Graduate by Hilton Storrs

Graduate by Hilton Storrs, a MICHELIN Guide selected property, offers a unique and comfortable stay, deeply rooted in the spirit of the University of Connecticut campus.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Graduate by Hilton Storrs is overwhelmingly positive, with an overall rating of 9.2 out of 10. Guests frequently describe their experience as "wonderful" and praise the hotel's clean environment, comfortable accommodations, and excellent staff.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise several aspects of the hotel:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently highlighted as helpful, accommodating, professional, attentive, and super friendly.
• Location: Its prime location directly on the University of Connecticut campus is a major draw, offering easy access to local attractions and top spots in town.
• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel boasts a charming atmosphere with creative interiors that immerse guests in local history, Husky traditions, and UConn's basketball program. Unique touches include lobby floors made from old basketball court flooring and a bar backsplash crafted from pencils.
• Amenities: Guests appreciate amenities like free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness center, a restaurant and bar, and even complimentary bicycle rentals during warmer months.

3. Room Quality

Rooms at Graduate by Hilton Storrs are described as spacious, comfortable, clean, and well-appointed. They feature a cozy feel with fun and unique decor, including Huskies imagery and wallpaper depicting Connecticut-specific collegiate scenes. Each room offers modern amenities such as air conditioning, private bathrooms, pillowtop mattresses, tea and coffee makers, a work desk, seating area, and free Wi-Fi. Boutique comforts like Malin + Goetz bath products are also provided.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features the "Trophy Room," a sports bar and restaurant specializing in American cuisine. Guests have called the restaurant "excellent" and noted the good food. The Trophy Room offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, and light fare, with breakfast available daily (Sun 7 am - noon, Mon-Sat 7 am - 11 am). To-go breakfast is also available for a fee. The bar and lounge areas are noted as enjoyable places to socialize.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Graduate by Hilton Storrs receive exceptional praise. Guests consistently highlight the staff's helpfulness, accommodation, friendliness, professionalism, and attentiveness. Many reviewers have experienced wonderful customer service, with staff going above and beyond to ensure a delightful stay and providing local recommendations or assisting with special requests. The front desk staff, in particular, is frequently commended.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an excellent location directly on the University of Connecticut campus, specifically on Bolton Road, surrounded by academic buildings and dormitories. It's a short walk to top campus spots and local attractions. Nearby attractions include Harry A. Gampel Pavilion, Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry, William Benton Museum of Art, and Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, all within a short walking distance. The hotel is approximately 24.4 miles from Hartford Bradley International Airport. While local shuttles are available on campus, airport shuttles are not.

7. Value & Pricing

Guest ratings for value for money are generally positive, scoring an 8.4 out of 10. Room prices can vary, with recent bookings on KAYAK ranging from $193 to $345. Thursdays and Mondays typically offer the best room deals, while Tuesdays are usually the most expensive. There is a daily mandatory amenity fee of $15 (plus tax) which includes premium internet access, a $15 food and beverage credit, and bicycle rentals. Self-parking is available for an additional charge of USD 9.50 per night.

8. Common Complaints

While guest feedback is largely positive, some recurring issues have been noted:

• Cleanliness & Maintenance: A few guests expressed disappointment with the cleanliness and maintenance of certain aspects, mentioning issues like broken furniture.
• Room Darkness: Some guests found their rooms to be dark.
• Additional Fees: Some guests expressed frustration about being informed of additional fees, such as a damage deposit, upon arrival rather than during the reservation process.
• Breakfast Service: One guest noted slow breakfast service due to how busy the restaurant was.

Sources

1. agoda.com
2. michelin.com
3. hilton.com
4. booking.com
5. hotels.com
6. kayak.com
7. expedia.com
8. tripening.com
9. hotelplanner.com
10. hilton.com