AC Hotels By Marriott® Joins Forces With Startup Grind To Inspire And Connect Next-Gen Entrepreneurs

BETHESDA, Md., June 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AC Hotels by Marriott^®, the modern, design-driven, lifestyle brand from Marriott International, Inc., today announces a trailblazing partnership with Startup Grind, the global startup community, to educate, inspire and connect likeminded entrepreneurs. AC Hotels by Marriott has joined forces with Startup Grind to provide today's entrepreneurs with inspirational places to work, preferred pricing and access to media salons and meetings spaces, as well as a complimentary craft cocktail, etc. in a curated environment alongside likeminded individuals.

Startup Grind, the largest independent startup community in the world, actively educates, inspires and connects 800,000 founders in over 200 cities. The innovative company nurtures startup ecosystems in those cities through monthly events, media and partnerships.

During the Startup Grind Europe Conference in London on June 15, 2016 Nigel Barker, celebrated fashion photographer, New York Times best-selling author, TV personality and newly appointed AC Hotels global ambassador, provided his insight on growing a global brand during a fireside chat on the main stage.

"Our partnership gives Startup Grind members access to inspired spaces to collaborate in while providing our guests opportunities to connect with creative thinkers and local entrepreneurs when staying at AC Hotels by Marriott," says Dan Vinh, Vice President Marketing, AC Hotels, Marriott International. "AC Hotels is a new breed of lifestyle hotels created for the next-generation entrepreneurial traveler, collaborating with a pioneering brand like Startup Grind is yet another way of supporting successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share our passion for innovation on a global scale."

"We chose to collaborate with AC Hotels as both of our cultures nurture innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity," said Derek Andersen, Founder and CEO, Startup Grind. "Startup Grind inspires and connects entrepreneurs in more than 200 cities, and our relationship with AC Hotels provides a global footprint for our members to have access to beautifully designed spaces, perfect for co-working, networking or hosting frictionless meetings."

Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered for Startup Grind members to work, connect, explore and socialize. When a private meeting area is needed, members can book a variety of spaces, which range in size and are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology, with preferred pricing. To facilitate frictionless service, "Kallpods" – wireless service buttons – are provided in the public and meetings spaces to enable guests to immediately engage with a staff member.

AC Hotels by Marriott recently announced plans for 22 new design-led hotels slated to open in 2016, in destinations including the United States, United Kingdom, Latin America and Europe. AC Hotels celebrates the beauty of classic modern designs with its European soul and Spanish roots. Each hotel is designed for those creative, well-traveled, entrepreneurial spirits who are constantly on the go and who appreciate the oasis of a well-designed hotel that allows them to welcome moments of tranquility, be present and connect with others. Each AC Hotel is designed to reflect the uniqueness and character of its urban location.

The AC Lobby features the brand's signature open-concept spaces and includes a thoughtfully selected collection of inviting furnishings, modern designs and textures that evoke the feeling of a well-curated art gallery. Ambient lighting and cozy seating in the AC Library and Lounge areas invites travelers to relax in chic surroundings, while also creating an effortless space in which to conduct a business meeting or connect with friends over cocktails. The AC Library provides a quiet space to linger and peruse the selection of inspiring titles that line the shelves, ranging from modern art to design. Each AC Library features a rotating selection of specially chosen reads by guest curators. Currently, Nigel Barker's handpicked reading list is offered at select AC Hotels. A twist on the traditional hotel bar, the AC Lounge experience includes offerings of local craft beers, specialty wines, expertly made signature cocktails and a selection of tapas-style small bites.

AC Hotels by Marriott
AC Hotels by Marriott is a lifestyle brand within the Marriott International global portfolio of 19 brands. The brand currently offers a portfolio of more than 90 hotels in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Denmark, Turkey, France, Mexico and the United States. Growth plans include more than 60 hotels set to open within the next three years throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa. AC Hotels by Marriott debuted its first U.S. location in November 2014 in the iconic Cotton Exchange Building in New Orleans, followed by AC Kansas City in March 2015, AC Hotel Washington D.C. at National Harbor in April 2015, AC Chicago in May 2015 and AC Hotel Miami Beach in June 2015. For more information, visit http://achotels.marriott.com.

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About Marriott International Luxury + Lifestyle Brands
Marriott International's luxury and lifestyle brand portfolio includes The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, EDITION Hotels, BVLGARI Hotels & Resorts, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Autograph Collection, Renaissance Hotels, AC Hotels and Moxy Hotels – totaling over 550 properties worldwide. By the end of 2016, the portfolio is expected to grow to 650 hotels with new locations in Geneva, Switzerland; Paris, France; Guadalajara, Mexico; Panama City, Panama; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; Santa Fe, Argentina; and Sanya, China. Marriott's Luxury and Lifestyle portfolio also accounts for approximately 28 percent of Marriott's system-wide development pipeline. Future plans call for more than 250 additional luxury and lifestyle hotel projects over the next several years.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with nearly 4,500 properties in 87 countries and territories.  Marriott International reported revenues of more than $14 billion in fiscal year 2015. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and Moxy Hotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together comprise nearly 56 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

About Startup Grind:
Startup Grind is a global community of entrepreneurs and investors dedicated to educating, inspiring, and connecting entrepreneurs worldwide. We nurture startup ecosystems in over 200 cities across 80 countries with monthly events featuring successful founders, innovators, and investors who share personal stories and strategies learned while building great companies. Founded in Silicon Valley, Startup Grind has hosted over 2,500 fireside chats since 2010 and each year, we host a mix of Global and Regional Conferences worldwide. Learn more at StartupGrind.com.

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