Brazil
Two AC by Marriott hotels debuted in Rio de Janeiro. The 225-room AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Porto Maravilha and the 378-room AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca are both inspired by the brand’s European roots with modern and sleek design. The AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Porto Maravilha features a rooftop pool with views of Christ the Redeemer atop Corcovado Mountain, Guanabara Bay and legendary Maracana Stadium, and the AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca also has a rooftop pool and deck with views of the city’s East Zone. The Barra da Tijuca property has an AC Lounge with local craft beers, specialty wines on tap, signature cocktails and a selection of tapas-style small bites as well as the AC Kitchen.
Both properties feature the brand’s AC Library, offering a space for meeting, socializing or relaxing, and Kallpods, wireless service buttons located in public and meeting spaces enabling guests to request a staff member’s attention immediately. The AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Barra da Tijuca offers 7,700 square feet of meeting space, nine meeting rooms and the capacity for 150 people, while the AC Hotel Rio de Janeiro Porto Maravilha has 3,400 square feet of meeting space, including five meeting rooms that can accommodate 100 people.
China
Hyatt Regency Xi’an opened in the capital city of the Shaanxi province in northwest China. The hotel features 298 guest rooms, many with private balconies and views of Qujiang Lake. The Presidential and Chairman’s suites each have a large grass terrace, a private outdoor pool and an in-room kitchen. The hotel’s design is inspired by the city’s history of the Tang Dynasty and the Silk Road with sculptures and modern interpretations of Chinese lanterns, paper cuttings and official seals. The hotel offers over 43,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 13,100-square-foot ballroom, a 4,600-square-foot salon and a standalone pavilion featuring nine rooms set around a central sky-lit atrium.
The Parisian Macao is scheduled to open mid-September. The Sands China Ltd. property will feature a half-scale authentic recreation of the Eiffel Tower, 3,000 guest rooms and resort amenities that include international restaurants, a waterpark, retail shops, a 1,200-seat theater and convention space. Its retail mall, Shoppes at Parisian, will create a setting reminiscent of the streets of Paris with an eclectic mix of street artists and entertainers. The resort will offer nearly 56,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 36,600-square-foot ballroom, five meeting rooms, a boardroom and outdoor venue options. There will also be an underground walkway connecting to the Cotai Expo and function space at The Venetian Macao.
India
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Karjat is now open. The 102-room new-build hotel offers 360-degree views of the Sahyadri Mountains and its design features Eastern themes with nods to Thai and Balinese architecture, along with Indian design elements. There are both indoor and outdoor venues for meetings and events, including the 18,000-square-foot lawn and a 10,000-square-foot pillar-less ballroom with a 500-person capacity. The Palm’s is the resort’s all-day dining restaurant while the Blu Lounge, with an outdoor deck, offers drinks and small bites. There is also a poolside bar, Olympic-sized swimming pool, children’s pool, fitness center and Escenza Spa.
Netherlands
The former Manhattan Hotel Rotterdam underwent extensive renovations and reopened as the Rotterdam Marriott Hotel. The 230-room hotel is across from Rotterdam Central Station and offers about 4,300 square feet of meeting space, including six meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 120 guests. In addition, groups have access to the De Doelen International Congress Centre, which can accommodate groups of up to 3,000. The on-site Pillars Bar & Restaurant has all-day dining, ranging from small snacks to multicourse meals.
United Kingdom
Scotland’s Hilton Edinburgh Carlton opened following a property-wide renovation. The hotel has 211 guest rooms and 3,600 square feet of function and conference space across seven meeting rooms. The 2,400-square-foot Highland Suite can accommodate 250 guests and offers panoramic views across the city, and natural light with high arch windows and ceilings. The hotel also offers tailored dining options for private events along with dedicated breakout spaces The hotel’s main dining venue, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill, features local produce and a classic dining menu.