CHICAGO—The AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, will open its doors to guests in the heart of Chicago’s River North neighborhood on May 29. Located on the corner of Rush and Ontario, the AC Hotels by Marriott brand’s first property in Illinois, is part of a new breed of lifestyle hotels targeting millennial and business travelers.
Following its success in Spain, Italy and Portugal, a joint venture was formed with Marriott International in 2011, which later launched AC Hotels by Marriott globally into France, Denmark, and the US.
“Chicago is such a vibrant city with an active arts scene and energetic urban culture,” said Toni Stoekl, vice president lifestyle brands, Marriott International. “Located in the heart of the shopping district and within walking distance to the city’s main tourist attractions, AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is situated perfectly for millennial travelers looking to experience everything the city has to offer.”
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Marriott to bring a new lifestyle hotel to Chicago,” said Joe Khairallah, chief operating officer of Marcus Hotels. “At Marcus, we manage a wide variety of properties ranging from city center meeting hotels to upscale resorts. We’re so excited to collaborate with Marriott to bring the AC Hotel to Chicago.”
A signature element of the hotel includes an innovative beverage and food program within its AC Lounge. A twist on the traditional hotel bar, the experience includes local craft beers, specialty wines on tap, signature cocktails, and a selection of tapas-style small bites.
Located adjacent to the AC Lounge, the AC Kitchen serves a European-inspired Continental breakfast selection of flaky croissants, freshly-sliced artisanal LaQuercia Prosciutto, savory egg tarts, and Nespresso coffee.
With its minimalist room design, the AC Hotels by Marriott brand is tailored to specifically appeal to millennials. Taking influence from its European roots, the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown uses muted colors and a monochromatic scheme throughout, showcasing a timeless design that is modern and sleek. Guest rooms incorporate warm grays and charcoal tones, with clean lines and hardwood floors; furniture is lifted to create a sense of space, and crisp white linens are used to create a look that’s both refined and elegant.
Designed by the international hospitality consultancy headquartered in Chicago, The Gettys Group, AC Hotel Chicago provides an energetic vibe in the hotel while still encouraging exploration of the city beyond the hotel walls.
The eight story hotel also offers outdoor terraces with views of the city, a fifth floor outdoor patio and indoor pool, along with a state of the art fitness center. The AC Library is a central work area for guests to use and be both connected and inspired. Additional amenities include secure on-site parking, 3,000 square-feet of meeting space, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
The new lifestyle hotel is AC Hotels by Marriott’s fourth property in North America following the brand’s debut in New Orleans, Kansas City, and Washington D.C, and is part of a growing portfolio of over 50 hotels expected to open in the next few years in the U.S. and Latin America.
