The high price of graduation

When Michael Hall, father of Cailey Hall '07, recently attempted to reserve a room at the Nassau Inn for graduation weekend, he was startled to discover that the rate was almost triple what he'd paid the three times he'd stayed there before.

"I was gobsmacked," he wrote in an email, referring to the price hike as "gouging of the worse sort. Making a profit is acceptable for any business, but this is just greed!"

Hall's experience mirrors that of many Princeton graduates' parents as they struggle to find a place to stay during graduation ceremonies, scheduled between June 3 and 6 this year. Most nearby hotels take advantage of the increased demand by significantly raising rates.

Prices at the Nassau Inn in Palmer Square, for example, jump from a standard rate starting at $149 per night to $482 between June 3 and 6, with a mandatory stay of at least three days and a no-cancellation policy.

Kelly Flynn, marketing manager for the Nassau Inn, declined to comment on the hotel's decision to raise prices for graduation, but according to the reservation desk, reunions and graduation weekend are the only times the rates rise that high.

Similarly, the Hyatt Regency and Westin Hotels, located a little farther away off Route 1, offer rates as low as $149 on a regular night, but fix the rates at $309 and $339, respectively, during graduation.

Hall has decided to reserve a room at the Hyatt, which is 1.5 miles from campus.

"This, in itself, is not a big problem," he said, "were it not for the terrible parking problem in town. I shall be bringing family members, some of whom are quite elderly, and will not be able to walk from the distant parking lots available during graduation."

Jim Williamson '07, president of the senior class, noted that seniors received pamphlets over the summer listing all nearby hotels and their contact information.

"The best thing you can do is make arrangements as early as possible," he said.

But options are limited, especially compared to other universities located nearer to large cities with many competitive lodging choices. The Peacock Inn, the only hotel in Princeton other than the Nassau Inn that is within walking distance of the University, has only seven rooms and is currently closed for renovations.

Nonetheless, alternatives do exist. The Hampton Inn, less than three miles from the University, offers University-affiliated individuals a year-round discounted rate of $98 per night, which applies even during graduation. A student attempting to reserve a room last night, however, was told the hotel had sold out.

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One of the cheapest and most convenient means of accommodation for Princeton commencement doesn't involve any hotel at all, though it can't be reserved until February. Operation Mattress, run by the University, allows a limited number of families to stay in dormitory rooms during graduation for only $50 per person, which covers up to three nights. Bed linens cost an additional $45 per set.

The program's website warns, however, that the program does not offer elevators, air-conditioning or accommodations for "incompatible relatives," such as divorced or separated couples.

"We attempt to accommodate all students," said Lester Mackey '07, co-chair of Operation Mattress. "But since space is limited, we strongly recommend that students try to make reservations at hotels and only use Operation Mattress if necessary."

Hall said he believes the general lack of choice is the foremost issue for parents trying to find accommodations in Princeton. "The Nassau Inn can do this rate gouging because they are the only game in town," he said. "Other than the tiny Peacock Inn, there is nowhere else to stay!"