Marriott International is set to bring its AC Hotels brand to Queensland for the first time following an extensive renovation of a Gold Coast hotel.

Vibe Gold Coast, which was recently acquired by KS Hotels and Resorts, is set to undergo a full renovation, commencing later this year, before opening as AC Hotel Gold Coast in mid-2026. On completion, the upscale lifestyle hotel, located in the heart of Surfers Paradise, will feature 202 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, AC Store, AC Lounge and bar, swimming pool, gym, and a 120-person meeting and events space. “We are thrilled to collaborate again with KS Hotels and Resorts following their latest acquisition in Australia, and we are excited to expand our growing footprint on the Gold Coast,” said Marriott International’s Vice President Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific, Richard Crawford. “It is a market we know exceptionally well, through our long-standing operation of two of the city’s highest-performing resorts,” Crawford said, pointing to the success of JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort and Spa and Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast. “Importantly, AC Hotel Gold Coast will offer our loyal guests, particularly our 228 million Marriott Bonvoy members, a new price point and product offering,” he added. Marriott has previously signed agreements to debut its world-renowned luxury brands, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels and Resorts, and The Luxury Collection brands to the Gold Coast. Marriott International Director Hotel Development, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Tristan Cooper, said the Gold Coast is a key location for future growth. “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,” Cooper said. AC Hotel Gold Coast will be the second AC Hotel in Australia, following AC Hotel Melbourne Southbank, which opened in 2022. The AC Hotels brand portfolio currently includes 235 open properties globally with over 170 in the pipeline. Catering to both business and leisure travellers, the brand aims to deliver “elegant, purposeful” design with flexible spaces and signature moments in the guest experience. Crawford said Marriott International is seeing increasing interest from owners looking to rebrand existing hotels and tap into the hospitality group’s global reach. “Close to 40% of our global hotel signings in 2024 across APEC were existing hotels seeking to join our portfolio to maximize their competitive advantages and future proof their success,” Crawford said.