Fodor's Expert Review Ace Hotel and Swim Club
701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, California 92264, United States See on Map
With two vibrant pools, a funky diner restaurant, a happening bar, and a dog park, the Ace Hotel and Swim Club exudes mad retro vibes and tends to attract a hipper demographic. Located on the south edge of downtown Palm Springs, The Ace is situated perfectly for travelers who want to enjoy the city’s offerings or venture down valley to additional attractions along Highway 111.
room
The 179 rooms and suites—decorated in a very California style combining vintage items, desert chic, and surfing cool—offer a variety of amenities, including 24-hour room service, free WiFi, stocked in-room minibars, and either pool or mountain views. Some rooms have vinyl and record players. Upgraded rooms offer private patios or fireplaces.
bathroom
Bathrooms include showers and bath products provided by Rudy’s Barbershop, with soap by Pearl+. The Ace claims to have “the best bathrobe,” are kimono style and made of flannel.
lobby
Intended to be a gathering space, the lobby is somehow invites both lounging and socializing. The overstuffed sectional is perfect for reading or for hanging art. The walls are covered in local art and a large art installation made from rope.
pool
Two wonderfully large pools grace the property: The Commune Pool is a low-key hangout spot, with a firepit and an amphitheater event space that’s used for parties and weddings. The Swim Club Pool is the party pool, with poolside cocktails and weekend pool parties.
spa
Continuing the theme of embracing simple pleasures, Feel Good Spa at the Ace Hotel offers organic and natural products made by Body Deli. Typical services include massages, facails, body masks, brushing, and reflexology, among others.
gym
The gym is pretty impressive, especially for a swingingly hip hotel that caters to creatives. You’ll find the standard treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes, and weights, plus the not-always-standard sauna, steam room, and medicine balls.
dining
Room service is available any time, day or night. While there’s no standalone cafe, the Ace serves Stumptown Coffee (a coffee favorite from Portland, Oregon) and guests can order it directly to their rooms. King’s Highway is a hip diner paying homage to the eateries of the road trips of yesteryear.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Parking is available on-site and bikes are also available for rent. The free Palm Springs shuttle, Buzz, picks up right outside the hotel on the corner of Camino Real.
Restaurants
Though the coffee at King’s Highway is the tops, there’s another coffee treat a short walk away at Koffi (1-minute walk)—a good quick-serve spot with a sweet outdoor patio. The deep dish pizza at Giuseppe’s Italian (12-minute walk; 2-minute drive) is out of this world. Yes, Frankinbun (3-minute walk) is a hot dog stand, but it’s honest-to-goodness gourmet.
WHY WE LIKE IT
It might feel a little like millennial central, but aging hipsters will also appreciate the dog park, simplistic rooms, and modern art and architecture. The restaurant and bar are terrific for non-hotel guests too; the mixologists at Amigo Room are incredibly skilled at slinging cocktails in this wannabe dive bar. We love the different culture of the two pools and the price is unbeatable for the amenities guests, especially those traveling with pets and older kids, receive.
QUICK FACTS
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