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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NORTH AMERICA'S LARGEST AC HOTEL DEBUTS IN ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA'S NATIONAL LANDING
The AC Hotel Arlington National Landing features 355 rooms, a swanky restaurant and lounge, and connectivity to America's Capitol City AC Hotel Arlington National Landing Debuts with Striking Modern Façade and Inviting Outdoor Patio at the Corner of South Bell Street and 20th Street South in Crystal City's National Landing Neighborhood The AC Kitchen & Lounge Debuts at AC Hotel Arlington National Landing Blends Sleek Design and Sophisticated Spirits in a European-Inspired Setting Arlington, VA, July 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AC Hotel Arlington National Landing is officially open, unveiling a multi-million dollar transformation. The reimagined property joins Marriott International's AC Hotels brand portfolio with distinction, as it's the largest AC Hotel in North America with 355 European-inspired guest rooms. Highlights also include the debut of the sophisticated AC Kitchen & Lounge, a brand-new lobby and AC Library, 8,800 square feet of completely refreshed meetings and events space, a reimagined exterior façade, and a 4,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center. "This opening marks an exciting new chapter not only for our team, but for the evolving identity of National Landing," said Ben Joseph, General Manager at AC National Landing. "Our prime location to major transportation systems matched with our bold, new identity and state-of-the-art facilities is a welcome addition to the community for special events, meetings, celebratory occasions, and a thoughtfully designed home away from home.' Formerly the Crystal City Marriott, the AC Hotel Arlington National Landing is located in the heart of Arlington's National Landing district, and offers unmatched connectivity for today's traveler. Just steps from the Crystal City Metro and minutes from Reagan National Airport, with complimentary shuttle service available to guests, the hotel provides seamless access to Arlington and Washington, D.C. Surrounded by walkable retail, entertainment and wellness options - including the Mount Vernon Trail for walking, jogging and biking, and Long Bridge Aquatics Center - the property is also nearby Amazon HQ2, Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus and I-395. Design That Moves With the NeighborhoodOne of the most prominent aspects of the hotel is its rounded facade that uniquely envelopes Crystal City's prime corner of South Bell Street and 20th Street South, where its ambient glow mirrors the community's revitalized spirit. An inviting arrival experience begins from the outside with a new dynamic lighting feature that gradually brightens as vehicles enter the porte-cochere, and continues with clear, modern signage and updated drive aisle displays for seamless wayfinding. Inside, the reimagined lobby and AC Library is thoughtfully composed of intimate nooks, using subtle architectural cues to create the illusion of rooms within rooms for a relaxed yet stylish atmosphere. Sleek, sculptural, and effortlessly refined, the indoor/outdoor AC Kitchen & Lounge at AC Hotel Arlington National Landing serves as a visual anchor for the cosmopolitan neighborhood. Centered around a geometric backlit bar framed in black glass shelving, the space marries sophisticated minimalism with warmth, exuding an aesthetic of soft neutrals, millwork, and burnished-metal details. Accordion-style windowed doors blur the line between inside and out, opening onto an expansive patio framed by lush greenery and sculptural planters. Thoughtfully arranged seating invites guests to linger, whether for quiet moments or unique corporate receptions in the open air. Guestrooms at AC Hotel Arlington National Landing offer a purposeful balance of contemporary elegance and effortless comfort for business and leisure travelers alike, signature to the brand's European-inspired design. A harmonious palette of textured grays and midnight blues complements clean architectural lines and uncluttered surfaces to create a serene atmosphere designed for function and flow. Handmade artistic pieces cultivate a connection to local creatives, while expansive windows with wide seating nooks frame sweeping views of Arlington and its evolving cosmopolitan skyline. The new 4,000-square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center is filled with natural light, courtesy of expansive skylights that create an airy, invigorating atmosphere. Outfitted with the latest high-performance equipment, the space also features two private studio rooms ideal for group fitness training. The AC Kitchen & Lounge: European Flavor, Neighborhood FlairThe AC Kitchen & Lounge offers a dining experience rooted in connection and unscripted moments. Guided by the culinary vision of Executive Chef Anoop Nathoo, the menu draws on the tapas tradition of Spain, with shareable plates that celebrate fresh, regional ingredients and seasonal inspirations. Breakfast and dinner are served daily, with offerings that range from artfully prepared classics to inventive small plates that reflect the chef's global background. Behind the bar, knowledgeable mixologists bring an approachable expertise to every pour – crafting cocktails with house-made infusions, hand-selected bitters, and local garnishes that invite discovery. AC Kitchen is open for a European-style buffet or full-service breakfast experience from 6 to 11 a.m.; AC Lounge happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 4 to 6:30 p.m.; and dinner is available seven days a week from 4 p.m. to midnight. Meetings & Events: Collaborate in StyleWith more than 8,800 