PROPERTY PROFILE An infinity pool spans the width of the hotel
SPANISH AT THE RECENT OPENING OF AC BY MARRIOTT MELBOURNE SOUTHBANK, GENERAL MANAGER HARRY SINGH SPOKE TO RUTH HOGAN ABOUT THE HALLMARKS OF THE EUROPEAN LIFESTYLE BRAND AS IT MAKES ITS DEBUT DOWN UNDER.
Triana Bar offers views of the city skyline
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ustralia’s very first AC Hotels by Marriott was introduced to the market in May with the opening of AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank. The 14th brand to enter Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio in Australia, AC by Marriott is a design-led lifestyle brand that originated in Spain in 2011 through a joint venture with renowned Spanish hotelier Antonio Catalan. The 205-room Southbank hotel is located near the South Wharf precinct – an area which is currently undergoing a major urban renewal project – and is owned by Melbourne-based mixed-use real estate developer and investment company Capital Alliance. AC Hotel by Marriott Melbourne Southbank General Manager, Harry Singh, said the hotel benefits from being the sole player in this district.
HM The Business of Accommodation
“We’ve got the best of both worlds,” Singh told HM. “We’ve got proximity (a three-minute-walk) to the Convention Centre, and we are 900 meters away from the South Melbourne market. The next hotel from here is in South Yarra, so we really want to own this area.”
MODERN MINIMALISM
Designed by DKO Architecture, the property features open and clutter-free layouts with sleek desks and open closets, reflecting the industrial warehouse style of South Melbourne. Modern classic finishes are used throughout including natural stone tiling, textured timber, metal details, layers of drapery and brass accents. Working in collaboration with DKO, Singh said the team has brought to life the core elements of the AC design philosophy – a hotel that has been thoughtfully designed for the lifestyle traveller. “Every detail of the experience is meticulously overthought to create a seamless stay,” Singh said. “The design approach to every space is optimal comfort and utility through to modern decor, with open layouts offering functional beauty without distraction. “The lifestyle traveller is looking for those really intuitive style spaces, and very intuitive service as well. The brand saying is, ‘We provide everything they need and nothing they don’t.’”
