Gainesville Graduation Accommodations: UF Gator Grads 2025
Go Gators! Book the best AirBNB / VRBO / STR for your UF Grad
Celebrate UF Graduation in Style: Stay at Laurel Oak Estate or Camellia Rose Mansion
Earning a degree from the University of Florida is a momentous occasion—one that reflects years of effort, determination, and perseverance. For families and friends, it’s a time to come together, honor this achievement, and create cherished memories. However, finding accommodations that cater to large groups while offering both comfort and exclusivity can be difficult. Standard hotels often fall short when it comes to providing ample space and a personalized touch. That’s why renting an entire home, such as the breathtaking Laurel Oak Estate or the inviting Camellia Rose Mansion, is the perfect solution.
If you’re planning a UF graduation weekend, you’ll want more than just a place to sleep—you’ll need a space where you can celebrate, unwind, and make the most of this special time.
Why Choose a Luxury Vacation Rental for UF Graduation?
Instead of cramming into a small hotel room, imagine arriving in Gainesville and stepping into an elegant, spacious estate designed to host your family and friends in comfort. Choosing a whole-home rental offers many benefits, including:
Plenty of Room for Everyone
– With multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, both Laurel Oak Estate and Camellia Rose Mansion comfortably accommodate larger groups, ensuring that everyone stays together without the hassle of booking separate hotel rooms.
Private Celebration Spaces
– These properties feature expansive living areas, dining spaces, and outdoor patios that can easily be transformed into your personal graduation venue. Whether you want a formal dinner, a relaxed gathering, or a full-scale party, you’ll have the freedom to celebrate on your own terms.
All the Comforts of Home
– Unlike a traditional hotel stay, these rentals offer fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and cozy living spaces—giving you the flexibility to prepare meals, enjoy downtime together, and create a homey atmosphere.
Peace, Privacy & Exclusivity
– When you rent an entire property, you don’t have to deal with noisy hallways, crowded hotel lobbies, or disruptions from strangers. Instead, you get a secluded retreat where your group can relax and enjoy uninterrupted quality time.
Prime Location
– Both estates are strategically located near the UF campus, downtown Gainesville, and local attractions, so you won’t have to worry about long commutes or traffic delays.
Cost-Effective for Groups
– Splitting the cost of a luxury rental among multiple guests can often be more economical than booking multiple hotel rooms, while offering far superior space and amenities.
Laurel Oak Estate: A Grand & Elegant Retreat
If you’re looking for a sophisticated and luxurious space to celebrate, Laurel Oak Estate is the ideal choice. This stunning 7-bedroom, 7.5-bathroom property provides a premium experience for families and groups looking for a refined yet comfortable place to stay.
With a gourmet kitchen, expansive common areas, and beautifully landscaped grounds, this estate sets the perfect scene for an unforgettable celebration. Host a formal graduation dinner in the grand dining room, raise a toast on the spacious patio, or plan a lively gathering in your own private event space—complete with custom catering and decorations of your choice, a feature rarely found in hotels.
Camellia Rose Mansion: Southern Charm & Timeless Comfort
For those who appreciate historic elegance and a welcoming ambiance, Camellia Rose Mansion offers the perfect blend of Southern charm and modern comfort. With its beautifully appointed interiors, inviting spaces, and tranquil outdoor areas, this mansion creates an intimate setting for celebrating your graduate’s success.
Enjoy a leisurely brunch on the veranda, gather with loved ones for an elegant dinner, or host a small celebratory event in the picturesque gardens. If you’re searching for a “vacation home rental Gainesville FL” or “event venue Gainesville FL,” this property is an excellent choice for a stylish yet relaxed graduation weekend.
Plan the Ultimate UF Graduation Experience
To ensure an unforgettable graduation weekend, keep these tips in mind:
Reserve Early: Graduation weekends are highly sought-after, and accommodations fill up fast. Book your rental property well in advance to secure your spot.
Organize Your Celebration: Whether planning a dinner, brunch, or party, make arrangements for catering, decorations, and guest accommodations ahead of time.
Explore Gainesville: Take some time to enjoy the city—visit UF landmarks, explore downtown, and indulge in the local dining scene.
Capture the Moment: Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime event—document it with photos, videos, and special keepsakes to preserve the memories forever.
Create an Unforgettable Graduation Weekend with StayGainesville
Choosing a private estate rental for your UF graduation weekend ensures an experience that’s truly above and beyond the typical hotel stay. More than just a place to rest, these elegant properties provide the perfect backdrop for celebration, relaxation, and making lifelong memories.
Whether you prefer the grandeur of Laurel Oak Estate or the charming ambiance of Camellia Rose Mansion, you’ll be creating a one-of-a-kind experience that your graduate and loved ones will treasure for years to come.
Secure your luxury stay today! Call 352-519-3994 ext. 1 or book online at www.staygainesville.com.
