GLASGOW’S new 245-room AC Hotel by Marriott has opened its doors today (November 13th).
The new George Street hotel is a key element of the £100 million Love Loan development which is transforming an entire block, just off the city’s iconic George Square, into a leisure and residential neighbourhood that will, when complete, include bars, restaurants, health and well-being facilities, and Scotland’s first Soho House private members club.
AC Hotels, one of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 brands, includes over 225 hotels in 32 countries and territories, built around what the company describes as ‘purposefully designed signature spaces that strike the perfect balance of form and function’.
The creation of Glasgow’s AC has involved the restoration of the 120-year-old Grade A listed, Victorian former city Parish Halls into 22 ‘heritage’ suites with reinstated period features.
This distinctive building includes a sweeping stone staircase, period cornicing, a glass ceiling dome, and a stained-glass window depicting Glasgow’s famous coat of arms inspired by the legend of St Mungo.
The heritage part of the project is integrated with a contemporary building designed by Hoskins Architects, which fills an 80-year-old empty site on the corner of George Street and John Street, and offers panoramic views from upper floors across the city centre to the east and west including over George Square.
At the heart of the hotel is the AC Lounge, described as a multi-functional space designed in AC Hotel’s signature ‘purposeful, simplistic, and elegant’ style, including seating areas, and a bar where guests and visitors can enjoy drinks, light bites, and food.
Neighbouring the AC Lounge is Hazel, a stylish new 100-seater restaurant for guests and the general public led by French Head Chef Eric Avenier. Named after the famous tree that features in the legend of St Mungo, Hazel offers fresh plates influenced by Mediterranean flair, created using only the very best Scottish ingredients, over breakfast, lunch and dinner. An express lunch menu will also be available to cater for shoppers as well as office workers returning to the city centre.
The four-star hotel also includes the AC Library, a self-service business centre, space for collaboration, and AC Fitness, a 24/7 gym with state-of-the-art equipment, yoga facilities, and free weights.
General Manager of the new hotel, Craig Munro, said: “This is a special day for all involved in bringing the AC Hotel Glasgow to life. The embodiment of AC Hotels’ ‘perfectly precise hotel’ mantra, its perfect marriage of heritage, history, and contemporary style adds a new dimension to Glasgow’s hotel offering and will provide guests with the highest standard of accommodation when they visit one of the most exciting cities in Europe.
“Hazel, led by Eric Avenier, one of the city’s most reputed chefs, adds a new destination restaurant to the city’s culinary scene, and will add to the truly memorable experience at AC Hotel.”
Chris Stewart, CEO and owner at Chris Stewart Group, the developer of Love Loan, said: “The opening of AC by Marriott Glasgow and Hazel is a significant milestone in the Love Loan story. The AC by Marriott brand is world renowned, and its arrival in Glasgow city centre is a real feather in the cap for the city and Scotland.
“This hotel means Love Loan will be the first port of call for countless visitors in years to come, and our carefully curated blend of leisure, retail, and hospitality – steeped in Glasgow’s rich history and heritage – will ensure they have the best impression of the city from the moment they arrive to when they leave.”
