Marriott launches another hotel brand: AC by Marriott

by Melanie Nayer on

Marriott is entering into an agreement with Spanish hotel group AC Hotels, chaired by Antonio Catalan, to form a new brand of hotels across Europe and Latin America called “AC by Marriott.”

According to the press release: “AC by Marriott will incorporate the concept and business model of AC Hotels’ urban-style four-star hotel product, characterized by a unique blend of quality, comfort, design and technology, with Marriott International’s global systems, distribution, and sales platforms, particularly Marriott Rewards.”

That’s right – this means if you’re a Marriott rewards member, you have yet another option for earning and redeeming points! The new hotel brand will allow Marriott’s customers access under the Marriott Rewards program and enable AC’s guests to earn Marriott Rewards points for travel at Marriott branded hotels around the world.

The new brand of hotels is not to be confused with Marriott’s other “AC” – the Autograph Collection. The “AC by Marriott” stands for Antonio Catalan, whose hotel group currently manages over 90 hotels in Spain, Italy and Portugal. The hotels anticipate closing the deal before the end of 2010, which means you can start booking rooms for stays in 2011.

The James Hotel opens in SoHo

by McLean Robbins on

Long beloved by residents of the Windy City, The James Hotel brings its unique blend of residential cool to SoHo with the opening of its first New York City property. Anchoring the southwest corner of Soho at Grand and Thompson Streets, The James is currently accepting reservations at its 114 guestrooms and suites.

“The stylish and culturally rich neighborhood of Soho is the ideal home for The James New York,” said Brooke Barrett, co-CEO of Denihan Hospitality Group, owners and operators of The James brand.

In homage to the creative neighborhood it calls home, The James New York will feature a mix of local and international artists, both prominent and up-and-coming. In an effort to be both child and pet-friendly, the hotel will offer both pajama sets and Paul Frank coloring sheets. Dog beds and doggy bowls will be provided by Soho-based pet retail shop Doggystyle, along with a specially-created amenity treat bag.

Additional guest perks include amenities from Intelligent Nutrients, a certified organic, food-based, natural beauty line and audio technology from Bowers & Wilkins, including Zeppelin iPod docking stations and iPads loaded with customized local shopping and dining guides as well as complimentary bicycles courtesy of Public Bikes or use of the hotel’s Lexus RX 400 hybrid vehicle.

The hotel was designed by the Office for Design and Architecture (ODA) in collaboration with Perkins Eastman and custom interiors by Amanda Sullivan with The James Design team.

In conjunction with the opening, the hotel is offering introductory rates, beginning at starting from $349 and including in-room breakfast.

To make a reservation, visit www.jameshotels.com.

Image: Courtesy of James Hotels