AC Hotel Washington, DC Convention Center, the third AC Hotels by Marriott to open in the capital region, offers the brand’s intuitive and timeless European-inspired travel experience.
“Our goal was to create a timeless and stylish urban hotel for the business traveler that reflects the AC brand standard,” explained Rodrigo Vargas, principal, RVD Associates. “The AC brand originated in Spain so we took inspiration from our recent travels throughout Spain visiting furniture manufacturers. ”
Conveniently situated in the heart of DC’s bustling Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood, this architecturally stunning hotel is located at 601 K St. NW, just steps from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and just a few blocks from both CityCenterDC and Capital One Arena. Built by DC-based Douglas Development, the hotel aims to interpret the AC brand’s spirit in a distinct way by emphasizing its unique urban location. Locals and travelers alike will enjoy the convenience of this thriving DC business district that embraces the city’s diverse culinary offerings, its diplomatic outposts and its vibrant arts & culture scene.
Central to the AC brand’s purposeful and classic modern design, the AC Hotel Washington, DC Convention Center features 13 stories of 234 sleek guestrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and cityscape views that stretch from the Capitol dome across downtown.
“We implemented a layered palette of natural colors and textures including teak millwork, hand-made plaster wallcovering at the columns, slate veneer on the fireplace, bronze metal and natural marble with antique mirror at the bar. The terrazzo floors mimic the rhythm of the ceiling, and the custom glass mosaic floor at the bar is a version of the area rugs at the library and fireplace,” Vargas said.
The guestrooms which are offered in a variety of configurations such as double queen, king and double king, are styled to maximize a sense of openness with plenty of space to unpack and unwind. Additional amenities include the tech-forward AC Media Lounge, the sundry style AC Store with AC branded signature offerings, the spacious 24-hour fitness center, rejuvenating Korres Greek apothecary bath products and free WiFi.
“It’s hard to choose a singular ‘wow’ moment in this property because we used these elements to define activities in what is basically one long rectangle,” Vargas said. “The textile art by Mary Little with the Vibia chandelier above defines the entry experience. Petrified wood-look tile highlights reception. Sculptural shelves with books on art and travel intermingle with translucent smoked glass vessels create the library, the mosaic floor and stone fireplace identify lounge and dining activity.”
Guests will have access to the AC Brand’s signature spaces including the AC Kitchen, AC Library and AC Lounge. The AC Kitchen, led by Chef Gene Sohn, offers European-style breakfast with French croissants, artisan Berkel-sliced Prosciutto di Parma and other cured meats as well as a Torrefazione Italian coffee bar. The AC Kitchen is designed to easily transform from breakfast service to a chic, open and comfortable ambiance ideal for working and socializing. The AC Lounge extends the hotel’s European comfort through swanky Spanish tapas and a curated drink menu, featuring the brand’s signature Gin+Tonic cocktail.
“We used decorative interior architectural elements to define the different activities that happen in an AC Lobby. These spaces also transition seamlessly from day to night,” Vargas said.
Unique to the brand’s Convention Center location is the hotel’s penthouse-style Estrella Lounge, an unparalleled indoor/outdoor rooftop designed by Grizform Design Architects. This posh destination features an effervescent theme that balances all things lively, sparkling and high-spirited through its design elements and finishes. Sweeping city backdrops set the stage for must-see weekly Jazz performances for locals and guests to enjoy.
