"Undergraduate by Hilton will be similar, but in a more scalable way. In fact, Hilton is projecting that the brand could grow to include 400 to 500 hotels. These hotels will also be more accessible in price, for both people paying cash and for Hilton Honors members looking to book with points.

But what will those hotels look like? Hilton's plan is to build properties that "feel like an always-on, off-campus hangout" featuring lounges and library-like spaces open to guest, the community and students."

I was noticing a number of campuses have upped their game with adjacent hotels run by big names lately. Saw a number of them out west at Univ Arizona, UC Davis, and CSU Chico. These are smaller hotel units, similar to commuter travel options frequented by business and workers on big interstate routes. They are a direct competition to venues like Holiday Inn Express options, and this shift is more than just a close place for parents and prospective students to stay at. It's a smart niche move given the regular business of sports teams, projects, research and parents can all be leveraged.