Bethesda, Md., January 5, 2016 – AC Hotels by Marriott, Marriott International, Inc.’s upper-moderate-tier lifestyle brand, today announces global plans for 22 new design-led hotels slated to open in 2016, solidifying its position as a leader in the boutique-lifestyle hotel sector catering to the creativity and passions of travelers with a millennial mindset. January 2016 is expected to bring five AC hotels, AC Guadalajara Mexico; AC Cincinnati North/West Chester, OH; AC Boston North, MA; AC Marseille, France; and AC Queretaro, Mexico. Additional properties expected to open in 2016 include:

AC Panama City, Panama AC San Jose Downtown, CA AC Atlanta North, GA AC Asheville, NC AC Rio Barra de Tijuca, Brazil AC Rio Porto Maravilha, Brazil AC Herzliya, Israel AC Birmingham England, UK AC Boston Cambridge, MA AC Phoenix Tempe, AZ AC Santiago, Chile AC Manchester England, UK AC Des Moines Downtown, IA AC Santa Fe, Mexico AC Minneapolis, MN AC Mainz, Germany AC Wroclaw, Poland

AC Hotels celebrates the beauty of classic modern designs with its European soul and Spanish roots, born from the signature vision of renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, who founded the brand in 1998 and grew it into one of the most well-respected hotel brands in Spain. Following its success in Europe, a joint venture was formed with Marriott International in 2011, which launched AC Hotels by Marriott globally into France, Italy, Portugal, Denmark and the U.S.

Based on a belief that purposeful design improves lives, AC Hotels carves away what is unnecessary, in order to provide guests with thoughtfully designed moments of beauty; moments that elevate their stay and help them focus on what is important to them. That is why at all AC Hotels guests get only what they need, without paying for what they don’t. The result is sophisticated yet unpretentious style, innovative beverage and food programming and locally inspired experiences for both guests and locals.

“AC Hotels by Marriott is a new breed of lifestyle hotels created to inspire the next-generation traveler through innovative design,” explains Tina Edmundson, Global Officer, Luxury and Lifestyle Brands, Marriott International. “Our rapidly growing portfolio of design-led hotels illustrates Marriott International’s commitment to making distinctive architecture and design affordable and accessible for creatives and entrepreneurs around the world appealing to a large and growing demographic, with a robust development pipeline to match.”

Signature Design AC Hotels by Marriott is designed for those creative, well-traveled, entrepreneurial spirits who are constantly on the go and who appreciate the oasis of a well-designed hotel that allows them to welcome moments of tranquility, be present and connect with others. Beautiful layers of deep gray and charcoal tones create a sophisticated and modern European sensibility, showcasing a timeless design that is contemporary and sleek. Guest rooms incorporate monochromatic schemes, with clean lines and hardwood floors. Furniture is lifted from the ground to create a sense of space and crisp white linens are used to craft a look that’s both refined and elegant. The AC Lobby features the brand’s signature open-concept spaces and features a thoughtfully selected collection of inviting furnishings, modern designs and textures that evoke the feeling of a well-curated art gallery. Ambient lighting and cozy seating in the AC Library and Lounge areas invites travelers to relax in chic surroundings, while also creating an effortless space in which to conduct a business meeting or connect with friends over cocktails. Each AC Hotel is designed to reflect the uniqueness and character of its urban location.

Beverage and Food Programming At AC Hotels, premium touches are balanced with comfortable service. A signature element of the hotel includes an innovative beverage and food program within its AC Lounge. A twist on the traditional hotel bar, the experience includes offerings of local craft beers, specialty wines, expertly made signature cocktails and a selection of tapas-style small bites.

Located adjacent to the AC Lounge, the AC Kitchen serves a European-inspired continental breakfast selection of flaky croissants, savory egg tarts and Nespresso coffee. A signature piece in all AC Hotels is the Berkel slicer, offering visitors hand-cut meats including artisanal La Quercia Prosciutto for a true taste of Europe.

AC Library The AC Library provides a quiet space to linger and peruse the selection of inspiring titles that line the shelves, ranging from modern art to design, all in a soothing environment. Each AC Library features a rotating selection of specially selected reads by guest curators. Currently, Nigel Barker’s handpicked reading list rests at AC Hotel Miami Beach.

Additional Amenities Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered for guests and locals to work, connect, explore and socialize. When a private meeting area is needed, guests can book a variety of spaces, which vary in size and are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology. State-of-the-art fitness centers and on-site parking round out the hotels’ offerings. To facilitate frictionless service Kallpods, wireless service buttons, are provided in the public and meetings spaces– enabling guests to immediately request a staff member’s attention.

AC Hotels by Marriott guests who are enrolled in the award-winning Marriott Rewards loyalty program are able to earn points during their hotel stays that can be redeemed for free holidays, flights, hotel rooms and merchandise, including jewelry, home furnishings, fashion and more. To learn more about AC Hotels by Marriott or to book your inspired experience please visit www.ac-hotels.com.