Graduate by Hilton to host brand's first Hilton Honors Experience as it celebrates a new chapter with Hilton and a decade of spirited stays

As the leaves begin to turn and the excitement of a fresh school year sets in, Hilton ushers in a new season as Graduate Hotels officially joins Hilton's 24 world-class brands. Whether planning a gameday getaway, a nostalgic return to campus, or a family visit, guests of the 34 Graduate by Hilton hotels can now earn and redeem Hilton Honors Points while experiencing the unique charm of university towns across the U.S. and U.K.

In addition to earning Points, Hilton Honors members can enjoy access to money-can't-buy experiences through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform. Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL will kick off with an exclusive rooftop party at War Eagle Supper Club on Friday, Sept. 27 complete with an intimate concert by a surprise artist. The VIP college football weekend experience also includes a two-night stay at the hotel, two tickets to Saturday's sold-out football game, and plenty of hometown hospitality.

Now that class is in session, Hilton's curated study guide is here to teach travelers about its newest recruit, Graduate by Hilton.

Graduate by Hilton Study Guide

What's the big news?

• Graduate Hotels is officially part of the Hilton family. Guests can now book their stay at any Graduate by Hilton property through Hilton's direct channels. Whether a Hilton Honors member, a Graduate fan who has been enjoying its spirited stays for the past decade, or a new guest, it's easier than ever for travelers to immerse themselves in the university-anchored charm and nostalgia of Hilton's newest brand.

• Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL - Rooftop

• Graduate by Hilton Princeton - Lobby

How is Hilton celebrating Graduate by Hilton joining the Hilton Honors program?

• The first Hilton Honors Experience at a Graduate by Hilton property will take place at Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL.

• Through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform, members can now bid their Points for a chance to experience an exclusive college football weekend. The package for two includes a two-night stay at Graduate Auburn, AL from Sept. 27-29; access to the VIP celebration at the hotel's rooftop bar, War Eagle Supper Club, with an intimate performance by a surprise musical artist on Friday, Sept. 27; and two tickets to the sold-out college football game on Saturday, Sept. 28.

• This Hilton Honors Experience is one of many ways Hilton is offering money-can't-buy experiences through the Hilton Honors Experiences platform. Through the platform, Hilton Honors members can gain access to exclusive music, sports, and celebrity events around the world to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Hilton Honors Experiences is available through Hilton Honors' free loyalty program, available here.

What is Hilton Honors?

• Hilton Honors is the trusted loyalty companion that more than 195 million people worldwide bring with them during their travels. No matter where you are on your travel journey - whether you're dreaming about your next vacation or checking into your Hilton stay - Hilton Honors inspires, elevates and rewards.

• Hilton Honors members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi.

• Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where members can check in, choose and access their room using Digital Key. Simply put, Hilton Honors makes staying better. Learn more about Hilton Honors benefits here.

When can travelers start booking Graduate by Hilton through Hilton's channels?

• All 34 Graduate by Hilton hotels across the U.S. and U.K. can now be booked directly through Hilton, including on Hilton.com and in the award-winning Hilton Honors app, and stays are now eligible to earn and redeem Hilton Honors Points.

• Graduate by Hilton Chapel Hill - Lobby

• Graduate by Hilton Eugene - Lobby

What does this mean for new Graduate by Hilton locations?

• As Graduate by Hilton continues to expand, new properties like Graduate by Hilton Princeton and Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL were integrated into the Hilton system. Hilton Honors members will be the first to know about future openings and can book them through Hilton's channels as soon as they go live.

• This month, Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL, the brand's first property in Alabama, will open. Inspired by Auburn's vibrant cultural scene and timeless university traditions, Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL seamlessly blends modern sophistication with Southern charm. Every detail is meticulously curated to create an immersive guest experience that is undeniably Auburn. The property will host 177 guest rooms, an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant that pays homage to the University's "War Eagle" battle cry, and Bo Jackson's Beans: a coffee shop and bar created in partnership with Auburn University sports legend and Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson (Class of '85).

