If you have not heard already, the highly anticipated AC Hotel in Westport which was slated to open March 16, got the green light early from the Marriott hotel chain which owns the AC Hotel and opened it’s doors March 10.
I had the chance to tour the hotel and must say both the hotel and the staff are absolutely lovely.
Sprinkled throughout Europe and already an established brand there, the Kansas City location of the AC hotel concept is only the second in the United States. The first location opened in New Orleans in the fall of 2014. Additional locations such as Miami, Chicago and other cities across the US are in the works and set to open in the next few years.
The tour started at the sleek and stylish bar where we sampled the AC Westport signature cocktail, The Battle of Westport, featuring Kansas City’s own Dark Horse White Whiskey. This citrus inspired cocktail is on tap so every batch is consistent and if I do say myself, quite delicious. The blood orange garnish and beautiful color almost makes it to pretty to drink. The bar also features wine on tap as well as beer which is served only in cans to guarantee freshness.
The bar and lobby feature crisp clean lines that are modern yet comfortable and inviting.
The tour then headed to check out the guest rooms that reflect the sophisticated European styling of the already existing AC Hotels that are throughout Spain, Italy, Portugal and France. Upon entering, I was immediately taken back to France! The room layout was almost a spitting image of a room we recently stayed in Lyon, France which I absolutely loved.
Just like the bar and lobby the room is sleek and stylish while still being quite comfortable. The desk feature offers plenty of workspace, the open closet design makes sure you won’t forget anything and the GROHE Rain Shower showerheads, Bluetooth enabled speakers and the Essential Elements body products by Gilchrist and Soames are well, just an absolute luxury.
After the room tour it was off the the state of the art fitness center, business center and conference room.
The evening ended back in the bar where we sampled some of AC’s snacks and small plates that included the spicy roasted fava beans, chili and citrus marinated olives, crispy sea salt roasted potatoes, tomato braised eggplant and ricotta toast, simple green salad with roasted artichoke and Parmesan and a roasted salmon with lentils.
The small plates also included their dessert selections and were equally as fabulous. My favorite was the goat cheese and honey cheesecake but the chocolate hazelnut dessert bar was quite yummy as well and the French macaroons make you feel as if you really dining in France!
The lounge at the AC hotel is on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to service, putting the guest in control. Each table features a call button where the guest can alert the server when they are ready to order, need assistance or ready for the check. Having this feature allows the guest to be in control whether they do not want to be interrupted during an important meeting or need another drink!
You could truly make a meal out of the snacks and small plates, I know I certainly did. The concept of the AC hotel is to “Feel the City” and really get out and enjoy the urban area of the hotels surroundings, with the idea is to have a cocktail and a snack in the bar and then go experience the city.
All though the evening cocktails and snacks are absolutely delightful, it is the European inspired breakfast that will get guest going in the morning. Fresh baked breads, fruits, muesli, savory and sweet egg tarts, French cheeses, fresh sliced to order cured meats and pure butter croissants flown in from France among other European breakfast staples will please any guests palate and give them an energizing start to their day.
With all of the great restaurants and shopping in Westport and the County Club Plaza just a couple of blocks away, any visitor or local for that matter, would have an amazing time staying at the AC Hotel in Westport.
This is the perfect staycation getaway for locals who want to feel like they are in Europe without leaving the metro!
If you have a great food find or travel destination I should know about please email me.
In Good Taste,
Sharm