by Hilton Minneapolis
Campus-cool boutique with a strong Minnesota identity — think reclaimed wood, tin-pressed ceilings, Nordic nods, and college hockey legends on the walls. Lively and social, not hushed or stuffy.
The destination charge ($10 daily F&B credit, premium Wi-Fi, bicycle rentals) takes some of the sting out of the mandatory fee — actually use it at The Beacon
Why It Matters
The only hotel physically on the University of Minnesota campus, with a deeply local design narrative, an in-house Topgolf Swing Suite, and a prime LRT Green Line location that connects guests to both downtowns, MSP Airport, and the Mall of America.
Right on the University of Minnesota's East Bank campus, Graduate by Hilton Minneapolis is a 304-room boutique hotel that leans hard into Minnesota pride and campus nostalgia. Walleye wallpaper, Gopher maroon and gold accents, a red corvette lamp paying tribute to Prince, and a neon lobby sign declaring 'We Are All Students' — every detail is intentional. The lobby has a genuine student-union energy, with communal tables, air hockey, and a fireplace. No pool, no spa. But the on-site Topgolf Swing Suite is a genuinely rare hotel amenity, and the Green Line light rail stop two minutes away makes the rest of the Twin Cities very accessible.
Where You'll Stay
7 room types available
Graduate Double Double
Entry-level room with two double beds. Compact but thoughtfully appointed with Nordic nods and Minnesota woodland-scene decor. 55-inch HD TV, coffeemaker, mini-fridge, work desk, and rainfall shower.
2 Double Beds
Graduate Double Double Suite
Suite-style room with two double beds and a separate living area. Useful for families or groups who want suite space without the king configuration.
2 Double BedsGraduate King
Standard king room with a lounge chair and work station. Argyle wallpaper and local art set the tone. Blue walls and white subway tile in the bathroom with a rainfall showerhead. Laptop-compatible safe included.
1 King BedGraduate King City View
King room with city-facing views. Same well-appointed setup as the standard king, with the added bonus of a campus or city outlook depending on floor.
1 King BedGraduate King Suite
Separate living room with a sleeper sofa and TV, plus a private bedroom with king bed. Good option for extended stays or when you need space to spread out. The living area makes it workable as a meeting room for small groups.
1 King BedGraduate Queen Queen
Two-queen room for families or groups who need extra sleeping space. Note that some guests have flagged the queen beds run a little short — worth knowing if you're tall. Same decor and amenity package as other standard rooms.
2 Queen BedsPresidential Suite
Top-floor flagship suite with a wet bar, double vanity, two flat-screen TVs, fridge, and coffeemaker. The headboard and wallpaper are genuinely Instagram-worthy. Multiple guests have called it one of the best hotel rooms under $500/night in Minneapolis. Book early — there's only one.
1 King BedThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Complimentary house bikes available to guests as part of the daily destination charge. Good for exploring campus, the Mississippi River trails, or the broader East Bank neighborhood.
Five-minute walk to both Huntington Bank Stadium (Gophers football) and Williams Arena (basketball/hockey). The hotel actively packages around game days with curated events and adventures.
Air hockey table in the lobby, in keeping with the hotel's student-union social vibe. Free to use.
Climate-controlled, multi-sport simulator suite with three motion-sensor bays. Play virtual golf (TopContender, TopPressure), baseball, hockey, football, Zombie Dodgeball, Carnival Classic, and more. Bookable privately by the bay or as a whole space for events up to 100 people. Food and cocktails from The Beacon delivered directly to the suite. Open daily 9am–9pm per OpenTable listing — confirm hours for holidays and special events.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
10 meeting rooms plus a ballroom that can host up to 500–600 guests. Spaces include the Pathways Room (up to 100 guests), the Focus Boardroom (532 sq ft, up to 16 people), and breakout rooms (525–750 sq ft). Minnesota-themed decor throughout. Rooftop patio available for outdoor events.
Complimentary in-room and lobby WiFi. Premium internet access is included as part of the daily destination charge.
Guests can order books delivered to their room — a quirky Graduate Hotels brand touch.
Up to 2 pets allowed, max 75 lbs each. One-time non-refundable fee of $75 per pet, per stay, charged at check-in.
Hilton Honors Digital Key available via the Hilton app.
Connecting room configurations available — useful for families or groups traveling together.
In-room dining available from The Beacon Public House menu.
On the first floor. Cardio machines and weight equipment. Guests note it's functional but not large — limited free weights and some maintenance inconsistency reported in reviews.
There is no swimming pool at this property. Guests looking to swim should note the Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center at the University of Minnesota is about 0.17 km away.
On-site self-parking at $30/day. The ramp is hourly and does not offer in/out privileges. No valet available. A Park & Stay package bundles parking with the room rate.
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Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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