“These two new UK hotels are a wonderful example of design, style and sophistication situated in revitalized thriving urban destinations – perfectly reflecting the AC Hotels brand ethos,” says Toni Stoeckl, Global VP, Lifestyle Brands, Marriott International. “They support our commitment to driving growth for our lifestyle brands in Europe and respond to a continued demand from discerning travellers seeking hotels with thoughtful, modern design that calms and enriches the guest experience.”

Each hotel blends European style and simple lines to create a sophisticated and contemporary ambience for guests. The spacious bedrooms feature furnishings and décor in neutral tones of warm greys and charcoals complemented by sleek design furniture, open closets and hardwood floors. Furniture appears to be lifted from the ground to create a sense of space, and crisp white linens are used to craft a look that is both refined and elegant.  A seamless check-in experience is created through Marriott’s mobile check-in and check-out service, and guests can make full use of USB charging stations and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

AC Hotel Manchester Salford Quays

The 142-room AC Hotel Manchester Salford Quays occupies a prime spot in the heart of the vibrant regenerated Salford Quays district. The cutting edge innovation of MediaCityUK, the rich sporting history of Old Trafford Football Stadium and the diverse cultural offering of Lowry Theatre are all just a few minutes’ walk.

AC Hotel Birmingham City Centre

The 90-room AC Hotel Birmingham City Centre is situated at The Mailbox, the former Royal Mail sorting office, which has been repurposed into an exclusive shopping area with stylish stores, restaurants, cafes and bars. Leisure guests will enjoy the hotel’s easy access to the city’s major attractions, including the National Indoor Arena, Barber Institute of Fine Arts with views over the city while business visitors will benefit from the hotel’s prime location by the International Convention Centre.

Both hotels offer the signature AC Lounge, a creative hotspot by day and social hub by night that serves local craft beers, specialty wines, expertly made signature cocktails and a selection of tapas-style small bites. The AC Library, a quiet space lined with interesting and ever-evolving reading material tucked away from the buzz, is another social space for guests to use and provides the perfect location to relax or hold an intimate meeting.

Meetings and events are expertly catered for at AC Hotels by Marriott. In Manchester guests can choose between three fully flexible meeting rooms that cater for up to 100 people.

AC Hotels was born from the vision of renowned hotelier Antonio Catalan, who founded the brand in 1998 and grew it into one of the most well-respected hotel brands in Spain. Following its success in Europe, a joint venture was formed with Marriott International in 2011, which launched AC Hotels by Marriott globally into France, Turkey, Italy, Portugal, Denmark and the U.S.

Based on a belief that purposeful design can enrich lives, AC Hotels by Marriott celebrates classic modern design that is inspired by the urban locale and the brand’s Spanish roots. The brand’s design ethos carves away all that is unnecessary in order to provide guests with thoughtfully designed experiences to help them focus on what is important to them.

AC Hotels by Marriott guests who are enrolled in the award-winning Marriott Rewards loyalty programme are able to earn points during their hotel stays that can be redeemed for holidays, flights, hotel rooms and merchandise, including jewelry, home furnishings, fashion and more.

AC Hotels Birmingham City and AC Hotel Manchester Salford Quays are two of more than 22 AC hotels expected to open globally this year.