New AC Hotel Miami Beach Taps Next Gen Style and Creativity

MIAMI and BETHESDA, Md., June 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night, Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) officially opened the AC Hotel Miami Beach, with an evening of art, design and architecture hosted by Nigel Barker, celebrated fashion photographer, New York Times Best-Selling author and TV personality, and Rem D. Koolhaas, co-founder and creative director of the architectural footwear brand United Nude. The opening of AC Hotel Miami Beach furthers the AC brand's U.S. expansion in the lifestyle space, catering to the creativity and passions of travelers with a millennial mindset.

Dropbox link to event images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ovmv5ko2n521fdo/AABSCK0xGsdvTV6Q42qgmarba?dl=0

Guests and influencers were immersed in an intimate evening of curated art and design moments, including a moderated panel discussion about travel and style for next gen creatives and entrepreneurs, presented by independent travel and culture publication Boat Magazine.

This discussion marked the official kickoff to AC's Beautiful Moments initiative, showcasing AC Hotel Miami Beach's sophisticated spaces as a canvas and forum designed to engage and inspire partnerships and collaborations with entrepreneurial companies and individuals. Influencers in attendance included hosts Nigel Barker and Rem D. Koolhaas; Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) Interim Director Leann Standish; artist, photographer and director Andrea Sisson; Slow Watches co-founder Chris Noerskau; and Jane Wooldridge, the business editor/visual arts editor of The Miami Herald Media Company.

"Like AC Hotels, our partners deliver affordable, well-designed products with a European cachet that appeals to our guests," said Toni Stoeckl, VP of Lifestyle Brands, Marriott International. "Each partner has crafted their own sense of style that reflects our shared audience of global travelers and entrepreneurs with busy lifestyles and an inspired mindset."

AC Hotel Miami Beach is designed for those creative, well-traveled, entrepreneurial spirits who are constantly on the go and who appreciate the oasis of a well-designed hotel that allows them to welcome moments of tranquility, be present and connect with others. Everything at AC Hotels by Marriott is created with intention. It edits away what is unnecessary in order to provide guests with thoughtfully designed moments of elegance that elevate their stay. The brand's style features clean, simple and crisp lines, marrying sophisticated European style with a distinctly modern feel. 

"I'm delighted to participate in the opening of the AC Hotel Miami Beach. The brand's 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 Barker.

Koolhaas added, "I was drawn by AC Hotel's commitment to making discerning architecture and design affordable and accessible for creatives and entrepreneurs around the world. United Nude translates formal principles of architecture into a shoe collection with clean, modern designs and universal appeal. Partnering with a pop-up shop at AC Hotel Miami Beach is a natural fit, and we are thrilled to unveil our collection in Miami for the first time at this flagship hotel."

Guests were treated to a United Nude and Slow Watches pop-up shop on property, featuring the brands' new product launches. United Nude showcased its latest architectural styles for summer, including its much-buzzed about designer collaboration pair by internationally renowned architect Dame Zaha Hadid, which incorporates 3D printing technology in one of a kind high heel footwear. Slow Watches also officially unveiled its Swiss-made product in the U.S.

"Slow Watches are designed with a unique 24-hour dial that displays the entire day at a glance, to allow people to measure and appreciate each moment, instead of focusing on seconds or minutes of time. We are delighted to have debuted our watch collection in the U.S. at the opening of AC Hotel Miami Beach. Our brands are closely aligned with a shared vision of modern, cosmopolitan style, and the opportunity for real inspiration when you slow down, take time to relax and truly seize every moment of the day," explained Chris Noerskau, the co-founder of Slow Watches.

AC Hotel Miami Beach owner Robert Finvarb, of Robert Finvarb Companies, presented a promised gift of the work of Chuck Ramirez to PAMM Interim Director Leann Standish. As an extension of the property's contemporary art collection, which is curated by Miami gallerist Dina Mitrani, the work by Ramirez from his Lost and Found series, will be shown in the hotel and later become part of the PAMM collection. Additional pieces from Ramirez's series, along with other artists' work including those of Miami-based Michelle Weinberg, are permanently on view in the hotel for guests and patrons to enjoy.

The occasion also marked the debut of the AC Lounge's signature Beverage and Food program. AC Hotel Miami Beach partnered with local spirits guru Jennifer Massolo, the founder of The Liquid Projects, to design the innovative beverage, food and lifestyle program. Wines from Rioja were poured throughout the evening, in a nod to the brand's Spanish roots. Guests also enjoyed signature menu items including craft cocktails and the finest local and international spirits, as well as AC's signature gin and tonic selection. Tapas-style dishes featuring select local ingredients by regional artisans, such as Miami Smokers rounded out the night's menu.

Designed by Miami-based Kobi Karp Architecture, AC Hotel Miami Beach features the brand's signature open-concept spaces outfitted with modern furnishings and decor, and thoughtfully selected modern artifacts and treasures. The seven-story hotel includes communal spaces that offer state-of-the-art technology and complimentary WIFI for guests and locals to work, connect, explore and socialize.

In the AC Library, hotel guests and locals can enjoy a quiet read. The AC Library features a curated collection of Nigel Barker's favorite books, including his latest NY Times best selling book, Models Of Influence, available to guests and visitors in a soothing environment.

A destination for hobnobbing, the vibrant rooftop pool with ocean views serves as the focal point of the hotel, inviting guests and locals to unwind and enjoy a cocktail or snack.

The guest rooms are designed to provide an oasis of modern design, with sleek furnishings, open closet system and hardwood floors.

The AC Kitchen is open daily for breakfast, offering sweet and savory tarts, freshly baked croissants and a selection of artisan cured meats and cheeses.

On-site parking, a fitness center and 270 sq. ft. of meeting space round out the hotels offerings.

Located at 2912 Collins Avenue, the 150-room hotel was developed in partnership with Miami's Robert Finvarb Companies. This is the brand's flagship property in the U.S. and the first in Florida. To learn more about AC Hotels by Marriott or to book your inspired experience at AC Hotel Miami Beach, please visit www.ac-hotels.com.

AC Hotels by Marriott
AC Hotels by Marriott is a lifestyle brand within the Marriott International global portfolio of 19 brands. AC Hotels currently offers a portfolio of more than 75 select service hotels throughout Spain, Italy, Portugal, Denmark and France, along with Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Kansas City and Chicago in the United States. Growth plans for the brand include the opening of its next North American location in Boston this year, as well as more than 50 additional hotels set to open within the next three years throughout the U.S. and Latin America.

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Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

NOTE: The statements about the expected future growth of AC Hotels by Marriott are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of federal securities laws, not historical facts, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including supply and demand changes for hotel rooms; competitive conditions in the lodging industry; relationships with clients and property owners; the availability of capital to finance hotel growth; and other risk factors identified in Marriott International, Inc.'s most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q; any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by our statements. These statements are made as of the date of this press release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ac-hotels.com