RALEIGH, N.C. (Nov. 21, 2016) – Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company announced today that it plans to open Pittsburgh’s first AC Hotel by Marriott in the trendy Strip District in downtown Pittsburgh. Construction began on the new 133-room hotel, AC Hotel by Marriott Smallman, last week.
“Recent development in the Pittsburgh area has spiked interest from outside investors and contributed heavily to the revitalization of downtown,” said Mark Laport, co-founder, president and CEO of Concord Hospitality. “AC Smallman enriches Concord’s vision to create irresistible places within vibrant communities, and we believe it will be very successful in Pittsburgh.”
Concord Hospitality has partnered with Marriott International on the development of new hotel brands for the last two decades. That alignment for strategic growth and passion for delivering best-in-class service is represented in Concord’s achievement of winning the coveted Marriott Partnership Circle Award 10 times and this year, being inducted into Marriott’s Partnership Circle Hall of Fame for hospitality excellence.
The new hotel project, which will be built next door to the restaurant Eleven and across the street from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, will feature modern guest rooms; the AC LoungeSM, co-working space by day, hub of social buzz by night, serving tapas plates; AC Kitchen, with European-inspired breakfast; bartenders with local expertise; WiFi everywhere; mobile check-in and check-out; and a 24-hour fitness center. The project is being financed by S&T Bank and marks Concord’s 19th hotel in the Pittsburgh market.
“AC Hotel by Marriott is an emerging lifestyle brand in the U.S. and appeals to design-conscious guests that also want an experiential stay when traveling,” said Keith McGraw, longtime partner of Concord Hospitality. “These travelers prefer urban and metro locations that provide easy, walkable access to arts and entertainment, restaurants, shops and galleries, as is the case with Pittsburgh’s popular Strip District.”
Started in 1998 by Spanish hotelier Antonio Catalan whose initials inspired the brand name, AC Hotels celebrate the beauty of classic, modern design. Distinctive public spaces immerse guests in timeless European design, featuring furnishings and décor in a neutral color palette with thoughtfully selected modern artifacts and decorative elements.
