NEW ORLEANS—Design DMU will be the interior designer for the $10-million renovation of the AC Brand Hotel by Marriott located here. Newcrest Image will rebrand the Cotton Exchange Hotel, founded in 1871, to the AC Brand Hotel by Marriott, the first location outside Europe.
“We are transforming a historic hotel into a new, hip and urban environment,” stated Mehul Patel, chairman and CEO of Newcrest Image. “Every detail, from the design to the service, will provide our guests with a memorable travel experience that is unique and authentic.”
Because the Cotton Exchange Building is a National Historic Landmark, the design will respect the building’s heritage while enhancing its look. “New Orleans is a vibrant destination that is ideal to help us establish the AC Hotels by Marriott experience on this side of the Atlantic,” stated Callette Nielsen, VP, AC Hotels by Marriott. “The historic building will have a wow factor in its own right, and we are thrilled to help launch the next exciting chapter of this unique hotel.”
AC Hotels by Marriott operates around 80 properties in Europe and is now expanding to the U.S. Marriott describes the European brand as design-centric, “inspired by the runways and fashion houses of Milan” with a “distinctly urban feel.”
The newly renovated hotel will include 200 guestrooms, meeting space, a rooftop pool and a library/business center. Renovations will begin by April 2014 and will conclude within six months. The hotel will remain open during renovations.