The Path That Defines Us
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“We are a team proud of our company, passionate about excellence and customer satisfaction.”
Antonio Catalán, "The Best Hotelier in Spain"
Our founder has passed on his pioneering philosophy and business culture to the way we work.
At the age of 29, he opened his first hotel in Pamplona under the NH brand. After nearly 20 years of expansion, he sold his stake in 1997. The following year, he launched AC Hotels—the project of his life.
Marriott International Group, a Global Leader in the Hospitality Industry
Founded by J. Willard and Alice Marriott and guided by family leadership since 1927, its principles remain deeply rooted in the company’s culture.
From Corella to International Expansion
Since its beginnings in Corella, Antonio Catalán has been a key figure in Spanish hospitality. In 1978, he founded NH, opening in the city of Pamplona and leading its expansion to become the largest urban hotel chain in the country.
In its early years, it stood out for its innovative model. In 1998, he launched a new project: AC Hotels, a chain of 4- and 5-star urban hotels.
In 2010, AC Hotels joined forces with Marriott International to create the joint brand AC Hotels by Marriott. After 25 years, this project aspires to become the largest hotel management group in Southern Europe among the more than 30 brands in the Marriott portfolio, serving as its exclusive partner.
1978
Founds NH Hotels with the NH Ciudad de Pamplona. Sells his stake in NH Hotels in 1998.
1999
Founds AC Hotels and opens the first hotel in Madrid, AC Hotel Aitana.
2001
With 25 hotels open in Spain, launches the first hotel in Italy: AC Hotel Lucca.
2005
AC Hotels’ expansion triples.
2011
Antonio Catalán and Marriott International sign a Joint Venture, making AC Hotels an international brand.
2011-2012
Autograph Collection Hotels opens its first hotels in Spain.
2015
AC Hotel New Orleans, the first AC Hotel in the United States.
2017
AC Hotels doubles its presence in the USA and Latin America, reaching 126 properties and expanding into new markets such as Germany and Poland.
2021
Reopening of the iconic Santo Mauro Hotel under the Luxury Collection brand.
2023
The first JW Marriott opens in Spain: JW Marriott Hotel Madrid.
2024
A new Westin hotel opens in the heart of Madrid: The Westin Madrid Cuzco.
Southern Europe: Spain, Italy and Portugal
75 Hotels
+10,000 Rooms
+3000 Employees
A Unique Journey
Antonio Catalán, founder of AC Hotels by Marriott, launched this Xacobeo Route 35 years ago to fulfill a personal promise: to get on his bike and ride the Camino de Santiago alongside a group of friends. In every edition, accompanied by entrepreneurs, hotel staff, Marriott International executives, and friends like former cyclist Miguel Indurain, Catalán leads the group with youthful enthusiasm, pedaling through the most iconic stages of the Camino.
The 35th edition will begin, as tradition dictates, in the town of Corella (Navarra), from where the group will ride over 800 kilometers through six stages of the Camino de Santiago, reaching the Galician capital on June 12. As usual, along the way, the group will rest in hotels owned by the chain located along the route.
The 2025 program—its 35th edition—is already underway. You’ll be able to follow it from here.