Some of you might be wondering: where will we sleep while we’re in Bloomington for Scott & Evelyn’s wedding? Originally we thought we would set up a block of rooms at one particular hotel, but as it turns out Bloomington is not only a beautiful city, but also a beautiful city with a diverse selection of accommodations. As we visited options and talked to representatives, we found ourselves thinking at each one, “so-and-so would love this place,” but we never found one where we thought, “this will be perfect for everyone.” Some would be better suited for families, some for couples, some for those wanting to stay near the reception, some for those who would like to be close to downtown shopping and entertainment. Thus we decided to describe a few options for you below, trusting that you’ll have a wonderful time regardless of where you stay – besides, if you’re in your room all the time, you’re missing the point!

1. The Indiana Memorial Union Hotel, 900 E. Seventh St., Bloomington, IN 47405. The primary attraction of this facility is that it is in the same building as the location for our reception, the historic Indiana Memorial Union – one of the largest student union buildings in the United States. Staying here would put you in the middle of a beautiful wooded campus, approximately 1 mile from the church. They also have the widest variety of room choices we have ever encountered – from one-person single rooms to grand suites. If you will be staying Saturday night, however, book soon because they are nearly full for that night. Guests only needing a room for Thursday and Friday should be fine.

2. Hilton Garden Inn, 245 N. College Ave., Bloomington, IN 47403. The Hilton Garden Inn is little more than five years old and is situated just one block north of the downtown courthouse square, which is a very popular area of shops, restaurants, and other entertainment. The rooms come in only two models – one king or two queens – but they are very nicely appointed and perfect those looking for an up-scale modern feel, close to activities. Just under 1 mile from the church and reception.

3. Homewood Suites, 1399 S. Liberty Dr., Bloomington, IN 47403. Another offering from Hilton, Homewood Suites offers studio, one and two-bedroom suites, making it ideal for families or friends wanting to stay together. Each suite also has a kitchen area, and breakfast is included daily. We have not visited this one, but our experience at Homewood Suites in St. Louis was a good one. The only downside is that this hotel is about 3.5 miles from the church and thus would definitely involve driving.

4. Scholar’s Inn Bed & Breakfast, 801 N. College Ave., Bloomington, IN 47404. For individuals or
couples looking for a cozier, more unique experience, the Scholar’s Inn is a bed and breakfast with only six rooms. Indiana University was nice enough to put Scott here when he visited the school several years ago, and he can say with confidence it is a wonderfully comfortable place to stay, beautifully furnished and maintained. 1.2 miles from the church.

 5. Grant Street Inn, 310 N. Grant St., Bloomington, IN 47408. Another bed and breakfast option, the Grant Street Inn is larger, with 24 rooms, and might have the best location around – midway between the university and the courthouse square, just two blocks from huge variety of independent restaurants and shops on 4th Street and Kirkwood Avenue, yet in a quiet neighborhood setting. Neither of us has stayed there, but have heard nothing but good things, and it’s less than 1 mile from the church.

Those are but a few suggestions and there are many other choices, if anyone has particular preferences of certain hotel brands, for example. The city of Bloomington maintains a useful website that includes a list of nearly every possibility, as well a useful visitors guide that can be downloaded in PDF. Don’t hesitate to ask if you want our thoughts on anything, especially if you’re not familiar with the city and need a better idea on the relative distance between things.