The award comes after a more than $30 million renovation if the hotel, Joe Kurth, Morris Inn's general manager, said,
Thanks to a generous donation from Ernesto Raclin, the hotel was able to redesign and revamp its facilities. In a mere 10 months, the hotel was transformed, earning it a new four-diamond rating by the AAA.
Kurth said although it is uncommon for a hotel to receive a four-diamond rating so soon after reopening, the Morris Inn strives to maintain its position as "the living room of the University."
According to the AAA's website, a Four-Diamond hotel is "refined, stylish with upscale physical attributes, extensive amenities and a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail."
The AAA website goes on to say that the Four-Diamond rating is a high achievement that is only met by 5% of the 30,000 plus lodgings that the AAA has reviewed in the past 77 years.
"The new Four-Diamond ranking shows guests that they will have an experience that is unique and only available at a select number of hotels," Kurth said.
According to its website, the Morris Inn has been an integral part of the Notre Dame community, providing visitors a place, hosting weddings and conferences and even serving food at one of its three eating establishments since April 21, 1952.
"The Morris Inn is proud to be a choice location for weddings, academic conferences, and alumni and family visiting the University," Kurth said. "We are proud to be in the heart of Notre Dame's beautiful campus. In fact, in the AAA's categories of review, the Morris Inn scored five diamonds for the exterior and campus grounds."
Contact Jessica Merdes at jmerdes@nd.edu
