Our top 10 picks for college town hotels to book this fall, including options for using points

Visiting a college town after Labor Day evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. Even on warm days, the air feels crisp as fall approaches, and campuses buzz with life while fans support their college teams in bustling stadiums.

Whether you're a parent attending family weekend, an alumnus returning for homecoming, or a prospective student exploring campus life, staying in a beautiful hotel in a convenient location enhances the experience. It’s even better when you can use points to make the booking.

We've compiled a list of hotels in 10 of our favorite college towns, known for their great locations, vibrant atmospheres, and comfortable accommodations. Many of these options, like the Graduate Hotels brand now part of Hilton, can be booked with points.

Graduate by Hilton Princeton

The Princeton Historic District, which includes the Princeton University campus, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Established by Quakers in the 1600s, it has been the alma mater of four U.S. presidents, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in American history.

You can explore 17th- and 18th-century landmarks like Nassau Hall, the university's oldest building that once housed the American government, and the elegant Italianate Prospect House. Walking by these historic sites during the fall, as the campus transforms with vibrant foliage, is truly enchanting.

Highlighted in our upcoming list of the most exciting hotel openings in 2024, the new Graduate Hotel at Hilton Princeton embodies Ivy League charm. Its vibrant, jewel-toned decor draws inspiration from the lore of the Princeton Tigers and the area's rich history.

Every aspect of the guest rooms, whether subtle or striking, pays homage to the university. The school’s orange and white colors are woven throughout the design. Bedside lamps are inspired by the Revolutionary War-era cannon buried near Nassau Hall, while the intricately carved wooden bed frames feature hand-drawn illustrations. The rooms are adorned with sketches by Albert Einstein, who was associated with Princeton's Institute for Advanced Study.

The lobby and library, designed in a Gothic style with soaring ceilings, evoke a Hogwarts-like atmosphere, complete with dark wood built-in bookcases, plush leather sofas, and framed Princeton blazers.

Ye Tavern, the Graduate Princeton's signature bar and eatery, offers a selection of Prohibition-era cocktails alongside classic local dishes.

As previously mentioned, Hilton recently purchased the Graduate Hotels brand for an impressive $210 million. Consequently, guests can now use Hilton Honors points to book stays at Graduate Hotels.

Rates at Graduate by Hilton Princeton begin at $306 or 50,000 points per night.

The Steward Santa Barbara, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott

Located just 2 miles from the University of California, Santa Barbara, The Steward is conveniently situated near Goleta Beach and various campus activities, all while providing a serene retreat. This boutique hotel features 87 all-suite rooms and is built on land acquired in the late 1860s by pioneering horticulturist Joseph Sexton, who established one of the area’s first nurseries here. The property is a historic landmark, showcasing many of Sexton's signature trees and plants, alongside the beautifully restored original house and a historic barn now serving as a fitness and yoga center.

The Steward is dedicated to health and sustainability. During renovations, the team uncovered a 1930s journal that contained one of the earliest known recipes for avocado toast. Guests can enjoy this original recipe at the hotel's restaurant, Terra, which also incorporates fresh herbs from the property's gardens into its dishes, along with offering botanical blooming tea service and organic mocktails.

Downtown Santa Barbara, with its many museums, wine bars, and restaurants, is just a 15-minute drive away.

Rates at The Steward Santa Barbara, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott begin at $283 per night or 57,000 points.

St. Julien Hotel

Nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder offers a distinctive experience with its lively downtown. Adventurers can tackle exhilarating mountain biking during the day and enjoy Michelin-starred Northern Italian dining in the evening.

The chic St. Julien Hotel, part of I Prefer Hotel Rewards, is ideally located just off Pearl Street Mall and under a mile from the University of Colorado campus. Its stunning romantic Italianate architecture features red-tiled roofs and sandstone walls, making it particularly beautiful in the fall when the oak, maple, and cottonwood trees display their brilliant orange, gold, and deep red hues.

