Graduate by Hilton Eugene — Hotel in Eugene

Probably rated a little high in regards to my experience but I want to be reasonable. Been here a handful of times since they took over from Hilton Garden inn. I called the night before my reservation to get information on oversized vehicles parking and was told that there is oversized vehicle parking up front we just needed to let the valet know so that I would get charged appropriately. Upon arrival, the valet told me that I could park in the "back" and gave me vague directions about where to go to get there. I circled the block four times and could not figure it out so I ended up parking in the Hult parking lot that only gave me 2 hours before they shut down. I walked back to the hotel with all my luggage and backpack and went to check in. The desk reception was the same person I had called the night before and I asked what I could do about my situation because I needed to move my vehicle. I was told..." yeah it's in the back under the awning". I went upstairs and got settled in changed and then walked to the back of the hotel to inspect for myself and still couldn't figure it out from the street so I went back to the valet and asked him to show me where it is on my phone in Google maps with satellite mode. Ended up being that the awning was a long overhang that extended into the hotel but was over stairs and the section he told me to park in was very small and on the street and a tow away zone. I ended up parking across the street from the hotel in a shady lot that ended up working out for me and for less money. The irritating part was that there was at least five open oversized vehicle spaces available and there were regular sedans parked in them. I still can't figure out why they wouldn't allow me to park there when they're for oversized vehicles. 🤔

The trophy room was really good, Michelle was actually the best employee I encountered. She was very friendly and even helped me more than she should have when it was the end of her shift. Her manager was supposed to come over to help but ended up delaying and she had to go find him to relieve her and even when he came over he was just folding knives and forks and napkins. Later that evening I went out to check on my truck because I was a little worried about it being where it was and I noticed that there was about 15 people trying to check in and nobody was at the counter. The manager on site was trying to text the reception employee to come to the counter instead of helping them himself. The manager was asking Siri to text his employee to come down to the counter. When the employee emerged from the elevators he started running towards the counter with a sense of urgency and was reprimanded along the way by the manager. 😕

In the morning when getting ready for my departure I was using the restroom and started running the shower. I started to smell something that reminded me of a strong mildew thinking that maybe the tub was just dirty or not cleaned. It wasn't until the odor was so strong that I realized it was the cloth shower curtain that had been urinated on a whole left side corner and the urine was pungent and was stinking up the entire restroom. It was pretty nasty and I don't know how long it has been there but it was definitely a negative experience. Taking a shower and keeping the shower curtain away from me was a challenge. I just quickly left and decided that this is probably the last time I'll stay at this hotel. 😭

To be honest, I'm a Nike fan like most folks and really enjoy the memorabilia the atmosphere and there are really good points to the decoration in the room and all. I just think that there may be some understaffing issues and lack of attention to detail when it comes to thoroughness.

Again Michelle and Reese were...

So I needed a place to stay in Eugene for a week or so, I wasn't sure where to go, but I called up the Graduate and to see what happens. I called them up and let them know about the length of my stay and some accommodations I needed during such an odd time, which they ended up being very understanding and kind about. Like I said, they knew I'd be here for a week plus, so they made sure I wasn't staring at the 5th street grill all day feeling tempted. When I arrived they did a no contact exchange of my parking pass, keys to my room, and CDC recommended supplies to keep me and others safe. I get to my room and I was presented with a very accommodating and generous array of items to make sure I settled in well. Enough clean towels to last me the duration of my stay, appliances to make food and coffee, stocked toiletries that will keep me clean for over a week. The room itself is great. As a student, the little Easter eggs that make the graduate unique was a delight to see. I chose the Graduate because I didn't want to stay in some kind of overly modern Candlewood suites style that is gross and overdone. I feel like I'm at a beach cabin. Lots of wood trim and colorful artwork. Plaid curtains, warm lighting from the lamps, and a carpet that you feel comfortable enough putting bare feet on. The beds are spacious and comfy, the linens are soft and make you feel right at home. The bathroom is modern, great lighting around the mirror and a nice standing shower with a glass sliding door. Water pressure on the sink and the shower head are just right. It doesn't have a fan for the steam, but you don't really notice because the vent on the ceiling clears up the steam really fast. By the time you're done drying off, the mirror is ready for you to pick on your appearance. I am a student so I am attending all of my classes via zoom and the wifi supports me great. Taking notes, interacting with the professor, camera quality, procrastinating.. whatever I need to do I can get it done. While I'm doing my classwork, my view makes my classes actually enjoyable. I'm currently looking South at the Eugene hotel and other portions of downtown Eugene. I can see the Saturday market, cops chase runners on foot, and gaze at the sunset all at the same time. One of the best parts is the floor to ceiling windows. A wonderful view and tons of lighting. They also are thick enough that the sound coming from the train station, which is only a few blocks away, is almost non existent. I'm glad I chose these guys as my place to stay, the hotel offers a unique experience. If you're into college experiences, a former duck, sports, or don't want to stay at what every California home is being "renovated" into, I'd come here. I feel welcome here. Their general concern for my health, extensive accommodations, and style of hotel is a direct reflection of what the real Eugene experience...

I was surprisingly disappointed by my stay at the Graduate.

Good things first because I do love to give kudos where they are due....The location was great and easy to find. The parking is right onsite and also easy to find. The rooms and theme of the entire building are very cute and do fit a boutique feel. I will also say the bed and pillows were above average and comfortable for sure.

On the side of disappointment....I was excited to check out this hotel after reading all of the descriptions of it being unique, boutique, and premier, but upon arrival and check in, was given a room different than what I reserved and paid for. I booked a king room and was given a double queen. Not the end of the world, but not what I paid for and didn't start the trip off right. In the room, there was no info about how to dial down to the front desk to let them know, so I googled the phone number and called. Again, not the end of the world, but I shouldn't be jumping through hoops to call the front desk. When I got a staff member and told them the issue, they said they had no more kings available for the night. I told them I booked one and they said "sometimes when you book through a third party app, we move you to a different room if we run out of what you booked". I did not book with a third party app, I used their website. They apologized, but provided no solutions and didn't truly give reason to how this happened. I gave up on this issue because I went for a conference and I did believe there were no more king rooms. This really defeats the point of booking something you pick ahead of time. As I settled in, there was used toilet paper behind/on either side of the headboard of the bed I laid down in. That was gross.

Outside of this, they do not have room service. Once again, not the end of the world, but it was late at this point and I didn't really want to go down to wait in the restaurant. There was no info in the room on the dining downstairs either, so I was back on google. The hoops! The parking is also very expensive, at $22 per night. Take that for what you will, as I know some may feel different, but I shouldn't have to pay to park a car when I pay to stay the night, especially when it takes a car to travel to your location to spend money in the first place.

As much as I enjoyed the decor, I would not recommend this place to a friend. I'm bummed to write this, as I really wanted to rave about it, but the service was not even close to what I would expect for a hotel, let alone one that shows itself the way it...