Hotels are opening across the country. Here’s a look:
NewcrestImage, LaPour Partners JV Opens AC Hotel in Phoenix
The 199-room, 13-floor AC Hotel by Marriott at Arizona Center in Phoenix is a double first—it’s the first upscale select-service boutique hotel in the city’s downtown, and it’s also the first joint venture between Dallas-based NewcrestImage and Las Vegas-based LaPour Partners, according to the companies.
The AC Hotel in downtown Phoenix blends contemporary, minimalistic European design with the latest high-tech amenities, the companies report. In guestrooms, for example, “floating” furniture enables travelers to use space as suits their needs, while public areas feature dramatic locally commissioned artwork alongside finishes of wood and stone accented by chrome.
Amenities include a penthouse fitness center with multiple hydration stations; an outdoor patio with fireplaces and water features; and a lobby lounge offering tapas, crafted cocktails and a “porron” wine experience that uses a special Spanish glass pitcher so everyone can drink from the same container without touching it with their lips.
Also available at the hotel is almost 5,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, including a ballroom, two media salons and a boardroom.
The AC Hotel is part of Arizona Center, a million sq.-ft. mixed-use development of shopping, entertainment, dining and prime office space. Within walking distance are destinations such as the Phoenix Convention Center; the state capital complex; Phoenix Suns Arena; and Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Collaborating with NewcrestImage and LaPour Partners on the project were Phoenix-based Layton Construction as contractor; Axis GFA Architecture & Design in Los Angeles as architects; and Design Duncan Miller Ullman in Dallas as interior designers.
Noble Debuts Element by Westin Nashville West End Vanderbilt
Noble Investment Group has opened the new LEED-certified Element Nashville Vanderbilt West End.
The hotel’s 175 studio and one-bedroom suites have spa-inspired bathrooms, fully equipped in-room kitchens and Westin’s signature Heavenly Beds. The property also has Studio Commons, a unique rooming concept where guests have the option to share a kitchen and living area with family or friends with up to four private adjoining rooms. The property is operated by Aimbridge Hospitality.
The Element Nashville Vanderbilt West End has an all-natural saline rooftop pool and the Backyard Grill courtyard with mountain views, poolside seating and greenery. Guests can also get a workout in at the 24-hour Motion Fitness center with cardio machine and free weights or are welcomed to participate in Element’s Bikes to Borrow program, where you can borrow bicycles, free of charge, along with safety helmets. The property also has two onsite meeting and event venues with a combined 1,420 sq. ft. of space.
Fifth DC Area Cambria Hotel Opens
Cambria Hotels, an upscale brand franchised by Choice Hotels continues to expand in key markets across the country with the opening of its newest downtown location: the Cambria Hotel Washington D.C. Capitol Riverfront.
The nine-story, 154-room hotel is the brand’s fifth property in the greater Washington, DC area, among Cambria hotels in College Park, MD; Rockville, MD; Arundel Mills, MD; and in DC near the convention center. The hotel also marks the brand’s expansion in the DC and Maryland region, with six properties now open including in Ocean City.
The brand’s latest addition includes upscale amenities reflective of the surrounding neighborhood’s history and culture:
- Locally inspired design and decor: following a local resident’s suggestion, the cornice from the site’s original row house was salvaged and installed above the reception desk to honor the past, present and future of Southwest DC.
- Multi-purpose indoor and outdoor spaces for productive work or relaxation, including a 3,500-sq.-ft. terrace, overlooking the Capitol building and offering views of the DC skyline, as well as Perch SW, the property’s rooftop lounge opening in April featuring a local craft beer menu specially curated by the brand’s own certified cicerone.
- RowHouse, the hotel’s ground-level restaurant with American-style cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails.
- Guestrooms with views of the DC skyline, complete with design-forward fixtures and a subtle nod to DC street art.
- Spa-style bathrooms with Bluetooth mirrors.
- 2,500 sq. ft. of multi-function meeting spaces.
The Cambria Hotel Washington DC Capitol Riverfront was developed by Donohoe Development in collaboration with Koucar Management and architect and interior design firm BBGM Architects. The hotel is managed by Donohoe Hospitality Services.