Southern Stays is a series in which we will review a property, whether it be a hostel, hotel or other form of accommodation. To suggest a property please leave a comment or email us.
The Graduate Athens is another one of the South’s outposts of this stylish boutique hotel chain set in college towns, along with Oxford, Richmond, and Charlottesville. Originally the Foundry Park Inn, this building formerly housed an iron foundry. The rooms themselves are arranged like an old-school motor lodge with exterior entry, a short walk from the University of Georgia campus and downtown Athens.
There are multiple room styles, including king and queen beds as well as suites. Each room features details related to the university and town’s history. For example, my room had bulldog lamps and pillows showing the city’s iconic double-barreled cannon. There were also references to Athens’ music history. The Athena suite includes two bedrooms and an arcade game. They also rent out the Hoyt House, a historic farmhouse on the Graduate’s campus.
All rooms come equipped with in-room coffee makers, a mini-fridge, telephone, work desk, Malin + Goetz toiletries, and complimentary WiFi. There are also ice machines nearby. Guests have access to an area shuttle so they don’t have to worry about driving. They also don’t have to pay a cover at The Foundry if they show their key.
Speaking of The Foundry, the Graduate has an in-house music venue that hosts local and regional acts and events. It also serves as a restaurant, featuring Southern favorites. Iron Works Coffee fuels guests with biscuits and other baked goods and coffee. The fitness center in the Hoyt House is available to guests and The Spa is another way to enjoy your stay at the hotel, which is popular with bridal parties. The hotel is pet-friendly, they have a seasonal outdoor pool, and rent bikes.
If You Go
The Graduate Athens is located at 295 E Dougherty Street, Athens, Georgia 30601. Rooms start at $95 per night. Parking is $10 per night. Book your stay by visiting their website or by calling (706) 549-7051.
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My stay at the Graduate Athens was hosted. This post contains affiliate links.
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