The downturn forced AC to team with a major Spanish rival in 2009 in a management deal that cut costs at both chains.

The chain rebranded after a needed, but undisclosed, investment by Marriott.

A new joint company assumed the management, but property ownerships remained with existing parties.

Catalán remained as AC Hotels' president.

[6] As of 2024, AC Hotels by Marriott maintains properties in Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Denmark, Dominican Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, Peru, Portugal, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia, Spain, Turkey, Jamaica, the United Kingdom, and the United States.and Morocco