The Graduate by Hilton Minneapolis is a very basic but nice hotel in the heart of the University of Minnesota campus. It offers a convenient location, being just blocks away from the University hospital and right on the Green Line light rail, with many restaurants and activities within walking distance. The atmosphere is fun and themed, featuring a great entry area with a study space, a sitting area with a fireplace, a bar, dining area, attached Starbucks, Dunkin', Top Golf, and shuffleboard. The staff are consistently described as kind, helpful, friendly, extremely nice, and outstanding, providing spectacular service. The hotel's restaurant has delicious food at reasonable prices. Rooms are generally quiet and have character, offering comfortable beds, refrigerators, small coffee makers, and bathrooms with lots of counter space. However, the hotel shows signs of wear. Some rooms are mediocre and need updating, with reports of peeling wallpaper, signs of moisture damage, a kind of grimy feel, and worn beds and pillows. Isolated issues include a weird smell in a room, a slippery tub, and an air conditioning unit needing adjustment. A significant concern involved housekeeping entering a room very early before checkout, which created an uncomfortable situation. Parking is paid and convenient, though the lot is small. Overall, it is a top choice for many visiting the campus, especially for college tours, due to its atmosphere, activities, and location, despite some inconsistencies in room condition and service timing.
