Graduate Hotels is taking the college-town experience to new heights by infusing it with local flavour and showcasing antique gems.
My partner and I, two Canadians with a passion for adventure, design and architecture, have traveled extensively around the world. However, this time we decided to explore our own backyard and embark on a journey that would allow us to experience the thrill of the open road, the roar of a powerful engine, and the freedom that comes with all of it. So when we finally got our hands on a Dodge Challenger RT, we knew we had to take full advantage of the opportunity. Our plan was simple: hit the road, take in the sights, and find the best architecture, design, and landscapes America’s highways had to offer.
As we set out on our journey, we had no idea that we would stumble upon a hidden gem in the form of the Graduate Hotel brand. We were immediately drawn to the quirky, colourful and playful design aesthetic of these boutique hotels located only in college towns across the country. Each hotel was a surprise and a delight. From bold use of pattern on pattern, clashing colours and collections of local objects and artifacts, we knew we had to make it our mission to visit as many of these hotels as possible.
I have always dreamed of driving around America in a classic muscle car, and with that we wanted to immerse ourselves in the culture and spirit of each college town, and become more and more inspired by the kitschy All American experience this trip was shaping up into. As a designer I personally wanted to see how Graduate Hotels was able to capture the essence of the town and put it on display for guests to see. So, we packed our bags, ditched they Greyhound schedule, and jumped in our all white Dodge Challenger and set off on an adventure of a lifetime.
Our first stop was The Graduate Hotel in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It is the perfect example of the brand’s unique design aesthetic, which emphasizes bold use of pattern on pattern, pattern clashing, colourful interiors covered in American Flags and other collections of objects of interest. The hotel’s public spaces are adorned with vintage photographs, deer horns, bar signs, and artwork that pay homage to the University of Arkansas and the local community.
As soon as you step into the hotel, you are greeted with a vibrant and colourful lobby that features a bold patterned wallpaper that perfectly matches the upholstery on the sofas, a mix of vintage and modern furniture that could be your grandmas basement, or your buddies dorm room and frat house.
The hotel’s bar and restaurant, The Wilson, features a large mural of the university’s famous mascot, Tusk and serves southern comfort food. The hotel’s bar, The Punch Bowl, features a collection of vintage punch bowls, and serves signature cocktails inspired by the local area.
The hotel also features a unique collection of objects and artifacts that pay homage to the university and the local community. For example, in guest rooms you can find vintage maps of the area, and in the public spaces, you can find a collection of vintage photographs and artwork that pay homage to the university and the local community.
This unique design aesthetic is not limited to just the Fayetteville location, but it’s a common trend across all Graduate Hotels. The brand is known for its playful approach to design, and for incorporating elements of the local university and surrounding community into the design of each property. Graduate Hotels’ approach to design is to immerse themselves in the community and to source furniture and decor from flea markets and antique stores. This creates a unique and memorable experience for guests, that captures the spirit of the town and makes them feel like they’re part of it.
One of the key elements of Graduate Hotels’ strategy is its focus on immersing itself in the community. The company takes the time to understand the local culture, customs, and psyche, and uses this knowledge to inform its design and decor choices. By sourcing local decor and artifacts, Graduate Hotels is able to create a sense of place and to tell the story of the community in which it is located. This approach helps to differentiate the brand from other hotel chains and creates a unique and memorable experience for guests.
Another important aspect of Graduate Hotels’ strategy is its focus on customer service. The company trains its staff to be knowledgeable about the art and design details of each property, turning them into informal town ambassadors. This helps guests to feel more connected to the community and to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture.
Graduate Hotels’ unique design aesthetic, interiors, and vibe are injecting fresh perspectives on the American college town experience. The brand’s approach to design is to immerse themselves in the community and to source furniture and decor from flea markets and antique stores. This creates a unique and memorable experience for guests, that captures the spirit of the town and makes them feel like they’re part of it.
As travellers, my partner and I were struck by the unique and memorable experiences we had at each Graduate Hotel. The hotels were not only comfortable and convenient places to stay, but they also served as a window into the local culture and customs. Each hotel was a reflection of the community in which it was located, and it was clear that the brand had taken great care to capture the spirit of the town.
For example, at the Graduate Hotel in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we were impressed by the hotel’s collection of vintage maps and photographs that paid homage to the University of Arkansas and the local community. The hotel’s restaurant, The Wilson, featured a large mural of the university’s famous mascot, Tusk and served southern comfort food. The hotel’s bar, The Punch Bowl, featured a collection of vintage punch bowls, and served signature cocktails inspired by the local area. These unique touches helped to create a sense of place and gave us a deeper understanding of the local culture.
At the Graduate Hotel in Athens, Georgia, we were impressed by the hotel’s use of the University of Georgia’s red and black colours and the hotel’s restaurant, The Foundry, featured a mural of the university’s famous bulldog mascot, Uga and served southern comfort food. The hotel also featured a collection of vintage photographs and artwork that paid homage to the university’s rich history.
Overall, Graduate Hotels’ approach to design and customer service helped us to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and customs, and provided us with unique and memorable experiences. The brand’s ability to capture the spirit of the town, made us feel like we were part of it, and gave us a fresh perspective on the American college town experience.
our journey around America in our Dodge Challenger RT was an experience of a lifetime. From the wide highways and the diners, to the small towns, and of course staying at Graduate Hotels, we were able to truly experience the best of what America has to offer. The Graduate Hotels brand, with its unique design aesthetic, interiors, and vibe, offered us a fresh perspective on the American college town experience. Each hotel was a reflection of the community in which it was located, and it was clear that the brand had taken great care to capture the spirit of the town.
The hotels were not only comfortable and convenient places to stay, but they also served as a window into the local culture and customs. The brand’s ability to capture the spirit of the town made us feel like we were part of it and provided us with unique and memorable experiences that we will cherish forever.
We highly recommend Graduate Hotels for anyone looking for a unique and memorable college town experience. The brand’s focus on immersing themselves in the community and sourcing local decor and artifacts, as well as their exceptional customer service, sets them apart from other hotel chains. So pack your bags, jump in your muscle car and set off on an adventure of a lifetime, one that will take you on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and truly iconic memories.
NOMAD SKETCHBOOK 