Many guest rooms at St. Julien feature rich chocolate brown four-poster bed frames adorned with crisp white linens, offering views of the iconic Flatirons. A stay at St. Julien grants access to a variety of amenities, including an indoor pool and hot tub, plus complimentary shuttle service to campus. Catching Coach Prime and the Buffs in action this fall at Folsom Field will surely be a sought-after experience.

Rates at St. Julien Hotel start at $379 per night or $266 plus 15,000 I Prefer Points. Membership in I Prefer Hotel Rewards comes with exclusive rates, points for future stays, and hotel perks like early check-in and complimentary Wi-Fi at hundreds of hotels globally.

Graduate by Hilton Nashville

Located in Midtown, Graduate by Hilton Nashville is ideally situated for exploring the vibrant Broadway scene and Vanderbilt University. With a lively blend of prints and textiles, this hotel stands out as one of the most colorful in the Graduate Hotels collection. Guests can enjoy a rooftop pool adorned with magenta settees and wide-brimmed umbrellas, all while taking in stunning panoramic views of Music City’s skyline.

The rooftop bar, White Limozeen, offers dinner and inventive cocktails like the Fixin' to Leave, crafted from mezcal, salty wine, chinola, passionfruit, cucumber, and lemon. Additionally, there's a 21+ karaoke bar and a lobby cafe adorned with a chandelier where toast is available all day long.

Established in 1873, Vanderbilt University is named after railroad magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, who supplied the school with its initial funding. This prestigious research university features a stunning campus characterized by Gothic Revival architecture and a beautiful arboretum. While exploring the campus, visitors can savor hot chicken at Hattie B's, enjoy the honky-tonks along Broadway, and engage in Graduate Nashville’s immersive offerings like line dancing lessons and in-studio songwriting sessions.

Rates at Graduate by Hilton Nashville begin at $252 per night or 66,000 points.

Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman 

When the Bobcats return to Montana State in late August, the mountain town of Bozeman buzzes with a unique energy. Just an hour and a half from Yellowstone National Park and surrounded by towering peaks and premier fly-fishing spots, the city serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures year-round. Montana State's tree-lined campus, with its expansive walkways and grassy areas, is particularly stunning in the fall.

Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman is conveniently located in downtown, just a short drive from campus. The property blends historic and modern architecture, featuring part of the building as a 1941 art deco National Guard armory. Guest rooms showcase a contemporary Western style with natural materials such as rich wood, hand-stitched leather, and woven textiles.

The hotel's Sky Shed Lounge, the tallest building in town, and the rooftop pool offer breathtaking mountain views. Guests can dive into local culture with live music at Kimpton's Armory Music Hall, formerly the National Guard's gym. They can also visit the nearby Museum of the Rockies, affiliated with the Smithsonian, to explore dinosaur fossils, a living history farm, and a planetarium.

Rates at Kimpton Armory Hotel Bozeman start at $329 or 71,000 IHG One Rewards loyalty points.

The Carolina Inn Destination by Hyatt

Autumn in Durham, North Carolina — situated near both the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Duke University — brings the iconic vibrant fall colors and the charm of a classic college town. The Carolina Inn Destination by Hyatt is virtually on the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill campus, making it the perfect spot to stay during the back-to-school season for either university.

This elegant hotel, constructed in 1924, resembles a grand mansion with its brick exterior and impressive columns. It's conveniently located near the Chapel Hill football stadium and Franklin Street, the bustling heart of college life where shopping, dining, and weekend football festivities abound.

The Carolina Inn features a restaurant that specializes in traditional Carolinian cuisine. Guest rooms come equipped with blackout curtains, writing desks, views of the campus, and a blue and white color scheme that reflects the spirit of Chapel Hill.

Rates at Carolina Inn Destination by Hyatt begin at $270 or 15,000 World of Hyatt points.

