Graduate by Hilton New Haven

Reviews

• YN

  Yousif nouredine

  Jan 4, 2026
  5.0
  Very boutique hotel with detailed interior design work performed on it. This used to be a dorm room for Yale students and they've kept that ambiance. You'll see highly curated furnishings that will really make you appreciate the time it took a designer to come up with. Don't expect any cookie cutter layouts of furniture from this hotel. The staff are super friendly and amongst some of the most friendly hotel staff I've encountered. I plan to visit New Haven again solely for the hotel, and will make up day time activities to fill the time.
• BM

  Beto Michell

  Dec 23, 2025
  5.0
  Dec 29, 2025, 1:15 PM I thought it couldn’t possibly get better, but Graduate and Poindexter proved me wrong. We got 7" of snow on Sat, Dec 27, leading to many closures. Even when businesses are open, they tend to close early if sales die. Poindexter had just closed when I arrived at 3:20 PM—normal closing time is 3 PM. I was impressed they stayed open that long. Luckily, I ran into Farrah, the last barista on duty. She was walking out, and I asked, “If it’s not too much trouble, could you make an exception and prepare a cappuccino for me?” Surprisingly, she replied, “Sure, follow me.” Not only that, but while she was making my 12 oz. cappuccino in a ceramic cup—which I thought was their largest—I mentioned I wished Poindexter had a bigger size. Without hesitation, she said, “We do. I can make you a 16 oz. cappuccino in a paper cup if you'd like.” Wow! That’s a Gold Standard response. Honestly, that’s how every owner hopes their staff treats customers. Farrah, thank you! You’re a service superstar. Abby, congratulations—you've built a fantastic team. I also want to acknowledge your cleaning crew. They do an outstanding job. I personally told a Turkish woman I met how impressed I was. I know you also have a young man on the cleaning team; please pass along my gratitude. The entire lobby is so well-kept; the men's room is spotless, and I’m sure the ladies' room is just as clean, too. December 24, 2025, 10:23 PM EST. Dear Owner, you're welcome, and thank you for your touching comments. Your Team and hotel have earned my high praise and deserve the public recognition. Also, as a consumer, I am always grateful to those who take the time to share unbiased, helpful commentary so I can make the best-informed decision when choosing where to go or stay. Wishing you continued success! Original Review: * My review does not cover the rooms since I haven't stayed there as a guest. A New Haven Gem: Where Community Meets Elegance Since moving to New Haven over three months ago, I discovered the Graduate by Hilton and its coffee shop, Poindexter, through glowing Reddit reviews. These two quickly became my favorite spots for work, fun, and relaxation—they truly exceeded all my expectations. What makes the Graduate special is its welcoming atmosphere, which is evident the moment you arrive and see a sign inviting people from all walks of life. The staff genuinely upholds this spirit. From Abby, the General Manager, and Chris, the Assistant Manager, to Jaimee and Kristina at the front desk and Esmeralda at Poindexter, every team member makes sure that each visitor feels valued and at home. Their warmth and kindness create an environment that’s truly exceptional. The space is both elegant and enchanting, emanating a unique energy. To honor the building's 1894 origins (formerly the Hotel Duncan), it features polished wood paneling, black-and-white checkered floor tiles, and pressed-tin ceilings. In the lobby, you'll find various rooms, semi-private nooks perfect for intimate gatherings, an open living room, and a historic Ivy League-style library with stacked bookcases filled with antique books and classic texts, such as Harvard Editions of The Odyssey, for quiet reading. There are also two vintage 1950s telephone booths, adding playful charm to the space. Interestingly, the first public telephone booth was installed in 1880 in New Haven, CT. The Graduate is unique because management welcomes everyone to use the space freely, without requiring a purchase. Visitors—students, professionals, retirees like me, and hotel guests—turn it into a true community hub. This kind of openness is rare nowadays. They make me feel so welcome when I visit; it would be a crime not to buy something at Poindexter. My favorite drink: the 12-oz cappuccino in a ceramic cup—rich coffee flavor, ultra-creamy foam, almost like dessert. Simply perfect. This place is a genuine community treasure—somewhere to belong, relax, and connect, whether alone or with friends. Thank you, Graduate Team, for creating a space where New Haven can truly come together.
• NN

  Nick

  Nov 30, 2025
  5.0
  Super cool concept hotel. Staff was great, decor is kinda all fitting with their graduate ("The Graduate" movie) theme, even the college ID style key cards for room keys. Offered us water after a late check in on a hot summer evening & enjoyed a wonderful weekend there using the hotel as home base. Recommended
• CK

  Cosima Kymissis

  Nov 18, 2025
  5.0
  Adorable hotel! It has a really cute old and homey vibe, and the staff were all very pleasant. The rooms were small but definitely manageable. The cafe downstairs was also great and we got coffee and breakfast - I’d recommend the snickerdoodle latte.
• EH

  Eugenia Hernández

  Nov 16, 2025
  5.0
  I spent a week at this hotel, which recreates a classic British style in the setting of an Ivy League environment in New England. The rooms don’t have views, but they compensate with a high level of comfort, and I must highlight the excellent lighting. The bathroom cleanliness and towels are outstanding, and the amenities make the stay genuinely pleasant. The hotel also has the Poindexter café, where they serve excellent specialty coffee that is truly worth trying. I only had the English muffins, but all the pastries looked delicious. The fact that the café is open to the public creates a warm, lively atmosphere throughout the hotel. That said, some of the lounge-style rooms designed for reading or working were occupied by students, who ideally shouldn’t take up space intended for guests. Overall, the hotel is still slightly below the standard typical of Hilton properties, as they are currently integrating it into the chain after its acquisition. They don’t yet offer services like guest laundry or a porter to help with the initial flight of eight stairs at the entrance, which can make access difficult. As for the staff, they were truly wonderful — and I also had the chance to meet the hotel’s director personally and share these impressions with her, which I greatly appreciated. The hotel is located right in the heart of New Haven — a magnificent place to stay. ❤️

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