AC by Marriott, Huntsville, AL

BACKGROUND AC by Marriott has Spanish roots and its European influence is notable throughout the Huntsville property. Its breakfast and gift shop offer Spanish products and strong Italian coffee can be sipped each morning at reception.

WHERE IS IT? Across from Big Spring International Park, the AC by Marriott

Hotel is one of the city’s newest hotels benefitting from proximity to the always-happening Von Braun Center. The hotel is just minutes on foot from the Huntsville Museum of Art, the Twickenham Historic District and Alabama Constitution Hall Historic Park & Museum. It’s just a short drive to the world-famous US Space and Rocket Center, which is the “Rocket City’s” most visited attraction. Huntsville is known as the birthplace of the US space program since scientists and engineers living here developed the rockets that took America to the moon.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? Enormous glass windows face all of downtown Huntsville’s growing skyline. The hotel has modern and contemporary public areas ideal for gathering over a cocktail or co-working space (power outlets are everywhere).

ROOMS Modern and bright, the rooms feature leather sofas, plush duvets over soft bedding, easy-access power outlets by the bed and desk, twistable bedside reading lamps and full-length mirrors. Open-plan closets have ample storage space and refrigerators come with free bottled water. Coffeemakers are stocked with the same strong Italian coffee that is available at reception and the bathroom is kitted out with Greek Korres brand toiletries. Its four suites add extra living space.

FOOD AND DRINK Breakfast is a hallmark of AC by Marriott hotels with a signature Spanish ham slicer and other Spanish delicacies, as well as local cuisine. During my visit, none of this was available due to local COVID-19 restrictions. Instead, the hotel was offering a complimentary continental breakfast of cereal, croissants and granola bars at reception. That’s a generous and appreciated addition that is not always found at an AC by Marriott. There’s also a third-party restaurant on the second-floor with an open terrace overlooking the park.

LEISURE FACILITIES The secondfloor fitness centre has modern equipment, and each floor has a hydration station where guests can refill water bottles. I was impressed with the extra cleaning that everything was getting all throughout the hotel including the fitness centre and lobby. Huntsville’s downtown is especially convenient for jogging through the park for an al fresco exercise alternative.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES Meeting rooms have plentiful natural light and range from small boardroom spaces to larger conference areas. Being so close to the Von Braun Center, the property can easily complement larger events, which is important given Huntsville’s role as a hub for defense contractor group functions. Its conference business has been strong across other sectors too.

VERDICT Being close to meeting and entertainment venues in the heart of downtown Huntsville, this hotel is ideal for business travellers. Ramsey Qubein

BEST FOR

Picture-perfect views of downtown Huntsville and Big Spring International Park

DON’T MISS

A walk around the Twickenham Historic District with its abundance of Federal and Greek Revival architecture

PRICE

Internet rates for a traditional room start at $119.

CONTACT

435 Williams Avenue SW, Huntsville, AL, 35801, Tel: (256) 836-7776. marriott.com