by Hilton Richmond
Preppy Americana meets mid-century modernism. Think college-town cool with actual craft behind it — local history woven into every corner rather than slapped on as an afterthought.
The Byrd House rooftop pool is guests-only, so if you're visiting just for drinks you won't get pool access — book a room if the pool matters to you
Why It Matters
Part of the Graduate Hotels collection, a concept built around boutique hotels in university towns. Richmond's version honors Arthur Ashe specifically, sidestepping obvious VCU school-colors nostalgia for something more interesting. Byrd House rooftop — named for city founder William Byrd — is one of the best rooftop bars in downtown RVA.
Graduate by Hilton Richmond plants itself right across from Virginia Commonwealth University on Franklin Street, a 16-floor boutique hotel that pays tribute to Richmond's own Arthur Ashe. The lobby leans into tennis-club aesthetics: walnut paneling, perforated vinyl seating, cable-knit details, and a chandelier made from Ashe's signature eyeglass frames. Rooms play with preppy Americana and mid-century minimalism, and the rooftop bar, Byrd House, is the real headline — 16 floors up with panoramic downtown views and a seasonal pool.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Graduate Family Suite
576 sq ft two-bedroom suite that actually works for families. The first bedroom has a king bed with a work station and TV; the second has bunk beds and a sofa bed. Each bedroom has its own en suite bathroom. There's also a sitting area with a second TV. Sleeps 5 to 6.
King + Bunk BedsKing Accessible Room with Tub
A 300 sq ft ADA-accessible king room — one of the few room types at this hotel that includes a bathtub. Accessible layout with grab bars and roll-in shower or tub configuration.
KingKing Junior Suite Accessible with Tub
A spacious 720 sq ft accessible junior suite — the largest single-room configuration in the hotel. Tub included, with a separate seating area and full accessible layout.
King
King Room
The standard king — cozy and well-designed with preppy mid-century touches, work desk, refrigerator, and rainfall showerhead. Bathrooms run small, as is typical for a boutique hotel of this era. No bathtub in standard rooms.
King
Queen Queen Room
Two queen beds, the same Graduate design DNA as the king rooms. Good option for two guests who'd rather not share a bed, or small families with one child.
Two QueensThe Property
Eat & Drink
2 venues on property
Restaurant
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The hotel offers Graduate-branded bicycles for guest use — handy for exploring the VCU neighborhood and the nearby James River trail system.
Seasonal outdoor pool on the 16th floor with views of downtown Richmond. Guests only — not accessible to day visitors. Open from roughly May 1 through October 31.
Ground-floor game room with shuffleboard, pool table, and ping pong. Good for bad weather or pre-dinner loosening up.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
4 meeting rooms totaling 2,892 sq ft of event space. Largest room setup is 1,800 sq ft. Capacity up to 155 theater-style, 125 reception-style.
Complimentary WiFi throughout all guest rooms and public areas.
Valet parking only — no self-parking available. $37/day with in/out privileges. Secured parking.
Pets welcome with a one-time non-refundable $75 fee plus tax, charged at check-in. Maximum of two pets allowed.
Connecting room options available — useful for families needing adjoining spaces.
On-site concierge for local recommendations and bookings.
Dry cleaning and laundry services available on request.
24-hour gym with cardio machines and weights.
BUILD YOUR GRADUATE BY HILTON RICHMOND PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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