AC Hotels brings European flair to Brazil with Porto Maravilha, Barra da Tijuca properties

Porto Maravilha - Rio de Janiero
1000 537 Daniel Fountain
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The highly-anticipated 225-room AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Porto Maravilha and the 378-room AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca, have opened their doors, inviting guests to experience Brazil’s newest class of lifestyle hotels.

AC Hotels by Marriott celebrates the beauty of classic modern design with its European soul and Spanish roots, borne from the signature vision of renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, who founded the brand in 1998. Marriott International formed a joint-venture with the successful brand in 2011 and has since launched AC Hotels by Marriott globally in France, Denmark, the United States, Mexico and now Brazil.

The two Rio openings debut the brand in Brazil following a successful launch in Latin America with openings in Guadalajara and Queretaro Antea, Mexico. Later this year, AC Hotels by Marriott is scheduled to expand its portfolio with hotels in Mexico City (Mexico), Panama City (Panama), and Santiago (Chile).

“We are thrilled to be bringing this new class of lifestyle hotel to two of Rio de Janeiro’s most dynamic neighborhoods – Porto Maravilha and Barra da Tijuca,” explains Toni Stoeckl, Vice President of Lifestyle Brands at 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.”

AC Hotels Porto Maravilha, Barra da Tijuca

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; experiences that elevate their stay and help them focus on what is important to them. AC Hotel 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 with locally inspired experiences for both guests and locals.

“Rio de Janeiro is certainly one of South America’s most vibrant cities with a thriving art scene and energetic urban culture,” said Tim Sheldon, President of the Caribbean and Latin America at Marriott International. “With the recent opening of the Museu do Amanhã and the investment by the private sector and government in Porto Maravilha, we feel the AC Hotels brand will fit perfectly with the neighborhood’s revival. The AC Hotel Barra da Tijuca is centrally located in Barra and an excellent destination for next-generation travelers expected to visit the 2016 Summer Games in August.”

Signature Design
AC Hotels by Marriott is designed for creative, entrepreneurial spirits who are constantly on the go and appreciate the oasis of a well-designed hotel that allows them to welcome moments of tranquility, be present and connect with others. Influenced by its European roots, the AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Porto Maravilha and the AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca showcase timeless design that is modern and sleek. Guest rooms incorporate inviting grays and charcoal tones, with clean lines accentuated by and wood floors; furniture is lifted off the floor to create a sense of space, and crisp white linens are used to create a look that is both refined and elegant.

achotels.marriott.com

Daniel Fountain / 01.08.2016

Editor, Hotel Designs

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

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Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher atSPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.
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