Score a 4.0 With Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati

Graduation season is almost upon us, and if you or your clients will be traveling to campus to celebrate a college grad, you’ll want to know more about Graduate by Hilton. My curiosity about the brand piqued after reading about these unique properties and seeing their fresh and vibrant designs, so when I received an invitation to visit the nearby Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati, I jumped at the chance.

True to their name, Graduate properties feature collegiate-inspired décor with a local and sometimes historical flair. The designers make this feel fun and quirky without being too cheesy or overwhelming. I felt a bit like I was on a scavenger hunt as I site inspected the property with the general manager and director of sales, peeping for hidden design elements like the flying pigs in the intricate custom carpets, conference rooms named for local figures and pennants that declare the room’s occupants are “studying” in lieu of standard “do not disturb” signs. 

Other features are more overt, like the massive murals in the lobby featuring once-locally-manufactured classic toys including Care Bears and Star Wars action figures along with local landmarks, famous athletes and perhaps the world’s largest cheesy plate of Cincinnati chili. The hotel is located directly at the University of Cincinnati campus, so you’ll also find plenty of UC Bearcats including a large sculpture atop the original historical gymnasium floor, reinstalled in a new arrangement.

Instagrammable opportunities abound at every turn it seems. Guests can even snap a photo in a 1950 Crosley station wagon or next to the lobby’s large green hippopotamus, Fiona. She serves as the namesake for the hotel’s colorful restaurant which serves lunch, dinner and drinks in a cheerful and spacious dining room or in the fresh air on the patio.

Overall this experience increased my curiosity about the Graduate brand, which feels very playful to me with vibrant colors throughout yet allows guests to learn a bit about the location’s history and culture in an easy and accessible way. I loved the way the Graduate Cincinnati brought the destination to life and showcased what makes the city unique in a fun style. Can’t wait to check out another one of the 30+ Graduate properties soon. Tell me, which location would you like to visit?