Graduate Hotels are independently owned hotels built on or near college campuses, run by the university or a private operator under license

Graduate Hotels are a chain of boutique hotels designed specifically for college towns. Each property sits on or when ready adjacent to a university campus and is either owned and operated by the university itself or run by a private company that holds the exclusive right to use the Graduate brand on that campus. The hotels are not student housing — they operate as commercial hotels open to the public, but they're built into the campus landscape and often serve alumni, families visiting for events, and conference attendees.

The first Graduate Hotel opened in 2014 at the University of Georgia. Since then, the brand has expanded to more than 20 locations across the United States, each tailored to the specific university and region. Unlike chain hotels that look the same everywhere, each Graduate property reflects the history, culture, and visual identity of its host university.

Key Takeaways

  • Graduate Hotels are boutique properties located on or next to university campuses, designed to serve alumni, families, and conference guests rather than students.
  • Each hotel is independently operated under the Graduate brand license, so ownership and management vary by location.
  • Room rates, amenities, and availability depend on the specific property and the university calendar, particularly during graduation and homecoming weekends.
  • Booking is done through the individual hotel's website or standard hotel reservation channels, not through a central Graduate Hotels booking system.
  • Graduate Hotels often include campus-themed design elements, local restaurants, and event spaces that reflect the university's identity.

Ownership and Operating Structure

Graduate Hotels operates as a brand and licensing model rather than a traditional hotel chain. The company that owns the Graduate brand does not own or operate most of the individual properties. Instead, it licenses the name and design standards to universities or private developers who build and run the hotels on their campuses.

Some Graduate Hotels are owned directly by the university — the university builds the property and hires a management company to run it day-to-day. Others are built and owned by a private developer who has signed an agreement with the university to operate under the Graduate brand. In both cases, the university has significant input into design, naming, and how the hotel fits into campus life.

This structure means that each Graduate Hotel is legally and operationally independent. The policies, pricing, and staff of the Graduate Hotel at one university are not the same as at another. There is no single "Graduate Hotels" customer service line or corporate reservation system.

Room Types and Amenities

Graduate Hotels typically offer standard hotel rooms, suites, and sometimes extended-stay options. Room layouts and pricing vary by property. Some locations have rooms designed for families visiting campus, while others focus on business travelers and alumni returning for events.

Common amenities across Graduate properties include on-site dining (usually a restaurant or café with local food), fitness centers, meeting and event spaces, and high-speed internet. Many Graduate Hotels feature rooftop bars or lounges, often with views of the campus or surrounding town. Design elements in rooms and common areas typically reference the university's history, colors, mascot, or local landmarks.

Because each hotel is independently operated, amenities and room quality can differ significantly between locations. A Graduate Hotel at a large state university may have more extensive facilities than one at a smaller college. Checking the specific property's website before booking is the only way to know what is actually available.

Booking and Reservation Process

Graduate Hotels do not have a single central reservation system. To book a room, you must go to the individual hotel's website or use standard hotel booking platforms like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com, which list Graduate properties alongside other hotels.

Each Graduate Hotel website typically shows current rates, available room types, and any special packages or promotions. Some properties offer discounts for alumni, university staff, or families attending specific campus events. These discounts are usually listed on the hotel's own website and may require proof of affiliation or event registration.

Rates vary widely depending on the property, the season, and what is happening on campus. Graduation weekends, homecoming, and major sporting events typically drive rates up and reduce availability. Booking directly through the hotel's website sometimes offers better rates or more flexibility than third-party booking sites, though this varies by property.

Pricing and Special Rates

Graduate Hotel room rates depend on the specific location, the time of year, and demand. There is no standard Graduate Hotels price — a room at one property may cost significantly more or less than the same room type at another location.

Peak pricing occurs during major campus events: graduation, homecoming, football games, and parent weekends. During these times, rooms may be fully booked weeks or months in advance, and rates can be double or triple the off-season price. Off-season rates (typically summer and winter break) are usually lower.

Many Graduate Hotels offer special rates for alumni, university employees, and families attending campus events. Some properties have corporate rates for business travelers. These discounts are not automatic — you usually have to enter a code at booking or call the hotel directly to receive the reduced rate. The specific discounts and how to access them are listed on each property's website.

Graduate Hotels and University Partnerships

Graduate Hotels are designed to be part of the university community, not separate from it. The hotel often hosts university events, conferences, and alumni gatherings. Some properties have exclusive partnerships with the university's athletics department or alumni association.

Universities benefit from having a hotel on campus because it generates revenue, provides a venue for events, and gives the institution control over the visitor experience. The hotel benefits from may provide event bookings and the prestige of being the official or primary hotel of a major university.

This partnership means that Graduate Hotels are sometimes the preferred or recommended hotel for official university events. If you are attending a university conference, graduation, or alumni event, the event information may list the Graduate Hotel as the official hotel and may include a booking link with a special rate code.

Differences Between Graduate Hotels and Other Campus Hotels

Not all hotels near a university campus are Graduate Hotels. Many universities have multiple hotels in the surrounding area, including chain hotels (Marriott, Hilton, Best Western) and independent properties. Graduate Hotels are distinguished by their brand identity, campus integration, and design philosophy.

A key difference is that Graduate Hotels are built specifically for the campus and reflect its identity through design and programming. A Marriott near campus is a standard Marriott that could be anywhere. A Graduate Hotel is designed to feel connected to that specific university.

Another difference is that Graduate Hotels often have more direct relationships with the university and its events. They may have preferred pricing for university-affiliated guests and may host more campus-centered events and programming than a standard chain hotel would.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a Graduate Hotel room online?

Yes. You can book through the individual hotel's website or through third-party booking platforms like Booking.com or Expedia. There is no single Graduate Hotels website where you can search all properties at once. You must go to the specific property's website or search by the hotel's name and city.

Do I get a discount if I'm an alumnus of the university?

Many Graduate Hotels offer alumni discounts, but not all, and the discount amount varies by property. Check the specific hotel's website for alumni rates, or call the hotel directly to ask. You may need to provide proof of your degree or alumni status to receive the discount.

What happens if the hotel is fully booked during graduation or homecoming?

Graduate Hotels book up quickly during major campus events. If the Graduate Hotel is full, you can look for other hotels in the area, which may still have availability. Booking as early as possible — sometimes months in advance for major events — increases your chances of getting a room at your preferred property.

Is a Graduate Hotel the same as student housing?

No. Graduate Hotels are commercial hotels open to the public. They are not dormitories or student housing. Students may stay there, but the hotel is designed primarily for alumni, families, business travelers, and conference attendees.

Can I host an event at a Graduate Hotel?

Most Graduate Hotels have event spaces and can host conferences, receptions, and other gatherings. Contact the specific property's events or sales department to discuss your needs, availability, and pricing. Event space and catering options vary by location.