by Hilton Bloomington
Nostalgic, college-themed boutique with quirky-but-polished IU-inspired decor. Think grandma's upscale school: locker-themed closets, Smeg fridges, MALIN+GOETZ toiletries, and pennants on the walls. The lobby doubles as a co-working spot for actual IU students.
Hilton Gold and Diamond members get $15/night F&B credit per person at Poindexter — use it for the chicken and waffles, which guests consistently rate better than the breakfast burrito
Why It Matters
The only hotel in Bloomington with a rooftop terrace, and home to the country's most elaborate Stranger Things Suite — a pop-culture destination in its own right that put this property on the national map. Hilton acquired the Graduate Hotels brand in March 2024, folding it into their portfolio of 30+ college-town properties.
Graduate by Hilton Bloomington is the definitive college-town hotel done right. Dressed in IU's crimson and cream, the 149-room property sits right on Kirkwood Avenue — steps from Sample Gates — and leans all the way into Indiana University's identity. Art and design nods to the Little 500 bike race, Hoosier basketball, and notable alumni run throughout; the front desk features a mural of the Hickory Huskers from the 1986 film Hoosiers. And then there's the Stranger Things Suite, a fully immersive two-room experience replicating Joyce Byers' living room and the Wheeler basement, complete with alphabet wall, Christmas lights, and actual D&D props.
Where You'll Stay
6 room types available
Deluxe King Suite
A step up from the standard King, with a separate living area featuring a table, dining-style seating, and a Smeg mini-fridge. The bedroom has a king bed, locker-themed closet with safe, and full bathroom with MALIN+GOETZ products. Located on upper floors of the six-story building.
King
Family Suite
Designed for families, with extra space and a layout that accommodates kids. Gallery images show a comfortable multi-bed configuration. Connecting rooms also available property-wide for groups needing additional space.
KingGraduate King
The standard workhorse. Decorated in IU crimson and cream with college-nostalgia details throughout — framed artwork, floral lamps, a 55-inch HD TV, and a school-locker-themed closet. Compact but thoughtfully designed. MALIN+GOETZ toiletries in the bathroom.
KingGraduate Queen Queen
Two-queen room — the go-to for families or campus visitors who need the extra bed. Decorated in the same IU-themed style as the King. Slightly larger footprint than the standard King. Accessible versions available with visual fire alarm and door/phone alert.
Two Queens
King Suite with Terrace
The top-tier suite with private outdoor terrace access — the hotel's most premium standard option and the only room type with a private outdoor space. The hotel claims to be the only property in Bloomington with a rooftop terrace. Full suite living area, king bedroom, and the same IU-themed design throughout.
KingStranger Things Suite
The hotel's crown jewel and a genuine pop-culture destination. Two rooms: one replicating Joyce Byers' living room from Season 1 (complete with the iconic alphabet wall and Christmas lights), the other built as Mike Wheeler's basement — retro board games, Dungeons & Dragons props, Will's wizard cloak in the costume closet, a pillow fort, and oversized walkie-talkies. No modern TV, intentionally, to keep the '80s immersion intact. Sleeps up to four with a king bed and pull-out sofa. Opened October 2021.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Bicycle rentals available for guests — included as part of the Stranger Things Suite Upside Down Package, and also available standalone. Great for exploring Bloomington's walkable/bikeable downtown.
Board games provided in the Poindexter area for guests to use freely. Adds to the collegiate, casual atmosphere of the lobby.
Over 8,600 sq ft of meeting and event space including three large ballrooms, flexible breakout rooms, and outdoor terraces. Accommodates groups up to 350 for weddings, corporate meetings, and social gatherings. Named meeting rooms include Will Shortz Room, Hoagie C Room, Dave Stoller Room, and Cook Terrace outdoor space.
Book the Stranger Things Suite and you get the full Upside Down Experience Package: a Polaroid camera to use during your stay, an Eggo waffle snack, free bike rentals to explore Bloomington, and two tickets to WonderLab Science Museum. Eleven percent of proceeds from each booking are donated to WonderLab. The suite itself has D&D props, retro board games, and a costume closet with Will's wizard cloak.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary WiFi throughout all guest rooms and common areas. Premium WiFi available as part of 'Experience the Stay' package.
Two outdoor deck/terrace areas — the hotel claims to be the only Bloomington property with a rooftop terrace overlooking Kirkwood Avenue. Also used for events.
Secured self-parking at $22/night with in/out privileges. Covered parking not available. No EV charging on-site.
Dogs allowed, up to 75 lbs, maximum two pets per room. Non-refundable $75 fee per stay.
There is no swimming pool at this property.
Connecting/adjoining rooms available on request, subject to availability. Good option for families or groups.
Round-the-clock front desk with luggage storage available.
Hilton Honors members can use the app's Digital Key for contactless room entry.
24-hour gym, on the smaller side but fully equipped with free weights, bench, and two Peloton bikes. Guests describe it as having everything needed for a solid workout despite the modest footprint.
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