The Graduate is an ingenious group of luxurious, yet affordable hotels in college towns across the United States launched by Ben Weprin. The new boutique hotels offer a sense of local pride through very unique design and each hotel is different based on it’s local flair. The latest installment recently opened in Virginia’s state capital, Richmond. “Everyone goes back to their college, and they’re proud of the place,” Weprin told Town & Country magazine. “Why shouldn’t the visit to college be something memorable?”
The Graduate Hotel is conveniently located near Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), a short jaunt from the airport and in the heart of the 400-year old history of American’s legends and lore. Situated in the middle of West Franklin Street, the hotel is a short walk from the bustling West Broad Street district.
I recently had the pleasure of staying at The Graduate Richmond for a blissful mommy getaway weekend and I’m already dreaming of a return visit. I enjoyed the locally sourced art on the walls, the navy, periwinkle, camel, and cream monochromatic palette of colors and preppy decor. The hotel was comfortable, quiet and relaxing—everything I desire in a hotel. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. And if those things weren’t enough, here are some of my favorite things about the hotel.
Here are 14 Fun Facts about the Graduate Hotel:
- The hotel has plenty of Instagrammable Spots. This is honestly any creative, photographer and social media maven’s dream hotel. Start with the wall in front of the hotel facing the street. Move to the bike area near the main entrance of the hotel. Enter the hotel and get even more excited soaking in all of the little nooks and areas for that perfect Instagram opp!
- The hotel’s lobby pays homage to native hero Arthur Ashe and the tennis fashion he inspired. The Graduate Richmond has preppy elements mixed with a mid-century minimalism and a hint of history. Perforated vinyl seating, cable knit details and a chandelier made of Arthur Ashe’s signature eye glass frames bring the spirit of the famous local tennis luminary to life.
- The hotel includes two restaurants: a lobby café and Byrd House, a seasonal rooftop bar and pool, perched sixteen floors up serving a twist on concession stand favorites, sporting cocktails and a whole lot of fun.
- The beds are plush, firm and comfortable. Be prepared to enjoy an amazing night’s sleep! The bed has a ton of pillows both fluffy and firm.
- The rooms are cozy and quaint. I love the minimalist simplicity of the room. There’s a small desk to work. There’s even a nice size dorm refrigerator with a beautiful see thru glass door to house snacks and beverages. The bathrooms are smaller boutique hotel sized designed to store all your toiletries underneath the sink and on the counter. They have bath and body products by Malin + Goetz, one of my favorite beauty brands.
- The Complimentary Wi-Fi is Fast. There are a lot of college students in the lobby of the hotel using the network at any given time, but despite that—the complimentary Wi-Fi is still super fast—perfect for updating all of your social channels!
- The hotel is dog friendly. Yes! Finally, a place you can bring your furry children! Create new memories with everyone in your family, including your pets. Virginia’s state dog, the American Foxhound, is a prominent feature in the decor.
- There’s notable elevator carpet. The mirrored ceiling at the elevator bay reflects the backwards writing on the carpet that reads, “Things are looking up”.
- The bouncing tennis ball around the lobby is indicative of the long, rich history of tennis in Richmond.
- LED Coffee Table. Customizable phrases will be reflected through the glass in the table to create an artful interpretation of Richmond-centric quotes.
- Chalkboard Wall. As an homage to the Graduate pillar of, “We Are All Students” the entire staff scribbled the phrase in their own style across each of the chalkboards in the lobby.
- Punk Phone #. When a guest dials the phone number on the wall, they will be greeted with music from the local Richmond Punk Scene.
- Front Desk Facade. Richmond local and former punk rocker Ed Trask created a custom back painted glass for the Front Desk facade.
- The room keys are student identification cards of notable Richmond residents including: Shirley Maclaine, Wesley Schultz, Warren Beatty and Patch Adams.
For more information and to book a stay, visit www.graduatehotels.com/richmond
{A very special Thank-you to The Graduate Hotel & Visit Virginia for partnering on this post and for hosting my visit. Stay tuned for a Weekend Guide to Richmond.}
