graduate, nashville

Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Room Rate: $289.00

Booking Site: Hotel Website

Rating: 9/10

Why I Love It:

If you’re looking for a fun, playful hotel to take cute photos, study or grab a cocktail with a friend, the Graduate Hotel is the perfect location! Every detail and space in the hotel is very trendy, pink and photo worthy—with a hint of Nashville history.

The Graudate is located in Nashville’s Midtown neighborhood—which is home to tons of restaurants, gay nightlife scene and a University campus. I would note that due to COVID and the decline in travelers, the area was very quiet. However, I had no issues walking around to find nearby stores and food. I loved that the airport was only a 15/20min drive to and from the hotel.

After finding this hotel online last year I knew it will instantly become one of my favorite hotels. The Graduate is a new funky hotel brand with playful themed details that’s designed around the college/campus lifestyle. The bright interior, floral patterns, high ceilings and Minnie Pearl art piece in the lobby instantly won me over. The rooms are individually designed with playful bright pink interior. The bed board pays tribute to Dolly Parton with a photo of her above the pillows. Graduate brand is advertised as college-campus themes, however, I believe this location was designed with women and bachelorette parties in mind—the energy throughout the hotel was pink and “girly” with many bachelorette celebrations taking place on the rooftop.

I booked the Junior Suite and the room was very spacious with a small but sizable living room area and separated bedroom area (no door though). My least favorite feature in the rooms was the bathroom—one of my biggest pet peeve is when the design of the bedroom don’t transition well into the bathroom area. The bedroom is bright, pink and colorful while the bathroom is black/gold and dark—two different vibes.

The rooftop bar + pool design was very retro pink and vibrant as well—while I sat the bar, I kept thinking about the movie Mean Girls. The pool area was closed but I was able to step out to get a glimpse of the residential rooftop views and funky pool design.

I was not a fan of the front desk staff I interacted with at first but in his defense, the lobby was packed and busy with bachelorette parties checking out so I will give him a pass. I appreciated them trying their best to accommodate my early check-in request for the suite.

The hotel vibe is definitely college life—with a study area in the lobby, restaurant and two lounges throughout the property. I stubbled across the the second floor which hosted the fitness center + meeting spaces with a private lounge area. It would be nice if hotel guests received a priority or option to reserve a table at the rooftop lounge when booking—the tables were all booked.

Three Key Highlights: