Marriott International's lifestyle brand AC Hotels is courting entrepreneurs with preferred pricing on meeting spaces and complimentary cocktails.
AC has partnered with Startup Grind, which claims to be the the largest startup networking community in the world with more than 400,000 entrepreneur members in 85 different countries.
Members of Startup Grind will get preferred pricing for the variety of media salons and meetings spaces at AC Hotels, which promise the latest audio-visual technology as well as “Kallpods”, wireless service buttons that allow guests to immediately ring a staff member.
Another standard benefit for Startup Grind members is a complimentary drink after 4pm. Different properties may also offer additional discounts on food and beverage.
Startup Grind is already using AC’s event spaces in the U.S. for its community talks. “We’ve had many successful events at AC Hotels in Chicago, National Harbor (D.C.), Miami and Tempe, where Startup Grind members hear from successful startups and have an opportunity to network and socialize after” said Dan Vinh, VP of global marketing for Marriott’s Lifestyle Brands.
Vinh also added that at some AC Hotels, local Startup Grind chapter directors and startup mentors hold weekly office meetings in the AC lounge.
More benefits for Startup Grind members from the tie-up are expected to roll out later this year.
AC Hotels was originally founded in Spain by hotelier Antonio Catalán. Marriott began importing the European design-focussed brand to the US in 2014 with the AC Hotel New Orleans. Each AC Hotel includes an the AC Library, a salon-style space with curated book selections as well as the AC Lounge, a modern version of the hotel lobby bar serving local craft beers, specialty wines, signature cocktails (often with a local twist) and tapas-style food.
Before 2016 is out, AC Hotels will open 22 properties in the US, UK, Latin America, and Europe.
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