AC Hotel Little Rock to Open in February

An artist's rendering of the AC Hotel Little Rock's exterior at 201 W. Capitol Ave.

The $25 million, 114-room AC Hotel Little Rock is set to open in early February, with a grand opening celebration planned for a month later. 

It will be the first AC property in the state. Developers said it will create 40 jobs, generate more than $500,000 per year in tax revenue, and use local vendors including Rocktown Distillery and Cocoa Belle Chocolates. 

Located in the long-vacant Hall-Davidson building at the corner of Capitol Avenue and Louisiana Street downtown, the European-style hotel bridges the historic financial district with the burgeoning Creative Corridor on Main Street.

The five-story Hall building was built in 1923. The three-story Davidson building was built as an annex in 1947. Both are on the National Register of Historic Places. 

The project preserved historic architectural features and details like the original marble tile, wainscoting and brass mail chute, according to the developers, which include the Alley family, Mody family, Jordan Haas and Dan Roda. The hotel will be managed by Schulte Hospitality. 

In addition to private money, the project was funded by Federal and State Historic Tax Preservation Tax Credits, Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing and the Pulaski County Brownfields Fund. Centennial Bank financed the project.

“We couldn’t be more happy or proud to bring this new hotel concept to Arkansas,” said Derek Alley, one of the hotel’s owners, in a news release. “The AC Hotel will offer a moment of respite for travelers in our design-forward, elegant, peaceful spaces and with frictionless service.” 

It will offer the AC Lounge, an adaptable area with a locals-friendly co-working space called the AC Library and a bar with signature cocktails. The restaurant will have a tapas-style menu and European-style breakfast, with French croissants and Iberico-inspired artisanal Prosciutto Americain. 

Each of the guestrooms includes an original photograph, taken by local artist Chris Cranford, showing a close-up detail of the historic buildings before the restoration. 

The AC Lounge will feature an original piece by local artist Rayna A. Mackey from her “Once Upon a Time” series, plus furniture made in Dermott by the Paul Michael Co., which used natural geodes sourced in Hot Springs. 

The hotel mixes natural wood, stone and geode textures with brass, black and silver tones.

“The AC has a distinctive style and vibe which will complement and enhance Little Rock as the destination for commerce, culture, education, living and visiting in Arkansas,” said General Manager Josh Castle. “We can’t wait to introduce Little Rock to AC’s signature experiences like our welcoming treat, a pate de fruit, Gin Tonics (cocktails) served in custom glasses designed to perfection, or our DIY lavender turn-down service. The AC Hotel’s beauty is in its simplicity and detail.”