AJ Capital Refis Graduate Hotels With $304M Loan

Source: commercialobserver.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Nashville-based AJ Capital secured a $303.5 million loan to refinance seven properties in its Graduate Hotels portfolio. Lenders Aareal Capital Corp. and Barings provided the five-year floating-rate debt, arranged by CBRE. The deal is reported now as a key financing move for university-market hotels rebranded under Hilton, which AJ sold the brand to last year while keeping property ownership.

Key points

Details and context

AJ Capital owns the real estate for a collection now operated as Graduate by Hilton franchises, benefiting from Hilton's booking and loyalty networks. The seven properties sit in strong university towns, which helped weather pandemic hits when campuses shut down.

This refi follows the 2024 brand sale and comes amid active hotel financing, like a later $406 million deal for 15 Graduate properties in 2026. No specific prior loan details are given, but the new debt refinances existing obligations.[[3]](https://www.stocktitan.net/news/SUNS/sunrise-realty-trust-commits-48-million-to-a-senior-whole-loan-to-n6pij7y5jxtk.html)

Key quotes

With close proximity to vibrant campus communities and local amenities, we believe these properties are positioned for strong performance and long-term value creation.” — Ryan Naumes, managing director with Barings.[[1]](https://commercialobserver.com/2025/09/graduate-hotels-hilton-loan/)

Why it matters

University-anchored hotels like these show steady demand tied to education hubs, even after pandemic strains. For investors and owners, it signals confidence in branded operations via Hilton and available debt for refis. Watch for performance metrics or further portfolio deals, as larger refinancings have followed.