Location and Amenities
Situated at 301 Franklin St., just a few blocks from VCU, The Graduate Richmond offers a blend of community space, full bar and café, and a rooftop pool. Richmond’s new love for rooftop venues is well-served here, with the Byrd House rooftop bar offering cocktails, bar snacks, and stunning views of the city. It’s the perfect location to enjoy a drink and take in the vibrant atmosphere.
Design and Decor
The hotel’s decor is playful, witty, and stylish, with thoughtful nods to Richmond’s culture and history. The lobby and Brookfield Café feature design elements inspired by Arthur Ashe’s legacy, including tennis balls, green carpeting, and well-curated coffee table books. The decor is full of surprises: check out the mirrored ceiling by the elevators that reveals hidden messages from the carpet below. There’s even a neon sign with a phone number that plays punk music when called, and unique corduroy wallpaper adds a touch of texture and nostalgia.
Guest Rooms and Features
The guest rooms continue the theme with references to punk music, plaid patterns, and framed pictures of American Foxhounds, Virginia’s state dog. For families and groups, some suites even include bunk beds. The decor is a fun blend of modern and vintage, creating a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere for guests.
Event Spaces
The Graduate Richmond offers several options for hosting events. You can hold a cocktail hour in the lobby and use the café bar, or take your party to the roof. For more formal events, there are meeting rooms and a banquet room that don’t require linens, in line with the hotel’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. The chandeliers in the banquet room are made from paperclips, and throughout the hotel, there are chandeliers where guests can hang personalized notes—perfect for adding a personal touch to any event.
Perfect for Various Occasions
While The Graduate Richmond is an excellent choice for room blocks for weddings, it’s also ideal for hosting smaller weddings, welcome parties, brunches, and more. The space is particularly well-suited for seminars, educational events, and corporate meetings, offering a unique and engaging environment for any gathering.
If you’re planning an event or looking for a unique place to stay in Richmond, The Graduate Richmond is definitely worth considering. Its blend of local culture, playful design, and modern amenities make it a standout choice in the city.
You can learn more about the venue here
The images are provided by Sarah from Sknow Photo
As always, I would love to chat.