square feet of newly renovated, flexible meeting and event space, AC Hotel Arlington National Landing is thoughtfully designed to accommodate gatherings of every scale - from high-level board meetings and corporate conferences to elegant receptions and intimate celebrations. All 11 venues are conveniently located on the same floor, offering minimalist interiors that serve as a sophisticated canvas for planners to customize or use as-is. Each space is equipped with advanced audiovisual technology, including high-definition LCD projectors, high-speed internet bandwidth, and seamless wired and wireless connectivity ideal for hybrid meetings, live-streaming, and interactive virtual formats. A dedicated team of on-site event and A/V professionals is always on hand to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish. Exclusive Grand Opening PackageTo celebrate the official opening of AC Hotel Arlington National Landing, travelers are invited to book its limited-time package that includes exclusive perks designed to savor every detail of the hotel. The Grand Opening Package includes a complimentary upgrade upon arrival*, a $50 credit to indulge in craft cocktails and Spanish-inspired bites at the AC Lounge, complimentary parking throughout their stay, and a complimentary late check-out at 2 p.m. to ensure a relaxed departure, ideal for savoring every last moment in Arlington's most connected neighborhood. Additionally, a hand-crafted welcome treat prepared by Executive Chef Nathoo awaits in your room. The Napolitaine Cookie is two buttery shortbreads filled with jam and topped with colored icing, specially enhanced with Spain's Membrillo for a unique fruity flavor. Chef Nathoo was born and raised in Glen Park in Vacoas, Mauritius, where his fondest memory is of napolitaine cookies - for Chef, this cookie is more than a treat, it's a taste of nostalgia and a taste of home. The Grand Opening Package starts at $189/night and is available to book here. *Room upgrades are pending availability. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit the hotel's website are available here. ## # About AC Hotels by Marriott Arlington National LandingThe AC Hotel Arlington National Landing is a premier destination in Arlington, VA, offering unparalleled service, modern amenities, and a prime location. The distinguished hotel offers 355 guest rooms and suites, the signature AC Kitchen & Lounge, 8,828 square feet of flexible event space, and amenities including a 24-hour 4,000 square-foot-fitness center and a complimentary shuttle to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Conveniently located near I-395 and the Crystal City Metro, the property unlocks access to the best of nearby Washington D.C., National Landing's retail and dining, and is mere minutes to Amazon's HQ2, Virginia Tech's Innovation Campus, and Old Town Alexandria. For more information, visit and follow along on Facebook and Instagram. The hotel is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. About HHM HotelsHHM Hotels is an award-winning hotel management and investment company that operates over 235 full-service and select-service hotels across the United States and Canada. HHM Hotels is in virtually every major hospitality market from coast to coast, and is a leading manager of Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG hotels, while also operating over 50 independent luxury and lifestyle hotels. HHM Hotels' highly experienced and stable operating team is known for being nimble, accountable, and entrepreneurial in how they drive market-leading results for owners including publicly traded companies, private equity firms, and family office investors. Additional information can be found at Media ContactLou Hammond GroupNLH@ ### Attachments AC Hotel Arlington National Landing Debuts with Striking Modern Façade and Inviting Outdoor Patio at the Corner of South Bell Street and 20th Street South in Crystal City's National Landing Neighborhood The AC Kitchen & Lounge Debuts at AC Hotel Arlington National Landing Blends Sleek Design and Sophisticated Spirits in a European-Inspired Setting CONTACT: Laurean Love HHM Hotels in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Marriott opens largest AC Hotel in North America
This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Marriott International opened the largest AC Hotel in North America in Arlington, Virginia, hospitality management firm HHM Hotels announced earlier this week. The 355-room AC Hotel Arlington National Landing opened after a multimillion-dollar transformation of the former Crystal City Marriott. The property offers an AD Kitchen & Lounge, a 4,000-square-foot fitness center and 8,800 square feet of meeting and event space. The AC Hotel Arlington National Landing follows other recently opened AC Hotels in Arizona, California and Georgia. The brand is one of several in Marriott's expanding lifestyle portfolio, which includes the recently acquired CitizenM. Dive Insight: The former Crystal City Marriott's lobby, meeting spaces, exterior facade and food and beverage were all updated in the hotel's revamp. The AC Hotel also now features an AC Library with nooks for lounging and 'European-inspired' design, according to HHM. The property is in Arlington's National Landing district, walking distance to the Washington, D.C., Metro and minutes by car from Reagan National Airport. "Our prime location to major transportation systems matched with our bold, new identity and state-of-the-art facilities is a welcome addition to the community for special events, meetings, celebratory occasions, and a thoughtfully designed home away from home,' said Ben Joseph, the hotel's general manager, in a statement. Marriott — like its competitors Hilton and Hyatt Hotels — is expanding its lifestyle portfolio. That expansion includes its $355 million acquisition of CitizenM, which was finalized this week. Philadelphia-based HHM Hotels created its luxury and lifestyle division in 2023. The firm announced plans to restructure its leadership team to boost 'scalable growth' earlier this month. Sign in to access your portfolio
