Columbia, South CarolinaUniversity Hill
Graduate by Hilton Columbia, S.C.
Collegiate heritage inn
University Hill Columbia, South Carolina
Renovated
2019
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Heritage LocalOutside the door
The house
HiltonCollegiate heritage inn
Life here revolves around campus tradition and a restored 1911 manor, from porch coffee to lively gameday crowds.
“From the wallpaper to the sofas, the Gamecock-inspired headboards to the curtains, it’s a textural feast for the eyes.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Maximalist Southern interiors layer vibrant floral prints against custom Gamecock motifs.
Notable
The preserved 1911 Black House forms the lobby, retaining original Honduran mahogany woodwork.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
Like all its siblings, the Graduate Columbia, S.C. blends collegiate nostalgia with local color, in this case the historic Southern charm of downtown Columbia, South Carolina.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
The historic Horseshoe sits right across the street. Williams-Brice Stadium is two and a half miles away for kickoff.
The rooms
Beds have custom Gamecock headboards, set against walls of bold floral wallpaper and patterned curtains.
At the table
Trophy Room serves American comfort food. Leather stools line a bar built from salvaged timber beside the historic fireplace.
How it began
The university planned to demolish the 1911 Black House in 1974, but local preservationists campaigned to save it.
Columbia
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The app
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.