Graduate By Hilton Charlottesville

Stayed at this hotel recently and found the location to be perfect but sadly that’s where it ends. They seem to be going for a type of small Ralph Lauren boutique hotel with low ceilings dim lighting, leather seats, Harry Potter trunks you get what I mean! And that’s fine with me but the service was awful.. When I arrived I greeted the receptionist with a smile and a “good evening!” to be met with a scowl while she finished texting! I had just driven for 81/2 hrs asked for directions to a good restaurant and she sent us in entirely the wrong direction☹️. To top it off the next morning my wife and I had bedbug bites. Of course I cannot definitively say the latter happened at this hotel. To be brutally honest it was not a great experience.

Fair location, restaurant on the roof was pretty good, but had no high chairs despite being “kid friendly.” Made reservation specifically requesting a crib, which did not translate automatically at check in, but the gentleman at the front desk was very helpful and made sure we got the crib. The staff member bringing the crib wasn’t the most pleasant however, which was awkward. Room air conditioner was essentially non functional. Had the temperature set to 70, never got below 77 the entire night, leading to a pretty uncomfortable infant all night. Wouldn’t stay again with small children.

I visited family recently near Charlottesville VA and decided to book a room at the Graduate in C’ville, right across the street from the venerable University of VA. I am very I glad I did! My room was cozy yet spacious, decorated in UVA colors with yummy amenities, including delicious chocolates and peanuts fresh from the farm, with great room views. I loved the rooftop outdoor bar and got to see the most beautiful orange full moon ever! Bartender, waiter, valet and front desk staff, even the engineer who replaced the desk lightbulb were friendly and caring. I learned that the bridge on Main Street was named after Sean’s father! Sean checked me in and hospitality is in his DNA! He said he’s been serving the public at all kinds of hotels for over 35 years! For comfort, style and authentic hospitality, plus great places to stroll, eat and a bit of history I would definitely choose The Graduate in Charlottesville.

Came over a busy weekend and it was full of children playing in the game room, as they should. The rooftop bar was busy and drinks were fine. We were surprised by the lack of any local wine options. Check in was quick but no status was acknowledged. I had to double check for my F&B credit, which was later honored without question. The overall hotel feels older with a recent renovation that could have gone further. The parking was a bit of a disaster because after paying for in/out privilege, they machine wouldn't give us a receipt. We just walked for dinner and ask the valet to let us out the next morning, which could have been worse for other people/plans. Paying the extra money for valet parking is probably worth the hassle. That being said, Chip with parking is the man and the front desk staff are friendly. It was generally fine but I would probably rather stay at the Draftsman across the street again if pricing was all the same.