Graduate by Hilton Evanston

The Graduate by Hilton Evanston, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a charming and uniquely designed stay in Evanston, Illinois. Originally the 1927-vintage Homestead Hotel, it has been renovated to blend historical character with modern amenities and a distinct collegiate atmosphere, drawing heavily on local Evanston and Chicago history, and particularly Northwestern University traditions.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The Graduate by Hilton Evanston generally receives very positive feedback, with a "Very Good" aggregate rating of 8.5 based on 493 reviews. Guests frequently praise its comfortable and clean rooms, friendly staff, and excellent location. The hotel is often described as having a "lovely vibe" and "charming" aesthetic.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects of the Graduate by Hilton Evanston:

• Design & Vibe: The hotel is celebrated for its "college nostalgia and creative interiors," with a "beautifully furnished with an old Chicago feel" and local references, including Northwestern purple in the headboards. The decor is often described as "exceptional" and "brilliant."
• Location: Its prime location, just two blocks from Northwestern University and a short walk from Lake Michigan, restaurants, and public transportation (Davis Metro Station and Dempster Station), is a major draw.
• Service & Staff: Friendly, helpful, and accommodating staff are frequently mentioned, with specific shout-outs to exceptional employees.
• Amenities: The on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, and complimentary bike rentals are appreciated. Pet-friendly rooms are also available for a fee.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at the Graduate by Hilton Evanston are described as clean, comfortable, and spacious. They feature exceptional decor with a "Twenties style" and vintage-inspired furniture, rich patterns, and cozy details. Modern comforts include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, cable TV, coffee facilities, refrigerators, and Malin + Goetz bath products. Some rooms offer views of Lake Michigan. Guests particularly appreciate the comfortable beds with pillowtop mattresses and Egyptian cotton sheets, along with blackout drapes.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features The Graduate Homestead Room, a contemporary American restaurant and bar that offers "elevated American fare" in a warm setting. The restaurant also provides a full wine list. Breakfast, described as cooked-to-order American and A la carte, receives mixed reviews, with some guests finding it expensive and "not great," while others appreciate the good food. Brunch options include items like buttermilk pancakes, avocado toast, and a Homestead Breakfast. The bar is noted for its "fantastic" bartenders and stylish atmosphere.

5. Service & Staff

Guest feedback overwhelmingly praises the hotel's staff for being friendly, helpful, and welcoming. Specific individuals have been recognized for making guests' stays even better. While most experiences are positive, a few reviews mention instances of "not pleasant staff" or perceived staffing issues, leading to delays like rooms not being ready at check-in.

6. Location & Accessibility

The Graduate by Hilton Evanston boasts an excellent location in Evanston. It is situated just two blocks from Northwestern University and a short walk to the shores of Lake Michigan. The hotel is also conveniently located near a variety of restaurants, shops, and cafés in the university district. Public transportation is easily accessible, with Davis Metro Station a 9-minute walk and Dempster Station an 11-minute walk away. Downtown Chicago is approximately 14.6 miles south.

7. Value & Pricing

The average nightly rate for a stay at Graduate by Hilton Evanston is around $124, with some users finding rooms as low as $80. Prices can vary, with the cheapest rooms recently booked for $110 and the most expensive at $144. December is noted as the cheapest month to stay, while June is the most expensive. Valet parking is available for $35 per day, with offsite parking options and street parking also mentioned. Some guests have found the breakfast and drinks to be expensive.

8. Common Complaints

While generally well-regarded, some recurring issues and criticisms have been noted:

• Accessibility: A significant complaint regards accessibility for disabled guests, with one reviewer stating "almost no accessibility for disabled people in wheelchairs" due to difficulties with bathroom access and room thresholds.
• Maintenance Issues: Some guests have reported maintenance concerns, such as showers not draining properly.
• Breakfast Cost and Quality: As mentioned, the breakfast has been described as "not great and very expensive" by some guests.
• Staffing/Check-in Delays: Occasional comments mention delays in room readiness despite a relatively late check-in time, attributed by some guests to staffing issues.
• Parking Costs: The cost of valet parking ($35/day) is sometimes noted.

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. hilton.com
3. downtownevanston.org
4. booking.com
5. priceline.com
6. hotelplanner.com
7. booking.com
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9. kayak.com
10. expedia.com
11. hilton.com
12. graduatehomesteadroom.com
13. hotelscombined.com