Marriott Worldwide is ready to deliver its AC Lodges model to Queensland for the primary time following an in depth renovation of a Gold Coast resort.
Vibe Gold Coast, which was just lately acquired by KS Lodges and Resorts, is ready to bear a full renovation, commencing later this 12 months, earlier than opening as AC Resort Gold Coast in mid-2026.
On completion, the upscale life-style resort, positioned within the coronary heart of Surfers Paradise, will function 202 visitor rooms, an all-day eating restaurant, AC Retailer, AC Lounge and bar, swimming pool, gymnasium, and a 120-person assembly and occasions area.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate once more with KS Lodges and Resorts following their newest acquisition in Australia, and we’re excited to broaden our rising footprint on the Gold Coast,” mentioned Marriott Worldwide’s Vice President Resort Growth, Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific, Richard Crawford.
“It’s a market we all know exceptionally effectively, by way of our long-standing operation of two of the town’s highest-performing resorts,” Crawford mentioned, pointing to the success of JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa and Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast.
“Importantly, AC Resort Gold Coast will supply our loyal company, significantly our 228 million Marriott Bonvoy members, a brand new worth level and product providing,” he added.
Marriott has beforehand signed agreements to debut its world-renowned luxurious manufacturers, together with The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Lodges and Resorts, and The Luxurious Assortment manufacturers to the Gold Coast.
Marriott Worldwide Director Resort Growth, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Tristan Cooper, mentioned the Gold Coast is a key location for future progress.
“We anticipate having 50 motels open throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific by the tip of 2027, three of which will probably be within the Gold Coast – a significant progress location for our portfolio,” Cooper mentioned.
AC Resort Gold Coast would be the second AC Resort in Australia, following AC Resort Melbourne Southbank, which opened in 2022. The AC Lodges model portfolio presently contains 235 open properties globally with over 170 within the pipeline.
Catering to each enterprise and leisure travellers, the model goals to ship “elegant, purposeful” design with versatile areas and signature moments within the visitor expertise.
Crawford mentioned Marriott Worldwide is seeing rising curiosity from house owners trying to rebrand current motels and faucet into the hospitality group’s world attain.
“Near 40% of our world resort signings in 2024 throughout APEC had been current motels in search of to hitch our portfolio to maximise their aggressive benefits and future proof their success,” Crawford mentioned.
