How many Michelin Keys does The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University, Autograph Collection have?

The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University, Autograph Collection has been awarded Selected by the Michelin Guide, indicating a very special stay.

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Selected hotels provide very special stays with excellent service and a unique sense of place.

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The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University, Autograph Collection

Name: The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University, Autograph Collection
Address: West Lafayette, North America, United States
Rating: 4.5

Selected

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Hotel Details

Location

West Lafayette

United States, North America

Brand

Autograph Collection

Hotel Group

Marriott

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Expert Review: The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University, Autograph Collection

The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University, Autograph Collection, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a distinguished and immersive experience rooted in Purdue's rich history and vibrant campus life. Following a significant $35 million renovation in 2020, the hotel seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury and amenities, often serving as a "hands-on learning laboratory" for Purdue's hospitality students.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for The Union Club Hotel is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently describing it as "wonderful" and "exceptional." It boasts high average ratings across various platforms, including 4.8 out of 5 overall on Marriott Bonvoy, with specific scores of 5.0 for location, 4.8 for cleanliness and service, and 4.7 for dining and amenities. Agoda.com shows an impressive overall rating of 9.4, with location being a standout at 9.818. While "Value for money" scores slightly lower at 8.0 on Booking.com and 4.3 out of 5 on Marriott Bonvoy, the overall sentiment is that the unique experience justifies the cost.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of the hotel:

Location: Its prime position directly on the Purdue University campus is unbeatable, offering easy walking access to attractions like Mackey Arena, Ross-Ade Stadium, and Elliott Hall Of Music. This makes it ideal for campus visits, sporting events, and exploring West Lafayette.
Design & Ambiance: The hotel's design beautifully pays homage to Purdue University's legacy, incorporating "Old Gold and Black" colors, custom artwork, and historical references throughout the elegant and inviting spaces. The lobby is particularly noted for its inviting atmosphere, with ample seating for relaxation or casual meetings.
Service: The staff, often comprising Purdue hospitality students, receives consistent praise for being "extremely courteous, professional, and friendly". Guests frequently report feeling "like royalty" due to the attentive and detail-oriented service.
Amenities: The hotel offers a range of excellent amenities, including a fitness center, a full-service spa, a garden, and multiple dining options. Additional unique amenities include an outdoor fireplace, yoga classes, and a games room. Valet and self-parking are also available and considered convenient.

Room Quality

The 182 guest rooms, including suites, are described as "clean and very nice," "spotless," and "comfortable". The design features a contemporary nod to Purdue's brand, with thoughtful touches like "Purdue plaid" carpet, custom artwork, and Purdue-crested pillows. Bathrooms are often highlighted as "gorgeous". While some standard rooms might have older-style fenestration with a single, smaller window, the overall impression is modern and fresh, with amenities such as flat-screen TVs, work desks, complimentary Wi-Fi, and designer toiletries. Larger options like the Bay Suite offer a truly luxurious experience with separate living areas and wet bars.

Dining Experience

The Union Club Hotel boasts a diverse and highly-rated dining scene with three on-site outlets.

8Eleven Modern Bistro: This upscale bistro is considered the "culinary anchor" of the hotel, serving modern American dishes with French influences, featuring regional and seasonal ingredients. It's popular for dinner, lunch, and brunch, and is frequently recommended for special occasions.
Boilerhouse Prime: A classic steakhouse offering a refined experience.
Boiler Up Bar: A refined and sophisticated cocktail lounge honoring university traditions, serving bourbons and whiskies with farm-inspired cocktails.
Leaps Coffee: A coffee and pastry counter offering in-house made treats like honey butter cinnamon rolls, morning glory muffins, and fresh-squeezed juices.
Breakfast: Options include continental, American, à la carte, vegetarian, and gluten-free, with fresh pastries, pancakes, and fruits served daily.
Room Service: Available from 8Eleven and wine/beer service from Boiler Up Bar.

Service & Staff

The service at The Union Club Hotel is consistently praised as "excellent" and a major highlight for guests. Many staff members are students from Purdue's Hospitality and Tourism Management program, and guests note their attentiveness, professionalism, and friendly demeanor. The student-run aspect, far from being a drawback, is seen as contributing to the hotel's unique and commendable service culture.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is its strongest asset, receiving a perfect 5.0 out of 5 on Marriott Bonvoy and a 9.7 on Booking.com. It is situated directly on the Purdue University campus, adjacent to the Purdue Memorial Union. This offers unparalleled access to campus facilities and major athletic venues like Mackey Arena and Ross-Ade Stadium, both within a short walk. The hotel is also within walking distance to various restaurants and provides convenient parking, including valet service, making it easy to explore the wider West Lafayette area. Indianapolis International Airport is approximately 65 miles away.

Value & Pricing

While the hotel is recognized for its exceptional amenities and services, the "Value for money" receives slightly lower, though still positive, ratings (8.0 on Booking.com, 8.4 on Agoda, 4.3 out of 5 on Marriott Bonvoy). Typical room prices found on KAYAK range from approximately $250 for a standard room to $310 for a deluxe room, with booked prices in the last two weeks ranging from $372 to $444. Rates can vary significantly based on the day of the week and season, with the cheapest deals often found in June and November, and Sunday or Friday being potentially more affordable days. Despite being a higher-priced option, many guests feel the unique experience, prime location, and high-quality service justify the cost. Discounted rates, such as $199 per night, may be available for specific events.

Common Complaints

While largely positive, some minor criticisms have been noted:

Room Size: A few guests have mentioned that some rooms, particularly standard ones (around 210-220 sq ft), can be on the smaller side, and bathrooms adequate but also potentially small.
Lobby Use by Students: One recurring complaint is the use of the hotel's lobby and common areas by Purdue students as study spaces, which some guests feel detracts from the experience for hotel patrons.
No On-site Swimming Pool: A reviewer noted the absence of an on-site swimming pool as a potential con.
Busyness During Events: The hotel can become very busy during campus events like sporting games, which might affect dining availability (reservations are recommended).