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Hilton Launches Undergraduate Brand for College Town Hotels

The upper-midscale, conversion-friendly concept is designed to unlock owner development with a goal of growing to 400–500 properties.

Overview

  • Hilton, which announced the brand on Monday, June 1, 2026, unveiled Undergraduate by Hilton as a spinoff of Graduate Hotels aimed at university and college markets.
  • The company says nearly 60 Undergraduate properties are already in various stages of development across U.S. college towns and it expects the first opening by 2027.
  • Properties will emphasize campus-connected public spaces such as lounges, library-style areas and an all-day barista market plus guestrooms called “creative classrooms” with study corners.
  • Hilton positions the brand as more accessible on price for cash customers and Hilton Honors members using points, and it named Authentic Hospitality to run the cocktail program.
  • The prototype supports both new builds and conversions to lower development cost and attract owners, which could increase branded hotel supply and year-round capacity in local college communities.