The Union Club Hotel: The Best Hotel Near Purdue University

Are you in that period of life where college visits are frequent? Or maybe you’re looking for fun Midwest weekend getaways – places close to home but with plenty of exciting things to do. Either way, a visit to Lafayette/West Lafayette with a stay at The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University should be on your radar.

Growing up in West Lafayette, I never concerned myself with hotels in the area – that is, until my mom sold my childhood home, and I needed a place to stay! Lucky me, I had the opportunity to enjoy an overnight at the Union Club Hotel – arguably the BEST hotel near Purdue University.

Whether you are visiting Purdue (Go Boilers!) with your college-age kids or planning for a fun Indiana weekend getaway, definitely include a stay at The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University.

Thanks to Visit Lafayette-West Lafayette for hosting a wonderful experience, including a night at the gorgeous Union Club Hotel. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.

Why Stay at the Union Club Hotel

If you don’t just want to take my word for it, there are plenty of terrific reasons to stay at the Union Club Hotel at Purdue University.

The hotel has a perfect mix of historic charm with modern luxury. The rooms are comfortable and a bit quirky, which I love. The common areas are beautiful yet cozy and a little bit bougie. It’s easy to envision yourself curling up with a cocktail or coffee in the lobby or coffee shop area, getting a little work done, or enjoying a terrific conversation with a good friend.

And let’s not forget the location – you can’t get any closer to Purdue University as the hotel sits directly in the Purdue Memorial Union. It’s just steps away from Ross-Ade Stadium and Mackey Arena, making it a convenient choice if you’re in town for a game. With easy parking available across the street (including valet service if you prefer), it’s easy to get anywhere else in the area.

What Makes The Union Club Hotel Unique

As the only student-run Autograph Collection hotel (a Marriott brand) in the world, The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University operates as a living lab for Purdue’s Hospitality and Tourism Management students.

When we spoke to one of the employees at check-in, he mentioned that 80% of the staff consisted of Purdue students – I think that is pretty amazing. What a fantastic & unique opportunity for college students to gain real-life experience – talk about experiential learning!

The hotel itself has a remarkable history, dating back to 1929. When Marriott completed its $35 million renovation, it preserved as much of the original architecture as possible (hence the quirkiness) while creating an upscale environment.

Throughout the hotel and lobby, you’ll discover thoughtful Purdue-themed decor, including custom artwork and design nods to the university’s legacy. We had a lot of fun looking for and appreciating some of these special details.

Rooms & Amenities at the Union Club Hotel

Now for the stats:

• 182 guest rooms, including 14 suites and 36 deluxe rooms
• In-room amenities: flat-screen TVs, work desks, complimentary Wi-Fi, designer toiletries, COFFEE, and more
• On-site facilities: fully equipped fitness center, full-service spa, and lovely outdoor courtyard with fire pits
• Address: 201 North Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47906
• Phone: 765-494-8922

Although I didn’t have free time to enjoy the fire pits, I would absolutely head out there in the evenings (cocktail in hand) if I were visiting in the fall.

Dining Options at the Hotel

Of course, if you are staying on campus, odds are good you don’t want to have to venture far for dinner or breakfast, and luckily, the Union Club Hotel has you covered.

We enjoyed breakfast at 8Eleven Modern Bistro, which offered a small but mighty menu featuring classic egg dishes, avocado toast, gourmet coffees, and fresh smoothies. It is also open for lunch and dinner. The name is a nod to Purdue alum Neil Armstrong and his two missions, Gemini 8 and Apollo 11.

Boiler Up Bar is a fun little spot for cocktails and small plates. We didn’t have time to check it out on our visit, but I did notice a few patrons enjoying some amazing-looking drinks in the connected lounge area.

If you don’t have time for a full breakfast, Leaps Coffee Shop is a must-visit. Just steps from check-in, it’s a great place to grab your morning Americano or afternoon Iced Coffee!

Just like the hotel staff, most of the employees at the various restaurants are Purdue culinary students – and at 8Eleven, you can even watch them at work in the open show kitchen.

Tips for Staying at the Union Club Hotel

If you’ve ever visited a college campus, I’m sure you’re aware of the importance of booking your rooms early – especially during major events like homecoming, sporting events, and graduation. I know that I’ll book rooms up to a year in advance when I visit my daughter at college – it’s the only way I’m guaranteed a room where I want to stay.

If you decide to stay at The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University, don’t forget that it’s a Marriott property. If you haven’t already, consider joining Marriott Bonvoy, which will provide you with free in-room Wi-Fi and potentially earn you points for your stay.

Give yourself time to explore not just the art installations at the hotel but also the Purdue Memorial Union. As a Purdue grad, I spent quite a bit of time in the Union, so on our latest visit, I enjoyed wandering around, reminiscing, and seeing what was new.

FAQs about The Union Club at Purdue University

Nearby Attractions

There is so much to do near The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University that I can’t even begin to share them all. However, I will give you a few of my favorites to get you started!

Explore Purdue University

As I mentioned earlier, since the hotel is part of the Union, you’ll definitely want to explore it (be sure to look for the tunnels). I’d also recommend spending an hour or so walking around campus. Purdue is a beautiful campus with interesting buildings, lots of public art, and a lively atmosphere.

Visit Samara, The John and Catherine Christian House

Are you a fan of architecture? Then, a visit to Samara, a Frank Lloyd Wright house, is a must. It’s located quite close to campus in a quiet little neighborhood and is truly a gem for Frank Lloyd Wright fans. Interestingly, I drove by this home dozens of times as a teenager and never even realized what a special place it was (the ignorance of youth, I guess!).

Samara, 1301 Woodland Ave. West Lafayette, IN

Lilly Nature Center (and Celery Bog)

If you want to enjoy nature, head over to the nearby Lilly Nature Center and Celery Bog. With a few well-defined trails and knowledgeable volunteers, it’s a fantastic place for a nature walk, spotting waterfowl, and learning more about Indiana wildlife.

Lilly Nature Center, 1620 Lindberg Road, West Lafayette, IN

Final Thoughts on The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University

You can’t get closer to campus than this hotel, so if you are visiting Purdue on a college tour, it’s my top choice – and thanks to its special blend of Purdue history and modern hospitality, I also think it’s the perfect choice for visitors seeking comfort and convenience when visiting West Lafayette or Lafayette.

I loved everything about my stay, from the cozy room to the impressive and interesting lobby. The access to the Purdue Memorial Union was ideal, and with several food options, I didn’t have to venture far for breakfast.

On my last visit, I enjoyed an excellent sampling of what Lafayette/West Lafayette has to offer, and The Union Club Hotel at Purdue University was an ideal home base for my adventures. I know I’ll be looking to book here first on my next visit to my alma mater!

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