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Graduate by Hilton Opens First Alabama Hotel Steps from Auburn University

Graduate by Hilton Auburn AL - Rooftop restaurant and bar with a variety of tables and chairs overlooking the Auburn University campus
Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL
Graduate Auburn, AL offers 177 guest rooms, a reimagined War Eagle Supper Club, and Bo Jackson’s Beans—named for the iconic All‑American athlete

AUBURN, Alabama – Graduate by Hilton has opened its first Alabama location in Auburn, a city renowned for its legendary sports and college culture. Located steps from Auburn University, the property spans nearly 140,000 square feet with 177 guest rooms across five floors, 10,000 square feet of meeting and event space, and two signature food and beverage offerings: The War Eagle Supper Club, an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant that pays tribute to its namesake, and Bo Jackson’s Beans, a coffee shop, community gathering place, and cocktail bar created in partnership with professional sports legend, Auburn University alumni, and Heisman Trophy winner, Bo Jackson.

“Auburn is centered around one of the South’s largest universities, so we were constantly inspired by the incredibly engaged alumni network and the even stronger football fan base in town,” said Kevin Osterhaus, president, Global Lifestyle Brands, Hilton. “Our goal was to create a space that pays tribute to Auburn’s people, culture, and the enduring legacy that makes this place truly special for guests, students, and alumni alike.”  

“Our goal was to create a space that pays tribute to Auburn’s people, culture, and the enduring legacy that makes this place truly special for guests, students, and alumni alike.”  

Kevin Osterhaus

Kevin Osterhaus

President, Global Lifestyle Brands, Hilton

The interior design choices at Graduate Auburn, AL invite guests to immerse themselves in the town’s 187-year history and embrace local traditions steeped in over a century of American football culture. Throughout the hotel's public spaces and guest rooms, visitors will find subtle nods to the university and traditions of the town, all designed in the brand’s characteristic locally inspired style. Every detail is thoughtfully curated for an authentic experience that is undeniably Auburn.  

Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL - Bo Jackson’s Beans featuring a hand-carved wood statue of Bo Jackson with barstools displaying his football jersey number, 34, and a variety of seating around the cafe
Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL - Bo Jackson’s Beans - Photo Credit: Marc Mauldin

Behind the reception desk, a custom installation showcases a football field with a soaring eagle – a reference to the beloved pre-game tradition where the crowd chants the ‘War Eagle’ battle cry as an eagle soars across the field before kickoff. Created in partnership with Auburn University legend and celebrated two-sport professional athlete, Bo Jackson’s Beans is located adjacent to the reception desk, offering a café and full-service bar, with a myriad of breakfast and lunch options, as well as a collection of signature cocktails. Located mere steps from where Jackson’s illustrious sports career began at Auburn University in 1982, Bo Jackson’s Beans features design elements that pay tribute to his legacy. A hand-carved wood statue of Bo Jackson anchors the back bar with barstools that proudly display his football jersey number, 34. 

“It was never about whether we wanted to be in Auburn, but always about finding the right site,” said Ben Weprin, founder, Graduate Hotels and CEO of AJ Capital Partners. “Every Graduate starts with the same foundation—research, tradition, and culture—but each outcome is totally different. For Auburn, the result is the physical manifestation of what it means to be an Auburn Tiger. From Bo Jackson’s legacy to the storied traditions of student life on and off campus, like The War Eagle Supper Club, you will feel the magic the second you walk in the door.”

Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL - Lobby Details - Auburn themed artwork, chandelier made of baseballs, bats and gloves, seating areas and side of check-in reception desk
Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL - Lobby Details - Photo Credit: Marc Mauldin

Facing Bo Jackson’s Beans in the lobby, guests will find a designated communal workspace open to visitors, locals, and students alike. The design features mismatched textiles, and block-printed walls, along with sport-themed custom chandeliers made from footballs, baseball bats, and gloves that nod to the sports Bo played professionally. The large communal table, a staple in all Graduate properties, includes thoughtfully designed light fixtures and comfortable seating, making for a practical and stylish area for study and collaboration.

In the guest rooms, an eclectic mix of gingham, stripes, and floral patterns in the Auburn University color palette take center stage. Each element thoughtfully pays homage to celebrated Auburn traditions, such as eagle-inspired sconces that reference the “War Eagle” battle cry and custom headboards depicting an oak tree as a nod to the age-old tradition where fans would “roll” or TP trees around Toomer's Corner following an Auburn football win. A tribute to Auburn's mascot comes in the form of tiger-print bolster pillows. Meanwhile, a lamp on the credenza commemorates the legendary "Bo Over the Top" play by Bo Jackson during the Iron Bowl – foregrounding one of Auburn's most iconic athletic moments. Guest bathrooms feature custom orange and navy hexagonal tiles and wallpaper portraying local staples and Alabama folklore hand-drawn by artist Taylor Rushing.

Located on the hotel’s roof, The War Eagle Supper Club is an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant that blends Auburn University's history with a modern and lively dining atmosphere. This space is a reimagined version of the town’s longstanding War Eagle Supper Club – a local restaurant and venue founded more than 60 years ago where generations of Auburn students gathered for live music and late-night entertainment. Its infamous motto "Cold Beer Hot Rock Expect No Mercy" is prominently displayed above the central bar. 

Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL - War Eagle Supper Club - Central Bar Area with "Cold Beer Hot Rock Expect No Mercy" written above the bar, orange and navy accents throughout
Graduate by Hilton Auburn, AL - War Eagle Supper Club - Central Bar Area - Photo Credit: Marc Mauldin

As guests enter The War Eagle Supper Club they are welcomed into a nostalgic and intimate setting that captures the essence of Auburn's storied past. Warm paneling and intricate details like adorned stained glass and cast brass accents pay homage to the yesteryear of its namesake. 

Graduate Auburn, AL will also bring back a replica of the iconic “slush bus” – a repurposed school bus that for years was used to transport students home from late nights at the War Eagle Supper Club; a ride home which was widely considered a rite of passage for generations of Auburn students. 

Graduate Auburn, AL is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program with more than 195 million members for Hilton’s 24 world-class brands. Hilton Honors members can take advantage of contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app, where they can check in, check out, choose and access their room using Digital Key. Graduate Auburn, AL is not only the first Graduate hotel to offer this contactless technology, but also the 2,000th Hilton hotel to launch Connected Room, Hilton's TV platform that provides guests with personalized content, streaming apps and hotel information throughout their stay.

Guests can now book their stay at Graduate Auburn, AL here.

Media Contact

Mathilde van TulderCamronmathilde.vantulder@camronglobal.com


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 AJ Capital Partners

Adventurous Journeys ("AJ") Capital Partners is a vertically integrated real estate investment manager founded in 2008. AJ repositions real estate to build timeless, scalable businesses and brand platforms across hospitality, mixed-use, and residential sectors. Notable brands include Graduate Hotels®, Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts, and Field & Stream Lodge Co. The firm delivers transformative real estate by applying placemaking, inspired design, and hospitality principles to spaces overlooked or undervalued by traditional investment firms. The firm’s current portfolio includes $5.3 billion of assets across 100+ properties and 50+ geographic markets. Learn more at www.ajcpt.com.