• Graduate by Hilton Princeton is the first hotel to open in historic Princeton in over 90 years. Transformed from a former university dormitory, it was restored, modernized, and expanded into a collegiate-inspired hotel with 6,000 square feet of public space, 180 guest rooms, and a signature bar and restaurant—all designed in the brand's characteristic hyper-local, vibrant style. Visitors will discover subtle references to the university and town's 275-year history throughout the hotel. Nods to influential alums, local architecture, and storied traditions synonymous with the Princeton student experience inform every detail.

How does this change the Graduate Hotels experience?

• Graduate by Hilton hotels continue to offer the same curated, handcrafted, locally inspired stays that travelers have known and loved for the past decade. The only difference? Booking a stay at a Graduate by Hilton property is now even more convenient through Hilton's platform. Plus, guests can enjoy all the benefits of being part of the Hilton Honors program.

Where can I find Graduate by Hilton hotels?

• Graduate by Hilton hotels are located in some of the most dynamic university towns across the U.S. and U.K. within walking distance of campus and in the heart of neighborhood shopping, dining and entertainment. For a full list of property locations, visit Hilton.com.

• Graduate by Hilton Cambridge - Lobby

• Graduate by Hilton State College - Guest Room

What is the Graduate by Hilton vibe?

• Graduate by Hilton aims to uncover the unique stories, heroes and histories that make college towns so special. From the art on the walls to the drinks on the menus, Graduate by Hilton brings local stories to life through authentic and creative design.

• The handcrafted design aesthetic, amenities, and thoughtful touches distinguish Graduate by Hilton hotels. Bold and original storytelling through design draws people in and sets us apart, along with the highly local approach to programming and curation.

What is the official brand name?

• Graduate by Hilton

What is Hilton saying?

"Graduate by Hilton gives guests a chance to dive into the traditions and culture that make university towns so special. With Graduate now officially part of Hilton's portfolio of brands, we're staying true to what makes these places unique while offering all the perks that come with Hilton Honors. It's about keeping that nostalgic feel while enhancing the overall experience for our guests."

Kevin Osterhaus

President, Global Lifestyle Brands, Hilton

"The addition of Graduate by Hilton to our portfolio of brands gives Hilton Honors members more variety than ever before. Whether they're revisiting their alma mater or exploring a new university town, they'll have access to all the perks that come with being a Hilton Honors member—like earning and redeeming Points, enjoying exclusive offers, taking advantage of one-of-a-kind experiences and receiving special recognition. We look forward to making a stay at Graduate by Hilton even more rewarding."

Jenn Chick

Senior Vice President & Global Head, Loyalty & Customer Growth, Hilton

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 world-class brands comprising more than 8,000 properties and more than 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 195 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

About Graduate by Hilton

Graduate by Hilton is a collection of hand-crafted hotels that reside in dynamic university-anchored towns in the United States and United Kingdom. Each hotel brings stories and traditions to life through one-of-a-kind experiences, which authentically reflect the unique spirit of each community they are located within. Founded in 2014 by Adventurous Journeys ("AJ") Capital Partners and recently acquired by Hilton, Graduate's portfolio consists of 32 open hotels across the US and UK and three under construction. Learn more about Graduate by Hilton at Stories From Hilton and follow the brand on Instagram.

About Hilton Honors

Hilton Honors is the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton's world-class brands comprising nearly 7,800 properties in 126 countries and territories. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount and free standard Wi-Fi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where members can check in, choose and access their room using Digital Key. Hilton Honors offers more than 195 million members hundreds of ways to earn and redeem Points, including with select co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem Points for free nights, purchases on Amazon, exclusive experiences, charitable contributions and more. The program is free to join and travelers can enroll online at hiltonhonors.com. Learn more about Hilton Honors at stories.hilton.com/hiltonhonors, and follow Hilton Honors on Facebook, X and Instagram.