Marriott International has confirmed plans to introduce its AC Hotels brand to the Gold Coast, marking the lifestyle brand’s Queensland debut.
Expected to open mid-2026, the future AC Hotel Gold Coast will be created via a full-scale transformation of the existing Vibe Hotel in Surfers Paradise.
The renovation is set to begin later this year, under an agreement between Marriott and KS Hotels & Resorts.
“We are particularly excited by this latest signing, which will enhance our growing our expanding Marriott Bonvoy portfolio and offer an exceptional experience in a globally recognised destination, following a substantial refurbishment and re-opening ahead of the 2026 summer,” Marriott International Director of Hotel Development, Australia New Zealand and Pacific, Tristan Cooper said.
“We anticipate having 50 hotels open across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific by the end of 2027, three of which will be in the Gold Coast – a major growth location for our portfolio.”
According to Marriott, the 202-room property will offer an upscale stay for travellers who love contemporary, design-driven spaces.
Positioned by the Nerang River and steps from the city’s iconic beach, the hotel will feature a rooftop pool, all-day dining, a bar and lounge, gym and a dedicated events space for up to 120 guests.
“We are thrilled to collaborate again with KS Hotels & Resorts following their latest acquisition in Australia, and we are excited to expand our growing footprint on the Gold Coast,” Marriott International Vice President of Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Richard Crawford said.
“It is a market we know exceptionally well, through our long-standing operation of two of the city’s highest-performing resorts.
“The power of Marriott International’s leading distribution platforms is fueling exciting interest from hotel owners eager to rebrand existing hotels and benefit from Marriott’s unmatched global reach.
“In fact, close to 40 per cent of our global hotel signings in 2024 across APEC were existing hotels seeking to join our portfolio to maximise their competitive advantages and future-proof their success.”
The new property will be the second AC Hotel in Australia, following AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank, and will join network’s growing local portfolio, including JW Marriott and Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort on the Gold Coast.
The hotel group also intends to bring The Ritz-Carlton, St Regis Hotels & Resorts and The Luxury Collection brands to the Gold Coast.
Marriott International also just announced that its Courtyard by Marriott brand would make its Darwin debut, ticking the final box in its national rollout. Read more about that here.
