Marriott International Inc. continues to expand its AC Hotels by Marriott brand, with three new properties in Valencia, Spain; Istanbul, Turkey; and Tel Aviv, Israel, bringing the total to 80 opened or signed hotels in Europe. The new additions exemplify the brand’s urban aesthetic with modern interiors and clean, crisp lines.AC Hotel Colón Valencia, Spain
The 91-room AC Hotel Colón Valencia, Spain, has opened as the brand’s second property in the city and sixtieth in Spain. Run under a management contract with AC Hotel La Carolina SL, the hotel is located in the commercial and financial district, surrounded by bars and restaurants, and a short distance from the bullring, medieval centre and the Carmen quarter, a lively tourist area.
The hotel boasts an AC Lounge & Bistro restaurant, three meeting rooms, Fitness Centre, business centre and a terrace. There are excellent public transport links to the airport, industrial suburbs and port, and the hotel is within walking distance of North Valencia rail station and just ten minutes by car from the Palacio de Congressos and fifteen minutes from the beach.
AC Hotel Istanbul Maçka, Turkey
AC Hotels by Marriott made its debut in Turkey with the opening of the 98-room AC Hotel Istanbul Maçka, operated under a franchise agreement with Tans Turizm ve Otelcilik A.S. In the upmarket Akaretler residential neighbourhood, one kilometre from Taksim Square, the property is located on the European side of the city, close to Maçka Park and the Istanbul Congress Centre, making it well placed for both leisure and corporate guests.
Facilities include an AC Lounge & Bistro restaurant, three meeting rooms, Fitness Centre, sauna and two treatment rooms; and The Market, which is open 24/7 and sells drinks, snacks and sundries such as toothpaste.
AC Hotel Herzliya, Israel
Still under construction and projected to open in January 2016, the AC Hotel Herzliya is in the central business district of Herzliya, a short drive from Tel Aviv, and adjacent to the Herzliya Business Park, which is home to multinational organisations such as Siemens and Microsoft. The property is also just metres away from Herzliya Marina and the beach.
Facilities include an AC Lounge with a sea view, Bistro restaurant, separate bar, lobby with library wall and 23m ceilings, outdoor pool and pool bar overlooking the beach, plus two meeting rooms (largest room, 250 people cabaret style).
The unique design concept created by Dana Oberson architects draws inspiration from the hotel’s location in Herzliya – a city that combines an urban business centre with marina and beach life. A combination of beige and blue, terrazzo and concrete flooring, iron, brass and wood elements create an urban marina atmosphere in the public spaces that continues through to the guest rooms. Interesting, hand-picked ornaments and furniture enrich the design and create a warm and eclectic feel throughout the hotel.
