Prescott, Arizona, is poised to elevate its tourism and hospitality profile with the opening of a 109-key AC Hotel by Marriott Bonvoy. Scheduled to open within the historic walls of Howey Hall, a building dating back to 1876, the project represents a fusion of Arizona’s frontier legacy and contemporary luxury. By combining historic preservation with modern hotel design, the property is set to become both a symbol of the city’s resilience and a key player in its growing tourism economy.
This development marks one of the most exciting hospitality milestones for Prescott in recent years, bringing with it a design-forward approach that promises to resonate with today’s discerning travelers.
Reviving Howey Hall: Honoring History Through Design
The new AC Hotel is being developed within the framework of Howey Hall, a four-story structure that has stood as a cornerstone of Prescott’s architectural heritage since the 19th century. Dallas-based Pickard Design Studio, a female-owned design firm celebrated for its narrative-driven projects, is leading the redevelopment.
Rather than recreating the past through nostalgic motifs, the design embraces authentic storytelling rooted in Prescott’s character. Natural materials, warm desert tones, and regionally inspired art will define the interiors, connecting visitors to the city’s history while ensuring the property remains distinctly modern. The aesthetic is grounded in the spirit of the American Gilded West, balancing rugged sophistication with timeless elegance.
Interior Vision: Rugged Elegance Meets Contemporary Comfort
Inside the AC Hotel, guests will encounter a carefully curated palette of clay tones, warm neutrals, and desert-inspired hues, offset with cool accents for balance. This combination evokes the landscapes of central Arizona while aligning with AC Hotels’ minimalist yet elevated global brand identity.
Public Spaces Designed to Inspire
The lobby will feature velvet and leather seating, soft architectural lines, and a central fireplace framed by a curved banquette. The fireplace is envisioned as a social anchor point, surrounded by expressive artwork that tells the story of the region. Adjacent communal areas, such as a retail market and kitchen, will incorporate rich textures like leather millwork, accent tiles, and detailed ceiling treatments, all intended to convey artistry and craft.
Meeting spaces will be equipped with flexible layouts, including nano walls and custom carpeting, making them ideal for both business events and leisure gatherings. A fully equipped fitness center will also be included, ensuring wellness remains central to the guest experience.
The property will also boast a patio and pool deck complete with multiple seating zones and an outdoor fireplace, designed for year-round relaxation in Prescott’s mild climate.
Guestroom Design Inspired by Arizona’s Midday Sun
The 109 guestrooms at the AC Hotel will follow what designers call the “Mediodía Scheme”, derived from the Spanish word for midday. This concept draws direct inspiration from the Arizona sun at its peak, infusing the interiors with warm light and earthy textures.
Guests can expect rooms adorned with organic finishes, subtle lighting, and earthy tones that mirror the desert environment. The design is meant to provide both tranquility and vibrancy, reflecting the spirit of Prescott while delivering the elevated standards of Marriott Bonvoy’s AC brand.
Marriott Bonvoy’s Strategic Role in Arizona
As part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, the AC Hotel in Prescott brings with it the strength of a global hospitality brand that is synonymous with quality and modern style. For Marriott, the property represents a strategic addition to its Arizona offerings, reinforcing its reputation as a leader in both leisure and business travel accommodations.
For Prescott, the hotel underscores the city’s growing importance as a tourism destination in central Arizona. Known for its historic downtown, heritage buildings, and access to outdoor recreation in the Bradshaw Mountains and nearby national forests, Prescott has long attracted visitors seeking authentic experiences. The AC Hotel enhances this appeal by offering contemporary accommodations rooted in local identity.
Economic and Cultural Impact on Prescott
The new AC Hotel is expected to generate significant benefits for Prescott’s economy and tourism sector. By repurposing Howey Hall into a modern hospitality landmark, the development creates a new attraction that will draw both domestic and international travelers.
The property will also support Prescott’s thriving events calendar, from seasonal festivals to corporate retreats, by providing high-quality meeting and lodging spaces. Its opening is anticipated to create jobs, support local businesses, and encourage longer visitor stays in the area.
Beyond economics, the project highlights the city’s commitment to preserving heritage while embracing innovation. By balancing historical architecture with contemporary design, Prescott is positioning itself as a destination that values its past while preparing for the future of tourism.
A Symbol of Prescott’s Next Chapter
The upcoming opening of the AC Hotel Prescott by Marriott Bonvoy is more than just another hotel launch—it is a statement about the city’s evolving identity. With its roots in the 19th century and its sights set firmly on the future, the property symbolizes Prescott’s resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence in hospitality.
Guests will be able to enjoy an environment where history, culture, and modern design converge—from the sun-inspired guestrooms to the communal fireplace at the heart of the lobby.
For travelers seeking both authenticity and sophistication, and for locals eager to see their historic landmarks revitalized, the AC Hotel promises to be a defining addition to the region’s hospitality landscape.
Conclusion: Elevating Prescott on the Global Stage
Prescott’s forthcoming 109-key AC Hotel by Marriott Bonvoy represents a transformative moment for the city. By blending the historic legacy of Howey Hall with modern architectural and design innovations, the hotel will stand as a new icon of hospitality in central Arizona.
With its thoughtful interiors, guest-focused amenities, and deep connection to local identity, the AC Hotel is set to position Prescott as a premier destination for leisure travelers, business visitors, and cultural explorers alike.
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