Overall Impression

The Union Club Hotel at Purdue is an ideal choice for Parents’ Weekend or those attending the homecoming football weekend. Visitors can enjoy a game-winning celebratory drink after the big game at the hotel’s Boiler Up Bar.

The hotel has an upscale vibe. From the updated lobby with modern fireplace to the wide variety of sitting areas to hang out with friends and family, it’s easy to see why this hotel ranks as one of the area’s best.

This is the only hotel in Marriott’s Autograph Collection run by students. Students from the Tourism Management Program acquire valuable hospitality skills and gain practical experience through this on-the-job training.

I felt welcome as the courteous staff showed me to my room and explained the area. The halls are sometimes long and winding, so the escort gave me confidence that I was headed in the right direction.

Ready to relax in style? Book your stay at the Union Club Hotel at Purdue University now and experience it for yourself!

Pros of the Union Club Hotel

• Proximity to Purdue campus activities
• Suites available
• Valet Parking
• For self-parking, the Grant Street parking garage is directly across the street
• Dogs are allowed
• Free Wi-Fi
• Convenience store on-site for snacks
• On-site dining
• Room Service

Cons of the Union Club Hotel

• No on-site swimming pool
• Potentially busy during campus events, such as football games

Piper’s Pro Planning: Some rooms may be smaller than others. If you are concerned about the size of the room, inquire about booking a larger room or suite during your stay.

Accommodations

The hotel room followed the college campus theme, with framed photos of scenes around campus decorating the wall. Professorial tweeds were part of the décor throughout the hotel, including in the carpeting. Of course, the color scheme was the Boilermakers’ old gold and black school colors.

My room was spacious, featuring a sitting area with a two-seat sofa, a chair, and side tables for drinks.

The bed stood out so much that I FaceTimed my six-year-old granddaughter to show her my room. I laughed at her response, “That’s a luxury bed.” Luxury was apparent, pretty, and comfortable.

The room also included a mini fridge to keep drinks and leftovers chilled.

I loved the way the private bathroom was set up. The walk-in shower, toilet, and sink were in a private area with a closed door. Outside the door, set apart from the bedroom, was a large vanity and another sink, so one person could shower in privacy while another could apply makeup and do their hair at the vanity.

Amenities

The hotel offers excellent amenities in its comfortable rooms, including:

• Air conditioning
• Coffee/tea maker
• Complimentary toiletries
• Daily housekeeping
• Desk/workspace
• Hair dryer
• Fitness center
• Flat-screen TVs
• Free Wi-Fi
• Full-service spa and wellness center
• Mini refrigerators
• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are provided

I worked in the comfortable lobby throughout my stay, as I wanted to spread out more than the worktable in my room allowed. The wellness center and spa also looked great.

Dining at the Union Club Hotel

The on-site upscale restaurant, 8Eleven Bistro, is off the main lobby. It offers convenience and a great menu. The restaurant can get busy during sporting event weekends, so I recommend making reservations to ensure 8Eleven Bistro can accommodate you at your desired time.

The restaurant celebrates the traditions of two of NASA’s most iconic aerospace programs: Gemini 8 and Apollo 11. It celebrates the mission’s command pilot, Neil Armstrong, a Purdue University alumnus.  The fine-dining restaurant features locally sourced, farm-fresh, seasonal ingredients. It was one of my favorites in the area and is the perfect place for special occasions.

If you enjoy cocktails, don’t miss the full-service Boiler Up Bar.

Opening at 7:00 AM for breakfast, Leaps Coffee Shop features counter-style service with specialty coffee drinks, smoothies, and baked goods. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite for breakfast or a snack after a relaxing spa treatment.

Read More: 7 Top Places to Eat in Lafayette-West Lafayette, Indiana

What’s Nearby

Since the hotel is on campus, all the iconic Purdue attractions are nearby. Other area attractions include:

• The Haan Museum of Indiana Art promotes local art and features a permanent collection of art created by Indiana artists. For even more art, the free Lafayette-West Lafayette Public Art Trail has over 115 public art pieces, including murals, sculptures, and fountains, spread across the two cities. Get your camera ready for those Instagrammable shots! If you enjoy architecture, take in the John E. Christian House, known as Samara, an example of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian architecture.

• Prophetstown State Park is Indiana’s newest state park, just north of Lafayette. I appreciated the combination of recreational activities in the historic setting. History buffs and young children will find the experience engaging.

• Visiting the Tippecanoe Battlefield in Battle Ground, Indiana, offers an immersive journey into a pivotal moment in American history. This National Historic Landmark provides a comprehensive experience through its 96-acre Tippecanoe Battlefield Park. The 13-mile Wabash Heritage Trail for nature lovers begins at the Tippecanoe Battlefield Park and crosses the Wabash River at Davis Ferry Park.

Read More: 7 Top Things to Do in Lafayette-West Lafayette, Indiana

Read More: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Samara in West Lafayette, Indiana

Getting There

Located just over an hour from Indianapolis International Airport (IND), West Lafayette is easily accessible by car. If you’re flying in, consider renting a car. You’ll also find an option for an airport shuttle to West Lafayette. Once you arrive in West Lafayette, you will find ride-share options available.

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