Hilton's Alabama Debut: Graduation by Auburn University

Graduate Hilton's Arrival Near Auburn University

Graduate by Hilton recently opened its first location in Auburn, Alabama, known for its sports and college culture. The hotel is located near Auburn University and features 177 guest rooms, 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and two dining options: The War Eagle Supper Club, an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant, and Bo Jackson’s Beans, a coffee shop and cocktail bar created in partnership with Bo Jackson, an Auburn University alumni and Heisman Trophy winner.

“Auburn is centred 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 of 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 special for guests, students, and alumni alike.”

The interior design at Graduate Auburn, AL, invites guests to explore the town's 187-year history and embrace local traditions rooted in over a century of American football culture. Visitors will find subtle nods to the university and the town's traditions throughout the hotel's public spaces and guest rooms, all designed in the brand's characteristic locally inspired style. Every detail is carefully chosen to offer an experience that genuinely embodies Auburn.

A custom installation behind the reception desk showcases a football field with a soaring eagle, referencing the pre-game tradition where the crowd chants the 'War Eagle' battle cry as an eagle soars across the field before kickoff. Bo Jackson's Beans, located next to the reception desk, offers a café and full-service bar with various breakfast and lunch options and a collection of signature cocktails. The café is just steps away from where Bo Jackson's sports career began at Auburn University in 1982 and features design elements that pay tribute to his legacy. A hand-carved wood statue of Bo Jackson serves as the centrepiece of the back bar, with barstools proudly displaying his football jersey number, 34.

“It was never about whether we wanted to be in Auburn, but always about finding the right site,” said Ben Weprin, founder of Graduate Hotels and CEO of AJ Capital Partners. “Every Graduate starts with the same foundation—research, tradition, and culture—but each outcome is 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.”

In the lobby, guests will find a communal workspace open to visitors, locals, and students. The design includes mismatched textiles, block-printed walls, and custom chandeliers made from footballs, baseball bats, and gloves that pay homage to the sports Bo Jackson played professionally. The large communal table, a staple in all Graduate properties, features thoughtfully designed light fixtures and comfortable seating, creating a practical and stylish area for study and collaboration.

The guest rooms at Auburn University feature a mix of gingham, stripes, and floral patterns in the school's colours. Each design element honours Auburn traditions, such as eagle-inspired sconces representing the "War Eagle" battle cry, custom headboards depicting an oak tree for the tradition of rolling Toomer's Corner after a football win, and tiger-print pillows paying tribute to the university's mascot. A lamp commemorates Bo Jackson's iconic "Bo Over the Top" play during the Iron Bowl. The guest bathrooms showcase custom orange and navy tiles and wallpaper depicting local landmarks and Alabama folklore, all hand-drawn by artist Taylor Rushing.

Located on the hotel’s roof, The War Eagle Supper Club is an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant that blends Auburn University's history with a modern and lively dining atmosphere. This space is a reimagined version of the town’s longstanding War Eagle Supper Club – a local restaurant and venue founded more than 60 years ago where generations of Auburn students gathered for live music and late-night entertainment. Its infamous motto, "Cold Beer Hot Rock Expect No Mercy", is prominently displayed above the central bar. 

As guests enter The War Eagle Supper Club, they are welcomed into a nostalgic and intimate setting that captures the essence of Auburn's storied past. Warm panelling and intricate details, like adorned stained glass and cast brass accents, pay homage to the yesteryear of its namesake. 

Graduate Auburn, AL will also bring back a replica of the iconic “slush bus” – a repurposed school bus that for years was used to transport students home from late nights at the War Eagle Supper Club; a ride home which was widely considered a rite of passage for generations of Auburn students. 

Graduate Auburn, AL, is part of Hilton Honors, a loyalty program for Hilton's 24 brands. Hilton Honors members can use contactless technology through the Hilton Honors app to check in, check out, choose their room, and access it using Digital Key. Graduate Auburn, AL, is the first Graduate hotel to offer this technology and the 2,000th Hilton hotel to launch Connected Room, Hilton's TV platform providing personalized content, streaming apps, and hotel information during guests' stay.