The best Graduate Hotels to visit this fall
You don't have to have a diploma to have a grade-A stay at Graduate Hotels, Hilton's chain of university-themed hotels in college towns around the country. At these one-of-a-kind properties, you can earn and burn Hilton Honors points for stays that are filled with collegiate decor and memorabilia, moments of local culture and traditions, and usually a whole lot of fun. (In the case of the Nashville outpost, the hotel is basically an advanced course on Dolly Parton.)
Originally an independent hotel brand, Graduate Hotels was acquired by Hilton in 2024 to ramp up its lifestyle offerings and give loyalty members interesting (if not quirky!) new hotels to visit from Oxford, England, to Oxford, Mississippi. And whether you're a proud alumnus of that university or just passing through on a business trip, you'll likely leave a bandwagon fan rooting for the home team.
Here are a few of our favorite properties in this fast-growing, spirited chain.
Related: Hilton just launched a new lifestyle collection, marking its 25th brand
Graduate by Hilton Princeton — Princeton, New Jersey
If you've had your eyes on an Ivy League school, it's time to book a stay at Graduate Princeton, which earned a spot on TPG's list of the best new hotels of 2024. You can view "Reunion Jackets" displayed in the lobby that belonged to historic alumni, dine in a pub-like atmosphere honoring the restaurant that was housed in the location in the 1930s, or head out into town to view spots like Princeton's Nassau Hall, which Alexander Hamilton shot with a cannon during the Revolutionary War.
Rates at Graduate by Hilton Princeton start at around $250 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Graduate by Hilton Nashville — Nashville
Located near Vanderbilt University, this Graduate has some subtle nods to the prestigious school — but really, it's an over-the-top, pink-hued ode to some of the leading ladies of country music. Upon walking in, you're greeted by a hooked-rug portrait of Grand Ole Opry star Minnie Pearl. On the roof, a bust of Dolly Parton is the centerpiece of White Limozeene, a dainty bar popular with bachelorette parties. And in the country-chic rooms, one of the most famous photos of Dolly hangs over the bed, so you know you can go to sleep protected by an angel.
It's worth noting that this hotel is safely away from the bustling bars on Broadway, Nashville's honky tonk-filled main drag. But it's a quick commute to the party.
Rates at Graduate by Hilton Nashville start at around $200 or 64,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Graduate by Hilton Auburn — Auburn, Alabama
In Auburn, don't be frightened if you hear folks screaming "War Eagle" in the Graduate lobby; it's just part of the Auburn Tigers' way of life. At an SEC school, there are plenty of traditions — and you'll see them here in the form of revelry-filled meals at the reimagined War Eagle Supper Club, golden eagle sconces and tiger print bolsters in the rooms, and a coffee shop dedicated to Auburn baseball and football star Bo Jackson.
Rates at Graduate by Hilton Auburn start at around $160 or 47,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Graduate by Hilton Eugene — Eugene, Oregon
Did you know the mascot of the University of Oregon is a duck based on Disney's iconic Donald Duck? In the hotel's lobby, you'll be greeted by it: a larger-than-life toy duck stands at the entrance.
Besides all things ducks, the lobby is also basically a museum of Nike sneakers, paying homage to the famous shoe brand's Oregon heritage. Rooms are wood-lined, covered in deep greens and full of art from UO alums. And if you find yourself thirsty, stop by Trophy Room to enjoy a beer at a long study table.
Rates at Graduate by Hilton Eugene start at around $140 or 45,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a Graduate by Hilton — Oxford, England
Stepping into one of the U.K. takes on the Graduate brand feels like entering a stately boarding school or maybe even Hogwarts Castle. The hotel, right by Oxford University, features stunning archways and grand staircases, rooms where patterned wallpaper overlaps patterned floors in a way that's totally charming, and a wood-lined bar dedicated to author Colin Dexter. Here, guests can also relax at a spa where massages, saunas and a steam room are all on offer.
Rates at The Randolph Hotel Oxford, a Graduate by Hilton start at around $186 or 63,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, Michigan
You don't have to be a Michigander to fall in love with this beautiful Graduate property that brings Ann Arbor's nickname, Tree Town, into the hotel with a forest feel, green hues and plenty of wood features. At the moody, private club-like Allen Rumsey cocktail bar, you can snag a happy hour drink before the big game; when you're tired from (hopefully) a big win, a plush bed will be waiting for you after.
Rates at Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor start at around $155 or 48,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto — Palo Alto, California
It's safe to say Stanford is a pretty great university, so it deserves an equally great Graduate Hotel, right? At Graduate Palo Alto, guests will find rooms filled to the brim with floral prints, nods to famous Stanford alums, a solid writing desk (the perfect place to study!) and a bolster with the university phrase "Whose house?" on it. Be sure to head to the rooftop bar, President's Terrace, to enjoy locally inspired cocktails and beautiful NorCal views by the fireplace.
Rates at Graduate by Hilton Palo Alto start at around $249 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati — Cincinnati
For a super-fun stay in Cincinnati, book the local Graduate, celebrating all things University of Cincinnati in the most playful way. In the lobby, check out the mural celebrating the Kenner toy brand, which creates famous figures from "Star Wars" and plush "Care Bears." Guest rooms are whimsical and fun, with patterns on patterns and action hero lamps. For food, stop by Fiona's, the lobby bar and restaurant, named after Fiona the hippo, a legend at the Cincinnati Zoo.
Rates at Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati start at around $120 or 42,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Graduate by Hilton Tucson — Tucson
Desert vibes come inside at Graduate Tucson, where larger-than-life cacti flank the reception desk. Rooms feature adorable cactus lamps, leather headboards and nods to the University of Arizona Wildcats. To beat the heat, head up to the rooftop pool and grab a refreshing marg and food at The Moonstone.
Rates at Graduate by Hilton Tucson start at around $125 or 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
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