Hilton’s Graduate brand now boasts a new location in the Ivy League

Hilton's newly acquired lifestyle brand, designed for towns and cities with a collegiate atmosphere, has opened a site near Princeton University.

Graduate Princeton officially launched this week adjacent to the Ivy League campus. The 180-room hotel marks the first new hotel to debut in Princeton, New Jersey, in nearly 90 years, according to the Graduate Princeton team. Additionally, this new establishment almost doubles the number of hotel rooms available in the area.

"When we initiated Graduate a decade ago, Princeton was at the top of our priorities," said Ben Weprin, founder of Graduate Hotels and CEO of AJ Capital Partners (which sold Graduate to Hilton earlier this year for $210 million). "The history, heritage, charm, and sophistication — it embodies the quintessential vision of college life in America."

Graduate Princeton is housed in a renovated Colonial Revival-style building that once served as a dormitory. Besides the guest rooms, the hotel includes the Ye Tavern restaurant and offers 6,000 square feet of public space.

As with other Graduate hotels, this property pays homage to notable alumni from the nearby university. The decor reflects elements of Princeton, featuring a hand-carved wooden reception desk flanked by four wooden tiger statues, honoring the Princeton Tiger mascot. The orange and black tiles in the two-story lobby echo Princeton's colors, and a collection of Reunion Jackets, awarded to alumni at their 25th reunion, adorns the well-stocked bookcases.

In the guest rooms, the orange-and-black theme carries on through the drapes and carpets. Framed artwork showcases scenes from the university, and the bathroom wallpaper is inspired by the campus arboretum.

"Graduate Princeton offers a warm atmosphere for guests to explore the traditions, history, and hidden treasures that contribute to its status as one of the most beloved university towns in the nation," stated Kevin Osterhaus, president of Hilton's global lifestyle brands.

Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem points at this hotel, with the opportunity to receive 1,000 bonus Hilton Honors points for stays until February 1, 2025. Nightly rates at Graduate Princeton start at $273, or 50,000 Hilton Honors points.