Graduate by Hilton Unveils in Auburn, Elevating Guest Experience with Unique Dining and Meeting Spaces

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Graduate by Hilton has officially opened its first hotel in Alabama, right in the heart of Auburn, a city celebrated for its rich sports history and vibrant college scene. This new property, located just a short walk from Auburn University, covers almost 140,000 square feet and offers 177 guest rooms spread across five floors. It features 10,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event spaces, along with two standout dining experiences. The War Eagle Supper Club, a rooftop bar and restaurant with both indoor and outdoor seating, honors its iconic Auburn roots, while Bo Jackson’s Beans, a coffee shop and cocktail bar, serves as a community hub, created in collaboration with legendary athlete and Auburn University alumnus, Bo Jackson.

“Auburn is centered around one of the South’s largest universities, so we were constantly inspired by the incredibly engaged alumni network and the even stronger football fan base in town,” said Kevin Osterhaus, president, Global Lifestyle Brands, Hilton. “Our goal was to create a space that pays tribute to Auburn’s people, culture, and the enduring legacy that makes this place truly special for guests, students, and alumni alike.”  

The interior design at Graduate Auburn, AL invites guests to experience the city’s 187-year heritage and immerse themselves in the deep-rooted traditions of Auburn, which has been a cornerstone of American football culture for over a century. The hotel’s public areas and guest rooms are thoughtfully designed with subtle tributes to the university and town, all in the brand’s signature locally-inspired aesthetic. Each detail is meticulously crafted to deliver a genuine Auburn experience.

Behind the reception desk, a custom installation features a football field with an eagle soaring overhead, a nod to the cherished “War Eagle” tradition where the crowd chants the iconic battle cry as an eagle flies across the stadium before kickoff. Bo Jackson’s Beans, created in collaboration with the Auburn sports legend himself, is located adjacent to the reception. This café and full-service bar offers breakfast, lunch, and a selection of signature cocktails, honoring Jackson’s lasting legacy. Just steps from where Bo Jackson began his legendary sports career at Auburn University in 1982, the café features design elements that celebrate his achievements, including a hand-carved wooden statue of Jackson and barstools emblazoned with his famous number 34 football jersey.

“It was never about whether we wanted to be in Auburn, but always about finding the right site,” said Ben Weprin, founder, Graduate Hotels and CEO of AJ Capital Partners. “Every Graduate starts with the same foundation—research, tradition, and culture—but each outcome is totally different. For Auburn, the result is the physical manifestation of what it means to be an Auburn Tiger. From Bo Jackson’s legacy to the storied traditions of student life on and off campus, like The War Eagle Supper Club, you will feel the magic the second you walk in the door.”

Opposite Bo Jackson’s Beans in the lobby, visitors will discover a welcoming communal workspace, open to hotel guests, locals, and students. The design of this area incorporates a mix of eclectic textiles and block-printed walls, alongside sport-inspired custom chandeliers crafted from footballs, baseball bats, and gloves—paying homage to Bo Jackson’s professional athletic career. A signature feature of Graduate properties, the large communal table is complemented by carefully curated light fixtures and comfortable seating, creating an inviting and functional space for studying, collaboration, or simply relaxing in style.

In the guest rooms, a vibrant blend of gingham, stripes, and floral patterns in Auburn University’s signature colors takes the spotlight. Every detail is crafted to celebrate Auburn’s beloved traditions, from eagle-shaped sconces inspired by the famous “War Eagle” chant to custom headboards that feature an oak tree, symbolizing the tradition of rolling trees at Toomer’s Corner after a football victory. Paying tribute to Auburn’s mascot, tiger-print bolster pillows add a playful touch, while a lamp on the credenza honors Bo Jackson’s legendary “Bo Over the Top” play during the Iron Bowl, one of Auburn’s most unforgettable moments. In the bathrooms, custom orange and navy hexagonal tiles complement wallpaper showcasing local landmarks and Alabama folklore, all beautifully illustrated by artist Taylor Rushing.

Perched atop the hotel, The War Eagle Supper Club is a dynamic indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant that seamlessly blends Auburn University’s storied legacy with a modern, vibrant dining experience. This venue reimagines the original War Eagle Supper Club, a beloved local institution established over 60 years ago, where generations of Auburn students gathered for live music and late-night fun. The iconic slogan “Cold Beer Hot Rock Expect No Mercy” proudly hangs above the central bar, a nod to the Supper Club’s legendary past.

Upon entering The War Eagle Supper Club, guests are transported to a nostalgic, intimate space that captures Auburn’s rich history. Warm wood paneling, stained glass accents, and brass details evoke the spirit of the original venue. As a tribute to the past, Graduate Auburn will also bring back a replica of the famed “slush bus”—a converted school bus that shuttled students home after late-night visits to the Supper Club, a ride that became a rite of passage for many Auburn students.

Graduate Auburn is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program that boasts over 195 million members across Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Through the Hilton Honors app, members can enjoy exclusive contactless technology to check in, check out, select, and access their rooms with Digital Key. Graduate Auburn is not only the first Graduate property to feature this technology but also marks the 2,000th Hilton hotel to introduce the Connected Room platform, allowing guests to personalize their stay with streaming services and in-room content via Hilton’s innovative TV system.