Collegiate heritage clubhouse
A playful collegiate spirit shapes the stay, with professorial lounges, chess tables, and flea-market art.
“The Graduate pays homage to Evanston’s Northwestern University with a retro-collegiate vibe that doesn’t take academia too seriously.”
Where it shines
Notable
Collegiate interiors with Northwestern-purple wood paneling, Persian-inspired rugs, and vintage-style settees.
Notable
A 1928 Colonial Revival apartment hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Notable
Student-ID keycards, John Hughes cocktail tributes, and caricatures of prominent Northwestern alumni.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in Condé Nast Traveler.
In typical Graduate style it’s packed with local references — not just headboards in Northwestern purple, but details from Evanston’s and Chicago’s history.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Northwestern's campus is two blocks away, and the sandy shores of Clark Street Beach are a short walk east.
The rooms
Plaid drapery and purple accents bring a vintage campus feel, with Lake Michigan paintings hanging above the beds.
Gym and bikes
Guests can borrow complimentary cruiser bikes for rides along the lakefront. A 24-hour fitness room provides Peloton bikes.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
The Homestead Room
Tartan carpets and a brick fireplace warm this wood-paneled dining room, serving American comfort dishes under tiered brass chandeliers.
How it began
Built in 1928 as The Homestead apartment hotel, the Colonial Revival structure still keeps its original columned front verandah.
Good to know
Stay here
Graduate by Hilton Evanston
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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.