If you’ve ever spent an hour circling the intersection of US 30 and US 41 trying to find a place to crash that isn't a total dump, you know the struggle. Northwest Indiana—or "The Region" to locals—is a weirdly busy hub. It's a mix of heavy industry, massive shopping corridors, and people just trying to get through the Chicago traffic bottleneck. Right in the middle of that chaos sits the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Schererville. Honestly, it’s one of those hotels that people tend to overlook because it feels "standard," but when you actually look at the logistics of staying in Schererville, it’s kind of the gold standard for the area.
Location matters. A lot.
Most people booking a room here aren't looking for a five-star resort experience with a private butler and gold-leafed ceilings. They want a bed that won't wreck their back, a shower with actual water pressure, and breakfast that doesn't taste like cardboard. They want to be close to the Illiana Motor Speedway (well, where it used to be) or the various sports complexes in Crown Point.
The Reality of Staying at Holiday Inn Express and Suites Schererville
The property is located at 1773 Fountain Park Drive. It’s tucked just far enough back from the main drag of US 30 that you don't hear the constant roar of semi-trucks, but close enough that you can hit a Target or a Starbucks in roughly three minutes. That’s a huge win.
Walking into the lobby, you get that familiar IHG scent. It’s clean. It’s bright. The staff here—many of whom have been around for a while—actually know the area. If you ask where to get a decent pizza, they aren't going to just point you to a chain; they’ll probably tell you to head over to Aurelio’s or Arrenello’s. That’s the kind of local insight that saves a trip.
What the Rooms are Actually Like
Let's talk about the suites. If you're traveling with kids or you're on a long-term business contract with one of the local refineries like BP in Whiting, the extra space is a lifesaver. The suites at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Schererville offer a separate sitting area. It’s not a palace, but it means you aren't eating your takeout dinner on the same bed you’re about to sleep in.
🔗 Read more: Why Presidio La Bahia Goliad Is The Most Intense History Trip In Texas
The beds use the standard IHG "Soft" and "Firm" pillow system. It’s a small thing, but it works. The blackout shades are actually effective here. In many suburban hotels, the parking lot lights bleed through the edges and make the room feel like a neon disco at 3:00 AM, but they’ve kept the maintenance up on the window treatments here.
Wi-Fi is another big one. It’s free, obviously. But more importantly, it's stable. You can hop on a Zoom call or stream a movie without that annoying "reconnecting" spinning wheel of death. For the business traveler sitting at the desk with a lukewarm coffee, that’s the difference between a productive night and a total meltdown.
Why This Specific Spot Beats the Competition
Schererville has a few hotel options, but they aren't all created equal. You have some older properties nearby that feel like they haven't been vacuumed since 1994. Then you have the ultra-budget spots where you might see things you can’t unsee.
The Holiday Inn Express brand occupies that "mid-scale" sweet spot. It’s predictable.
- The Cinnamon Rolls: Look, it’s a cliche, but the pancake machine and the warm cinnamon rolls are the reason people book these rooms. At this location, the breakfast area is kept surprisingly tidy even during the 8:00 AM rush when youth hockey teams are descending like locusts.
- The Pool: It’s an indoor pool. It’s small. Don’t expect an Olympic lap pool. However, it’s clean and the chlorine smell isn't so overpowering that it burns your eyes from the hallway.
- Fitness Center: It’s got the basics. A treadmill, an elliptical, some free weights. It’s enough to keep your routine from totally falling apart while you’re on the road.
Navigating the Schererville Traffic
If you’re staying at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Schererville, you need to understand the geography. You are basically at the crossroads of the Midwest. To the north, you have the Indiana Dunes National Park—about a 30-minute drive. To the west, you have the Illinois border.
💡 You might also like: London to Canterbury Train: What Most People Get Wrong About the Trip
The "Crossroads of the Nation" (US 41 and US 30) is notorious for congestion. If you need to be somewhere by 8:00 AM, give yourself an extra fifteen minutes just to get through the lights near the hotel. The Fountain Park area itself is a nice little development; there’s a movie theater right there and plenty of walkable dining options like Houlihan’s or various quick-service spots. You can actually park your car at the hotel and not touch it again until the morning if you just want dinner and a movie.
Nuance and Guest Complaints
No hotel is perfect. Let’s be real. Some guests have noted that during peak weekends—like when there’s a big event at the Lake County Fairgrounds—the elevators can be a bit slow. And because it's a popular spot for families, the hallways can get noisy.
If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a room at the end of the hall away from the elevator. And maybe avoid the first floor if you don't want to hear people heading to breakfast at the crack of dawn. The air conditioning units are the standard under-window style; they work well, but they have that "hum" that some people love and others hate.
The Business Logic
For corporate travelers, this location is strategic. You are within a short drive of the Ford Stamping Plant in Chicago Heights and the various medical centers like Franciscan Health. The hotel offers a small meeting space, which is basically just a boardroom, but it's functional for interviews or small team huddles.
The IHG One Rewards program is also a factor. If you're a road warrior, the points you rack up at a place like the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Schererville actually add up quickly because the rates are generally reasonable but high enough to trigger decent point tiers.
📖 Related: Things to do in Hanover PA: Why This Snack Capital is More Than Just Pretzels
Practical Insights for Your Stay
When you book, try to get a room facing away from the main parking entrance if you want maximum quiet. If you're coming in for a wedding—which is common since there are several banquet halls nearby like the Patrician or Meyer’s Castle—book your block early. This place fills up fast on Saturdays.
Check-in is usually at 3:00 PM. If you show up early, they’re pretty cool about holding bags, but don’t expect a room at noon unless the hotel was empty the night before (which it rarely is).
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the Event Calendar: Before booking, see if there is a major tournament at the Dean and Barbara White Southlake YMCA or a festival at the Fairgrounds, as this will drastically impact the noise level and price.
- Verify Your Route: If you are heading into Chicago, check the I-80/94 construction status. It’s perpetually under construction, and a 45-minute drive can easily turn into two hours.
- Join IHG Rewards: Even if you only stay once a year, the "member rate" usually saves you ten or fifteen bucks a night, which basically pays for your lunch at one of the nearby spots.
- Confirm Suite Layout: If you specifically need the sleeper sofa, call the front desk directly after booking online to ensure your room type is guaranteed. Sometimes third-party booking sites get the inventory wrong.
The Holiday Inn Express and Suites Schererville isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It’s a solid, reliable, and clean place to stay in a part of Indiana that can be hit-or-miss with lodging. It works because it’s consistent. You know exactly what that room is going to look like before you even open the door, and in the world of travel, that’s a comfort.