Miami-based real estate investment and development company Key International began development on an AC Hotel by Marriott in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The property, which was acquired in 2016 as three adjoining land parcels that span more than a half-acre, will consist of 171 guestrooms spread across 10 stories.
The AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach is situated directly abutting the area’s most popular tourist thoroughfare, Florida State Road A1A. According to the most recent report from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, direct travel spending in the city increased 7.1 percent in 2017, surpassing $7.6 billion.
“We are always exploring flourishing coastal markets with growth opportunities, and now is the ideal time to bring an in-demand hotel brand steps from Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront,” Diego Ardid, co-president of Key International, said in a statement. “The city’s tourism sector is robust, with new development in the hospitality, residential and retail sectors surrounding the property. This activity further boosts momentum for this AC Hotel by Marriott, which is the design- and social-centric hotel destination the area has been seeking.”
Key International chose the European-inspired select-service brand due to its appeal to today’s modern traveler seeking experience-driven accommodations. In addition to Fort Lauderdale Beach’s area offerings, such as water sports, shops, restaurants and entertainment, the hotel will offer ocean views, a lounge for predinner cocktails, an open kitchen for European-style breakfast and specialty culinary events, a library catering to those working on-the-go and 1,000 square feet of meeting space. The interiors and layout of each amenity area are intended to parallel the modern design found in some of South Florida’s latest luxury condominium projects. The outdoor level will be home to a resort-style pool with cabanas and dining services.
The AC Hotel joins Key International’s hotel and resort portfolio throughout the Southeast U.S. and in Spain. This includes the recently opened Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort, a dual-branded Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites in Clearwater Beach, the Marriott Stanton South Beach Resort and the Eden Roc Resort Miami Beach, all in Florida.