Honolulu has the unique distinction of offering both an island and city experience, making it a perfect destination for clients who don’t want to choose between sun and sand or culture and history. In the center of it all is the new AC Hotel Honolulu, the first AC Hotels property on the island of Oahu.
"We offer 'everything you need and nothing you don't' with a commitment to ultimate comfort and gateway access to the best of the city for business or leisure travel," said Patricia Chang Moad, project executive and vice president of operations for Continental Assets Management, the property management firm for AC Hotel Honolulu. "We're thrilled to bring AC Hotels by Marriott to Oahu. Guests are immersed in the hallmark hospitality philosophy of European hotelier Antonio Catalan, paired with Hawaii's signature ‘service with aloha.’"
Property Features
Opened in December 2023 in the city’s downtown area, the 112-room property offers modern, well-appointed guestrooms (95% have king beds); a 24-hour, state-of-the-art gym (including Peloton bikes); and an innovative food and beverage program featuring a new chef-driven signature restaurant, The Dotted Line, and Yours Truly, the bar and lounge with a hidden tiki-style speakeasy.
The hotel is located near two of Honolulu’s iconic historic landmarks, the Aloha Tower and Iolani Palace, as well as the Capitol Modern museum, which curates an extensive collection of work by contemporary Hawaiian artists. It’s also about a 10-minute drive from Ala Moana Beach, one of Hawaii’s most popular open-ocean swimming areas.
And although AC Hotel Honolulu is not a typical Hawaiian resort-style hotel (there is no pool), the downtown property is the perfect home base for clients who want to explore the entire island. Thanks to its proximity to the port of Honolulu, the hotel is also an ideal option for pre- or post-cruise stays.
Decadent Dining
With a philosophy of “more is more,” The Dotted Line eatery encourages diners to “live life excessively,” with the option to add indulgent ingredients such as foie gras, uni (sea urchin), caviar and fresh black truffle to nearly every dish. The recently launched lunch menu also leans into decadence with the TDL burger, which is served with tallow truffle fries (and optional pork belly and foie gras add-ons). The full menu is available at the adjacent AC Lounge, which offers daily happy hour and live music on select nights. Plus, The Dotted Line features downtown Honolulu’s first-ever “cravings” take-out window.
The restaurant’s European-inspired breakfast buffet, meanwhile, includes freshly baked pastries, artisanal meats and cheeses and fresh fruit; the Common Ground coffee shop offers a “Bodega-with-Aloha” experience with Big Island Coffee Roasters brews, fresh baked goods and local artisanal products.
"We want to cater to our neighborhood," said Juliet Wilson, director of food and beverage for AC Hotel Honolulu. "It's hard to come by these days — especially in a hotel — to have a restaurant with such a distinct personality."
The Dotted Line is certainly right at home in the neighborhood, as AC Hotel Honolulu is less than a mile from several of the city’s most notable restaurants, including James Beard Award-winning Fete, a neighborhood gem serving local farm-to-table dishes from Honolulu-born Chef Robynne Maii; Bar Leather Apron, an intimate craft cocktail bar featuring Hawaii’s most extensive whiskey selection; The Pig & the Lady, a Vietnamese and Asian-fusion restaurant from 2023 James Beard semifinalist chef Andrew Le; and Senia, a fine-dining restaurant from James Beard-nominated chef Anthony Rush, featuring an intimate eight-seat Chefs’ Counter experience on Fridays and Saturdays.
Clients looking for something cool and classy will love AC Hotel Honolulu’s lower-level Yours Truly bar. Wednesday through Saturday, those with a reservation can unlock a tiki-themed speakeasy, where they can sample craft cocktails such as the rum-forward Mano A Mano, served in a shark-shaped tiki mug, and gin-based Queen Lili’U, served in a seahorse. The bar also offers modern takes on island classics such as mai tais and zombies. Drinks are ordered (and delivered) through an old-timey post office mailbox, for which guests are given a key after providing the proper password.
Although AC Hotel Honolulu was designed with business travelers in mind, it showcases everything the city has to offer, making it an ideal choice for any client looking to experience the modern and tropical sides of the island.
“Catering to a diverse clientele is at the heart of our hospitality ethos,” said Daniel Texeira, general manager of the hotel. “While business travelers form a significant portion of our guests, we also extend a warm welcome to those seeking to experience a local’s perspective of Honolulu. From adventure-seekers to leisure enthusiasts, we invite our guests to discover the vibrant neighborhood at our doorstep.”