Graduate Hotels are a carefully-crafted collection of hotels with branches located in some of the country’s most dynamic university towns. It was launched in 2014 by Chicago-based AJ Capital Partners, and opened its first two locations in Athens, Georgia and Tempe, Arizona. Since debuting in 2014, it currently has 20 hotels situated near educational institutions, in close proximity to distinct bars, restaurants, and shopping centers. At Graduate Hotels, they believe that “smart never goes out of style,” and welcomes not just students and alums, but also locals and travellers.

Operating on the belief that college towns make for memorable and enjoyable vacations, each Graduate Hotel cultivates local community spirit and celebrates the optimism of youth and school days. All of its hotels are well-curated, drawing inspiration from its own community culture with subtle homage to the local schools they are situated near. Guests are provided the comforts of five-star touches, while basking in the charms of history and heritage. The hotel staffs are known to be warm and friendly, adept at making visitors feel like locals.

A 10-year goal for AJ Capital Partners is to be in 100 markets by 2024. Recently, the hotel chain has raised funds to double its property portfolio in size by 2020.