More hotel rooms possibly coming to Mishawaka

After the announcement of the new Holiday Inn and Suites coming to Toscana Park, local businesses and competing hotels are speaking their minds. Some are in favor, while others are not.

Right now, there are 4,100 hotel rooms in St. Joseph County.

Some business owners say the more the merrier. More people checking into hotels means more people visiting their establishments.

But competing hotels say all of those extra rooms aren't necessary.

“On this block alone, we have the Best Western, Fairfield Inn and Suites and Motel 8,” says Kim Hitchens, Front Desk Manager of the Holiday Inn Express.

All four hotels are within a half mile radius of each other.

“We probably have a more than average amount to be totally honest with you,” says Rob DeCleene, Executive Director of Visit South Bend Mishawaka.

The Holiday Inn and Suites coming to Toscana Park is expected to have 91 rooms and will be four stories tall.

“I was surprised it was going to go right in this spot, but it was a pleasant surprise,” says Jerry Macri, owner of Villa Macri.

His restaurant is right next to where the proposed hotel is supposed to be. He says he doesn't mind because that means more people will stop in his establishment.

“I think it's a great idea,” says Macri.

The Mishawaka Planning Commission is set to vote on the hotel Tuesday evening at their meeting.