Parents of Texas Christian University (TCU) students are finding themselves in a high-stakes race to secure hotel rooms for graduation weekend — sometimes as early as 10 months to one year in advance.
The TCU Hyatt, located just steps from the university’s campus, has become one of the most sought-after spots for families attending this milestone event. With limited availability and high demand, rooms are booked within minutes of becoming available, leaving many parents scrambling for alternatives.
For some families, the pressure begins as soon as graduation dates are announced.
The 2025 graduation season is already fully booked, and parents of 2026 graduates are already booking rooms at the TCU Hyatt for the 2026 May graduation season.
During graduation week at TCU, the Hyatt Place sees a significant spike in room rates. “Normally, the standard rate for staying at the TCU Hyatt Place is $269 a night, but during the week of graduation, rates are $653.97 a night with a 3-night minimum,” said Lupe Mene, a Hyatt guest services representative.
However, all hope may not be lost. “Though we are at full occupancy, parents are more than welcome to call to check for availability because sometimes guests will cancel, and spots will open up,” Mene said.
The Hyatt is a busy spot every May, filled with parents and students who crowd the hotel.
“The Hyatt is such a popular place during the graduation season because we are only one minute from TCU, and we like to go above and beyond for our guests. During that week, we offer free champagne and decorate the lobby to celebrate the graduates,” Lupe said.
Along with its lobby decorations and hospitality, the TCU Hyatt is known for their rooftop restaurant, Lot 12.
Lot 12 is a popular restaurant year-round, but “graduation is a busy time for us here at Lot 12 with the students excited to celebrate their graduation. I enjoy watching them grow from freshmen to seniors and move on to the next chapter of their lives,” said Alex Jackson, a Lot 12 bartender.
Lot 12 offers a complete food and drink menu and provides a buffet-style meal during graduation.
“I enjoy serving the students and parents their favorite drinks, which are usually Aperol spritzes, old-fashions, and Hugos,” Jackson said. “It’s amazing to see people celebrating such a monumental event with the drinks I pour for them.”
Lot 12 is not open to regular guests during this time, as it is exclusively reserved for graduation parties.
Cat Yi, the Lot 12 bar manager said that in preparation for graduation, “we ensure all furniture is arranged to avoid bottlenecks in any part of the rooftop, allowing for smooth service for all guests. We make sure to have a lot of staff on hand to prepare for all our guests, and we divide the entire rooftop into four sections to cater to the graduation parties that have reserved those areas.”
Lupe explained that during graduation, the TCU Hyatt feels like an extension of TCU itself, buzzing with energy.
Parents and family members who have not yet booked their room for May of 2026 should do so promptly to secure accommodations.
