How Ben Weprin’s Vision for Graduate Hotels Transformed University Town Hospitality with University-Themed Hotels and Local Lore

Graduate Hotels is a hotel chain that stands out in the hospitality industry due to its vibrant, unique approach that focuses on local lore and university charm. Despite being around for a decade, the chain only has 34 properties globally, from Princeton to Cambridge and Oxford in the UK. This slow, deliberate expansion is a testament to the brand’s commitment to authenticity and community engagement.

The concept of Graduate Hotels was conceived by Ben Weprin, founder of AJ Capital Partners. In 2010, he saw potential in the bland hotel landscape of university towns and decided to transform these often dreary accommodations. His first venture was renovating Chicago’s Hotel Lincoln near DePaul University, which was a success and led to the birth of the Graduate Hotels brand in 2014.

What sets Graduate Hotels apart is its meticulous attention to detail, tongue-in-cheek aesthetic, and unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of each location. Each hotel is like a carefully curated tapestry woven with threads of local history, alumni memories, and university traditions.

The brand’s dedication to historic preservation is evident in projects like the upcoming Graduate Princeton, which involved the sensitive renovation of a 1918 dormitory building. The challenge was maintaining the building’s historic charm while modernizing it for today’s guests. This delicate balance between old and new is a signature of the Graduate design ethos.

As the brand continues to explore new markets and expansion opportunities, its goal remains the same: to offer guests an authentic and immersive experience that feels like a secret handshake with the local community. “If guests walk away feeling more connected to the community or like they learned something during their stay, then we’ve done our job,” Weprin says.

Each Graduate Hotel is deeply entwined with its location’s university culture and spirit. For example, at Graduate Eugene, Weprin’s sneakerhead enthusiasm manifests in a vintage Nike sneaker collection, including an original pair of Nike Moon Shoes. At Graduate Chapel Hill, there is a meticulously recreated dorm room of Michael Jordan, complete with his game-worn sneakers and a $5 check he cashed after winning a game of pool.

Graduate Hotels’ connection to university towns is unique. The brand ensures that each hotel remains appealing not just to visiting parents and alumni but also to a broader demographic seeking a one-of-a-kind hotel experience. The brand also collaborates with local artists and designers to integrate their perspectives into its design narrative. For instance, at Graduate New York, guests are greeted by a striking 12-foot sculpture by Hebru Brantley.

Source: forbes.com

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