AC Hotel Brand by Marriott
AC Hotel brand is a sophisticated hotel designed for business travelers.
If I must to stay at a large brand hotel chain, the AC Hotel Brand by Marriott is a favorite. Why? They design their rooms with open layouts, minimal clutter, and easy access to necessities like outlets and a shower control on the opposite side of the shower head (did you know this was a thing?) In my experience, they often have a rooftop bar— not always, but often. I love rooftop bars. I want to enjoy a nice cocktail with a view when I’m away from home on business.
Not all AC Hotel rooms are exactly the same, although they can be very similar. I like knowing what to expect to some degree, but I appreciate that they may have slight differences. The anticipation of that difference is nice. AC Hotels have a degree of sophistication, without the loud and edgy vibe of some hipster hotels. They are beautiful and sophisticated. AC Hotels feel more like they are designed for business professionals, both young and old, rather than for families or young adults out to party. I often see men and women in the lobby or lounge with their laptops open, deeply in concentration.
AC Hotels was founded by Antonio Catalan with hotels in Spain and Italy, which is where the “AC” in the name comes from. Marriott played a key role in introducing the brand to the United States. The first AC Hotels location opened in Kansas City in 2015, and now there are over 150 hotels across the country.
Here are some AC hotels I have visited and what I liked about them.
1) AC Hotel Los Angeles South Bay
2130 E Maple Ave, El Segundo, CA 90245
Location
I picked this hotel because it’s just a couple of blocks from the airport. It made catching an early flight easy and I didn’t have to deal with LA traffic. There’s an airport shuttle available for a fee that takes about 10 minutes to get to the terminals. Plus, if you’re driving, there are convenient parking options at the hotel.
The Rooftop
The Flora Rooftop Restaurant and Bar was a great place to unwind at the end of the day. I sat by the fire table, enjoyed some small bites, and had a craft cocktail. The drink menu features a range of craft cocktails and small plates. I went for the Flora Charcuterie Board.
The Room
AC Hotel rooms have a reputation for sleek, minimal European design. You’ll never go wrong with one of their rooms, with bright lighting in the bathroom, cozy bedding, clean, smooth flooring, and tons of outlets and spots to plug in, perfect for today’s business traveler.
2) AC Hotel Downtown Los Angeles
1260 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Location
If you’re going to a conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center, this hotel is a solid choice. It’s right across the street, so you can walk there easily. Nearby, you can explore the Grammy Museum, just a 2-minute walk away, and catch a game or concert at the Crypto.com Arena.
The Rooftop
There are plenty of food options at the hotel, so you’ll always find something to eat. One standout choice is the La Lo La Rooftop on the 34th floor, where the views of Los Angeles are amazing. It was a perfect stop to perch after a long day at the Convention Center. They let us order a simple glass of wine before they officially opened.
3) AC Hotel Orlando Downtown
333 South Garland Avenue, Orlando, Florida, USA, 32801
Is there something that blew me away?
The AC Sky Bar, situated off the lobby on the 18th floor, offered a breathtaking view of downtown Orlando, allowing me to see for miles and even catch a glimpse of the fireworks from the Disney parks.
Were there food options?
Yes, the AC Sky Bar offers a full menu, wine, and cocktails and is open for lunch and dinner.
The AC Kitchen serves breakfast in the lobby in the morning. I didn’t have breakfast there.
The AC Lounge offers lunch and dinner.
How are the rooms?
They are elegant with a hint of European design. Sleek and simple, clean and crisp. The beds are perfect, the bathrooms bright. They always have a desk to work at, which is convenient for business travelers like me.
4) AC Hotel Charlotte SouthPark
1824 Roxborough Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211
What stood out?
I was impressed by the spacious suite, featuring a separate sitting room, a bedroom with its doors for privacy, and two bathrooms.
Yes, the rooftop bar, Cordial, has a large patio. It also offers indoor seating more intimate seating along the edges of the interior, providing cover from any rain.
How was the location?
It was in a quiet area, 6 miles from the center of Charlotte. The hotel offers bicycles to guests for exploring the area.
OVERALL
If you’ve been following me for some time, you know that I love a good, unique hotel. Even though AC Hotels by Marriott is a large brand with many hotels across various cities, they maintain a common standard. However, they are different and sophisticated enough for me to like them, especially for the amenities they offer business travelers.
To see more of my favorite hotels, check out Best Boutique Hotels in the US and The Grand Beacon Hotel in San Francisco.
