The 16 Best AC Hotels To Book With Points [For Max Value]

Luxury hotels typically take the headline, but mid-tier hotels provide more value for many. This is where AC Hotels by Marriott shines as a brand that offers a lot of value.

Although a lesser-known Marriott brand, AC Hotels by Marriott has a decently sized footprint of hotels worldwide with expansion plans on the horizon. Best of all, you can redeem Marriott Bonvoy points and consistently get a good value.

In this guide, we will examine the AC Hotels brand, how to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, and some of the best AC Hotels properties worldwide.

Everything You Need To Know About the AC Hotels Brand

AC Hotels by Marriott is part of Marriott’s select-service portfolio of brands and is similar to Four Points by Sheraton. According to Marriott, “AC strikes the perfect balance of the details you want and the services you need.”​

The first AC Hotel opened in Madrid, Spain, in 1999, and its signature European touches have spread worldwide. Marriott acquired AC Hotels in 2011; as of 2024, there are nearly 250 AC Hotels in more than 30 countries.

The design-forward brand is best described as European-inspired classic modernism aimed to attract millennial travelers. The founder, Antonio Catalán, was inspired by the fashion houses of Milan and brought this philosophy to his brand. The properties are elegant and feature purposeful designs with museum-quality art and sculptures curated to reflect the unique character of each location.

AC Hotels boast signature, flexible spaces that foster socializing and collaboration, such as the AC Lounge, AC Meeting Salon, and AC Kitchen. The AC Lounge and AC Kitchen offer European-inspired food and beverages.

Hot Tip:

Christine Krzyszton, senior finance contributor at Upgraded Points, is a big fan of AC Hotels — see why in her piece, “How I Find Outsized Value With the AC Hotels by Marriott Brand.”

Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points

As a member of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, you can earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points at AC Hotels properties.

There are numerous ways to earn Marriott Bonvoy points, but one of the easiest is to spend on one of the Chase or Amex co-branded Marriott Bonvoy credit cards.

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

The 8 Best AC Hotels in North America

1. AC Hotel By Marriott Maui Wailea (Hawaii)

The AC Hotel By Marriott Maui Wailea is a mile from Wailea Beach, in the heart of Wailea, Hawaii. The property is within walking distance of Mokapu Beach, Wailea Emerald Course, and Shops of Wailea, widely known for its luxurious boutiques, diverse dining, and renowned art galleries.

The hotel has 98 guest rooms, each with a flat-screen TV, minifridge, coffee maker, and balcony. Upgraded rooms add a sofa bed and/or ocean views. The hotel boasts several on-site amenities, including an infinity pool, a modern fitness center, and tennis courts.

Along with the AC Kitchen, the hotel has KAI, the hotel’s poolside ocean-view bar with a menu of hors d’oeuvres, tapas-inspired plates, and cocktails. The property also has a 24-hour AC Store, which sells Hawaiian-made ready-to-go snacks.

Points Required: From 37,000

Average Cash Rate: About $510

Average Points Value: 1.38 cents per point

2. AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach (Florida)

The 4-star AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach is just minutes from Fort Lauderdale Beach, Port Everglades cruise port, and many restaurants and nightlife. The property is less than 2 miles from the Galleria Fort Lauderdale shopping center and Las Olas Boulevard.

The hotel boasts 171 guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering waterfront views. On-site amenities include a rooftop terrace, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a shared lounge, a business center, and numerous outdoor social spaces.

The hotel has an AC Kitchen that serves European-style breakfast and American cuisine for lunch and dinner. Right outside the hotel, Casablanca Cafe serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine. There is also an AC Pool Bar and an AC Lounge that serves cocktails, local craft beer, and wine on tap.

Points Required: From 16,000

Average Cash Rate: About $180

Average Points Value: 1.125 cents per point

3. AC Hotel Boston Downtown (Massachusetts)

The AC Hotel Boston Downtown is in Boston’s historic South End, near many of Boston’s tourist attractions, including Boston Common, Cathedral of the Holy Cross, Tufts Medical Center, and the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The property is less than a 7-minute drive from several sites, including TD Garden, Fenway Park, Boston Harbor, and Northeastern University. Broadway Station and Tufts Medical Center Station are less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel for those who prefer public transportation.

The property has 205 rooms, some offering city views. It boasts several on-site amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, a terrace, a library, a business center, and meeting spaces for up to 80 guests.

Nearby restaurants serve Mexican, Italian, and Japanese cuisine., and the hotel also has an on-site AC Store and AC Lounge.

Points Required: From 34,000

Average Cash Rate: About $330

Average Points Value: 0.97 cents per point

4. AC Hotel Chicago Downtown (Illinois)

The AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is less than a block from the iconic Magnificent Mile on Michigan Avenue, famed for world-class shopping, upscale dining, and live entertainment. The property is a short walk from many of Chicago’s best attractions, including Bally’s Chicago Casino, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Riverwalk, the Chicago Theatre, John Hancock Center, and Millennium Park.

The hotel boasts a 24-hour-a-day, state-of-the-art fitness center, a heated indoor pool, a library, a banquet room, meeting rooms, and conference facilities.

AC Lounge and AC Kitchen are on site, however, several popular restaurants are outside the hotel, including Giordano’s, Eataly, Joe’s Seafood, and the Capital Grille.

Points Required: From 28,000

Average Cash Rate: About $270

Average Points Value: 0.96 cents per point

Hot Tip:

Whether you have Marriott Bonvoy, World of Hyatt, IHG One Rewards, or Hilton Honors points, we have a guide to the best Chicago hotels to book with points!

5. AC Hotel San Juan Condado (Puerto Rico)

The AC Hotel San Juan Condado is a 4-star property in the heart of San Juan, near the shores of Condado Beach. It is within walking distance of the Puerto Rico Convention Center, Pan American Pier, and Casino del Mar at La Concha Resort.

The hotel has 233 guest rooms, each with a private balcony overlooking the city. On-site amenities include a year-round rooftop outdoor pool, spa, fitness center, business center, terrace, library, and 3 meeting rooms.

The hotel has several on-site restaurants, including Bar.C.Lona Rooftop, a contemporary eatery specializing in tapas, wines, and handcrafted cocktails; La Bodeguita De Manolo, serving Mexican cuisine with a Puerto Rican twist; and Sobao, a deli and bakery.

Points Required: From 32,000

Average Cash Rate: Around $295

Average Points Value: 0.92 cents per point

6. AC Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista (Florida)

The AC Hotel Orlando Lake Buena Vista is in Orlando, Florida, and is a few minutes by car from Walt Disney World Resort, the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, and SeaWorld Orlando.

The hotel boasts an outdoor pool, a 24-hour-a-day fitness center, an AC Store minimart, and a 24-hour business center. Guests can also use the high-speed in-room Wi-Fi, which has speeds of 250 Mbps and over.

The hotel also provides a complimentary scheduled shuttle service to Disney, Universal, SeaWorld, and Disney Springs for guests.

Points Required: From $155

Average Cash Rate: About $17,000

Average Points Value: 0.91 cents per point

7. AC Hotel Miami Aventura (Florida)

The AC Hotel Miami Aventura is a luxury hotel steps away from world-class shopping and dining at Aventura Mall. Nearby are HCA Florida Aventura Hospital, Gulfstream Park Racetrack and Casino, Hard Rock Stadium, South Beach, and the Wynwood art scene.

The hotel features 233 guest rooms and on-site amenities, including a 24-hour-a-day gym, library, outdoor pool, sun terrace, and upscale event venues.

In addition to the AC Kitchen and AC Lounge, the hotel has an on-site Twenty 805 Pool Bar serving American cuisine. A restaurant right outside the hotel, Bartaco, serves authentic Mexican cuisine.

Points Required: From 18,000

Average Cash Rate: About $160

Average Points Value: 0.89 cents per point

8. AC Hotel Denver Downtown (Colorado)

AC Hotel Denver Downtown is in the center of downtown Denver near the Colorado Convention Center. The hotel is less than a 10-minute from the 16th Street Mall, Larimer Square, and Denver Art Museum. Union Station and Coors Field are slightly farther away. California Station and Stout Station are less than a 5-minute walk from the hotel.

The property boasts several on-site amenities, including a fitness center, library, business center, AC Store minimart, and rooftop terrace. 

The hotel has several on-site dining options besides the AC Kitchen and AC Lounge. It also has Denver’s highest, open-air rooftop bar, 54thirty, on the 20th floor, with views of downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains. The Lobbyist serves American cuisine and French-inspired bites, and Corinne Restaurant serves American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. 

Points Required: From 30,000

Average Cash Rate: About $260

Average Points Value: 0.87 cents per point

The 8 Best AC Hotels Outside of North America

1. AC Hotel Cuzco (Spain)

The newly refurbished AC Hotel Cuzco is a 4-star luxury hotel near several popular attractions, including the Plaza de Castilla, Congress Hall, Cuzco Square, the Museum of Natural Sciences, and the National Auditorium of Music.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of Real Madrid CF, is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Gran Via and the Prado Museu are less than a 10-minute ride away. The Cuzco metro station is next to the hotel and connects to the rest of Madrid.

The hotel boasts 287 guest rooms with minibars and views of the city. Amenities include a health club with a steam room, a 24-hour-a-day fitness center, and a business center.

The hotel has a special breakfast restaurant, the Breakfast Room, which serves a Mediterranean breakfast buffet. There are several dining options near the hotel.

Points Required: From 20,000

Average Cash Rate: About $230

Average Points Value: 1.15 cents per point

2. AC Hotel Istanbul Macka (Türkiye)

The AC Hotel Istanbul Macka is centrally located in Akaretler, a luxury neighborhood in Istanbul, surrounded by restaurants, cafés and art galleries. The property is within walking distance of the Dolmabahçe Palace, Lutfi Kirdar International Convention & Exhibition Center, Vodafone Arena, and Istanbul Congress Center. Several notable attractions, including İstiklal Avenue, Taksim Square, Galata Tower, Topkapı Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, and the Besiktas district are less than a 10-minute ride from the hotel.

The hotel has 98 modern guest rooms with city and Bosphorus views. On-site amenities include a 24-hour-a-day fitness center terrace, a library, a spa with a sauna, an ATM, barbecue grills, and an extensive meeting facility with 3 meeting rooms.

An all-day dining restaurant and bar has an exclusive Turkish and international cuisine selection.

Points Required: From 15,000

Average Cash Rate: About $160

Average Points Value: 1.07 cents per point

3. AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam (South Korea)

The AC Hotel Seoul Gangnam is the first AC Hotel in Seoul and is centrally located in the business district. The hotel is within walking distance of Teheranno, Gangnam Finance Center, COEX Convention and Exhibition Center, Hyundai Department Store, and the Starfield COEX Mall.

Yeoksam Subway Station, which can connect you to the rest of Seoul, is 500 feet from the hotel.

The hotel features modern guest rooms, some of which have a private pool and terrace. The hotel also has a fitness center and a supervised playground for children.

In addition to the 24/7 AC Lounge and AC Kitchen, there are a few other on-site dining options: Premier Lounge serves snacks and drinks with a happy hour and teatime, and Kloud Rooftop Bar, a bar on the 21st floor, serves drinks and snacks.

Points Required: From 21,000

Average Cash Rate: About $220

Average Points Value: 1.05 cents per point

4. AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen (Denmark)

The AC Hotel Bella Sky Copenhagen is a 4-star conference hotel adjacent to the Bella Center in the Amager Vest district of Copenhagen. The hotel is the largest in Scandinavia, with more than 800 rooms, and has a distinctive and modern design with 2 leaning towers connected by a top-floor bridge. The hotel is close to many of Copenhagen’s most important sights, such as Tivoli Gardens and City Hall Square. It is also steps away from the train station, which allows for attractions a bit farther away.

The property boasts a fitness center, an on-site business center, a private 18-hole golf course, and 48 ultramodern meeting rooms.

Its several restaurants include Sukaiba Copenhagen, which serves Asian cuisine on the rooftop; MARTHA Brasserie, which serves international cuisine; BASALT, a bar with drinks and light snacks; and BM Breakfast, the hotel’s breakfast buffet restaurant. Roomsushi, which serves sushi for dining in or for delivery straight to the room, is also available.

Points Required: From 21,000

Average Cash Rate: About $218

Average Points Value: 1.04 cents per point

5. AC Hotel Nice (France)

The 4-star AC Hotel Nice is ideally located a few steps from the iconic Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France, on the French Riviera. The hotel is close to many attractions, including Hôtel Negresco, Blue Beach, Place Massena, and the port. The property is a short walk to public transportation, with the Magnan and Alsace-Lorraine tram stations less than 10 minutes away.

The hotel has 143 guest rooms, each with a minifridge and desk. The hotel offers several on-site amenities including a poolside bar, a AC Store minimart, a business center, a fitness center, and a 600-square-meter landscaped rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Nice. The hotel also offers transportation to the airport for an additional charge.

Farago on the Roof (closed during winter) offers Mediterranean cuisine, and the rooftop bar serves light snacks and drinks. Another restaurant, Tradiswiss Garden (opening November 2024), will serve traditional Swiss food.

Points Required: From 45,000

Average Cash Rate: About $470

Average Points Value: 1.04 cents per point

6. AC Hotel Innsbruck (Austria)

The AC Hotel Innsbruck was originally built in 1972 for the Winter Olympic Games. The landmark hotel was the first AC Hotel in Austria and has been completely refurbished. The property is 5 minutes from the Old Town’s medieval architecture and baroque churches, the main train station, the Christmas market, the Golden Roof landmark, and the Hofburg palace. It is about 2 miles from Innsbruck Airport (INN).

The hotel has 187 guest rooms, all offering breathtaking views of the Alps. It boasts several amenities, including Austria’s largest casino, with 84 slot machines. Other features include a library, a state-of-the-art health club, and a full-service spa with a sauna and steam room. The property also offers a free ski shuttle and a public underground parking lot with direct access to the hotel.

The on-site AC Lounge serves Mediterranean cuisine. Zum Wohl Tirol Burgerbar, which serves American cuisine, and Die Pizzerei, which serves Italian food, are near the hotel.

Points Required: From 18,500

Average Cash Rate: $185

Average Points Value: 1.0 cents per point

7. AC Hotel Lima Miraflores (Peru)

AC Hotel Lima Miraflores is a luxury hotel connected to the Larcomar shopping center near the beach at Malecón de la Reserva in the Miraflores district of Lima, Peru. The property provides easy access to attractions such as Costa Verde, Puente de los Suspiros, Kennedy Park, and the Miraflores Indian Market.

The hotel’s rooms and suites feature sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Amenities include a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, an art gallery, a business center, vending machines, a 24-hour-a-day fitness center, and 2 private meeting rooms. The hotel also offers a paid airport transfer service.

In addition to the AC Kitchen and AC Lounge, the hotel has 2 other on-site restaurants: Saladero, a European and Peruvian fusion restaurant, and Insumo Rooftop, which serves international cuisine. Takeat deli sells takeaway sandwiches, muffins, and wraps.

Points Required: From 22,000

Average Cash Rate: About $215

Average Points Value: 0.98 cents per point

8. AC Hotel Santiago Costanera Center (Chile)

The AC Hotel Santiago Costanera Center is in the Providencia part of Santiago and has direct access to the Costanera Shopping Center, with outlets for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Plaza de Armas, Parque Arauco Mall, and Clínica Indisa are a short drive away from the property.

The property has 249 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views of Santiago. It also boasts a 24-hour-a-day fitness center, a health club, a 24-hour-a-day business center, a conference center, and 7 meeting rooms.

The hotel has an AC Lounge, AC Kitchen, and an AC Store on site. The latter offers a grab-and-go assortment of European snacks and local quick bites. Luna Bar serves cocktails and an international dining menu of well-prepared tapas. A Hard Rock Café is outside the hotel.

Points Required: From 16,500

Average Cash Rate: About $160

Average Points Value: 0.97 cents per point

Final Thoughts

AC Hotels by Marriott is a rapidly growing hotel brand in the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. It is a design-focused brand based on European minimalism. Best of all, many AC Hotels can be a great use of Marriott Bonvoy points.

With nearly 250 AC Hotels by Marriott properties in more than 30 countries worldwide, you may see one on your next trip, particularly in some of the world’s most visited destinations. Use this list as a guide to the properties that can be booked using Marriott Bonvoy points.