by Hilton Chapel Hill
College-town boutique with serious sports nostalgia. Think argyle bedding, wooden court-style floors, a lobby fireplace, and a Carolina Blue palette everywhere. Equal parts Southern living room and UNC fan cave.
Request a 5th-floor room with a balcony for private outdoor space — just know some overlook a McDonald's rather than campus
Why It Matters
Home to the legendary Jordan Suite — Room 23 — an identical replica of Michael Jordan's UNC dorm room as photographed by Sports Illustrated in 1983. The hotel also has an indoor carpeted basketball court with plush balls, complimentary bikes for campus rides, and the only truly campus-adjacent boutique hotel experience in Chapel Hill.
Graduate Chapel Hill sits right on Franklin Street — the beating heart of Chapel Hill — a short walk from the UNC campus. The hotel is all-in on Tar Heel identity: Carolina Blue rooms, basketball court, Michael Jordan memorabilia, and nods to Mia Hamm, Lawrence Taylor, and the Old Well. It's a former property (originally The Franklin Hotel) that was reimagined for the Graduate brand and acquired by Hilton in 2024. At 69 rooms over 5 floors, it's intimate enough that it never feels like a convention hotel.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Family Suite
Kid-friendly suite option with more space for families. UNC-themed touches throughout. Connecting rooms are available at the property for groups or families needing additional space.
King Room
The standard king rooms lean into the UNC theme hard — argyle bedding, wooden court-style floors, vintage nightstands, and a basketball hoop backboard on the headboard. You get a plush king bed, sofa, desk, small open wardrobe, kettle with pour-over coffee, and a mini-fridge. Compact but not cramped, and the design is genuinely fun.
KingPop Culture Suite
The headline suite is Room 23 — the Jordan Suite — an identical replica of Michael Jordan's Granville Towers dorm room from his UNC days, based on the 1983 Sports Illustrated photo shoot. The room includes game-worn sneakers from 1983, a $5 check Jordan cashed after winning a game of pool, and his actual student ID card. From the brick wall to the record player and pennants, every detail is accounted for. You can actually stay in it.
KingPresidential Suite
The top-floor suite is large by any measure — described by guests as having enough room for multiple guests comfortably. Includes a separate lounge area, balcony with Franklin Street views, and a dining table. A proper suite experience in a boutique property.
KingTwo Queen Room
Good option for families or two guests who want their own bed. Same UNC-themed decor as the king rooms, with balcony options available on upper floors. Some balconies have Franklin Street-facing views; others look out on less exciting vistas.
Two QueensThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Small but functional fitness room accessible around the clock. Guests consistently note it has useful equipment despite the compact footprint.
Free bikes are available for guests to use for exploring Franklin Street, the UNC campus, and the surrounding area. A popular way to ride through campus without dealing with parking.
A full indoor carpeted basketball court located on the 2nd floor with a 3rd-floor balcony overlook. The balls are plush (so it's quieter than a real court, but not silent). Popular with families and sports fans alike. Anyone staying at the hotel can use it.
Even if you're not booked into Room 23, the Michael Jordan dorm room replica is viewable by guests staying at the hotel. Every detail matches the 1983 Sports Illustrated photo shoot — right down to the record player, pennants, and Jordan's student ID card.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
2,457 sq ft of flexible meeting and event space, including 2 meeting rooms and a ballroom. Can accommodate groups up to 175 guests. Spaces are inspired by North Carolina history.
Complimentary WiFi throughout the property, including all guest rooms and public areas.
A fireplace in the lobby seating area — a popular gathering spot, particularly in cooler months.
The property does not have a swimming pool.
Up to two pets allowed per stay. Non-refundable pet fee of $75 per pet per stay. Maximum pet weight 75 lbs.
Daily housekeeping service included with every stay.
24-hour front desk with luggage storage available for early arrivals or late departures.
Hilton Honors Digital Key available for keyless room entry via smartphone.
On-site electric vehicle charging station in the parking area.
Covered, secured on-site parking with in/out privileges at $27 per day. No valet available.
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