Saturday, August 17, 2024 Hilton ‘s new Graduate Princeton offers 180 rooms and a signature eatery, Ye Tavern, marking its historic debut opposite the university campus. Today marks the debut of Graduate Princeton, a new hospitality landmark by Hilton’s university-anchored hotel brand, situated on the historic Nassau Street and directly facing the campus. This establishment, the first to be introduced in Princeton’s downtown in nearly a century, enriches the locale with its 180 elegantly designed guest rooms and the distinctive Ye Tavern restaurant.
The property, once a Colonial Revival-style university dormitory dating back to 1918, has been thoughtfully rejuvenated and expanded by AJ Capital Partners in collaboration with Stonehill Taylor, blending modern enhancements with rich historical reverence. Graduate Princeton encapsulates the essence of college life with its vibrant, locally inspired aesthetic across 6,000 square feet of communal spaces. The interior design intricately weaves elements from the town’s 275-year history and Princeton University lore, offering guests a deep dive into the local traditions and architectural heritage.
The hotel’s decor is dotted with tributes to notable alumni and Princeton’s enduring customs, enhancing the visitor experience with each detail. Entering the Gothic-style lobby of Graduate Princeton, visitors are welcomed at a hand-carved wooden reception desk, under the watchful gaze of the university’s mascot statues. The lobby, reminiscent of a grand two-story library, features a 30-foot study table akin to those found in the university’s historic libraries, surrounded by shelves filled with books and vintage reunion jackets.
This space, adorned with gold-leaf inscriptions of the names of famed eating clubs, serves as a hub for both relaxation and engagement. Ye Tavern, the hotel’s main dining venue, mirrors a 1930s bar that previously occupied the site, with its lancet window-inspired carved wooden bar and stone-topped banquettes creating a cozy, nostalgic environment. Here, guests can savor classic American dishes, regional specialties, and old-fashioned cocktails reminiscent of the pre-prohibition era.
The guest rooms at Graduate Princeton continue the theme with a color scheme reflecting the university’s iconic palette, featuring orange-and-white seersucker curtains and apricot carpets. The rooms are furnished with custom wood-carved bed frames adorned with illustrations commemorating the university’s historic Cane Spree, and desks topped with artwork celebrating Princeton’s traditions. Bathrooms are styled with bespoke wallpaper that nods to the campus’ famed arboretum, complemented by sketches of Albert Einstein, highlighting his significant contributions during his tenure at Princeton’s Institute for Advanced Study.
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