Nostalgic Palm Springs motel with a contemporary, fun signature Ace design
Ace Hotel & Swim Club / Palm Springs / CA / USA
I am a big fan of Ace Hotels. I think they have been (and are) a trail blazer when it comes to hotel design and also how they open up their hotels to the local community.
This Ace hotel in Palm Springs, California is actually a motel. And a swim club. It used to be a Howard Johnson Motel (with a Denny’s attached) that the visionary people at Ace took over and transformed into this hipster hang out in the desert. The design oozes of mid-century which makes total sense since Palm Springs is all about that aesthetic. The design twist at this Ace hotel is that the rooms have been created to look like a luxurious tent. So with a little imagination you can pretend you are on some kind of camping trip without the hassle of bugs, uncomfy sleeping bags and dried food.
I love to people watch and there are some interesting people that come to the Ace in Palm Springs. This is a place where people come to party so of you want some calm (like yours truly) ask for a room away from the pool area.
The reception building. You can almost picture Don Draper from TV series Mad Men pulling up in some cool convertible with some random babe on his arm.
Where are you going?
The bed that cured our jet lag.
Moroccan bath robes, macrame and quilted bed throw. A crazy mix that works.
Fake glamping with the tent curtain pushed aside to let the daylight in. Works for me!
The mid-century heritage is clearly visible in the architecture.
M getting ready for the first swim of the day.
Me looking up at mountains after an early morning swim.
Sun is rising and as always we are up before everyone else thanks to jet lag.
A good reminder at the pool area.
Sun, drinks and just hanging out in the shade by the pool.
M is doing a hand stand in front of a mural that they let different artists paint every year. This one was from the first time we stayed here some years ago.
The diner belonging to the hotel has the same cool mid-century architecture that you see a lot of here in Palm Springs.
The onsite diner serves really good breakfast. Actually they serve really good food whenever you go there.
I love a hotel where you can get a really good cup of coffee.
The bar has a totally different look compared to the rest of the hotel that is light and bright. Here it is dark and sombre.
We are leaving Palm Springs sooner than planned due to the wild fire that is spreading an ominous light (and smell).
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…like the whole Ace thing, you like to party and meet new people in a relaxed atmosphere. It seemed that everyone staying here were really keen to socialize. And drink by the pool.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is the playful design in the rooms. Who would think to design a room that looks like a tent?
Best time to come here…
…I would say Spring or Autumn. Winter can get a little chilly and Summer crazy hot. But if you like those extremes, go for it!
What not to miss when staying here…
…is to borrow a bike from the hotel and cruise around Palm Springs looking at the amazing mid-century architecture. Such beautiful houses everywhere you look. Make sure to go early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is and the temperature is a little more gentle.
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