MIAMI (March 13, 2019) ─ Prominent, Miami-based real estate investment and development company Key International has broken ground on an AC Hotel by Marriott, the design-led lifestyle hotel brand by Marriott International. The property, which was acquired in 2016 as three adjoining land parcels that span more than a half-acre, is located in prime Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fla., and will feature 171 guest rooms amidst 10 stories.

Located just steps from the beach, at 3029 Alhambra Street, the AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach is situated directly abutting the area’s most popular tourist thoroughfare, Florida State Road A1A. The development is strategically planned as the market continues to draw interest as a leading tourism destination. According to the most recent report from the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, direct travel spending in the city increased 7.1 percent in 2017, surpassing $7.6 billion.

“We are always exploring flourishing coastal markets with growth opportunities, and now is the ideal time to bring an in-demand hotel brand steps from Fort Lauderdale’s beachfront,” said Diego Ardid, Co-President of Key International. “The city’s tourism sector is robust, with new development in the hospitality, residential and retail sectors surrounding the property. This activity further boosts momentum for this AC Hotel by Marriott, which is the design- and social-centric hotel destination the area has been seeking.”

Key International chose the chic, European-inspired select-service brand due to its appeal to today’s modern traveler seeking experience-driven accommodations. In addition to Fort Lauderdale Beach’s area offerings, like watersports, eclectic shops, celebrated restaurants, and renowned entertainment, the AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach will boast ocean views, a lounge for pre-dinner cocktails, an open kitchen for European-style breakfast and specialty culinary events, a library catering to those working on-the-go, and 1,000 square feet of meeting space. The interiors and layout of each amenity area are intended to parallel the modern design found in some of South Florida’s latest luxury condominium projects. The outdoor level will be home to an expansive resort-style pool with cabanas and dining services.

The AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Beach joins Key International’s extensive hotel and resort portfolio throughout the Southeast U.S. and in Spain. This includes the recently-opened Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort, a dual-branded Residence Inn and SpringHill Suites in Clearwater Beach, the Marriott Stanton South Beach Resort, as well as the iconic Eden Roc Resort Miami Beach.