Finishing up a say here - just wanted to compare the experience a bit at the hotel now versus how It was before Hilton bought the brand. I stay here once or twice a year for alumni oriented events.

1) Prices seem to be up 5% - 10%. Graduate properties could always get expensive during events as the brand was well liked. However, because of stuff like points and promotions, you probably end up ahead. For example, I booked this hotel using an Amex offer promotion ($75 off of $250 rate), and I also get points. Those kinds of discounts were not really available before.

2) You get $15 food and beverage credit. This particular hotel has a coffee bar in the lobby and a bar in the basement. You can't really get a "meal" at either location (unless you count a bagel or pastry in the coffee shop). I used my credit for some drinks at the bar. Based on what I have read, most Graduate hotels don't have real food and beverage (though obviously property specific). Plenty of eateries around the hotel, so not a huge issue IMO.

3) Service standards, physical condition of the hotel are basically the same. I recognize a few staff members from prior years. Aside from loyalty program oriented stuff, don't expect any operational changes under Hilton versus before. These hotels are all third party managed anyway, and I guess they just keep the "brand standards" that Graduate put into place before the deal. Will be interesting to see how future new builds and conversions go under Hilton.

Overall a very good addition to a major chain. The ability to earn, redeem points is a plus. Otherwise the brand looks unchanged, which is probably a good thing