Marriott International Inc. has announced it has signed an agreement with Melbourne-based property development company Capital Alliance to introduce the AC Hotels by Marriott®, brand to Australia.
The 200-room AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank hotel is expected to open in 2020 as part of a dynamic mixed-use development. The hotel marks Marriott International’s second major hotel deal with Capital Alliance, with Melbourne Marriott Hotel Docklands currently under construction, and underscores the hospitality company’s growth in Australia.
The AC Hotels brand was born from the vision of renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, who founded the brand in 1988 and grew it into one of the most successful and highly-regarded hotel brands in Spain. Following the brand’s success in Europe, a joint venture was formed with Marriott International in 2011 to launch AC Hotels by Marriott. Based on a belief that purposeful design can enrich lives, AC Hotels by Marriott celebrates classic modern design that is inspired by the urban locale and the brand’s Spanish roots.
“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Capital Alliance to bring a new lifestyle brand to Melbourne and Australia,” said Richard Crawford, Senior Director Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. “The AC Melbourne Southbank underscores the growing demand we’re seeing in Australia for premium lifestyle hotels that offer style and functional design, as well as authentic and memorable travel experiences connected to the location.”
The AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank will be located in The Normanby, a 40-storey mixed-use building that will feature high-end apartments, dining venues and shopping in the heart of Fishermans Bend, an up-and-coming neighbourhood near Melbourne’s city centre. Guest rooms will offer sweeping views of the city skyline and Yarra River.
True to the brand, the hotel will feature a range of collaborative spaces, including the AC Lounge, a modern co-working space for creative gatherings by day and a buzzing social hub offering European-style tapas by night. The hotel will also offer a range of leisure facilities, including an outdoor, infinity edge, swimming pool spanning the width of the building, a 24-hour fitness centre and three food and beverage outlets including the AC Lounge. Meeting and event organizers will be able to take advantage of 150 square meters of space designed to welcome groups of all sizes.
“The signing of AC Melbourne Southbank is a testament to Marriott International’s continued success in Australia, where we currently operate 18 hotels and have 17 in the pipeline,” said Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. “Across Australia, we’re seeing growing demand for lifestyle brands like AC Hotels by Marriott, so we are delighted that we’ve found the right location and the right partner to bring this brand to market.”
“We are really excited to team up with Marriott International to bring a new hotel to Fishermans Bend. We believe in the potential of this area, just as we believed in Melbourne Docklands, and it’s great that Marriott International shares our confidence. Just a stone’s throw from the city, Fishermans Bend is going to redefine inner suburban living and the AC Melbourne Southbank will attract sophisticated and discerning travelers to the area,” said Mohan Du, Founder and Chief Executive, Capital Alliance.
