Sandals Resorts International (SRI) will manage its first property outside of its company brands beginning in 2019 with the launch of the $50 million, 220-room AC Kingston Hotel in Jamaica’s capital city.

SRI is partnering with Marriott International to launch the hotel, construction of which begins this month according to SRI officials. The property will be part of the AC Hotels by Marriott brand that features “design-savvy” accommodations equipped with “intuitive technology” will be based on five acres of a mixed-use development in Kingston’s Jamaica House neighborhood, near the prime minister’s official residence.  

Designed to attract a “local and international” clientele, the AC Kingston Hotel will feature a 10,000 square foot conference center, a full-service restaurant, a beauty and wellness salon, a car rental facility and “The Avenue,” a promenade of indoor and outdoor event spaces, retail shops and eateries including a fine-dining sushi and seafood restaurant and a branded coffee bar. 

“The Avenue” will align the hotel’s entrance and lead to the conference center, with staging areas for concerts and impromptu live musical performances positioned along the walkway. The AC Marriott will capitalize on Kingston’s growing profile as a tourist draw, said Adam Stewart, SRI’s CEO.

“Kingston is quickly becoming a starting point for visitors who want to discover Jamaica beyond its beaches,” he said. “From our rich musical tradition that begins here to the wonders of the Blue Mountains – a UNESCO world heritage site that just happens to produce the world’s best coffee, travelers will find much to capture their imagination here.” 

The AC Kingston property will also feature an on-site Island Routes Caribbean Adventures office where guests can purchase customized tours of Kingston’s historic, cultural and natural attractions.  

“We are creating an experience that celebrates its location in style and that offers thoughtful, customer-driven service - so whether our guest spends time with us for business or pleasure or both, they will want to return,” said Stewart.

“Because of solid partners like Sandals we are able to continue to expand our presence in the Caribbean and Latin America where we currently operate over 200 hotels across 30 brands,” said Alejandro Acevedo, vice president of development, Marriott International Caribbean and Latin America. “The AC Hotels brand will be an excellent addition to our existing portfolio in Jamaica.”