Two well-known hotel owners, AC Hotels and Marriott International Inc., have announced they are going to make a joint venture. All hotels in Europe and Latin America in the property of both organizations will be managed by the newly formed AC by Marriott brand. All formalizing is planned to be finished in the end of 2010.
Currently AC Hotels owns 90+ hotels in Spain, Portugal and Italy. All hotels are subject to rebranding as AC by Marriott. This will also concern long-term strategy and market positioning. However, the property status of these hotels won’t be changed as AC Hotels affiliates continue holding ownership rights.
AC Hotels is known as the leading hotel owner in Spain that offers quality, mostly 4-star, service for both leisure and business travelers. After the rebranding “AC Hotels” will be included into Marriott’s sales platform and distribution. They will be as well included into the Marriott loyalty program. Representatives from both sides hope such partnership between the two organizations will create an efficient platform for mutual development. The head of this joint venture will be Antonio Catalán – AC Hotels founder.