With May around the corner, senior college students have started gearing up for their anticipated graduation.
We’ve rounded up the best accommodations for families and friends to gather, eat, and sleep at to celebrate students and their major accomplishments.
With luxurious amenities, central location, and top-tier dining offerings, the below hotels are the best of the best in each area.
NORTHEAST
THesis Hotel Miami | Coral Gables, FL | Univeristy of Miami
Directly across the road from the University of Miami, THesis Hotel Miami is the destination of choice for families in town for graduation. The 245-room lifestyle hotel offers contemporary guest accommodations with views of the scenic Mahi Waterway, chic architectural details and luxurious amenities. Guests can unwind at Ivy Rooftop, soak up the Miami sunshine by the pool, and enjoy island-inspired cocktails. Mamey, the signature restaurant led by Executive Chef Nicolas Mazier, presents globally-inspired dishes using local ingredients, while The Collab serves as a lively space for happy hour and live music events. Parents looking to unwind can book the recently launched THesis Degree in Wellness package that’s in collaboration with the neighboring Hydrology Wellness Center & Spa. Package includes a day pass to access Hydrology’s premier facilities, including a sauna, cold plunge and relaxation lounge, as well as a daily breakfast at Mamey and a $50 spa credit for any treatment.
Keswick Hall | Charlottesville, Virginia | University of Virginia
Keswick Hall is the ultimate luxury retreat for the University of Virginia Graduation Weekend, located just 15 minutes from the UVA campus. Set on 600 acres in the heart of Virginia’s wine country, this Five-Star resort blends Southern charm with modern sophistication, offering a serene escape amid the Blue Ridge Mountains. Guests can unwind in one of 80 beautifully appointed rooms, indulge in award-winning cuisine at Marigold by Jean-Georges, or relax at the world-class spa and pools. With a championship golf course, tennis and pickleball courts, and sweeping views of the countryside, Keswick Hall provides an unforgettable setting to celebrate such a special milestone. Its proximity to Charlottesville’s top attractions, including Monticello and over 30 vineyards, makes it both a restful and enriching base for the weekend’s festivities.
Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square | Washington, DC | The George Washington University
Only 11 minutes from The George Washington University, Sofitel Washington DC Lafayette Square is the perfect home base for families celebrating graduation. Blending French elegance with American heritage, this luxury boutique hotel offers a prime location in the heart of the city, just steps from Lafayette Square Park and iconic landmarks including the White House, Washington Monument, and Smithsonian museums. After the commencement ceremony, families can take a scenic stroll along the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and explore the National Mall. Toast to your graduate at Opaline Bar & Brasserie, the hotel’s signature restaurant, bringing the sun-soaked flavors of the Côte d’Azur to Washington, DC, with a brand-new French Riviera menu concept.
The Ann Savannah | Savannah, GA| SCAD
Located in the heart of the Savannah Historic District, The Ann Savannah is the ideal home base for families celebrating SCAD graduation. This brand-new boutique all-suite hotel blends modern comfort with timeless charm, offering 157 spacious suites designed for both short- and long-term stays. With accommodations ranging from studios to four-bedroom units and lofts, The Ann provides ample space for families and groups to gather and celebrate this milestone together. Each suite is thoughtfully designed with full kitchens, in-room laundry, and pet-friendly spaces, making extended stays convenient and comfortable. Onsite, the restaurant Little James offers all-day dining, scratch-baked pastries, and handcrafted cocktails, perfect for post-ceremony celebrations. Guests can also enjoy a naturally lit fitness center, a leisure pool for relaxation, and The Malin—an upscale workspace founded by SCAD alumni—opening in Summer 2025.
NEW ENGLAND
Four Seasons Hotel Boston | Boston, MA | Harvard, Boston College and MIT
Overlooking Boston’s iconic Public Garden and nestled among Back Bay’s historic brownstones, Four Seasons Hotel Boston is the perfect choice for families celebrating university graduations. Just 20-30 minutes from Harvard, MIT, Boston University, and more, this award-winning hotel combines unrivaled location with reimagined luxury. Guests enjoy the newly redesigned lobby-level Coterie restaurant and lounge, breakfast at Aujourd’hui, and a complimentary gourmet coffee bar—perfect for pre-ceremony gatherings. Relax post-celebration by the pool with Beacon Hill views, in the 24-hour fitness center, or in the recently renovated Royal Suite, ideal for hosting family receptions. Steps away, explore Back Bay’s boutiques, the Museum of Fine Arts, or Fenway Park, while enjoying personalized concierge service and timeless sophistication.
Hotel Commonwealth | Boston, MA | BU, Northeastern
From its enviable location in the heart of the dynamic Fenway-Kenmore neighborhood, Hotel Commonwealth offers a true Boston experience with local flavor and exceptional service. Perfectly positioned between Boston University and Northeastern University, the hotel is an ideal choice for families and students alike. As the Official Hotel of the Boston Red Sox, Hotel Commonwealth is just steps away from legendary Fenway Park, home to MLB games, concerts, and events at the MGM Music Hall. The hotel’s newly designed lobby creates a modern yet inviting atmosphere, adding to its appeal. With its prime location, exclusive Red Sox Foundation packages, and one of a kind themed suites, Hotel Commonwealth offers an unforgettable experience for families celebrating graduation or visiting the city.
