Marriott to Expand Retail Presence

NATIONAL REPORT—Marriott International and Simon have plans to open at least five new hotels at Simon shopping centers over the next several years.

“With consumers increasingly gravitating toward walkable, mixed-use communities, opening new hotels alongside Simon’s thriving retail destinations is an important part of Marriott International’s growth strategy in North America,” said Eric Jacobs, chief development officer with Marriott International. “Simon’s centers provide leisure and business travelers’ alike access to shopping, restaurants, entertainment and an array of unique experiences outside their door, providing the perfect complement for our select-service brands such as AC by Marriott and Residence Inn.”

Simon began adding hospitality at its centers to further enhance their value years ago. In all, there are more than 15 Marriott-branded hotels located at Simon properties including The Westin at The Domain in Austin, TX, which opened in 2010 and the AC Hotel Atlanta Buckhead at Phipps Plaza, which opened in Atlanta in 2016. Last year, Marriott TownePlace Suites debuted at Coconut Point in Estero, FL. Many more properties have been developed in close proximity to Simon’s properties.

The following five Marriott International brand hotels are expected to open at Simon centers over the next several years:

  • AC Hotel by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Sawgrass Mills/Sunrise
  • AC Hotel by Marriott Miami Dadeland
  • Courtyard Marriott Wolfchase Galleria/Memphis
  • Residence Inn Long Island Jericho
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites Dallas Garland, Texas

“There is a great synergy when you combine Marriott’s innovative hotels and Simon’s exciting shopping, dining, entertainment and mixed-use properties,” said Patrick Peterman, VP of development and asset intensification at Simon. “The uses are very complementary. We’ve recognized this for a long time.”

“In addition to business travelers who like being able to walk to restaurants, stores and entertainment, these hotels also appeal to locals, who may book a hotel for a special shopping trip—such as a wedding gown hunt,” said Jamie Krueger, director of sales and marketing, AC Hotel Atlanta Buckhead at Phipps Plaza. “Our hotel leverages its prime location by creating fashion-infused experiences, such as designer trunk shows in our lobby and pop-up events throughout Phipps Plaza with luxury car, watch makers and men’s footwear brands in our AC Lounge.”