Los Angeles Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
In Pasadena, a community comes together for a 14-year-old street vendor
It was only 8 a.m. and the 500 tamales that Christopher Luna Garcia had hoped to sell were down to just a few dozen. About 17 hungry people lined up at the food cart near Villa Parke in Pasadena, where an immigration sweep had taken place nearly two weeks ago on June 21. Steam flowed from the cart and the scent of masa drifted through the air as Chris, 14, reached down to pull out tamales. 'It's a lot,' he said of the community response. 'But I'm grateful for it.' Chris said he took over his mom's street vending business after the immigration raid. His mother, Carmen Garcia, 44, who is a legal resident, said three of her customers were detained during the sweep at the park. But immigration agents did not take her into custody. 'I was so afraid after that,' she said. 'I have documents, but I'm still scared, very scared.' It wasn't long ago that Chris, a tall teenager, struggled to make sales, sometimes bringing in less than $100 daily — and on a really bad day just $20. But on Friday, the tamales were selling fast. So much so that his aunt joined to help meet the high demand with a second cart. Friday's event was organized by Alex 'Tio Joker' Murillo, an actor and community activist who stumbled upon Chris one afternoon and shared a video of him on social media. 'I want to help out the Latino youth,' Murillo said. 'This ICE stuff is bad, but we've also turned it into something good.' He took the video amid President Trump's immigration crackdown, targeting criminal and immigrant workers suspected of living in the country illegally at Home Depots, car washes and sidewalks. The wave of immigration sweeps over the past month has prompted some American-born children to take over street vending businesses on behalf of their parents. The operation at Villa Parke prompted Pasadena city officials to cancel swimming lessons and other recreation programs at the park and two others. That decision came after a string of recent immigration enforcement actions in Pasadena. In one raid, federal agents detained people at a bus stop at Orange Grove Boulevard and Los Robles Avenue on June 18. And residents demonstrated last month outside of the AC Hotel, where federal immigration agents were staying. Both took place less than a mile from Villa Parke. Murillo said he decided to help the family when he learned that Chris had stepped up to sell tamales for his mom because of the sweep and also because they were falling behind on bills. So Murillo took to Instagram, calling on his followers and others to show up at the stand on Friday to buy out the tamales. He also said he would sell food to raise money to take Chris and the children of a day laborer who was detained during the bus stop operation to Disneyland. Enji Chung, 47, a resident and member of the Pasadena Tenants Union, was one of the first people to show up and purchase tamales. She said it was important to show support for those affected by the federal immigration crackdown. 'I think it's been extremely scary to know there are armed, masked people running around, inciting fear and snatching people off the street,' she said. 'It's not just undocumented people. It's U.S. citizens and anyone they're racially profiling.' Yun Uen Ramos-Vega, 22, and Janette Ramos-Vega, 21, drove from Monrovia to support Chris after learning about his story. They said they related to his situation because they are also helping relatives by running errands on their behalf. The pair said they know at least two people who have been detained by federal immigration agents. At least one has been deported to Mexico while the other remains at a detention center. Laura Ruvalcaba, 40, of Pasadena, showed up with her husband and 8-year-old son. 'We saw Chris' story and we're going to be here,' she said. 'We're all about supporting the community, especially the youth.' She said she was happy to see the long line of customers. 'It's amazing,' she said. 'Anything we can do to help out and come together is good.' An American citizen, Ruvalcaba said the immigration sweeps have left her afraid. 'It's not even about anything else but the color of my skin,' she said. 'I'm scared to come out sometimes.' She said she started carrying a copy of her American citizenship certificate two weeks ago, as well as her son's birth certificate. She tells her 18-year-old daughter to be on alert when she goes out. 'Now, you're not just watching out for bad things,' Ruvalcaba said she told her daughter. 'You're watching out for people in uniforms.' The event Friday morning also brought out lowriders, which bounced as old-school hip-hop blasted from the car's speakers, encouraging people to cheer and take videos with their cellphones. It was nearing 9 a.m. when the tamales from both carts were gone, bringing in more than $1,500 that Chris and his family will use to pay bills and rent. His brother, Erick Garcia, 20, said his mom and aunt had gone to cook more tamales in hopes of selling more throughout the day. Exhausted, Chris sat on a fold-out chair for a moment, letting out a sigh of relief and massaging his eyebrows with his fingers. He had been up since 4 a.m. and though he was tired, he said he wanted to take action because his mother helped raised him and his three siblings alone. 'She doesn't have much support,' he said. 'I just want to help her out.'
