The AC stands for Antonio Catalan, President of AC Hotels. “It's great that New Orleans is getting the first one. We are very excited. You really couldn't pick a better city for a European inspired hotel,” Melisa Kennedy, General Manager of AC Hotel, said.

In the context of the Marriott International portfolio, "AC" stands for the initials of the brand's founder, Antonio Catalán. Originally established in Spain in 1998 as AC Hoteles, the brand was built on Catalán’s vision of "European Soul" and modern, minimalist elegance. In 2011, Marriott formed a joint venture with the Spanish company to bring the brand to a global audience, officially renaming it AC Hotels by Marriott. The brand is positioned as a "lifestyle" hotel geared toward the "creative class" and business travelers who appreciate sleek, functional design and a sophisticated atmosphere. Key features of the brand include the AC Lounge, which focuses on craft cocktails and tapas, and the "AC Library," a quiet space for reflection or work. Every detail, from the signature scent to the lack of "clutter" in the guest rooms, is intended to reflect Catalán’s original commitment to purposeful, stylish hospitality. Today, with hundreds of locations worldwide, the "AC" name continues to represent its Spanish heritage and a refined, urban aesthetic that distinguishes it from more traditional hotel chains.