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Brand Strategy

Hilton acquires Graduate Charlottesville hotel [Video]

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Six months after global hospitality franchise Hilton acquired the college-anchored Graduate hotel brand, the University of Virginia-adjacent Graduate Charlottesville has officially transitioned to the Graduate by Hilton Charlottesville.

Guests are now able to use Hilton Honors points during their stay, part of Hilton’s guest loyalty program, as well as book reservations through Hilton’s channels.

“We’re proud to embark on this new chapter for Graduate Hotels with Hilton, the ideal partner to steer the brand’s continued growth,” said Ben Weprin, founder of Graduate Hotels, in a statement announcing the acquisition in March. “Both Hilton and Graduate Hotels are committed to delivering exceptional experiences and making a positive impact on communities. Our shared values and close collaboration will ensure a smooth transition while keeping the Graduate Hotels’ unique brand identity intact.”

The Graduate Charlottesville hotel opened in 2015.

Hilton Worldwide purchased all the rights to the Graduate brand in a $210 million deal earlier this year that made the …

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Brand Strategy

4 changes coming to Starbucks under new CEO: Comfy seating, community spaces and more [Video]

For new Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol, the future of the popular coffee chain is rooted in concepts from it's past. The new chairman of the Seattle-based coffee company said dated Tuesday that after spending a few weeks visiting Starbucks stores to consider the customer experience and discuss operations, store design, marketing and product development, that "two truths emerged."