Graduate by Hilton has opened its first Alabama location in Auburn, a city renowned for its legendary sports and college culture. Located steps from Auburn University, the property spans nearly 140,000 square feet with 177 guest rooms across five floors, 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and two signature food and beverage offerings: The War Eagle Supper Club, an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant that pays tribute to its namesake, and Bo Jackson’s Beans, a coffee shop, community gathering place, and cocktail bar created in partnership with professional sports legend, Auburn University alumni, and Heisman Trophy winner, Bo Jackson.
“Auburn is centered around one of the South’s largest universities, so we were constantly inspired by the incredibly engaged alumni network and the even stronger football fan base in town,” said Kevin Osterhaus, President, Global Lifestyle Brands, Hilton. “Our goal was to create a space that pays tribute to Auburn’s people, culture, and the enduring legacy that makes this place truly special for guests, students, and alumni alike.”
Behind the reception desk, a custom installation showcases a football field with a soaring eagle – a reference to the beloved pre-game tradition where the crowd chants the ‘War Eagle’ battle cry as an eagle soars across the field before kickoff. Created in partnership with Auburn University legend and celebrated two-sport professional athlete, Bo Jackson’s Beans is located adjacent to the reception desk, offering a café and full-service bar, with a myriad of breakfast and lunch options, as well as a collection of signature cocktails. Located mere steps from where Jackson’s illustrious sports career began at Auburn University in 1982, Bo Jackson’s Beans features design elements that pay tribute to his legacy. A hand-carved wood statue of Bo Jackson anchors the back bar with barstools that proudly display his football jersey number, 34.
In the guest rooms, an eclectic mix of gingham, stripes, and floral patterns in the Auburn University color palette take center stage. Each element thoughtfully pays homage to celebrated Auburn traditions, such as eagle-inspired sconces that reference the “War Eagle” battle cry and custom headboards depicting an oak tree as a nod to the age-old tradition where fans would “roll” or TP trees around Toomer’s Corner following an Auburn football win. A tribute to Auburn’s mascot comes in the form of tiger-print bolster pillows. Meanwhile, a lamp on the credenza commemorates the legendary “Bo Over the Top” play by Bo Jackson during the Iron Bowl – foregrounding one of Auburn’s most iconic athletic moments. Guest bathrooms feature custom orange and navy hexagonal tiles and wallpaper portraying local staples and Alabama folklore hand-drawn by artist Taylor Rushing
Graduate Auburn, AL will also bring back a replica of the iconic “slush bus” – a repurposed school bus that for years was used to transport students home from late nights at the War Eagle Supper Club; a ride home which was widely considered a rite of passage for generations of Auburn students.
Graduate Auburn, AL is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program with more than 195 million members for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members can take advantage of contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where they can check in, check out, choose and access their room using Digital Key. Graduate Auburn, AL is not only the first Graduate hotel to offer this contactless technology, but also the 2,000 Hilton hotel to launch Connected Room, Hilton’s TV platform that provides guests with personalized content, streaming apps and hotel information throughout their stay
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