# Hilton’s Graduate Hotels Face Labor Disputes and Closures

_Jul 21 12:10_

Tags: Graduate Hotels, Hilton, Hilton Honors, Berkeley, New York, Palo Alto, other, hotel, loyalty program, other relevant news

Graduate Hotels, owned by AJ Capital and operated by Schulte Hospitality Group, is facing labor disputes and a sudden closure in New York, impacting Hilton Honors members

## Summary

Hilton acquired the Graduate brand in 2024, but AJ Capital Partners retains ownership of the pipeline. Graduate Hotels is currently facing labor disputes and operational changes: - Graduate New York abruptly closed four days before Thanksgiving 2025 after lender lawsuits and lease termination issues.
- Graduate Palo Alto fired most non-managerial staff in April 2026 but remains open.
- Workers at Graduate Berkeley and the upcoming Graduate Boulderado in Colorado are seeking unionization, citing staffing and wage issues. These events are relevant to Hilton Honors members planning stays at these specific properties

## Why it matters

Spans 3 hotel programs (Graduate Hotels, Hilton, Hilton Honors).

## Sources cited

- [LoyaltyLobby](https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/07/21/hiltons-graduate-hotels-face-labor-dispute?omhide=true) — Hilton’s Graduate Hotels Face Labor Dispute

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