I met today with Meghan Phillips who is sales manager for 4 Marriott properties here in South Bend and Mishawaka. While we talked about those properties ( Courtyard, Spring Hill Estates and Residence Inn), I have to admit I had an ulterior motive. I’ve been trying to get accurate information about the hotels that are supposed to open up in the Eddy Street Commons, across from Notre Dame University. Without getting into the confusing world of hotel properties and their managing companies, I finally lucked out with Meghan, whose properties are managed by the same company that will manage the proposed hotels in the Eddy Street Commons.  Here is what she was able to tell me – there will be a Fairfield Inn & Suites, due to open in September 2010 and a full service Marriott, due to open in approximately 2 years (there is no guarantee on this time frame, however).  The Fairfield will have 200 + rooms. The Marriott will have a ballroom as well as meeting space.   While it is exciting to have not one but two hotels literally across the street from Notre Dame, there will also be a new venue for wedding receptions! For those of you who are planning on having your wedding at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart some day, this is great news! Most of you, as well as your guests, will be coming into town from out of town, so this scenario will be ideal! You can host your wedding reception at the Marriott, and your guests can stay at one of the two properties, all within walking distance of the campus!