Escape to the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs

As you may know, I love Palm Springs! Curtis and I go at least once a year, we go to relax and escape in the desert. Palm trees, sunshine, afternoons in the pool, what more could you ask for? We were lucky to be hosted by the Ace Hotel and Swim Club this August and I want to share our time with you. It’s one of our favourite places to go to when visiting the city.

Originally an old motel connected to a Denny’s, the Ace Hotel & Swim Club opened in Palm Springs in 2009. It has that modern flare and they whipped the mid-century building into shape, quickly making it one of the trendiest spots to stay (and soak) in town. I love that they kept some of the original features and essence of the old motel and Palm Springs charm.

And if you forget your swimsuit or want to get a t-shirt, they sell their brand in the lobby. You can also go home with their robes that you find in your room.

We usually hang out at their pool at least once while in Palm Springs. Grabbing a meal at the Kings Highway Diner and then enjoy cocktails al fresco by the pool. Well this time, we finally stayed the night thanks to Ace Hotel!

Greeted by chocolate chip cookies and milk in glasses rimmed with chocolate, we already know this was going to be an amazing stay!

It was the hottest day of our stay in Palm Springs, I think it reached 120 that day. So hanging by the pool all day was a must, with our favourite frozen piña colada from the bar.

We ate lunch on our way over at Sparrow’s Lodge so we grabbed a hummus platter by the pool for an early dinner. I planned on ordering dinner and lounging outside later that evening.

You can’t help but take a few photos each visit and boy did we take a few photos. Especially at the mural wall, by the signs, at the pool. Funny story, was two couples traveling together spent all day (and I mean all day), taking pictures on the blow up flamingo. I am not exaggerating, it was 100s of photos of the same pose. Pretty entertaining! They are in one of the pictures below, in the flamingo haha.

The bed is a California King, comfy and minimalistic. The rooms are meant for Instagram and have a fully stocked bar fridge and counter. The toiletries are great, large bottles in the shower of soap and hair products. There are robes for your to borrow to wander around the property or on your trip to their Feel Good Spa.

Around the hotel, there are a few fireplaces and couches meant for guests to lounge in. We grabbed our wine and just sat outside later that night between pool sessions. While some rooms have a garden patio or a private fireplace, all interiors are decorated in a contemporary bohemian style. If you are lucky, you also get a record player and old vinyls to play music in your room. But I prefer to mosy on down to The Amigo Room and listen to live music and enjoy a drink or two.

There are scooter and bikes available for guests to take. I cannot recommend enough taking a bike and cruising around the neighbourhood. There are a lot of iconic homes, Frank Sinatra’s house for one, just minutes nearby.

If you aren’t staying at the hotel, but want to hang out by the pool all day, you can for $30. This includes the steam rooms, sauna and gym. There are two large pools, the main one is where the DJs, bar, floaties and atmosphere are located. The other pool is more of a family vibe, little quieter in the back. It’s also the same location where weddings are held.

And you must eat at Kings Highway Diner for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. It’s a changing menu with mainstay favourite. I had the ricotta pancakes for breakfast, so freakin delicious! We also enjoyed dinner (no pictures since it was outside and dark), and generally frequent this spot on our regular visits.
And the décor is so cool in there, I love the elephant macramé head and the original details.

Definitely recommend staying at the Ace Hotel and Swim Club on your next trip to Palm Springs. It has everything you want, you don’t even have to leave the hotel. Perfect right? Also check out my Palm Springs section on the blog with more guides and other vacation recaps. Stay tuned for more posts and an updated guide on one of my favourite cities!