Talib McDowell, General Manager, AC Hotel Tampa Airport
August 2026 —In an interview with Invest:, AC Hotel Tampa Airport General Manager Talib McDowell shared how the hotel has moved from hurricane-driven uncertainty to a record-setting performance. With Tampa Bay’s surge in corporate demand and visitor activity, the hotel is exceeding expectations while preparing for a major 2027 renovation aimed at elevating design and unlocking new guest experiences. “The only thing that separates you from your competition nowadays is the experiences that you’re able to execute on property,” said McDowell.
Over the past year, what key changes or developments have had the greatest impact on AC Hotel Tampa Airport and your performance in the market?
In 2024, we were dealing with one of the worst hurricanes to threaten the area, and there was a lot of uncertainty around how long the market would take to rebuild or how quickly business travel would return. Last year, without those environmental disruptions, Tampa Bay not only rebounded but exceeded expectations. While many markets across the country are seeing demand soften due to external factors like tariffs or local economic challenges, Tampa continues to experience strong investment and corporate growth. It’s been a breath of fresh air to expand into new business opportunities and outperform.
What elements of the property will be prioritized in the upcoming renovation, and how will this refresh elevate the guest experience?
We’re extremely excited about the 2027 renovation. Since we opened prior to COVID, we were once the new, modern product in the market. But new supply has entered, and this refresh lets us elevate every part of the experience. Guest rooms will receive all-new soft goods and refreshed décor to reinforce the clean, modern AC aesthetic. Our public spaces will get new furniture and fixtures to keep everything contemporary.
The biggest opportunity is our pool deck, which has been underutilized. It sits right off the AC Kitchen and will be transformed with upgraded VIP areas and resort-style furniture — something unique in the Westshore market, which is otherwise surrounded by concrete and high-rises. We already have a beautiful outdoor bar, and our team is eager to activate the area with events and experiences. This renovation will help us create the type of moments that truly differentiate us.
On the people’s side, how are you approaching recruitment and workforce development as Tampa Bay continues to compete for hospitality talent?
We hire with long-term growth in mind. We’re always thinking not just about the job someone takes today, but the job they may have next and after that. Developing internal talent is our first priority, and we’ve been able to promote from within for nearly every leadership position on property because we invest heavily in cross-training and development. It creates loyalty, strengthens our culture, and improves continuity for guests.
We also partner closely with local colleges, especially the University of South Florida’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. We engage students through internships and hourly roles, building a pipeline of people who already have a passion for hospitality. They tend to stay longer and grow faster. Our total rewards package further sets us apart — competitive pay and strong Marriott benefits that include discounts on travel, insurance, phone service, and more. We want team members to see a future here.
How do you view the region’s current economic and tourism landscape?
The landscape is extremely strong. Tampa Bay is attracting corporations across sectors — healthcare, tech, cybersecurity, business development, real estate — and that creates consistent demand. HUMANA, for example, is becoming one of our top customers, and their production in the area shows the level of investment happening here.
Large-scale projects like Gasworx downtown are underway, and sports is also a major driver. The Tampa Bay Rays new Stadium announcement is really exciting for the Westshore market. We are anticipating to be very busy and this is another amazing experience for our guests.
What are your main goals and priorities for AC Hotel Tampa Airport over the next two to three years?
Our goal is to be a force in the market for experiences that guests simply can’t get elsewhere. That includes partnering with local artists and the Westshore public art community to turn parts of the hotel into an evolving gallery space and creating monthly or quarterly activations that give the property a strong local feel.
We’re also leaning into our strengths, from resort-style amenities at the pool to mobile dining options to stadium experience packages that leverage our position as the closest hotel within walking distance to the stadium.
At the end of the day, every hotel has nice rooms and showers, but the experiences you execute on property are what set you apart. If we continue to innovate there, we’ll drive loyalty and help raise the standard for hospitality across Westshore and Tampa Bay.
