November 10, 2026 — Marriott is planning a new hotel on Montego Bay’s Hip Strip. The AC Hotel Montego Bay will have 165 rooms, every one facing the Caribbean Sea, and a rooftop bar. It is due to open in 2027.
What is happening
Sandals Resorts International Executive Chairman Adam Stewart announced the project. It will be built on the former Sandals Carlyle site on Kent Avenue. Marriott signed the franchise agreement in June 2025. This will be Jamaica’s second AC Hotel; AC Hotel Kingston opened in 2019. The hotel is due in 2027, but no exact opening date has been announced.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Property | AC Hotel Montego Bay |
| Brand / parent | AC Hotels by Marriott / Marriott International (franchise) |
| Location | Kent Avenue, Hip Strip, Montego Bay, Jamaica (former Sandals Carlyle site) |
| Type | New build |
| Opening date | 2027 (exact date TBA) |
| Rooms | 165, all sea-facing |
| Meal plan | European Plan (room only, not all-inclusive) |
| Bookings | Not yet open (TBA) |
Features
- Every room faces the Caribbean Sea
- Rooftop Sky Terrace Bar
- Room-only pricing: meals and drinks are paid separately
What it means for airline travelers
- Very close to the airport: Caribbean Journal puts the site about half a mile from Sangster International Airport (MBJ), Jamaica’s main gateway for tourists. That makes it a handy choice for a short stay, a late arrival or an early departure.
- A different kind of Montego Bay stay: most big hotels in the area are all-inclusive resorts. This will be a room-only city-style hotel on the Hip Strip, close to restaurants and bars.
- Marriott Bonvoy: as an AC Hotel it will be part of Marriott’s portfolio, so expect points earning once it opens.
- Nothing to book yet: there is no opening date or booking window. Neither is there any word on travel-industry or airline-employee rates.
Sources
- Caribbean Journal — Marriott Is Planning a New Hotel on Montego Bay, Jamaica’s Hip Strip, With 165 Sea-Facing Rooms and a Rooftop Bar
- Wikipedia — Sangster International Airport
Get NonRev Travel News by email
A weekly recap newsletter, sent out every Sunday, with the airline, airport, cruise and travel-warning news that matters to airline employees and retirees. Free.
Subscribe free
