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I spent two nights at the Hilton Vacation Club Varsity Club South Bend, a cozy property steeped in Notre Dame spirit and conveniently located near shopping, dining, and the University of Notre Dame. Upgrading to HGV Max opened opportunities to explore new drive-to properties, including those in Indiana and Wisconsin. Both are perfect for short getaways from my home in Chicago. Since the grandbaby is just one year old, I will skip the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin for now, but a quick two-hour drive to South Bend was just right.
The property operates under a slightly different set of rules than traditional hotels or non-club properties. Check-in is at 4:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. I received complimentary water during my stay, but breakfast is available for a small fee. I packed a goodie bag, so I did not try the breakfast, but I appreciated the 24/7 tea, coffee, and juice station in the lobby. Bonus: I will earn 2,000 Hilton Honors points for this stay (pending at the time of this post). You can still book this property through the Hilton website without owning a timeshare.
This was my first time at this property, and I was impressed with the recent makeover—everything looked new and well-maintained. The soaking tub was an unexpected delight (pro tip: if you have concerns, you can use the detergent from the kitchen to clean it before use). The kitchen lacked the ceramic dishware and pots I expected at other club properties. Instead, it had plastic plates, bowls, and utensils, which felt like a downgrade. Despite this, the room was clean and comfortable, making it a pleasant stay.
The property features a 24-hour fitness center, indoor pool, and fire pit in the courtyard. I did not use the fitness center or pool this time but enjoyed sitting in the courtyard on my first evening. Sports fans, especially Notre Dame Fighting Irish enthusiasts, will love the memorabilia throughout the property. The decor adds a unique charm, and the property feels deeply connected to the community.
I always make time to shop on trips, and South Bend did not disappoint. I visited T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross. Although I know I can shop at these stores in Chicago, I also understand that no two TJX stores carry the same inventory. The highlight of my trip was visiting the University of Notre Dame campus and its bookstore, which is a must-see.
As a School Counselor, I have toured campuses in almost every city, and the Notre Dame Bookstore stands out as one of the best. With its beautiful layout, natural lighting, and organized displays, it is more than just a bookstore—it is an experience. I wanted to purchase a patch and an ornament. Due to licensing, custom patches are only available on-site, and unfortunately, I did not have time to wait for one. However, I picked up a gorgeous ornament to commemorate the trip.
I reserved my stay through HGV’s Open Season program, paying $220 for a one-bedroom suite compared to the $310 advertised rate on the Hilton website. Open Season bookings often save up to 50% but are non-changeable, so plan carefully. Over the years, I used Open Season for memorable stays in Chicago (staycations), Las Vegas (my son’s wedding), Hawaii, and Myrtle Beach (girls’ trip). It is an excellent option for maximizing value while enjoying Hilton Vacation Club and Hilton Grand Vacations properties.
Hilton Vacation Club South Bend is the perfect destination for a quick, relaxing getaway. With its connection to Notre Dame, well-kept amenities, and proximity to shopping and dining, it is worth a visit—whether you are a Fighting Irish fan or just looking for a cozy retreat within driving distance.
