AC Hotels by Marriott opens its newest property in Naples, Fla. The three-story AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue consists of 150 modern guestrooms; an inviting lobby and ground-floor café; 2,500 square feet of event space; a fitness center; an outdoor rooftop pool; and Limón, a signature rooftop restaurant and bar with seating both indoors and out.
The hotel’s distinctive design marries European sophistication to the spirit of southwest Florida, with local artwork throughout. Drawing inspiration from the region’s bald cypress trees and lush greenery, the aesthetic exudes natural serenity within a light, airy atmosphere.
“The AC Hotels’ motto is to provide guests with everything they need—and nothing they don’t—and today’s travelers appreciate that,” GM Jacob Kucinski said in a statement. Kucinski heads up a leadership team that includes director of sales Kimberly Hilty and food & beverage director Douglas Gaquer. “Form balances perfectly with function here; the style is sleek and sophisticated, but there are so many practical comforts, too.”
The hotel’s public spaces showcase an eclectic group of local and regional artists, all of whom explore forms, colors and materials inspired by the Floridian landscape. LouAnn Wukitsch, for example, created “Reflect” from textured glass tiles in her studio near the burgeoning Glass Coast. “Beach Ball” by Naples’ own Kari LaOrden incorporates natural cork and salt wash. Also gracing the space are works by Sunshine State artists Steph Gimson, Lynda Fay Braun, Bonnie Keane and Brigitte Balbinot.
Working from her studio in Spain’s Balearic Islands, Karen Hain created “Sand Lines” with sand collected from Naples Beach for a uniquely local expression. Several wood sculptures throughout the hotel give voice to nature, while Carolina Sardi’s steel “Lemon” sculptures speak to the Amalfi coast, the inspiration behind Limón Rooftop Bar.
Located on the hotel’s third-story rooftop space, Limón features a Mediterranean menu with a modern twist.
“This is where favorite dishes meet updated flavors,” Gaquer said in a statement. “Our culinary focus is equal parts classic and contemporary, with an emphasis on Florida’s freshest ingredients.”
AC Hotel Naples was developed and will be managed by OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group. Project partners include MHK Architecture & Planning, architect; DLR Group, interior designer; DeAngelis Diamond, general contractor; and Kevin Barry Art Advisory, art curator.
The new hotel is the hospitality component of Naples Square, a mixed-use development master-planned by Wheelock Street Capital and The Ronto Group, which also includes nearly 300 luxury condominium units and a 350-seat performing arts complex. Located on a prominent corner of the city’s unofficial Main Street, AC Hotel Naples is surrounded by upscale restaurants, retailers and arts/entertainment venues such as Gulfshore Playhouse. Tin City and Bayfront are across the street, while Baker Park and the beaches of Naples are a short distance away.