A Georgia-based hotel developer has claimed two of downtown's remaining blank slates, with plans to add nearly 350 hotel rooms to a Knoxville market that's brimming with planned hotels.

Vector Hospitality has spent nearly $12 million to acquire parking lots on the western edge of downtown for the projects.

Plans include an AC Hotel by Marriott at 427 Walnut St. and 416 Locust St., as well as a Tempo by Hilton and parking deck at 409 W. Church Ave.

These projects are part of downtown Knoxville's growing hospitality scene, which includes new hotels coming to Neyland Stadium, Gay Street and near the under-construction stadium east of the Old City.

How many Knoxville hotel rooms will be added?

AC Hotel: 162 rooms, across seven stories

Tempo: 175 rooms, across seven or eight stories

Tempo is still in its planning phase, a Vector spokesperson told Knox News via email. An accompanying parking deck would include 275 spaces.

What is an AC Hotel by Marriott?

Marriott places AC Hotels in its "distinctive select" category, describing the brand as a "modern design for modern business."

In addition to guest rooms, these hotels include signature spaces, like the AC Lounge and AC Kitchen.

The AC Hotel in downtown Nashville is considered a three-star hotel, with an average nightly price around $300, according to kayak.com.

What is Tempo by Hilton?

Hilton describes Tempo as an "approachable lifestyle brand." Business Traveler reported in September the brand will make its global debut this year in New York.

A Tempo by Hilton is scheduled to open in Nashville next year.

Tempo hotels include fitness centers, according to its website, as well as "wellness rooms outfitted with experiences from Peloton."

October is the first month the New York location is accepting reservations, with rates currently set between $429 and $619.

What are these Knoxville hotels replacing? When will they be finished?

The AC Hotel at 427 Walnut St. and the adjoining 416 Locust St. would replace a surface lot between the Langley Garage and Daylight Building. The estimated completion date is August 2025.

The future site of the Tempo hotel at 409 W. Church Ave. has been home to surface parking across the street from Hilton Knoxville. The estimated completion date is spring 2026.

What other downtown Knoxville hotels are in the works?

There are many. A few of note:

The boutique Hotel Cleo is expected to open this summer at 428 S. Gay St. This property is known as the Hope Brothers Building and formerly housed Sapphire, owned and operated by Aaron Thompson and Jessica King, who are opening a French restaurant and bar named Lilou in the hotel.

With the baseball stadium project underway, Turkey Creek Hospitality is planning a 127-room, $22 million SpringHill Suites by Marriott next to Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria.

A hotel also could be built across the street where Willow Creek Gallery once stood. The building could not be saved and was demolished to make room for the mixed-use Excelsior project by Jim and Lori Klonaris.

Ryan Wilusz is a downtown growth and development reporter. Phone 865-317-5138. Email ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com. Instagram @knoxscruff. 

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Downtown Knoxville hotels grow with AC by Marriott and Tempo by Hilton