Four Seasons Hotel Boston

As the home of prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and Boston University, the historic city of Boston becomes bustling with students each fall. Among the many hotel options, Four Seasons Hotel Boston distinguishes itself with its ideal location in Back Bay, offering stunning views of the Public Garden and the charming Victorian brownstones nearby.

This fall, the hotel introduces a new guest experience tailored for prospective students and their families. The Students in the City program, created in partnership with Cambridge Historical Tours, provides a unique perspective on Boston's colleges and universities, along with the surrounding neighborhoods. Guests visiting schools like MIT, Harvard, and Boston College can connect with a private local guide who shares extensive knowledge about each institution's history and campus life.

Guest rooms at the Four Seasons offer views of the garden, city, or courtyard. The decor features a residential style with a fresh, neutral color scheme, luxurious linens, and inviting, spacious armchairs.

Rates at Four Seasons Hotel Boston begin at $895 per night.

Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes

Arizona State University ranks among the largest universities in the nation. If you're planning a visit, staying at the Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes offers a true escape. It's also a fantastic choice for Bonvoy members.

This desert resort features several mountain-backed pools perfect for basking in the Arizona sun, a serene spa, and access to various hiking trails. Spacious guest rooms come equipped with pillow-top beds and luxurious marble bathrooms. The Top of the Rock restaurant provides stunning views of Camelback Mountain and the vibrant purple sunsets over Tempe. When you're ready to explore the lively atmosphere of Tempe and campus life, ASU is conveniently located just three miles away.

Tempe's Mill Avenue serves as the heart of downtown, lined with vibrant bars, restaurants, and clubs. One of the advantages of staying at the Marriott is that you can make the most of your vacation, as it's only a 10-minute drive from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).

Member rates at Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at the Buttes start at $230 per night or 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor

Fresh off a national championship, the Wolverines are returning to the University of Michigan, bringing a wave of school spirit. This fall, games at The Big House, the third-largest stadium in the world, promise to be especially lively. Even if you can't get tickets, Ann Arbor is a delightful destination. The university town boasts a variety of delicious dining options, as well as historic architecture and museums like the Museum of Natural History and the University of Michigan Museum of Art.

Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor serves as an excellent base for Hilton Honors members exploring Tree Town. It features a complimentary mini library curated by a local bookstore, free bikes for campus exploration, and a fitness room equipped with Peloton bikes. The front desk staff are eager to share local insights, whether you're hunting for vintage treasures or the best gelato spot. Rooms are designed with a classic collegiate charm, featuring wood floors and furniture complemented by plaid accents.

Rates at Graduate by Hilton Ann Arbor start at $219 per night or 63,000 points.

Burlington Blind Tiger

Fall in Vermont's Champlain Valley is breathtaking, with hillsides aglow in vibrant colors as the trees change. Burlington, home to the University of Vermont, buzzes with events such as the South End Art Hop every September in the South End Arts District. The Pride Parade and Festival, the largest pride event in Vermont, takes place downtown and in Waterfront Park, alongside numerous harvest festivals and county fairs in the nearby countryside.

Vermont is renowned for its charming historic inns. Aesthetes will delight in the thoughtful design and luxurious amenities offered at Lark Hotels' Burlington Blind Tiger, conveniently located just a few blocks from the University of Vermont. Nestled among beautiful historic homes on a picturesque tree-lined street, this 14-room hotel has a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy guest house.

Housed in an 1881 brick mansion featuring a slate roof and an elegant exterior marble staircase, this hotel boasts a blend of handmade decor and vintage furnishings, including a 1970s Swedish sectional in the living room. Some guest rooms come with gas fireplaces, while many retain original mantels. The airy solarium, adorned with a green-and-white veined marble floor and numerous potted plants, offers guests a refreshing touch of nature indoors.

Rates for a stay at Burlington Blind Tiger begin at $299 per night, or guests can use 20 points for a complimentary night. Members of the "On a Lark Club" earn one point for each night spent at Lark or Bluebird Hotels. Membership also includes room upgrades, unique welcome gifts, and points that can be redeemed anytime for exclusive discounts and free stays.