Graduate by Hilton Columbus

As a Michelin Key Selected property, Graduate by Hilton Columbus offers a distinctive stay that consistently garners positive feedback from guests, blending local history and academic charm with modern comforts.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Graduate by Hilton Columbus is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing their stays as "fabulous" and "memorable". The hotel holds strong ratings across various platforms, often scoring highly for its location (9.4-10.0), cleanliness (9.0-10.0), comfort (8.9-9.3), and staff performance (8.6-8.8). While the value for money receives a slightly lower, though still good, score (8.2), the overall sentiment highlights a premium experience that justifies the cost for many travelers.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of the Graduate by Hilton Columbus:

• Design & Theme: The hotel boasts a stylish and modern aesthetic that cleverly incorporates references to Ohio State sports history, school colors (scarlet and gray), and local Columbus figures like Jesse Owens and John Glenn. This "old school vibe" and "adorable theme" are frequently mentioned as standout features.
• Location: Its prime location in the vibrant Short North Arts District is a significant draw, offering excellent walkability to numerous restaurants, bars, shops, and art galleries. It's also conveniently situated near the Greater Columbus Convention Center and a short trip from The Ohio State University campus.
• Cleanliness: The hotel is consistently lauded for its impeccable cleanliness, with rooms described as exceptionally neat, fresh, and well-maintained.
• Amenities: Guests appreciate the modern amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and the availability of free bicycle rentals.

Room Quality

The thoughtfully designed rooms at Graduate by Hilton Columbus offer a blend of comfort and modern amenities. Guests frequently comment on the comfortable beds and quality linens, including Egyptian cotton sheets and pillowtop mattresses. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs with in-house movies or cable channels, refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, well-stocked toiletries (such as MALIN+GOETZ), and hairdryers. While some guests have noted rooms can be "comfortably sized, not huge" or "very small," they are generally found to be clean and cozy. The decor continues the Ohio-centric theme with unique touches in each individually furnished room.

Dining Experience

The hotel features an on-site restaurant and bar/lounge. The family-friendly restaurant serves American cuisine for lunch and dinner in a welcoming and stylish atmosphere, blending local ingredients with innovative culinary techniques. An à la carte or made-to-order breakfast is available each morning, typically for an additional charge. There is also a "Trophy Room café" serving breakfast and coffee. For additional dining options, a Shake Shack is located within the building, and the surrounding Short North area offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars.

Service & Staff

The staff at Graduate by Hilton Columbus consistently receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, attentive, and professional. Guests report a warm and welcoming atmosphere from arrival, with staff ready to assist with guidance and ensure a seamless blend of comfort and service excellence. Multilingual staff are also available.

Location & Accessibility

Located at 750 N High St, Graduate by Hilton Columbus is nestled in the heart of Columbus's Short North Arts District. This prime location offers exceptional walkability to a plethora of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.

• Nearby Attractions: Italian Village (9-minute walk), BalletMet (1.1 miles), Capitol Square (1.2 miles), Greater Columbus Convention Center, Nationwide Arena, COSI, and the juried Studios on High Gallery are all easily accessible.
• Transportation: The hotel is approximately 6.2 miles from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). Guests can reach the hotel via taxi, rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) in 15-20 minutes, or through public transportation via the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) bus routes (Route 2 and Route 14) which connect the airport to downtown. Once downtown, the hotel is within walking distance of bus stops.

Value & Pricing

The average room price at Graduate by Hilton Columbus typically ranges from $251 to $300, which is higher than the city's average hotel rate of $151-$200. This premium pricing is generally seen by guests as justified due to the hotel's stylish design, exceptional amenities, personalized service, and prime central location. While some reviews indicate "value for money" might be slightly lower than other categories, many consider it an investment in a superior and memorable experience.

Common Complaints

While reviews are largely positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Room Size: A few guests found the rooms to be on the smaller side.
• Parking Costs: Valet parking is available for a fee (around $40 per day), which some guests considered expensive. Alternative parking garages nearby also have overnight costs.
• Lighting: Some feedback mentioned inadequate or poor lighting in rooms and bathrooms.
• Breakfast Cost/Options: While breakfast is offered, it often comes with an additional charge, and some guests desired more varied or less "industrial" breakfast options.
• Noise/Air Conditioning: A couple of reviews mentioned the air conditioning being loud.
• Security: One guest expressed feeling more comfortable if key card access was required for elevators and upper floors due to non-guests in the lobby area.
• Customer Service (Invoice Issues): A rare but notable complaint involved difficulties in receiving invoices for travel expenses and unresponsive customer service in that regard.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. hilton.com
3. agoda.com
4. booking.com
5. priceline.com
6. agoda.com
7. hotels.com
8. expedia.com
9. travelocity.com
10. booking.com
11. columbusohhotel.com
12. kayak.com