The historic Cotton Exchange building in the CBD is drastically changing and ushering in a new era for Marriott. AC Hotels, a select service European chain owned by the hotel giant, will open its first stateside hotel at the Cotton Exchange after $12M in renovations. Its previous life as a leader in the cotton industry and as a bank has been preserved, with special attention made to tile flooring and a robust archway.
AC Hotels' general style is to appeal to millennials and the design-conscious as "stylish hotels for the urban spirit". Its decision to move into New Orleans was spawned by the city's unique qualities that make it like no other place in the US. Amenities include a lounge with small plates and draft wine, spacious rooms, and a free minibar.
Given reviews from the site's previous hotel, that minibar may not mean much to most guests. To quote numerous excitable tourists (sans caps lock, sorry) — Carondelet becomes Bourbon St. No matter how trendy AC Hotels may be when it opens in October, hurricanes, hand grenades, and the trashiest of trashed bars and clubs are just steps away.
· Cotton Exchange becoming AC Hotel, the European brand's first in U.S. [NOLA.com]
· Coming Attractions [Curbed NOLA]