Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati

Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a vibrant and unique stay that consistently earns high praise from guests. Opened in August 2020 after a $25 million renovation, the hotel blends a boutique aesthetic with local Cincinnati charm, particularly drawing inspiration from the University of Cincinnati and the city's rich history.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "cute," "cool," "fabulous," "quirky and fun," and "whimsical and nostalgic." It boasts an excellent rating of 8.6, with high scores for location (9.2), cleanliness (8.8), comfort (9.0), and staff (9.1).

Key Highlights

Guests consistently love the hotel's distinctive and colorful decor, which pays homage to Cincinnati's heritage, including Bearcats athletics, Reds baseball, Kenner toy factory products, and local music legends. The attentive and friendly staff are frequently cited as a major highlight. Its central location, pet-friendly policy (for a fee), and amenities like a 24-hour fitness center and complimentary WiFi are also highly appreciated. The hotel also offers extensive conference facilities, with 22 to 27 meeting rooms and over 21,000 to 32,000 square feet of event space.

Room Quality

The 203 guestrooms are described as exceptionally clean, comfortable, and visually interesting. They feature air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with cable, free WiFi, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Rooms also include safes, desks, and some offer laptop workspaces. While generally comfortable, one guest suggested improvements in toilet and tissue paper quality and shower water pressure. Various room types are available, including king rooms, queen queen rooms, and suites, some with balconies.

Dining Experience

Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati offers two on-site dining options. Poindexter Coffee, a ground-floor café, provides breakfast and coffee in a "nerdy-hip setting" and is ideal for quick bites or catching up on emails. Fiona's, named after the local zoo's beloved hippopotamus, is an all-day bar and restaurant. It's known for its Mondrian-style geometric decor and serves casual Euro-American dishes, including stacked sandwiches, inventive pizzas, and decadent desserts, alongside creative cocktails. Full breakfast is available daily for a fee.

Service & Staff

The hotel's staff receives consistent acclaim for their hospitality. Guests describe them as "attentive," "awesome," "very helpful," "personable," and "beyond kind." They are noted for being quick to respond to needs and making guests feel immediately welcome.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts a prime location in Cincinnati's Corryville/Uptown neighborhood, situated directly on the University of Cincinnati campus. It's centrally located just three miles north of downtown Cincinnati, approximately a 5-minute drive. Popular attractions nearby include the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (within 0.6 to 1.4 miles), Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Paul Brown Stadium, and Great American Ball Park.

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is approximately 20 miles away. Travelers can reach the hotel via taxi, rideshare, or public transportation, with bus services connecting from the airport to downtown and then to the hotel. On-site self-parking is available for a daily fee.

Value & Pricing

Graduate by Hilton Cincinnati is considered to offer "exceptional value for money," with an average room price around $241. While the room rates are competitive, guests should factor in additional costs for breakfast (approximately $13 to $17 per person) and self-parking (around $15 per day). There's also a pet fee of $75 per pet, per stay.

Common Complaints

While guest feedback is largely positive, a few minor recurring issues and isolated incidents have been noted. Some guests desired better quality toilet and tissue paper products and stronger water pressure in the showers. There was an instance where the coffee shop appeared "overwhelmed with morning service." One isolated review mentioned noise from neighboring rooms.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. visitcincy.com
3. expedia.com
4. travelocity.com
5. booking.com
6. travelweekly.com
7. hilton.com
8. reservationdesk.com
9. ohiobesthotels.com
10. agoda.com
11. hilton.com
12. medium.com