<p>Just fyi - my d will be graduating from Kelley in May 2015. This morning I tried to book a motel room in Bloomington for Friday night, 5-8-15. I couldn't find any motels in Bloomington with rooms still available. I ended up having to book a room in Columbus. Any parents reading this - book your motel rooms asap!</p>
<p>Do you know whether it’s that there are no rooms available, or just no rooms that they’ll allow you to book for only one night. </p>
<p>hkem123,
I’m not sure. We only need rooms for Friday night so I didn’t try reserving rooms for more than one night.</p>
<p>Often the hotels in Bloomington require a two night stay during graduation weekend. I would look into the motels in Bedford before Columbus. The drive into Bloomington will be easier and faster than Columbus. Bedford is a straight drive up 37-probably about 35 minutes from Assembly Hall (graduation location) and campus. Having driven between Columbus and Bloomington many times, it can be slow as it’s one lane in each direction and very curvy and hilly. Going through Nashville can slow things down considerably. </p>
<p>You’re not going to find 4 and 5 star hotels in Bedford (or Columbus), but it’s safe and a much easier drive. </p>
<p>I would maybe consider Martinsville for the location. I can’t speak to the motels there, and I generally avoid Martinsville. Nothing in particular–I just dislike the place intensely. </p>
<p>Try VRBO in Bloomington. I just booked a house just outside Bloomington (15 min drive). The house sleeps 8 and was much less expensive than the hiked up rates during grad season at not so nice motels in Bloomington, which aren’t even available. There were about 6 houses still listed on VRBO after I made my reservation this morning. A 2 night minimum is necessary for most of the listings.</p>