Bloomington’s best boutique hotel: the Graduate Hotel in Bloomington, Indiana
I have traveled around 6 continents. I say this, not as a humblebrag, but to prove the point that I’ve stayed in my fair share of accommodation. Hostel dorms, 5-star resorts, AirBnBs— I’ve slept in some cool and quirky spots.
None of the places I’ve ever stayed has been anything like The Graduate Hotel in Bloomington.
Bloomington’s basketball fandom, cream and crimson everything, and quintessential “middle America” houses lining every street make it easily identifiable as a college town {go Hoosiers!}. As the proud home of Indiana University, the sense of community here is impossible to miss. I expected to walk into the Graduate Bloomington and feel overrun by red wallpaper and Hoosier memorabilia, which, while totally cute, would have definitely played into every cliché.
Instead, I was greeted at the beautiful wooden reception desk, Hoosier portrait hanging on the back wall, by the most welcoming of staff. Given a parking pass, electronic room keys {in the form of vintage student ID cards}, and complimentary breakfast tickets, I knew the Graduate was going to be the perfect place to cap off my time in the U.S. for the foreseeable future.
Each Graduate is so well-curated that I almost feel like this blog post robs it because this piece would be infinite in length if I were to describe every thoughtful detail of the property. But here I am, ready to give it a go.
it's all about the details at The Graduate Hotel ↴
Anyone who knows me or follows this blog knows that I am a sucker for details. Thoughtful design, cultural nods, and personal touches make an event or space for me.
When I walked through the revolving glass door into the lobby, I immediately noticed the round light fixtures adorned with basketball nets. The café to the side looked reminiscent of a library, only there were vintage board games and cookie jars sitting in place of books. I was handed key cards that looked like Indiana University student IDs and sent to the elevator. The wall paneling in and bathrooms were modeled after IU with the intention of making students feel right at home in the Graduate’s communal spaces. Near the elevator stood a Christmas tree with basketball baubles— another nod to Hoosier basketball.
Coming out onto the fifth floor towards my room, every door was crimson. The soft hallway carpet was printed with a Presidential seal and a basketball repeated. I entered my room and found a pennant to hang on the door that read “Studying” in place of “Do not disturb”. Inside the suite were multiple rooms decorated with varied wallpaper. Mix-matched furniture, IU band posters hung in wooden frames, and space designed to feel like you’re right at home with all the modern luxuries of a hotel stay. Every bit of furniture, every wall hanging {down to the painting of the Dalai Lama’s brother, who use to live in Bloomington}— it was all intentional.
And there is nothing I love more than being intentional.
the rooms at The Graduate Hotel ↴
There are a variety of room sizes at the Graduate Bloomington, each offering their own bells and whistles.
I was generously gifted the keys to the Dining King Suite at Graduate Bloomington. Once again, my expectations were surpassed. Instead of a large bed in a large room, I had access to a large bed, bathroom, 8-seater table, and living room. There was also a full-size refrigerator, desk, and two giant televisions.
The bed was an automatic selling point for me. There just isn’t much that’s beats a big, soft bed with cloud-like pillows and fresh linens. Lamps and lighting with dimmers gave me every kind of atmosphere I could want throughout my time lounging.
The living room area housed a three-seater couch, a chair, and two cushioned stools. The shower {which had amazing pressure} was perfectly steamy; refreshing after a cold day exploring during the winter.
Ultimately, I felt cozy, comfortable, and utterly relaxed throughout the duration of my little Bloomington getaway. I can absolutely imagine parents staying here while they move their student into freshman housing or on a visit for IU commencement. It might sleep two, but it’s dining table and communal areas are spacious enough for the whole family to enjoy a card game or a film.
Book your stay: The Graduate Hotel Bloomington
all-star property amenities at The Graduate Hotel ↴
The Graduate is more than just a pretty face— it truly has everything you need by way of accommodation.
WiFi might be the most basic of amenities but, at the Graduate, it’s free and fast. Each room is equipped with a hairdryer, linens, towels, and USB charging ports. A travel guide is available at check-in, letting you know the best places to eat and play nearby are.
On property is Pointdexter Café, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With charging ports and plenty of space, it fills up fast with students and community members meeting, studying, and enjoying the delicious coffee. I highly recommend the avocado toast here, though my guest enjoyed the scrambled egg bagel sandwich. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, the cookies and hot cocoa are superb and best enjoyed over a one of the many games available to patrons.
Parking in Bloomington is my least favourite thing about the city, however, the Graduate offers both self-parking and valet services for their guests. USD $10 for self-parking overnight or USD $20 for valet parking. These are extremely reasonable prices but, more than that, they take away the headache of finding decent street parking in the downtown area. For self-parking, your room key gets you into and out of the multi-floor garage.
what’s in the neighbourhood near The Graduate Hotel ↴
Close to the Graduate are a number of local eateries and stores you shouldn’t miss out on:
Café Pizzaria | home to Bloomington first Stromboli, reasonably priced, open late, great pizza and beer
East + 4th | a little area of town just down the street from the Graduate, filled with ethnic food {Tibetan, Korean, Greek, Turkish, Japanese, etc.}
“Bloomington” mural | around the corner from the hotel is a bright mural with the city’s name attached to it
The Bishop | often showcases live music
The Owlery Restaurant | great for vegetarian food and craft beer
map ↴
Find the Graduate Hotel, Bloomington and everything nearby on the map below.
Disclaimer: I was a guest of Graduate Hotels {Graduate Bloomington}. As always, all my opinions are my own and my experience is expressed authentically.
