AC Hotel Durham

AC Hotel Durham occupies a prime spot at 2800 Erwin Road, Durham, North Carolina, 27705, just steps from Duke University’s sprawling campus. Launched in 2018 under Marriott International’s AC Hotels brand, this seven-story edifice houses 142 rooms and emerged from a $30 million investment by Urban Hotel Group. Architecturally, it boasts a sleek facade of glass and brick, a nod to European minimalism crafted by HOK, covering 80,000 square feet. Its placement offers immediate access to Duke University Hospital, a mere 0.6 miles away, and sits 17 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Inside, the hotel prioritizes functionality with a layout that strips away excess. Rooms come equipped with essentials like Nespresso machines and flat-screen TVs, averaging 375 square feet, while public spaces feature a 2,500-square-foot lounge with a fireplace separating it from the AC Kitchen restaurant. The 2018 opening added 50 jobs to the local economy, with staff maintaining round-the-clock operations. A $2 million refresh in 2022 enhanced the fitness center with Peloton bikes and updated 70 rooms with noise-reducing windows, aligning with Marriott’s sustainability push to cut energy use by 10%.

The hotel anchors itself in Durham’s academic and medical hub, four miles from the city’s lively downtown core. Guests can reach the Durham Performing Arts Center in a 10-minute drive or explore the Nasher Museum of Art, 1.2 miles away. Parking comes at $15 daily in an onsite lot with 100 spaces, and the hotel welcomes pets for a fee. Booking is handled via Marriott.com or a direct call to 984-900-2700, with check-in requiring standard identification and payment.

Hotel Features

• Room count: 142 units spanning seven floors.
• Room categories: King rooms, queen rooms with two beds, and select suites.
• Room dimensions: Average 375 square feet; suites up to 600 square feet.
• Kitchen equipment: Mini-refrigerators and Nespresso machines in all rooms.
• Bathrooms: Glass-enclosed showers, some with tubs, stocked with toiletries.
• Tech setup: 47-inch flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi throughout.
• Workspace: Desks with USB charging ports.
• Accessibility options: Rooms with roll-in showers and visual alert systems.
• Check-in: Begins at 3:00 PM.
• Check-out: Ends at 12:00 PM.
• Event space: 1,200 square feet across two configurable rooms.
• Parking area: Onsite lot, $15 per day, 100 spaces.

Amenities

• Reception: Staffed 24 hours with multilingual support.
• Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi in all areas.
• Fitness facility: Open 24/7, equipped with Peloton bikes, treadmills, and free weights.
• Dining options: AC Kitchen for European-style breakfast; AC Lounge for tapas and drinks.
• Service: Daily housekeeping on request; 24-hour room service available.
• Extras: Convenience store onsite, dry-cleaning service offered.
• Security: Keycard entry, in-room safes, constant surveillance.

Nearby Points of Interest

• Duke University Hospital: 0.7 miles, a 12-minute walk; major medical center.
• Duke University Chapel: 0.7 miles, a 14-minute walk; Gothic-style landmark.
• Nasher Museum of Art: 1.2 miles, a five-minute drive; 10,000-piece collection.
• Durham Performing Arts Center: 4 miles, a 10-minute drive; 2,700-seat theater.
• Sarah P. Duke Gardens: 1.5 miles, a six-minute drive; 55-acre botanical site.
• Durham Bulls Athletic Park: 3.8 miles, a nine-minute drive; minor league baseball stadium.
• Museum of Life and Science: 5 miles, a 12-minute drive; interactive exhibits.
• Bennett Place: 6 miles, a 15-minute drive; Civil War surrender site.
• American Tobacco Campus: 4.2 miles, a 10-minute drive; historic redevelopment area.
• Eno River State Park: 10 miles, a 20-minute drive; 4,200-acre natural reserve.

Other Important Information

• Operator: Marriott International via Urban Hotel Group.
• Launch year: 2018.
• Upgrade details: $2 million overhaul in 2022 for fitness and soundproofing.
• Build cost: $30 million total investment.
• Cancellation terms: 24-hour notice standard; rate-specific variations apply.
• Child rules: Kids 17 and under stay free with existing bedding.
• Airport distance: Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 17 miles, a 25-minute drive.
• Transit access: Durham Area Transit bus stop, 0.2 miles, a four-minute walk.
• Pet allowance: Up to two pets, 75-pound limit, $75 fee per stay.
• Smoking rules: No smoking permitted; $250 penalty for violations.