One way that travel changed during the pandemic which will mean more business travel and not less is that companies doing more work from home will need to bring employees together for team building, culture sessions, and just to get everyone on the same page. Employees that formerly worked entirely in-office become business travelers quarterly, semi-annually or at least once a year.

Many large companies have hotels on their corporate campuses, or adjacent to them. Some government agencies do, too. While the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has several nearby hotels – within walking distance – they have their own on property, too. American Airlines planned one for their new corporate campus. Goldman Sachs bought the Embassy Suites New York adjacent to its headquarters at 200 West St. Its partners still stayed at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park, so they rebranded the property a Conrad.

Walmart has a new hotel opening. And the Walmart hotel is going to be an AC by Marriott, opening summer 2024.

AC Hotel by Marriott Bentonville will be built near the corner of Southeast J and Eighth streets in the northwestern part of the 350-acre campus. The location near the Razorback Greenway will give guests convenient access to office buildings, campus amenities and a network of walking and biking paths, Walmart said.

AC By Marriott Bentonville, Credit: Walmart

This is great for the numerous visitors to Walmart, pitching their wares, and for bringing the far-flung network of staff of the world’s largest private employer back to home base. (Their staff of 2.2 million ranks behind only the U.S. military and China’s People’s Liberation Army.)

The new 5 story property will feature 153 rooms, 6000 square feet of meeting space, and a rooftop lounge. The broader 350 acre campus on which it sits will also include a fitness center and child care center, representing a big shift from the company’s 1971-era headquarters.

AC Hotels, like Moxys, offer Bonvoy Platinum members and above a $10 food and beverage credit per night for the member and a registered guest as their breakfast benefit choice.