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!
I have always wanted to go to Palm Springs but somehow that has never happened, no matter how many times we have visited California in the last several years. Those scooters look amazing and a perfect addition to the stay.
xx, Kusum | http://www.sveeteskapes.com
A perfect way to enjoy the sun! This is a wonderful hotel. I just love every activity and food you mentioned here. Being welcomed with those cookies and milk–unique and fun! Thanks for the share. xx
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I am absolutely obsessed with the decor of this hotel! Your pictures are stunning! I’ve never been to Palm Springs but I would love to stay at a cool place like this!
Kyla
Wanderlustkyla.com
It’s pretty cold here in the UK so looking at these photos just makes me so happy, Leslie 🙂
The place looks absolutely amazing!!! I would love to stay there one day.
<3
xox Nadia
http://www.mielandmint.com
Your photos are really Good, the place looks like a lot of fun! Would love to visit one day! X
Thanks Riham! You definitely should put it on your list 🙂
Never been to Palm Springs but it looks like I need to go! And exactly what I need after these freezing cold temperatures that are about to hit us next week!
You should Kim! Or at least SoCal, because who doesn’t love sunshine and palm trees 🙂
What a fantastic place, it has everything you could possible need. I love that! Vacation should be relaxing and stress free, and it looks like those were definitely delivered. I bet the flamingo girl is a blogger lol I am so glad you had such a good time!!
Oh I bet she was a blogger, they were from Italy so I didn’t recognize her. It’s a fun place!
I LOVE ACE Hotels, and this one looks so cool and unique. It’s definitely on my travel bucket list now. Glad you enjoyed!
xo, Lauren Ashley
brownpaperdoll.com
Thanks Lauren, it’s a fun place and sunshine all year 🙂
Looks like you all had a blast! I love the retro feel:) If I ever make it out that way I know where I am staying!
It’s always a good time in Palm Springs! Thanks Andrea.
You’re travel photos are amazing! I’ve never been to Palm Springs but it looks gorgeous! I love the look of those pancakes too!
Ellie
http://www.maplesyrupandteacups.blogspot.com
They were so good, I wish I had them in front of me now! Thanks Ellie!
My tummy is so growling while reading this. I could use a vacay and snack by the pool. This looks like a very fun time.
Me too right now! It’s starting to feel like winter in Vancouver.
What a cool hotel! I went to Palm Springs for my bachelorette weekend and it is so much fun there . All of your pictures are beautiful great capturing of your trip !
Thanks Fawn! Where did you go?
Wow, the last time I was in Palm Springs was a long time ago. And I didn’t stay anywhere this amazing. Thank you so much for sharing, I need to stay here!
http://www.stylebymemory.com
Thanks Joti, you should make a return trip! So many lovely places to stay and inexpensive things to do in the city.
What a fun and funky place, one that evokes another era, almost. I t looks like a really good time. And perfectfor this time of year.
Thanks Carol, I love escaping to Palm Springs! So fun and relaxing!
I’m so loving the unique details of the Ace hotel! It has such a carefree, retro vibe, and I love the little details like the step up external wardrobe!
Chelsea
Chow Down USA
Instagram
So many details that I couldn’t share them all. It’s just a fun spot with nice people that stay there.
Soooo when can I move in? haha this looks amazing and so relaxing 🙂
Haha right!? I’d love to be there every weekend.
Seeing as how it is bitter cold here right now enjoying some palm trees, sunshine, drinks and good food sound like a dream.
Ugh I know, it just hit Vancouver and it’s been raining here since October. I want to go back soon!
Looks like you had a grand time babe! Loving all the photos. The Ace Hotel in Palm Springs is always fun 🙂 Thanks for sharing xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/little-animal-print-never-hurt/
Thanks for stopping by Sharon!