Graduate Princeton, a new boutique hotel, has officially opened its doors in downtown Princeton, marking a significant milestone for the area. Located on historic Nassau Street, directly across from Princeton University’s campus, this hotel transforms a 1918-era student dormitory into a 180-room luxury retreat, doubling the number of available hotel rooms in the town and becoming the first new hotel in nearly 90 years.
Developed by Graduate Hotels, a brand under Hilton’s global hospitality umbrella, Graduate Princeton is a testament to the meticulous restoration and modernization efforts led by AJ Capital Partners and architecture firm Stonehill Taylor.
READ MORE: More Year-End Holiday Inspirations for an Unforgettable Stay at Four Seasons
The hotel blends its historic Colonial Revival-style roots with contemporary, collegiate-inspired design, offering 6,000 square feet of public space and a signature restaurant, Ye Tavern.
Ben Weprin, founder of Graduate Hotels and AJ Capital Partners, emphasized the significance of opening in Princeton, a town steeped in history and charm. “When we started Graduate ten years ago, Princeton was at the top of our list,” said Weprin, highlighting the town’s appeal as a quintessential American college setting.
Graduate Princeton’s interior design pays homage to Princeton University’s rich history and local culture. Guests are welcomed into a Gothic-inspired lobby featuring a hand-carved wooden reception desk, statues of the school’s mascot, and a library-like atmosphere with floor tiles in Princeton’s iconic orange and black. The lobby also displays a collection of vintage Reunions Jackets, reflecting the town’s long-standing traditions.
Ye Tavern, the hotel’s bar and restaurant, is a nod to a historic 1930s-era bar that once stood on the same site. The space features an intricately carved wooden bar, stone-topped banquets, and leather-top tables, offering pre-prohibition era cocktails and classic American dishes in a warm, nostalgic setting.
The guest rooms continue the theme, with decor inspired by the university’s colors and historical references. Highlights include orange-and-white seersucker drapes, custom wood-carved bed frames with illustrations of Princeton’s Cane Spree, and bathrooms featuring wallpaper inspired by the campus arboretum. A sketch by Albert Einstein, commemorating his work at Princeton’s Institute for Advanced Study, adds an intellectual touch to the guest experience.
Graduate Princeton is now part of the Hilton Honors loyalty program, offering members the opportunity to earn up to 1,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points per night for stays from August 1, 2024, to February 1, 2025. The hotel celebrates its opening by providing special promotions and exclusive benefits for Hilton Honors members who book directly through Hilton’s channels.
This new addition to Princeton’s historic downtown not only provides much-needed accommodation but also serves as a gateway for guests to explore the rich traditions and hidden gems of one of America’s most renowned university towns.
READ MORE: Four Seasons Hotel Boston Reveals Fully Transformed Royal Suite
