A new chapter in Montego Bay’s tourism evolution is set to begin. Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart has unveiled plans for a new AC Marriott hotel, a 165-room property that will bring a contemporary, European Plan (that is, not all-inclusive) concept to the heart of Montego Bay’s iconic Hip Strip.
The new hotel will rise on the site of the former Sandals Carlyle, marking a significant shift from all-inclusive to EP-style hospitality in one of Jamaica’s busiest tourism hubs. Slated to begin construction at the end of 2025, the project is expected to open its doors in 2027.
The announcement marks the second AC Marriott for Jamaica, following the success of the Kingston location that opened its doors back in 2019. The project is a collaboration between Sandals Resorts, AC Hotel Jamaica, and Marriott International, which formally signed the franchise agreement this week.
“This is a magical piece of property, just half a mile from the airport with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea,” Stewart said in a statement provided to Caribbean Journal. “We’re taking it to the next level, just as we did in Kingston, creating a hotel that locals and visitors alike will want to experience.”
Designed by architecture firm Baskervill, the hotel will embrace a sleek, coastal aesthetic inspired by the surrounding Caribbean reef ecosystem. The building will rise on structural piles with underground parking and an open, pedestrian-friendly layout intended to enhance access for both travelers and the local community.
Described as “sleek by nature, shaped by the shore,” the property will incorporate a palette of shimmering metallics and coastal greens, with design elements that reflect the movement and fluidity of underwater life.
Highlights will include a Sky Terrace Bar, ocean view rooms, flexible conference and event space, and inclusive amenities at accessible price points.
Stewart emphasized that the project was designed with Montego Bay in mind—not just as a destination for travelers, but as a living space for residents.
“Jamaica needs more EP products—hotels that allow guests to explore, support local businesses and access city life,” he said. “This is not just a hotel for visitors, it’s for Montego Bay and Montegonians.”
Local officials also praised the development. Senator Charles Sinclair pointed to the environmentally conscious aspects of the design, while Deputy Mayor Dwight Crawford noted the importance of community access and parking solutions as part of the project’s urban renewal impact.
The AC Marriott Montego Bay is being positioned as both a hospitality offering and a catalyst for broader transformation—one that introduces a modern lifestyle product while anchoring new opportunities for local engagement, culture, and commerce on the Hip Strip.
“This has the potential to change the face of the Hip Strip,” Stewart said. “It’s a showpiece—where design meets purpose and where hospitality meets community.”
