In March this year, Hilton announced the acquisition of the Graduate Hotels brand, marking a significant expansion into the lifestyle and boutique hotel market. Graduate Hotels have since been integrated into Hilton’s lifestyle segment, joining brands like Canopy by Hilton, Tempo by Hilton, and Motto by Hilton. These properties are now available for booking through the Hilton Honors app and participate in the Hilton Honors loyalty program.
About Graduate Hotels
Graduate Hotels is a collection of hand-crafted properties located in university towns across the United States and the United Kingdom. Each hotel is thoughtfully designed to reflect the unique atmosphere of the nearby college campus, featuring custom-made artwork, lamps, and wallpapers that celebrate the local culture and history.
Since its founding in 2014, when the first two Graduate Hotels were launched, the brand has grown to include more than 35 properties, both operational and in development, in college towns across the US and UK. The founders recognized that many of these markets had limited hotel options, particularly in the lifestyle or boutique segments. By focusing on college towns, Graduate Hotels has established itself as a strong niche player in the hospitality industry.
Graduate Hotels for Hilton Customers
Currently, 21 Graduate Hotels are available for booking through the Hilton Honors app, with another property set to open in September 2024. The UK is home to one of these properties—Graduate by Hilton Cambridge—with a second location soon to be added in Oxford. Hilton plans to add more Graduate Hotels to the app, as reflected on its website, which lists over 33 Graduate properties: Hilton Graduate Hotels.
Hilton Honors Member Benefits
Hilton Honors members can earn points with every stay at Graduate Hotels, similar to other Hilton brands. Members also enjoy perks such as free Wi-Fi and complimentary late check-out, when available. Additionally, Diamond and Gold members receive space-available room upgrades and daily food and beverage credit at U.S. hotels, or continental breakfast at non-U.S. hotels.
Conclusion
Hilton’s expansion into the lifestyle and boutique hotel segment is exciting for us as Hilton customers. It simply gives us more hotels to choose from. Graduate Hotels, in particular, offer a unique local touch and atmosphere. We can experience the charm and history of college towns while staying at these properties with unique designs that are deeply connected to their surroundings. We’re eager to stay at a Graduate Hotel whenever we visit a college town where this brand is present.
