Graduate by Hilton to Debut in Tuscaloosa on UA Campus Press Release

Hotel Capstone to Rebrand to Graduate by Hilton

With the conversion comes an entirely new design by Andrew Alford Creative that will introduce Graduate by Hilton’s storytelling-first stays and "newstalgic” design-forward approach to the property. Andrew Alford, the hospitality design visionary who designed the first thirty-five Graduate hotels, returns to the brand to ensure the Graduate Tuscaloosa will deliver an elevated, conceptual hospitality experience for guests, locals, and students alike. Completion is expected in 2027. “We’re very excited to move forward with rebranding the hotel to a Graduate by Hilton,” said Cory Jackson Jr., president of Jackson Hospitality Services.

“As the university's growth continues and the needs in the Tuscaloosa market change, we're thrilled to evolve and elevate the property in response. This transformation will bring an entirely new design aesthetic to the hotel combining polished, curated luxury with the nostalgic tradition of the University of Alabama to establish a strong sense of place. We’re making dramatic changes to the restaurant and bars, including a poolside bar that will invite guests in with an exciting vibe.”

The property is the sole hotel on The University of Alabama campus, strategically situated next to the Bryant Conference Center. The transformation will maintain the property’s status as a premier location while injecting the Graduate brand’s unique character, which draws inspiration from the history, culture, and traditions of the towns they call home. Unparalleled service and guest experience will match the hotel’s elevated design and premiere status.

“Graduate by Hilton Tuscaloosa will enhance the way the University welcomes guests to campus and further extends the unrivaled Alabama experience,” said UA President Peter J. Mohler. “The hotel will serve as the front door for many campus guests and will create a welcoming environment while spotlighting UA’s unique culture and community.

Key Highlights of the Conversion:

• Elevated Design: The hotel will undergo a comprehensive design refresh, incorporating subtle and bold nods to Tuscaloosa’s storied history, athletic triumphs, and local culture.

• Prime Location: The property's incomparable on-campus location, within walking distance of athletic facilities and academic buildings, will remain a key feature.

• Full-Service Amenities: The conversion will include updates to the hotel's dining, meeting, and event spaces to align with the Graduate by Hilton lifestyle.

"Tuscaloosa is the perfect location for Graduate by Hilton,” said Parker Henderson, brand leader for Graduate by Hilton. “We are excited to pay homage to The University of Alabama through our distinctive design and provide the community with a memorable food and beverage experience. We look forward to sharing the brand’s signature hospitality with guests soon.”

Once open, Graduate by Hilton Tuscaloosa will be part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 25 world-class hotel brands. 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 enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app.

This announcement follows Hilton’s recent acquisition of the Graduate Hotels brand, which is accelerating the global hospitality leader's expansion in the fast-growing lifestyle category. Graduate by Hilton celebrates the energy and nostalgia of university-anchored towns, making Hotel Capstone's conversion a natural fit for the brand’s mission.