Los Angeles Times
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Protesters are chasing federal agents out of L.A. County hotels: ‘A small victory'
At Pasadena's AC Hotel earlier this month, dozens of protesters gathered in an effort to confront federal agents who had arrived in town amid demonstrations against the Trump administration's mass deportation effort. Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo was among those present on June 7 as demonstrators holding signs with 'ICE out of Pasadena' and other messages chased federal vehicles out of the luxury hotel's parking garage, cheering and recording it all on their cellphones. The mayor said the protest forced the agents to leave the place they were using for local accommodations during their L.A. operations, which involved protecting federal buildings downtown. 'Word got out that there were Homeland Security vehicles parked at the hotel,' Gordo told The Times. 'People wanted to express their 1st Amendment rights and they did so in a lawful, nonviolent and respectful manner.' After hours of noisy rallying, the hotel staff asked the feds to pack up their things and go, according to Gordo. By sunset, uniformed agents from the Federal Protective Service, part of the Department of Homeland Security, were seen walking out of the hotel with their bags stacked on a luggage cart in a video of the incident that went viral online. Their vehicles were escorted out of the garage by local police as protesters trailed behind. Hotels have emerged as hot spots for confrontations between community members and immigration agents. Federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, sometimes rent blocks of rooms in places where agents are dispatched for major operations. The showdown in Pasadena was one of several recent instances of protesters coming together at hotels across the Los Angeles region to put pressure on their proprietors to offer no quarter to federal personnel during the Trump administration's crackdown. The businesses, which rely on immigrant workers for cleaning and maintenance, have been cast into an awkward position — one that requires balancing politics with protecting their employees. From Whittier to Hawaiian Gardens to Brea, concerned citizens have repeatedly taken to social media and whisper networks to share locations where they have spotted who they believe are federal agents. And people have followed up on such information by staging protests outside hotels in communities including Long Beach, Downey and Glendale. Employees at the AC Hotel Pasadena referred inquiries to a spokeswoman, who did not immediately provide a comment. It was back to business as usual Tuesday afternoon at the Marriott property, which opened earlier this year. A man on a plush couch worked on his laptop, a woman sipped a beer at the bar and staff milled about. Gordo said he had confirmed that there are no longer any Homeland Security agents staying at the property. The Homeland Security press office did not immediately provide comment, and agencies under the department's umbrella, including ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, did not respond to inquires. Protesters have been arrested this month for allegedly interfering with federal officers, and federal agencies have expressed concerns about the repercussions of people 'doxxing' agents by sharing their locations and other personal information online. 'People are out there taking photos of the names, their faces and posting them online with death threats to their family and themselves,' Reuters reported acting ICE chief Todd Lyons said last week. The crowd-sourced effort to spread information about where federal agents are holed up plays out mostly online. In some instances, the unverified reports come from people who work at the hotels. Other times, hotel guests or area residents see suspected agents outside or in the lobby, or walk through parking lots in search of federal vehicles. During the first days after the L.A. enforcement effort began, it was fairly easy to tell where agents were staying by looking for vehicles with agency logos. But it appears that they have caught on to the surveillance tactics of those who would like to see them go home. On Monday, a Times reporter visited 13 hotels in three Southland counties — from Westchester to Garden Grove to Ontario — where federal immigration agents recently had been rumored to be staying, according to social media posts and alerts on apps and websites dedicated to tracking ICE activity. No vehicles in any of the hotels' parking lots bore clear visual indications that they were federal agents' cars, vans or trucks. At five hotels, employees approached by The Times declined to comment. At three, employees agreed to speak but declined to give their names, citing corporate policies. Two of them said in brief interviews that they were not sure whether agents were staying on the premises. A third, who works at a chain hotel in Anaheim, said he had seen who he believed were ICE agents at the property last week, but they were no longer staying there. 