The Graduate Fayetteville

Check it out here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsmvkkH2F44

There’s no doubt Fayetteville is a college town steeped in tradition. Nowhere is this more celebrated than at the town’s own boutique hotel The Graduate. The Graduate may be a little off the beaten path, a few blocks away from shops and restaurants. But what the giant plaid-adorned structure boasts reflects its true personality-its proximity to cheap parking, University of Arkansas campus and its own in-house coffee shop and bar.

Seriously, the coffee shop/bar is located smack dab on the first floor feet away from the front desk. That’s prioritizing your space.  The first floor also has a spacious work area where you can plug in and get to work-not to mention a staggering amount of razorbacks.

The front desk staff are efficient and accommodating, going that extra step to make your trip better. The clerk advised us of a way to save some money by taking advantage of the city’s free parking on weekends. Her wise advice let us park right across from the hotel for free-instead of adding the cost to the bill. I noticed many times when the hotel staff went out of their way to assist a guest-often before being asked. Little things like asking if a guest wanted to order coffee before the rest of their party met in the lobby, offering to call Uber or suggesting the best places to order delivery. These kinds of tips are usually things the traveler has to pick up

The razorbacks are just one design element letting you know what country you are in. If that doesn’t get your attention, just wait. There’s more! The hotel boasts a timeless feel of college life from the overdose of plaid scattered everywhere possible to the found-artwork pieces, license plates, watercolors and charming love notes like little matted and framed time-capsules.

Of course the cozy atmosphere carries over to the rooms where guests find more plaid, razorbacks and all the usual amenities. The floor plan was clean and functional. Guests were adequately spaced and not stacked on top of each other.

But the most unexpected surprise was in the bathroom. Hanging over the toilet was a portrait of Gil Gerard, decked out in his costume as Buck Rogers. I have no idea why he was there, but I must admit it kept my attention. I found myself checking it out every time I was in there and peeking at it a few times just in passing.

Sci-fi fan art included, the room prices were very reasonable. The room quiet and comfortable in spite of the number of guests and the expected frivolity (we stayed over the Halloween weekend) and the staff were very friendly and accommodating. They were terrific.

My takeaway: if you ever find yourself in town, book a stay at the Graduate.

And if you happen to know why Gil Gerard sports a spot over the throne, let me know!

Do you have a hotel or inn you think I should review? Let me know on Facebook, Instagram or shoot me an email at toilandtroublemediagroup@gmail.com