Ann Arbor Graduate

My daughter recently graduated from University of Michigan and I would often travel to Ann Arbor to see her. Usually, we went at peak times like drop off, parents weekends, game days and pick ups. During that time, the hotels often dramatically raise the hotel room rates. Outside of these peak times, the hotel rates were relatively cheap. I guess people do not travel to Ann Arbor outside of these peak times. That would make sense why there are no real luxury hotels.

I tried many hotels trying to figure out the best place to stay. On one trip, we chose the Graduate Hotel

The Graduate Ann Arbor describes itself as a unique collegiate-themed atmosphere that many guests find charming, and its prime location near the University of Michigan is often praised. I have to agree that the location of the Graduate Hotel is ideal. You are just minutes away from the heart of campus.

But that is where the positives end. The staff is not that friendly and the service of the rooms needs to be improved. I have found the rooms, elevators and common areas to be small. The hotel needs to updated and brightened. The booking process on their website is like a child developed it.

The major drawback of this hotel is the cost. On peak days, rooms go for in excess of $1,200 a night plus fees.

I read that Hilton purchased the Graduate hotel chain back in March 2024. They have a lot of work to do to bring this hotel up to A rated standard. They should start with streamlining the website.

If you are looking for value for a hotel stay in Ann Arbor, please look elsewhere.