Graduate by Hilton Annapolis

Graduate by Hilton Annapolis, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a distinctive and well-regarded experience in the heart of Annapolis, blending nautical charm with modern comfort and exceptional service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Graduate by Hilton Annapolis is overwhelmingly positive, with guests consistently praising an outstanding overall experience, reflected in impressive ratings (e.g., 9.0 on Agoda). Many guests describe their stay as "fantastic" and "highly recommended".

2. Key Highlights

Guests frequently highlight several aspects that make the Graduate Annapolis stand out:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasts a vibrant, college-town inspired design, specifically tailored to Annapolis with a pervasive maritime theme and the official blue and gold colors of the Naval Academy. This distinctive, colorful, and impeccably tailored decor is often loved by visitors. Common areas include a game area with cornhole, foosball, and a pool table, adding to the recreational options.
• Location: Its prime and central location, rated perfectly at 10.0 by some, offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility. It's nestled in the Arts District, within easy walking distance of downtown Annapolis, the waterfront, the U.S. Naval Academy, and numerous shops and restaurants.
• Service: The friendly, welcoming, and helpful staff, particularly the front desk and valet teams, receive consistent praise for going above and beyond.
• Amenities: The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, pet-friendly accommodations (with a fee), and complimentary bike rentals for exploring the city.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at Graduate by Hilton Annapolis are generally described as spacious, impeccably clean, and comfortable.

• Comfort: Beds are consistently highlighted as extremely comfortable, featuring soft sheets and fluffy pillows, ensuring a restful night's sleep.
• Design: The rooms carry the unique local character with charming Naval decor and university-related themes, making them feel distinctive and playful yet luxurious. Amenities include Malin + Goetz bath products, flat-screen TVs, dedicated workspaces, modern private baths, and in-room coffee and tea service.
• Variations: Some guests noted rooms with views into an atrium rather than external windows, which could make them feel dark, and some beds were described as very low to the ground. While bathrooms are typically clean, a few older showers were reported to have low water pressure or spill water. Issues like noise from adjoining rooms on holiday weekends or dim lighting were also occasionally mentioned.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features several dining options that receive mixed but generally positive feedback:

• Trophy Room: This full-service restaurant and bar with a patio serves creative cocktails and "coastal eats," including local crab dishes. It's designed as a gathering place for students, alumni, professors, and the local community, offering games like cornhole, Jenga, and foosball.
• Poindexter Coffee: A coffee shop in the lobby offers breakfast sandwiches, espresso, and cold brew.
• Breakfast: The breakfast experience receives mixed feedback. While some guests find the food quality good, others describe it as basic and overpriced, particularly the coffee from the lobby shop. There is no traditional room service, but grab-and-go options are available.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Graduate by Hilton Annapolis are consistently praised as friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Guests frequently mention the excellent hospitality, with staff going above and beyond to make them feel at home. Valet staff, in particular, are often highlighted for their personable and efficient service. Prompt handling of issues, such as noise complaints, has also been noted.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an excellent and central location, rated highly by guests.

• Neighborhood: Situated in the Arts District, it's considered an ideal base for exploring the historic city and its vibrant surroundings. The area offers opportunities to enjoy local art exhibitions and community events.
• Attractions: It is ideally situated within easy walking distance of downtown Annapolis, the waterfront, the U.S. Naval Academy, shops, and restaurants. Landmarks like the Maryland State House, Chesapeake Brewing Company, and various galleries are also nearby.
• Transport: A convenient shuttle stop is right in front of the hotel, and drivers are noted as accommodating. It's approximately 0.4 miles from Annapolis city center and 16.5 miles from Baltimore-Washington International/Thurgood Marshall Airport. Paid parking, including valet services, is available on-site.

7. Value & Pricing

Graduate by Hilton Annapolis offers a premium experience, and its pricing reflects this.

• Price Range: Room rates have been observed ranging from approximately $113 to $450 per night, depending on the room type and booking platform. The average price for a weeknight is around $185, and for a weekend night, it's about $168, though prices can fluctuate significantly by season, with November being the cheapest month and September the most expensive.
• Worth the Cost? Many guests feel the distinctive experience, upscale amenities, stylish decor, and prime location justify the higher price point, making it a standout option. However, some reviews indicate dissatisfaction with high prices, especially when combined with additional costs like parking, which can be $35-$39 per day.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Pricing & Additional Fees: The high room rates and additional charges for parking ($35-$39 per day) are frequent points of dissatisfaction.
• Room Lighting & Views: Some rooms, particularly those overlooking a conference room or atrium, were described as dark with limited natural light and lacking overhead lighting.
• Noise: A few guests reported noise from adjoining rooms or hotel events, especially on holiday weekends.
• Dining Cost & Service: While the restaurant is generally well-regarded, some found breakfast food to be basic and overpriced, with occasional issues regarding bar staff attitude and limited food service hours.
• Minor Maintenance Issues: Isolated reports mentioned issues such as scuff marks on wallpaper, stains on rugs, low water pressure in some older showers, non-functional outlets, or a mold smell, though these were often promptly addressed by staff.
• TV Amenities: A guest expressed dissatisfaction with the TV, noting limited food choices and no streaming TV.

Sources

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5. youtube.com
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