Graduate by Hilton has opened its first Alabama location in Auburn, a city famed for its sports and college culture. Located steps from Auburn University, the property spans nearly 140,000 square feet with 177 guestrooms across five floors, 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space and two signature food and beverage offerings: The War Eagle Supper Club, an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant that pays tribute to its namesake; and Bo Jackson’s Beans, a coffee shop and cocktail bar created in partnership with professional sports legend, Auburn University alumni and Heisman Trophy winner 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,” Kevin Osterhaus, president, Global Lifestyle Brands, Hilton, said in a statement. “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 choices at Graduate Auburn celebrate the town’s 187-year history and embrace local traditions, especially in terms of football culture. Throughout the hotel's public spaces and guestrooms, visitors will find subtle nods to the university and traditions of the town, all designed in the brand’s characteristic locally inspired style.
Behind the reception desk, a custom installation showcases a football field with an eagle—a reference to the pre-game tradition in which the crowd chants the ‘War Eagle’ battle cry as an eagle flys across the field before kickoff. Created in partnership with Auburn University legend and celebrated two-sport professional athlete, Bo Jackson’s Beans is located adjacent to the reception desk, offering a café and full-service bar along with breakfast and lunch options and a collection of signature cocktails. Located steps from where Jackson’s sports career began at Auburn University in 1982, Bo Jackson’s Beans has design elements that pay tribute to his legacy. A hand-carved wood statue of Bo Jackson anchors the back bar with barstools that display 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 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.”
Facing Bo Jackson’s Beans in the lobby is a designated communal workspace. The design includes mismatched textiles, and block-printed walls, along with sport-themed custom chandeliers made from footballs, baseball bats and gloves that nod to the sports Bo played professionally. The large communal table, a staple in all Graduate properties, includes light fixtures and comfortable seating, making for a practical and stylish area for study and collaboration.
In the guestrooms, an eclectic mix of gingham, stripes and floral patterns in the Auburn University color palette take center stage. Each element thoughtfully pays homage to celebrated Auburn traditions, such as eagle-inspired sconces that reference the “War Eagle” battle cry and custom headboards depicting an oak tree as a nod to the age-old tradition where fans would “roll” or TP trees around Toomer's Corner following an Auburn football win. A tribute to Auburn's mascot comes in the form of tiger-print bolster pillows. Meanwhile, a lamp on the credenza commemorates the legendary "Bo Over the Top" play by Bo Jackson during the Iron Bowl—foregrounding one of Auburn's most iconic athletic moments. Guest bathrooms feature custom orange and navy hexagonal tiles and wallpaper portraying local staples and Alabama folklore 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. 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.