EUROPE & UK

Travelers Invited to ‘Graduate with Honors’ as Graduate by Hilton Joins the Hilton Honors Program

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

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Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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?

Kevin Osterhaus, President, Global Lifestyle Brands, Hilton, says:

“Graduate by Hilton offers guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique traditions and culture of university towns. With Graduate now integrated into Hilton’s portfolio, we remain committed to preserving the distinctive charm of these locations while providing all the benefits of Hilton Honors. Our goal is to maintain that nostalgic ambiance while enhancing the overall guest experience.”

Jenn Chick, Senior Vice President & Global Head, Loyalty & Customer Growth, Hilton, says:

“The inclusion of Graduate by Hilton in our brand portfolio provides Hilton Honors members with even more options. Whether guests are returning to their alma mater or discovering a new university town, they can enjoy all the advantages of Hilton Honors membership—such as earning and redeeming Points, accessing exclusive offers, experiencing unique opportunities, and receiving special recognition. We are excited to make stays at Graduate by Hilton even more rewarding.”

Source: Hilton