Graduate by Hilton Lincoln

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

The Graduate by Hilton Lincoln stands out as a charming and highly-rated hotel, earning a "Michelin Key Selected" distinction for its unique blend of local character, contemporary comforts, and excellent service. With an overall guest rating frequently in the "Very Good" to "Exceptional" range (averaging 8.6 on Agoda and 8.4 on Hotels.com, and 7.7 on other platforms), it offers a memorable stay in the heart of Lincoln.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Graduate Lincoln is overwhelmingly positive. Guests consistently praise its distinctive style, prime location, and the friendly, attentive nature of its staff. The hotel successfully creates a fun, nostalgic, and boutique experience that resonates well with visitors.

Key Highlights

Guests particularly love the hotel's:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's design is a major draw, described as "retro," "70s vintage," "eccentric," and "funky." It's painstakingly tailored to its Lincoln location, incorporating "Nebraskan arcana" and paying tribute to figures like Johnny Carson through its lobby decor. The vibrant lobby often features arcade games, including vintage pinball machines, and communal tables, creating a lively atmosphere.
• Location: Situated in the historic Haymarket District, the hotel boasts an "excellent" and "perfect" location. It's within walking distance of major attractions such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Pinnacle Bank Arena, Lied Center for Performing Arts, and a variety of nightlife, restaurants, and bars.
• Amenities: Notable amenities include an indoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and complimentary bicycle rentals for exploring the city. The presence of Topgolf Swing Suites in the former John J's Tiki Bar area adds to the entertainment options. It is also a pet-friendly property, offering pet blankets and water bowls upon check-in.

Room Quality

The 231 guestrooms are described as charming, comfortable, and clean, featuring interesting and adorable decor. They are equipped with modern furnishings, plush bedding, air conditioning, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and often include a refrigerator and microwave. Some rooms offer balconies or stadium views. Guests appreciate boutique comforts such as Malin + Goetz bath products. However, some guests have noted that the bathrooms can be quite small.

Dining Experience

The hotel features the on-site restaurant, Single Barrel, which serves classic American comfort-food dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Known for its slow-smoked Nebraska BBQ and an extensive selection of bourbons and whiskeys, it's a popular spot, especially for Husker fans on game days. An à la carte breakfast is available, with options like steak omelets and country fried steak. Additionally, Poindexter Coffee offers specialty coffee drinks and a cozy atmosphere.

Service & Staff

The staff at Graduate Lincoln consistently receives high praise for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. Guests frequently highlight the excellent service and overall hospitality, making for a welcoming experience.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel's prime location in Lincoln's historic Haymarket District is a significant advantage. It provides easy access to downtown attractions, dining, shopping, and entertainment. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Pinnacle Bank Arena are just a short walk away. For travelers, the hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle and is a five-minute walk from Lincoln Amtrak Station.

Value & Pricing

Graduate Lincoln is generally considered to offer "exceptional value" and "affordable luxury." While the average room price of approximately $185 is higher than the city's average of $138, guests feel the quality amenities and unique experience justify the cost. Room rates can start from around $105.

Common Complaints

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some recurring issues have been noted by guests:

• Cleanliness: Occasional complaints mention cleanliness issues, such as stains on hallway carpets or dirty bathroom mirrors in some rooms upon arrival.
• Parking Fees: The on-site parking garage, while convenient, comes with an additional charge of approximately $23 per night, which some guests consider high. Some also found the parking garage to be narrow.
• Noise Levels: A few reviews indicate potential issues with noise.
• Small Bathrooms: Some guests found the bathrooms to be on the smaller side.
• Billing Issues: A notable complaint involved a guest being significantly overcharged and facing difficulties in receiving a refund.

Michelin Key Selection

Graduate by Hilton Lincoln's inclusion as a Michelin Key Selected property underscores its commitment to providing a distinctive and high-quality guest experience. The Michelin Guide's selection process involves a 20-point scale based on post-stay ratings from verified guests, emphasizing the hotel's consistent excellence in design, comfort, service, and overall atmosphere. This designation highlights the hotel's success in tailoring its offerings to its unique location and delivering contemporary boutique comforts.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. booking.com
3. hotels.com
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5. booking.com
6. tablethotels.com
7. wallpaper.com
8. expedia.com
9. michelin.com
10. thehotelguru.com
11. downtownlincoln.org
12. odysseythroughnebraska.com
13. hilton.com
14. thesinglebarrel.com
15. vanderbilthustler.com
16. spoonuniversity.com