'They didn't bother anyone,' said the man, who declined to provide his name out of fear of reprisal from his employer or immigration authorities. 'There were maybe, like, a dozen of them. It was a little concerning.' Workers such as him have been subjected to political whiplash in recent days. Last week, President Trump wrote on Truth Social that 'Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them.' That same day, a senior ICE official sent guidance to regional ICE officials directing them to avoid raiding farms, hotels and restaurants and instead emphasize other targets. The development gave hotel employees hope that they were out of the crosshairs. But the Trump administration quickly reversed course, saying this week that there is now no reprieve for hotel workers and others who Trump had praised just days earlier. Andrew Mark, a pastor at Pasadena Covenant Church, also addressed the crowd at the June 7 rally outside the AC Hotel. He said in an interview that he was impressed — but not surprised — that the community came together and forced change. 'There's a deep pride in Pasadena. So I think that for agents to be staying in a hotel here, you feel … a sense that we don't want this to be a place where they can stage and go out and target people,' he said. 'The fact that they were based in a hotel in our community was unsettling.' On Tuesday, Manuel Vicente sat behind his makeshift desk in a soundproof room at the Pasadena Community Job Center, which helps connect day laborers with employment opportunities. As director of Radio Jornalera, he creates audio and video content to help migrant workers, including content that informs them of the rights they have during encounters with immigration enforcement agents. Vicente said he believes the successful protest at the AC Hotel Pasadena is an example of a saying he likes to quote, 'Pueblo salva el pueblo,' or 'Only the people save the people.' 'When they were kicked out of the hotel, everybody was excited,' he said. 'It was a small victory, but our efforts made a difference. We need to be together to protect our community, to protect our workers.'
Time Out
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
A bougie indoor golf experience opens in Miami with high tech and hospitable vibes
Whether you're a weekend golfer, a recreational rookie or a seasoned regular at Miami Beach Golf Club, the latest addition to bustling Brickell will inspire you to chip and putt your heart out—or maybe even score a hole-in-one. On Friday, June 27, The Tips Golf, an innovative new indoor golf lounge, will debut at the AC Hotel Miami Brickell with lavish flair. Merging state-of-the-art technology with luxury hospitality, the bi-level complex welcomes both casual and competitive golfers to practice, play, and socialize. There's a sophisticated yet comfortable vibe to the sprawling 3,6000-square-foot lounge, awash in verdant greens and wood paneling, with supple, caramel leather seating and floor-to-ceiling windows offering sweeping views of downtown Miami. From the menu, expect modern twists on clubhouse classics, like the Caribbean Transfusion (vodka, grape juice, ginger ale), chimichurri steak tacos, barbecue chicken flatbread, and a particularly playful 'bucket of balls' brimming with sugared donut holes. Guests can sidle up to an intimate, 10-seat bar or flock to one of the play bays with enough room for five or more golfers. While the scene is quite luxe, no snooty country-club rules will kill the vibe; with no formal dress code in effect, athletic attire is totally fine. Hourly rates vary during peak ($90/hour) and off-peak ($65/hour) times, with memberships starting at $145 per month. Clubs are always provided, so you don't need to bring your own—though purists are more than welcome to caddie their own irons. Members definitely get the most bang for their buck, including perks like guest passes, free simulator time, dining discounts, and priority booking. In addition to simulator play and practice, ambitious guests can book private lessons with Miami native and decorated professional golfer Landon Michelson. His coaching expertise airmails everything from mechanics to mindset to course management—all bolstered by The Tips' cutting-edge swing analysis tool. This brand-new match-play mecca is the brainchild of avid golfer and Wall Street exec Alejandro Piekarewicz and branding expert wife, Elise. 'I created The Tips for fellow golfers who value both performance and atmosphere,' Piekarewicz said. 'Whether you're taking a lesson, practicing on your own, or teeing it up with friends over drinks, our goal is to deliver a premium experience driven by genuine hospitality in every aspect.'
