Graduate by Hilton Tempe

Graduate by Hilton Tempe: A Vibrant Stay with Eclectic Charm (Michelin Key Selected)

The Graduate by Hilton Tempe, a Michelin Key Selected property, generally receives positive feedback for its distinctive personality, prime location, and dedicated staff, though some minor inconsistencies are noted by guests. It stands out for its "Southwest kitsch" and "Seventies atmosphere," blending vintage reproduction furniture with modern boutique hotel amenities.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Guests frequently describe the Graduate Tempe as "above average," "very good," or "excellent," with aggregated scores often around 8.5/10 on platforms like Trip.com and 7.6-7.9 on others like Priceline and Booking.com. The sentiment is largely positive, with many appreciating its unique character and comfortable ambiance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the hotel's:

• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel boasts a "charming and adorable ambiance," with "fun mid century modern touches" and an "absolutely unique & rather PERFECT" aesthetic that sets it apart. The "Southwest kitsch" and "ample Seventies atmosphere" are often highlighted as fresh and well-executed.
• Location: Its proximity to Arizona State University (ASU) is a significant draw, making it "perfect for anything ASU related" and close to key transit points. It's also noted as being "not too far from bars and restaurants, but not too close to the busy bar and restaurant scene."
• Service & Staff: Numerous reviews commend the "super friendly and helpful" staff who are described as "fabulous" and "excellent," going "above and beyond to make guests feel welcomed and cared for."

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Graduate Tempe are generally described as "cozy," "super cute and clean," and "modern." A consistent highlight is the exceptional comfort of the beds, with many calling them "one of the most comfortable ever" or "the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in." Balconies are also a welcome feature, providing a "nice view" and "a breath of fresh air." In-room amenities include a 42-inch flat-screen cable TV, a small refrigerator, free Wi-Fi, and Malin + Goetz bath products.

However, some recurring comments mention that bathrooms can be "small" with "little counter space" and "poor water pressure." There have also been instances of non-functioning plugs on desks and lamps, as well as balcony lights that cannot be turned off. Some guests have noted a lack of smart TVs, tissues, toothbrushes, toothpaste, or in-room microwaves and drip coffee machines.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers breakfast, typically priced around $15 per person, available from a menu. While some find the taste "OK," others have expressed disappointment, particularly regarding the quality of breakfast items, such as the use of what appeared to be powdered eggs in a breakfast burrito. There have also been reports of delayed breakfast service. For other meals, at least one guest noted having a "light dinner two nights and the food and service were very good."

5. Service & Staff

The service at Graduate by Hilton Tempe is a strong point, frequently earning high praise from guests. Staff are consistently described as "excellent," "fabulous," "super friendly and helpful," and genuinely caring. Many reviewers highlight their positive interactions with employees, noting that they are accommodating and responsive to requests. However, one guest mentioned needing to search for someone to check them out after waiting at the front desk for over ten minutes.

6. Location & Accessibility

Situated in Tempe, east of Phoenix and south of Scottsdale, the hotel's location is ideal, especially for those visiting Arizona State University, which is adjacent to the property. It offers "super easy access" to ASU's resident halls and is a walkable distance from Mill Avenue. Key transit points like Center Pkwy/Washington and Dorsey Ln/Apache Blvd stations are just steps away, providing convenient connections to local attractions, business districts, and university campuses. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is approximately 4.3 miles away.

7. Value & Pricing

While many guests find the overall experience to be a good value, some note that room rates can be "a bit expensive during the exam season." One reviewer considered the rooms "average for the price." The hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a 24-hour fitness center, and free Wi-Fi, contributing to its value proposition. Parking, however, incurs an additional charge which was not always disclosed at booking.

8. Common Complaints

Despite the generally positive feedback, several recurring issues have been noted by guests:

• Bathroom Size and Water Pressure: Small bathrooms with limited counter space and poor water pressure are common criticisms.
• In-room Fixtures: Issues with non-functioning plugs on desks and lamps, as well as balcony lights that cannot be turned off, have been reported.
• Breakfast Service and Quality: Some guests have experienced delays in breakfast service and dissatisfaction with the quality of certain breakfast items.
• Lack of Specific Amenities: The absence of tissues, toothbrushes, toothpaste, smart TVs, in-room microwaves, or drip coffee machines has been mentioned.
• Parking Fees: The charge for parking, sometimes not disclosed upfront, has been a point of contention for some guests.
• Noise: One guest mentioned receiving early, unrequested wake-up calls due to the room number correlating with the call time (e.g., a call at 6:20 AM for room 620).

Sources

1. michelin.com
2. trip.com
3. booking.com
4. priceline.com
5. agoda.com
6. booking.com