Montego Bay is preparing to mark a major milestone in its tourism landscape with the debut of its first-ever Marriott-branded hotel—a contemporary AC Marriott set to transform the city’s iconic Hip Strip.
Announced by Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, the 165-room property will be built on the former site of Sandals Carlyle and will feature a European Plan (EP) model—moving away from Jamaica’s dominant all-inclusive approach. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2025, with the grand opening slated for 2027.
“This is a magical piece of property, just half a mile from the airport with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea,” Stewart said. “We’re creating a hotel that locals and visitors alike will want to experience.”
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A Shift in Hospitality: From All-Inclusive to Urban Lifestyle
This project marks the second AC Marriott in Jamaica, following the success of the Kingston location which opened in 2019. Developed in partnership with Marriott International and AC Hotel Jamaica, the new hotel reflects a growing demand for flexible, urban-style accommodation that allows guests to engage more freely with the local culture and economy.
Stewart emphasized the importance of EP (non-all-inclusive) options in Jamaica’s tourism mix:
“Jamaica needs more EP products—hotels that allow guests to explore, support local businesses and access city life. This is not just a hotel for visitors—it’s for Montego Bay and Montegonians.”
Design Inspired by Sea and Shore
Designed by the architecture firm Baskervill, the hotel will blend coastal elegance with urban design, drawing on colors and textures from the Caribbean reef ecosystem. The hotel’s layout will feature underground parking, pedestrian-friendly access, and a sleek, elevated structure.
The interiors will feature a palette of shimmering metallics, coastal greens, and fluid forms inspired by underwater life. Signature spaces include a Sky Terrace Bar, ocean view rooms, flexible event spaces, and affordable luxury amenities.
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Community and Urban Renewal
Officials praised the project’s contribution to urban renewal and community integration on the Hip Strip.
- Senator Charles Sinclair highlighted the environmentally conscious design.
- Deputy Mayor Dwight Crawford emphasized the importance of public access and improved parking infrastructure.
Beyond its hospitality value, the new AC Marriott is being positioned as a catalyst for transformation—a development that connects tourism, design, and local culture while breathing new life into Montego Bay’s central tourism corridor.
“This has the potential to change the face of the Hip Strip,” Stewart added. “It’s a showpiece—where design meets purpose and where hospitality meets community.”
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