BAMBUU Asian Eatery: Gainesville’s Go-To Spot for Flavor-Packed Bowls and Modern Vibes Gainesville’s dining scene just got a major upgrade with the arrival of BAMBUU Asian Eatery, a fast-casual fusion concept that’s already making waves across town. From build-your-own bowls to freshly prepared appetizers and a welcoming atmosphere, BAMBUU offers a delicious, modern take on classic Asian flavors—all served fast and made with care. Whether you’re craving comfort food with a twist or just need a healthy lunch option near campus or work, BAMBUU hits the spot. 🍜 What Is BAMBUU? BAMBUU Asian Eatery is a Florida-born concept that blends traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Korean cooking with a fresh, contemporary spin. It’s designed to deliver quick, high-quality meals built around customizable options and clean ingredients. Everything is made-to-order, and you’re in control—choose your base, mix in your favorite proteins or veggies, and top it off with scratch-made sauces. It’s a fun, casual experience that doesn’t compromise on flavor or freshness. 🌐 Visit BAMBUU Online 📍 Where to Find It The Gainesville location is right in the action at 3606 SW Archer Road , in the busy Butler Plaza area. That makes it super convenient for University of Florida students, Shands staff, and anyone shopping or running errands in the area. Whether you’re grabbing lunch between classes or picking up dinner on your way home, BAMBUU’s spot is easy to access and surrounded by plenty of parking. 🍱 The Menu: Build Your Bowl, Your Way One of the most appealing aspects of BAMBUU is its build-your-own bowl format . Whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, or just picky (hey, no judgment!), there’s something here for everyone. Start with a base like: White rice Fried rice Lo mein noodles Fresh greens Then add your proteins and vegetables—options include: Grilled chicken Spicy beef Korean BBQ pork Basil shrimp Tofu (for a plant-based option) Their signature combos include: The Bambuu Bowl : Choose 2 bases + 3 proteins/veggies The Four Bowl : 2 bases + 2 toppings The Two Bowl : A single base + 1 topping—perfect for lighter appetites Every bowl comes to life with bold sauces like sweet soy glaze, creamy sesame, or spicy chili garlic. 🧾 Explore the Full Menu 🥠 Don’t Skip the Starters Before you even get to your bowl, BAMBUU’s appetizers deserve their own spotlight. They offer crave-worthy sides that are ideal for sharing (or hoarding for yourself). Top picks include: Cream Cheese Rangoon – Crispy and golden with a creamy, savory filling Veggie Spring Rolls – Light, crispy, and perfect with dipping sauce Whether you’re dining in or ordering out, these are the perfect sidekick to any bowl. 🧑🍳 Fast-Casual Done Right BAMBUU offers a quick and easy dining experience without sacrificing quality. Guests walk through the ordering line (similar to Chipotle), selecting bases, proteins, veggies, and sauces as they go. It’s efficient, friendly, and made right in front of you—so there’s no wondering what’s going into your food. The interior is clean and modern with just enough flair to feel fun and welcoming—whether you’re eating solo or with a group. 🎉 Hosting an Event? They Cater, Too BAMBUU also provides group catering , which is perfect for office luncheons, family parties, or student events. Catering trays are available in several sizes and include full meals with proteins, bases, sauces, and sides. They make it easy to customize a spread for any crowd—with the same bold flavors and fresh ingredients they’re known for in-store. 🥡 Order Catering via ezCater 💬 Community First: Giving Back in Gainesville Since opening, BAMBUU has made it a point to give back to the Gainesville community. They’ve hosted appreciation events with free meals for teachers, hospital staff, and first responders , showing their gratitude to those who make the city better every day. That kind of heart isn’t something you see every day in a fast-casual restaurant—and it’s one of the many reasons BAMBUU is earning loyal fans quickly. 🚀 Growing in Florida This is BAMBUU’s second location , following their successful debut in Vero Beach . Gainesville was selected as their next stop thanks to its diverse, energetic population and thriving food culture. Their vision doesn’t stop here—more locations are in the works, including one coming soon to Clermont, FL. 📍 See All BAMBUU Locations 🌟 What Customers Are Saying Reviews have been glowing so far. Customers love the bold flavors, the speedy service, and the freedom to create a meal that’s just right for them. One happy diner shared: “Fresh, flavorful, and fast. Exactly what Gainesville needed. The spicy sauce was amazing, and I’ll definitely be back for the cream cheese rangoons.” 🗣️ Read Reviews on Yelp 📦 Dine Your Way: In-House, Pickup, or Delivery You can enjoy BAMBUU however you like: Dine-in for a casual sit-down meal Takeout for lunch breaks or dinners on the go Curbside pickup for convenience Delivery through DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats Whether you’re relaxing at home or on the move, your next flavorful meal is just a few taps away. Final Bite: Why BAMBUU Deserves a Spot on Your Foodie Radar Gainesville’s restaurant scene is always growing, but BAMBUU brings something fresh and exciting to the table. With high-quality ingredients, a commitment to community, and a menu that’s endlessly customizable, this is more than just another rice bowl joint. It’s a place to connect, eat well, and feel good about your meal—every single time. 📍 Visit BAMBUU at 3606 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608 🌐 Order Online or View Menu Looking for a place to stay while visiting the local Gainesville attractions? Look no further than Gainesville's locally owned vacation rental company, StayGainesville . Book directly on our site, or call us at 352-519-3994 for guidance. For homes and condos, StayGainesville has many options- large and small/ budget and luxury, and more. For a shorter stay, we have 2 beautiful historic Inns in downtown Gainesville. The Camellia Rose Inn and The Laurel Oak Inn - both have unique personalities and they both feel like a home away from home. Looking for more things to do in Gainesville? Visit our Things to Do link.
From garden blooms to craft brews and scenic bike rides, Gainesville is full of life this weekend. Whether you’re planning to explore or host, this is the perfect time to enjoy all that spring has to offer. And when you’re ready to rest or celebrate, The Laurel Oak Inn and The Camellia Rose Inn provide ideal settings to unwind in style.
