Amenities Columns

$$ | Miles | Fit | Kit | I'net

$$

This column indicates the typical price range of this hotel. We use the following codes: E=Economy (under $50), M=Midrange ($50 to $100), U=Upscale ($100 to $150), L=Luxury (over $150). Please note that room rates fluctuate (seasonal popularity, special events in the area, etc.).

Miles

The approximate distance in miles from the exit to the hotel. These are calculations using GPS data. Distances along city streets will be somewhat different but this should give you a good idea of the distances to Discount Hotels near the cited Interstate exit.

Fit

Discount Hotels near I-80/90 in Elkhart offering  'fitness' or exercise facilities are indicated with an F in this column. If the hotel also has a spa, it is so indicated by an S in this column. Most hotels define a 'spa' as a large hot tub with built in water jets. In a few cases, fitness facilities and spas may be off-premises (entry by pass issued by the hotel) in which case dressing rooms are also present for your convenience.

Kit

Discount Hotels near I-80/90 in Elkhart offering a full kitchen or 'kitchenette' are indicated with an 'K' in this column. An 'M' in this column indicates microwave available. If the room also has a refrigerator, it is so indicated by an 'R' in this column. Many hotels have some rooms furnished with microwaves and small refrigerators but you have to request them. We list them only if there is not an additional charge (or so they have informed us).

I'net

Discount Hotels near I-80/90 in Elkhart offering Internet access are indicated (with an M for dial-up and W for wideband) in the I'net column. Please note that 'wideband' facilities vary. In addition to a network port (usually installed in the docking station), we suggest you bring along cables and your Windows distribution CD (in case you are required to load a special network driver). For 'dial up dataports', you would only need a modem and an RJ-11 patch cord (which you should always have with you, anyway).

To check rates, amenities or make hotel reservations, just click on the hotel name.

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Elkhart

Visitors' Center
  The City of Elkhart calls themselves "The City With a Heart." For years and years we have heard a little different slogan: "Musical Instrument Capital of the World". We don't know about the former but the latter is definitely true. More band instruments are manufactured in Elkhart than anywhere else in the world. Not just one but four major, world renown, manufacturers of musical instruments are here. But there is much more and the best place to start is the Visitors' Center at 219 Caravan Drive.
  From the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90), take exit 92. At the end of the long off-ramp, turn right, go about a half block to the first road on your left. Turn left onto Caravan Drive and you'll see the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau just ahead (on the other side of Interchange Drive).
  As might befit the 'Musical Instrument Capital', the visitors' center has audio tapes and CDs so you can take your own 'guided tour' of the area. Phone: 1-800-262-8161.

Amish Country Tours
  This is Amish country and, as stated above, the Visitors' Center has tapes and CDs for 'guided' tours. You can chose to take a buggy tour if you lake and have the time. For more information, contact the Visitors' Center. Phone: 1-800-262-8161.

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New York Central Railroad Museum
  Founded in 1987, this museum is not only a preserver of the great NY Central Railroad and its super trains which connected New York City and Chicago - through Elkhart, Indiana back in the days when rail travel was the vital impetus to the economic and physical growth of the U.S.A. The museum also allows us to see and understand Elkhart's role as it functioned in this rail network. Elkhart's rail yard is still among the largest in the United States and Elkhart still is an important link in our nation's rail system. 
  From the Indiana Toll Road (I-80/90), turn left at the end of the long off-ramp and follow IN-19 southbound into Elkhart to its end at Beardsley Avenue. Turn right, go 3 blocks to Main Street (marked by a traffic light) and turn left. Continue south on Main, crossing the St Joseph River, to the railroad tracks. Cross the tracks and turn right into the Museum's parking lot. 721 South Main Street; phone 1-574-294-3001.  
  Hours are 10a-4p Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4p Sundays. Closed major holidays. Note that this is 'Chicago time' during the summer months because Indiana does not observe daylight savings time. The rest of the year this is Eastern Standard Time.
  View their web site at NYC Museum.

RV/MH Museum
  This is an activity of the RV/MH Heritage Foundation. An unusual museum, exhibits and displays trace the history of recreational vehicles and manufactured housing going back to the 1920s. On exhibit is a variety of recreational vehicles plus many, many photos. It is really very interesting.
  Following the directions to the North Central Railroad Museum, after you cross the tracks just continue one more block to St. Joseph Street. Turn right and drive to the end of the block to Benham Avenue. Address is 801 Benham Avenue. Telephone (toll-free) 1-800-378-8694 or visit their web site at: RV/MY Museum.