WEST COAST
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina | San Diego, CA | SDSU, USD, UCSD
14 minutes from the University of San Diego and 20 minutes from San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is nestled in the heart of downtown, overlooking the picturesque San Diego Bay. The hotel offers the perfect backdrop for family-friendly post-ceremony celebrations with the ultimate blend of relaxation and adventure, including: direct access to waterfront excursions with boat tours, kayaking, and paddleboarding; two outdoor pools set against downtown San Diego’s largest pool deck; the Bayside Lounge & Bar featuring Topgolf Swing Suites with a hidden gem happy hour; and a vibrant outdoor pedestrian path connecting the bayfront to top entertainment and culinary attractions at Seaport Village, Gaslamp Quarter, and The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Savor culinary experiences, from the award-winning Marina Kitchen & Bar, where classic comfort food gets an innovative twist, to poolside dining at Agave Bar & Grill, serving Baja-inspired bites and handcrafted margaritas. Nearby, guests can discover world-renowned attractions, including pristine beaches, championship golf courses, scenic hiking trails, and Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park and home to the San Diego Zoo. Enjoy these quintessential San Diego experiences with exclusive discounts through Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina here.
Shore Hotel | Santa Monica, CA | UCLA
Only 20 minutes away from UCLA, Shore Hotel is the ideal hotel for parents to stay at for graduation. Located on Ocean Avenue in the heart of Santa Monica, Shore Hotel offers a quintessential California boutique hotel experience, just steps away from the iconic Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. With its premier beachfront location, most rooms of the 164-key modern lifestyle hotel boast views of the Pacific Ocean, offering a sought-after coastal experience for those visiting Los Angeles, having recently been named Trip Advisor’s No. 1 hotel in the U.S. Just in time for graduation, the property will also be opening a new restaurant and bar, Shoreside. The unveiling of Shoreside restaurant and bar will introduce a completely new concept to the hotel, offering California-coastal fare by Executive Chef Jorge Rivas. Highlight features include an oversized ‘L-shaped’ bar with a centerpiece back bar that stretches to the ceiling, floor-to-ceiling windows offering sunset views, custom terrazzo floors, woven coastal furnishings, and a sustainable ethos mirroring the hotel’s sustainable initiatives as a LEED certified hotel.
ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki | Honolulu, HI | University of Hawaii at Manoa
Just a 10-minute drive from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, ESPACIO The Jewel of Waikiki offers a palatial retreat for families celebrating their graduate’s achievement. This oceanfront hotel redefines exclusivity with just nine ultra-luxury, residential-style suites—each spanning an entire floor. Perfect for multigenerational gatherings, every 2,250 sq ft suite features three bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen, and a private ocean-view balcony with a hot spa. Elevate the celebration with curated amenities: a rooftop infinity pool, dedicated butler service, and access to Mugen, the hotel’s world-class tasting menu restaurant. Parents can unwind in their suite’s private dry sauna or indulge in bespoke treatments at ESPACIO Spa, where massages and rejuvenating therapies elevate the celebratory weekend. Premium car rentals and personalized concierge services ensure effortless exploration of Oʻahu.
THE SOUTH
The Hermitage Hotel I Nashville, TN| Vanderbilt University
For Vanderbilt families and guests celebrating graduation, The Hermitage Hotel offers an unparalleled experience of luxury, convenience, and historic charm. Located just minutes from Vanderbilt University, the hotel provides a refined retreat after a day of festivities. Its spacious accommodations ensure comfort for families, while its world-class dining and elegant ambiance create the perfect setting for post-ceremony celebrations. Whether enjoying a celebratory dinner at Drusie & Darr, unwinding in the grandeur of the historic lobby, or simply taking in the hotel’s storied past, The Hermitage Hotel is the perfect place to mark this milestone occasion.
The Printing House | Nashville, Tennessee | Vanderbilt University
Opening just in time for college graduation, The Printing House is the ideal destination for families
coming to celebrate their Vanderbilt graduate. Located just 10 minutes from Vanderbilt University, the hotel offers a stylish, comfortable retreat in the heart of Nashville’s cultural and nightlife scene. With 187 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and 12 deluxe suites, The Printing House ensures a welcoming stay for families of all sizes. The hotel’s garden terrace bar—complete with live music, games, and craft cocktails—offers a lively space to toast to your graduate’s achievements, while two signature dining experiences cater to every moment: The Letterpress Lounge & Terrace, where guests can enjoy live music, sharable bites, and craft cocktails, and The Press House, a café offering fresh coffee, grab-and-go snacks, and pick-me-up drinks. Conveniently located just five blocks from Broadway and near the iconic Printer’s Alley, The Printing House offers an unbeatable home base for both celebrating and exploring Music City with the whole family.
Hôtel Swexan | Dallas, TX | SMU
For families celebrating Southern Methodist University (SMU) graduation, Hôtel Swexan offers the ultimate luxury stay just minutes from campus. This family-owned, 134-room boutique hotel blends Swiss heritage with warm Texan hospitality, ensuring a memorable experience for graduates and their loved ones. As the official luxury hotel partner of SMU, Hôtel Swexan provides elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, unique dining and entertainment concepts, and a stunning rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking views of the Dallas skyline. Conveniently located in Uptown Dallas, the hotel places guests near top dining, shopping, and cultural attractions—making it the perfect home base for families celebrating this milestone moment.
Thompson Houston | Houston, Texas | University of Houston
Thompson Houston, Houston’s newest stylish hotel, offers an urban resort experience with rare, unobstructed views of downtown and Buffalo Bayou Park. Offering a stylish and luxurious stay just 8 minutes from the University of Houston, Thompson Houston is the perfect hotel for those celebrating college graduation. With stunning views, the hotel features 172 guest rooms, including 34 suites, and a 1-acre rooftop with a custom infinity pool. Guests can unwind at the Thompson Spa, enjoy fine dining at Sol 7 rooftop and Chardon, or indulge in upscale Mexican cuisine at Toca Madera. Whether you’re visiting for graduation or exploring the city, Thompson Houston provides a top-notch experience for those celebrating a special milestone.
