AC Hotel Guadalajara, Jalisco, has opened its doors. The launch of the 188-room AC Hotel Guadalajara, developed and owned by FibraHotel and operated by Marriott International, marks the arrival of the design-driven brand in Mexico.
During last Thursday’s grand opening party, AC Hotel Guadalajara’s creative class enjoyed a variety of sensory experiences, including a gallery of lifestyle and design photography, shot, produced and hosted by renowned photographer and entrepreneur Nigel Barker; local fashion design entrepreneurs, Children of Our Town created a bespoke pattern inspired by the architecture of AC Hotel Guadalajara and incorporated throughout the event; in addition to an exclusive “Live Gin Competition” hosted by two well-known local mixologists, “Fat” Armando Alarcón and Bruno Guerrero, who created signature drinks for the party.
Throughout the evening guests enjoyed live DJ sets, tapas inspired by the brand’s Spanish heritage and hand-crafted cocktails from the elegant AC Lounge℠, admired the design and architectural details of the brand’s new striking hotel, designed for entrepreneurial spirits and innovative business travelers by Sordo Madaleno Architects.
Bringing the vision and experience of recognized hotelier Antonio Catalán, who founded the brand in 1998, to life, AC Hotels has grown to become one of the most respected hospitality brands in Spain. The brand celebrates the beauty of classic-modern design rooted in a European spirit and Spanish tradition. Following its success in Europe, AC Hotels implemented a plan in 2011 to expand globally and now boasts more than 90 design-led hotels in Brazil, Denmark, Italy, France, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the United States.
“AC Hotels’ rapidly growing portfolio illustrates Marriott International’s commitment to making distinctive architecture and design affordable and accessible for creatives, innovators and entrepreneurs around the world,” explains Toni Stoeckl, Vice President of Lifestyle Brands for Marriott International.
In the coming months, additional AC Hotels will open throughout Latin America: Mexico City, Mexico, Panama City, Panama, and Santiago, Chile. Two AC Hotels debuted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil recently, just ahead of the Olympic Games.
“Guadalajara is one of Mexico’s most vibrant cities, its active arts scene is central to the energetic urban culture,” comments Tim Sheldon, President of the Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) for Marriott International. “This hotel is located in the thriving arts and financial district, not far from the city’s main cultural attractions – perfect for a new generation of travelers looking to experience everything Guadalajara has to offer,” he points out.
“FibraHotel’s partnership with Marriott International brought a new lifestyle brand to Mexico through the inspiring and entrepreneurial people of Mexico who brought AC Hotel Guadalajara to life,” says Simon Galante, CEO of FibraHotel. “The entire hotel was created by Mexicans; from our award-winning Mexican architect to the interior design, of which the majority of the décor: furniture, lighting, etc., was designed, and produced in Mexico. Mexico’s next generation wants hotels with style and inspired design, I have no doubt that this hotel will be a major success, setting the tone for future lifestyle brands in Mexico.”
Influenced by its European roots, AC Guadalajara exhibits a timeless, modern, and elegant design. The guest rooms incorporate soothing tones of gray and brown, with clean modern lines and wood flooring; the minimalistic design of the furniture reflect a feeling of greater space, comfort and elegance.
Sordo Madaleno Architects, leading architects of high-end residential and award-winning hospitality projects, designed the AC Hotel Guadalajara structure. The interiors of the design-driven hotel were led by Jihei Aoki.
A signature element of the hotel is its innovative selection of food and drink, available at the AC Lounge℠. A twist on the traditional hotel bar, the AC Lounge includes local artisanal beer, specialty wines on tap, signature cocktails, and tapas.
Located adjacent to the AC Lounge, the AC Kitchen serves a European-style continental breakfast selection of freshly baked flaky croissants, artisanal Serrano ham, exquisite egg tarts, and Nespresso coffee among other specialties.
AC Hotel Guadalajara’s poolside lounge and infinity-edge swimming pool on the 12th floor open-air Sky Deck boasts some of the most spectacular views of the city. The state-of-the-art fitness center is also located on the Sky Deck allowing guests to take in the breathtaking surroundings of this thriving city as they work out.
The hotel’s AC Library and AC Lounge areas invite guests to relax in chic surroundings, styled to create a sense of ease, comfort, and with an eye toward modern design, is ideal for a business meeting or connecting with friends over cocktails. The library at the AC Guadalajara features a selection of books curated by Nigel Barker for this property.
“AC Hotels’ commitment to creating meaningful experiences through every style element resonates with my work as a photographer and author, capturing and reframing significant moments in fashion and design with a fresh lens and perspective,” said Nigel Barker.
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in public spaces and guest rooms, ensuring that guests have speedy, reliable internet access while traveling on business or for pleasure. Seamless service is enhanced by Kallpods – wireless service buttons – that are located in the public and meeting spaces of the hotel, enabling guests to request a staff member’s attention immediately.
Guests of AC Hotels who are members of the Marriott Rewards loyalty program earn points during their stay, which may be redeemed for free weekend hotel stays, airline tickets, room upgrades, merchandise such as jewelry, furniture, accessories, ready-to-wear clothing, and much more.
