European Design and Style Come to Life at New AC Hotel Chicago Downtown

Marcus® Hotels & Resorts, a division of The Marcus Corporation (NYSE: MCS), and Marriott International, Inc. announced today the opening of the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, bringing European timelessness and elegance to Chicago's Magnificent Mile. The 226-room hotel located at 630 N. Rush Street is the fourth AC Hotels by Marriott branded property to open in the U.S.

"Located in the heart of the shopping district and within walking distance to the city's main tourist attractions, AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is situated perfectly for millennial travelers looking to experience everything the city has to offer."

Located in Chicago's River North area, the heart of the city's shopping, dining and entertainment district, the AC Hotel by Marriott lifestyle brand targets the millennial traveler searching for a design-led hotel in a vibrant location with high-quality service. The brand boasts urban, simplistic and clean designs with European aesthetics and elegance, the latest technology and communal functional spaces. The result is elegant yet unpretentious style, innovative food and beverage programming and locally inspired experiences for both guests and locals.

"We are very excited to bring one of the first AC Hotels by Marriott in the U.S. to Chicago's popular River North area," said Gregory S. Marcus, president and CEO of The Marcus Corporation. "The urban-inspired feel and sleek, European designs make this brand the perfect fit for Chicago, providing guests with a cosmopolitan, yet relaxed atmosphere. This sophisticated, lifestyle brand will fit in perfectly with Chicago's fashion-forward, trendsetting environment, and will provide guests with a unique travel experience right in the heart of downtown."

Designed by The Gettys Group, an award-winning international hospitality consultancy headquartered in Chicago, the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown provides an energetic vibe, drawing from the runways and fashion houses of Milan. Taking influence from its European roots, the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown uses muted colors and monochromatic color schemes throughout, showcasing a timeless design that is both modern and refined.

Guestrooms and suites aim to please the millennial traveler, incorporating a tone-on-tone color scheme with clean lines, sleek furnishings, hardwood floors, luggage benches, separate showers and open closet systems. High-tech amenities include "kallpods," "media salons" with Bluetooth technology and USB charging stations, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

The AC Lounge is the place to start and end the evening. The communal space offers a bar area with handcrafted cocktails such as the signature Gintonic, craft beers in a can, including Chicago's very own Revolution, Spanish-inspired tapas and wine on tap. Kallpods allow guests to easily request a check, talk to a server or order an espresso any time of day. Chicago's best "Barcierges" blend a mixologist and concierge, connecting guests to the latest Chicago happenings with insider tips and recommendations on the local area and nightlife.

Adjacent to the AC Lounge, the AC Kitchen serves a European-inspired breakfast menu, such as all butter-Bridor croissants, artisan-cured meats and signature iced coffee. A Berkel artisan slicer allows guests to experience a taste of Europe each morning with Iberico inspired artisanal La Quercia Prosciutto, and a Nespresso machine is always on hand.

The AC Library, located just off the main lobby, is a collaborative space with communal tables, self-service business center and individual reading areas, providing a quiet space to work, think and be inspired. Guests can also enjoy a selection of books, magazines and guides to all that Chicago has to offer.

AC Fitness includes state-of-the-art equipment, yoga mats and free weights, open 24/7.

"Chicago is such a vibrant city with an active arts scene and energetic urban culture," said Toni Stoekl, VP Lifestyle Brands, Marriott International. "Located in the heart of the shopping district and within walking distance to the city's main tourist attractions, AC Hotel Chicago Downtown is situated perfectly for millennial travelers looking to experience everything the city has to offer."

Other amenities include outdoor terraces with views of the city, on-site parking and 3,000 square-feet of meeting space.

The new lifestyle hotel by Marriott is AC's first property in Illinois (second in the Midwest). Along with Chicago and other U.S. locations, AC Hotels by Marriott currently offers a portfolio of nearly 80 hotels throughout Spain, Italy, Portugal and France. Founded by Antonio Catalan, The AC Hotels by Marriott brand was launched in Europe in 2011 as a joint venture between Marriott International and Spain's AC Hotels. Today, more than 50 additional hotels are set to open within the next three years throughout the U.S. and Latin America.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts will own and manage the AC Hotel Chicago Downtown. To learn more about AC Hotels by Marriott or to book an experience at AC Hotel Chicago Downtown, visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chiac-ac-hotel-chicago-downtown

About Marcus Hotels & Resorts

With the addition of Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh, Marcus Hotels & Resorts owns and/or manages 19 hotels, resorts and other properties in the U.S. The company's distinctive portfolio includes city-center meeting hotels, upscale resorts, historic properties, and premium branded and independent first-class hotels. Marcus Hotels & Resorts is an approved operator for all major lodging brands. A leader in the hospitality industry since 1962, Marcus Hotels & Resorts creates asset value for hotel owners through its expertise in management, development and product repositioning. This includes premier food and beverage brands such as Mason Street Grill, ChopHouse, Miller Time® Pub & Grill and SafeHouse® Restaurants. For more information, please visit: http://media.marcushotels.com and follow the company on Facebook and Twitter (@MarcusHotels).

About The Marcus Corporation

Headquartered in Milwaukee, The Marcus Corporation is a leader in the lodging and entertainment industries, with significant company-owned real estate assets. In addition to its lodging division, its theatre division, Marcus Theatres^®, is the fourth largest theatre circuit in the U.S. and currently owns or operates 1,064 screens at 85 locations in 17 states under the Marcus Theatres, Movie Tavern® by Marcus and BistroPlex® brands. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.marcuscorp.com.