A F Canta and Reliance Hospitality Launch University Hotels at Boutique Hotel Investment Conference

At the Boutique Hotel Investment Conference, A F Canta announces the launch of University Hotels, a groundbreaking hospitality concept that redefines luxury accommodations through the lens of wellness, exclusivity, and institutional partnership. Blending the refined experience of a boutique luxury hotel with the exclusive atmosphere of a private club focused on health and wellness, University Hotels is designed to serve the unique needs of university and hospital communities—while offering lasting value to their stakeholders.

University Hotels offers a distinctive blend of private club intimacy and boutique hotel charm, where stepping inside feels like entering a warm, cinematic sanctuary. With floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, inviting lounges, and artfully layered interiors, the spaces evoke the comfort of a well-lived residence. Guests can dine freely throughout the property—from tucked-away reading nooks to elegant common areas—reinforcing a feeling of being nestled in literary comfort. Adding to the exclusivity, club members receive privileged access to the hotel, creating a seamless fusion of community, comfort, and elevated hospitality.

In a time when university and hospital budgets are under pressure, and with many campuses sitting within economic opportunity zones, this innovative model offers the right solution at the right time. Thoughtfully designed in-house and customized to reflect the unique character of each location, this forward-thinking concept is structured as a joint venture—inviting universities and hospitals to contribute real estate assets in exchange for equity in a
purpose-driven hospitality venture. The result is a sustainable, revenue-generating model that elevates institutional brands, enhances campus life, and delivers long-term financial returns.

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 of 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:

• Thoughtfully designed 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 world-class Italian coffee culture to every property
• In-House Management powered by Reliance Hospitality, ensuring best-in-class service, operational excellence, and guest satisfaction

“University Hotels is a unique concept that will revitalize the academic hospitality experience,” said Bryan Fish, CEO of 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 in Fall 2025, with the hotel to follow in Late Spring 2026. The company invites universities, teaching hospitals, and mission-aligned investors to explore partnership opportunities.

About A F Canta

AF Canta is an innovative development firm dedicated to creating meaningful spaces at the intersection of hospitality, wellness, and institutional impact. With a commitment to thoughtful design and visionary partnerships, A F Canta brings a new paradigm to the future of luxury and purpose-driven hospitality.