Copyright Boston.com
It's also walking distance from Lake Champlain. A new hotel opened in downtown Burlington this fall, steps from the city’s iconic Church Street Marketplace. The 161-room AC Hotel Burlington Downtown, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s AC Hotels brand, is the first AC Hotel in Vermont. It is managed by Massachusetts-based and family-owned hospitality company Giri Hotels. The six-story hotel opened Sept. 18 inside the city’s new 11-story South Building — billed as Vermont’s tallest — and offers sweeping views of Burlington’s skyline. The top of the building is occupied by 53 luxury apartments. Travelers experience a “thoughtful, timeless, and elegant experience,” at the hotel, according to a press release. The building, the first phase of Burlington Square’s redevelopment, was constructed in the long-vacant space referred to as “the pit,” the former site of the Burlington Town Center mall that was demolished in 2018. Stalled plans and controversies have plagued the space until now, reported Vermont Public, and phase two will bring a second hotel and more apartments in 2027 to the new North Building. “Our recent opening of AC Hotel Burlington by Marriott is an exciting addition to the Giri Hotels portfolio and an important step in our ongoing growth across New England,” said Ryan Amin, principal at Giri Hotels, in a statement. “Burlington continues to be a strong market for both business and leisure travel, and we’re proud to contribute to its community and development.” Guests can choose from king, queen, and accessible rooms, some with balconies and views of Lake Champlain. The lake, named among the 10 most “amazing” lakes in America by USA Today readers, is walking distance from the hotel. Travelers begin their day with a European-inspired breakfast at AC Kitchen featuring croissants, artisan cured meats, and Lavazza coffee. In the evening, travelers can relax at the hotel’s AC Lounge, which serves signature cocktails, local craft brews, and small shareable plates. The hotel has a convenience store, free coffee and tea in the lobby, complimentary WiFi, and 1,500 square-feet of naturally-lit meeting and event spaces with cutting-edge technology. For fitness-minded guests, there’s an 1,100 square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center. Hotel guests have access to on-site parking for $25 a day and the pet-friendly stay welcomes four-legged travelers under 40 pounds. Nearby Church Street Marketplace, an open-air mall full of historic buildings, walkways, restaurants, and shops, was named the best public square in America in 2022 USA Today readers. Earlier this year, the publication named Burlington one of the most walkable cities for tourists in the U.S. The starting rate at AC Hotel Burlington Downtown is $155.
