Marriott and Sandals to open new hotel in Kingston, Jamaica

Marriott International and Sandals Resorts International have paired to announce a new AC Hotels by Marriott property in Kingston, Jamaica. The property, which has an estimated cost of $50 million, is scheduled to open in winter 2019, with construction currently underway.

The hotel is reported to include a 10,000-sq. ft. conference centre, in addition to retail space and a full-service restaurant. It is also planned to feature a BMW showroom, wellness salon and car-rental facility. The AC Hotel by Marriott will be the first non-Sandals and Beeches branded hotel under the management of Sandals Resorts International (SRI).

“This is our first time entering the non-all inclusive market in the hospitality sector,” said Adam Stewart, CEO, SRI, according to The Gleaner. “Last year our group contributed US$50 million to the Jamaican economy in developments throughout our chain. We are achieving average daily rates ten times that of the all-inclusive international market plan.”

“We want businesses to invest, to be profitable and pay their staff well,” said Prime Minister Andrew Holness in his keynote address. “The role of government is to provide that platform where business and the citizens can all succeed.”