AC Hotels by Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, has opened its newest property in the heart of Naples by bringing the AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue to Florida’s southwest coast.
AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue welcomed its first guests on Dec. 15, 2023. The three-story hotel comprises 150 sophisticated, modern guest rooms; an inviting lobby and ground-floor cafe; 2,500-square-feet of beautiful event space; a well-equipped fitness center; an outdoor rooftop pool; and Limón, a signature rooftop restaurant and bar with seating both indoors and out.
The hotel’s distinctive design marries European sophistication to the spirit of southwest Florida, with local artwork evoking an authentic sense of place. Drawing inspiration from the region’s majestic bald cypress trees and lush greenery, the aesthetic exudes natural serenity within a light, airy atmosphere. Intuitive touches in guest rooms and public spaces ensure an elegant stay.
“The AC Hotels’ motto is to provide guests with everything they need—and nothing they don’t—and today’s travelers appreciate that,” says General Manager Jacob Kucinski in a prepared statement. Kucinski heads up a leadership team that includes Director of Sales Kimberly Hilty and Food and Beverage Director Douglas Gaquer. “Form balances perfectly with function here; the style is sleek and sophisticated, but there are so many practical comforts, too.”
AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue is filled with the details that matter most to discerning travelers, from commissioned artwork to top-tier amenities to precisely placed technology. The hotel’s public spaces showcase an eclectic group of local and regional artists, all of whom explore forms, colors, and materials inspired by the Floridian landscape. LouAnn Wukitsch, for example, created “Reflect” from textured glass tiles in her studio near the burgeoning Glass Coast. “Beach Ball” by Naples’ own Kari LaOrden incorporates natural cork and salt wash. Also gracing the space are works by Sunshine State artists Steph Gimson, Lynda Fay Braun, Bonnie Keane, and Brigitte Balbinot.
Working from her studio in Spain’s Balearic Islands, Karen Hain created “Sand Lines” with sand collected from Naples Beach for a uniquely local expression. Several wood sculptures throughout the hotel give voice to nature, while Carolina Sardi’s steel “Lemon” sculptures speak to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the inspiration behind Limón Rooftop Bar. Located on the third-story rooftop space of the AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue, Limón features a Mediterranean menu with a modern twist.
“This is where favorite dishes meet updated flavors,” says Gaquer, noting highlights such as homemade meatballs, Spanish-style rock shrimp, and skin-on red snapper, as well as desserts like Limoncello mascarpone cake and olive oil cake. “Our culinary focus is equal parts classic and contemporary, with an emphasis on Florida’s freshest ingredients.”
A long, lively bar menu is headlined by zestful cocktails such as Limón Cadere, Crown of Laurels, and Melon Basil Sparkler. Patrons can sit inside or out by the pool, at a table, or gathered around the bar, in an elevated atmosphere accented by views of the city.
“Limón rooftop bar is designed for everyone who loves interesting dishes and drinks,” Gaquer says.
AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue was developed and will be managed by OTO Development, part of The Johnson Group. Project partners include MHK Architecture & Planning, architect; DLR Group, interior designer; DeAngelis Diamond, general contractor; and Kevin Barry Art Advisory, art curator.
The new hotel is the hospitality component of Naples Square, a mixed-use development master-planned by Wheelock Street Capital and The Ronto Group, which also includes nearly 300 luxury condominium units and a 350-seat performing arts complex. Located on a prominent corner of the city’s unofficial Main Street, AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue is surrounded by upscale restaurants, retailers, and arts and entertainment venues such as Gulfshore Playhouse. Tin City and Bayfront are across the street, while Baker Park and the sugar-white beaches of Naples are a short distance away.
