At the Boutique Hotel Investment Conference in New York, A.F. Canta launched University Hotels. Blending the experience of a boutique luxury hotel with the exclusive atmosphere of a private club focused on health and wellness, the brand is designed to serve university and hospital communities. The California developer will co-manage the properties with Reliance Hospitality.
The hotels will feature floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, lounges and artfully layered interiors. Guests can dine freely throughout the property. Club members receive privileged access to the hotel.
Designed in-house and customized to reflect the character of each location, the University Hotels concept is structured as a joint venture, with universities and hospitals contributing real estate assets in exchange for equity in a purpose-driven hospitality venture.
“Launching University Hotels in New York is a dream come true—and even more meaningful as it falls on my late father’s birthday,” said Aileen Canta, founder/CEO, A.F. Canta. “His strength and values, along with my strong faith, have guided me since I was 19, and this moment is both a professional milestone and a personal tribute. I’m grateful to BLLA for the opportunity to share this vision in the city that defines boutique luxury hospitality.”
University Hotels will feature:
- Accommodations for visiting scholars, alumni, medical guests and dignitaries
- An exclusive private club offering tailored benefits to faculty, clinicians, students and select community members
- A deep focus on holistic wellness, integrating nutrition, movement and mindfulness into the guest experience
- An exclusive partnership with Lavazza, bringing Italian coffee to every property
- In-house management powered by Reliance Hospitality,
“University Hotels is a unique concept that will revitalize the academic hospitality experience,” said Bryan Fish, CEO, Reliance Hospitality. “Bringing a luxury hospitality experience to university campuses through University Hotels is about more than elevated accommodations—it’s about creating a vibrant hub where innovation, comfort, and community intersect.”
A.F. Canta is currently in discussions with several prominent institutions and expects its first flagship property to open with the club this fall, with the hotel to follow in late spring 2026. The company invites universities, teaching hospitals, and mission-aligned investors to explore partnership opportunities.