Graduate by Hilton East Lansing

Graduate by Hilton East Lansing, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a unique and spirited stay directly across from Michigan State University, blending collegiate charm with modern comfort.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Graduate by Hilton East Lansing generally receives a highly positive sentiment from guests, often rated as "fabulous" or "excellent" with average scores ranging from 8.6 to 9.3. Many travelers appreciate the hotel's welcoming atmosphere and its strong connection to the local university culture.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the hotel's friendly and attentive staff, its exceptional location, and the vibrant, unique interior design. The amenities, particularly the rooftop Graduate Rock Bar, are frequently highlighted for their playful drinks, locally-inspired menu, and panoramic views of East Lansing and the MSU campus. The hotel's attention to detail in its MSU-themed decor also stands out as a beloved feature.

3. Room Quality

The 194 air-conditioned rooms at Graduate by Hilton East Lansing are described as well-decorated, comfortable, and clean, providing a "homy feeling". Rooms feature pillowtop beds with premium bedding for comfort, 42-inch flat-screen televisions with premium cable channels, refrigerators, and laptop-compatible safes. The decor incorporates elements of rural Michigan, including plaid blankets and nature-themed artwork, alongside explicit nods to Michigan State University through emerald green accents, "Spartan tartan" headboards, and basketball-themed wallpaper in bathrooms. While some guests have noted the rooms can be on the smaller side, they are generally found to be comfortable and thoughtfully designed.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers several dining options. Poindexter, a coffee shop/cafe on the ground floor, provides a bookish vibe suitable for co-working or studying, and serves snacks. The Graduate Rock Bar, a rooftop bar and restaurant, is a major draw, offering a locally-inspired menu, playful drinks, and stunning views of the campus, with an age restriction of 21+ after 8 PM. While a coffee shop/cafe is available, some guests have mentioned concerns about the lack of extensive breakfast options or the high cost of breakfast pastries and coffee. To-go breakfasts are available daily for a fee.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Graduate by Hilton East Lansing are consistently lauded for their friendliness, attentiveness, and helpfulness, creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Reviews frequently mention the staff going "above and beyond" to ensure a comfortable stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "excellent" location, situated directly across Grand River Avenue from the Michigan State University campus and overlooking Spartan Stadium. This prime spot makes it an ideal base for visiting the university and exploring nearby attractions. Guests can easily access the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, Collegeville/East Lansing, Massage and Wellness, and the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, all within walking distance or a short drive. The hotel also offers accessible features, including accessible rooms, parking, and dining areas.

7. Value & Pricing

Graduate by Hilton East Lansing is often considered to offer good value for money, with guests feeling like they are staying at a high-end hotel for a reasonable price. Room rates can vary significantly, with prices recently observed between $98 and $441, and an average weeknight price of $130, while weekend nights average around $245. The average room rate in the past month was about $140.64, compared to the city's average of $113.58. However, some guests have noted that additional costs such as valet parking, which can be $35 per night, and expensive coffee or breakfast options, can impact the overall value perception.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the generally positive feedback, some recurring issues have been noted by guests. These include occasional concerns regarding cleanliness in rooms and the lack of complimentary breakfast options, with some finding the paid breakfast and coffee prices to be high. The cost of valet parking is another point of criticism. A few reviews also mentioned discomfort with beds or pillows, and isolated incidents of bars or coffee shops being closed, or issues with room amenities like hand soap not being replenished. There were also comments about student staff being slow and key cards needing frequent rekeying.

Sources

1. michelin.com
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8. graduaterockbar.com
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13. lansing.org