Ace Hotel & Swim Club

Ace Hotel was my first experience in Palm Springs and I have to say they left me not wanting to return to their hotel. we spoke to Brittany a couple hours before checking into our room and she informed us we would have no problem checking in at 11am. Upon arrival we were greeted by a very rude lady name Cheryl. She informed us that the room would not be ready until 3pm, per the check in policy. We informed her that we had our pets with us and did not want them to wait in the heat, she repeated the check in policy and continued to make us wait for our room for 1.5 hours. All the while checking others. Cheryl was very rude to interact with especially given the price we paid to stay. I’ve stayed at higher end hotel Bacara resort and they were far better service and accommodating. I will never again stay at Ace Hotel.

Great place to chill. Awesome local spot. And lots of out of town yuppies. Palm Springs needs to curate this type of establishment. Many other joints could lean from the ace. Plus Dylan makes a dangerous «mojito»!

Update–
The manager of ACE contacted me and apologized about the room’s condition. He explained that normally it isn’t like that and they have very high standards. It must have been a one off. As in my last review the place is pretty damn cool (except the cleanliness).
He was able to convince me to come back and give it a second chance, so I will be coming back sometime soon and testing my luck again and writing an updated review. I’m very surprised by their customer service as I travel a lot and stay in many bad hotels and never have I got a written response from the manager apologizing. It amazes me that customer service still exists!
Fingers crossed, I hope this time around instead of finding a skittle in the bed I’ll find the rainbow! More to come.

Last minute weekend getaway to hit up some local sights for my travel blog. Decided to stay at the Ace because it seemed to have the most unique character, and I feel it lived up to those expectations.
I was only here for one night in February, so temps were low and pool wasn’t busy. The hotel overall was pretty deserted. Check-​in was fast and easy. Our room was a standard king on the second floor by the smaller pool. I loved the interior and décor. The bathroom was my favorite with a waterfall shower.
But $ 9 or something for a bottle of water? Come on Ace. I got very wine drunk at dinner that night and woke up at 4 a.m. realizing I forgot to bring water. It was life or death, so I had no choice but to open that $ 9 bottle. Should’ve been gold plated for that price. Seeing as this is a predominantly younger crowd with high alcohol consumption, it’d be nice to offer a free bottle or two of water in the room. The room rates aren’t cheap, so let’s get on this. Still, this was mostly my fault since I should’ve been smarter.
I probably didn’t get the full experience of what the hotel is like in peak season so this review likely isn’t consistent with others. Maybe one day I’ll return to see the crowds.

Phenomenally cool hip hotel– like the crowd, service was great, cocktails were great, food rocked… A pillar in the palace of the new Palm Springs…

This hotel is incredible. The best place in Palm Springs for sun, delicious poolside food and drinks and California vibes. Feels like you stepped back into time. I have stayed here a few times but this trip I just came 2 days in a row and bought an all day pool pass for $ 25. Raul is an amazing server he is on point. Ask for him. I tried multiple dishes from the granola, the pancakes, the black kale salad (add grilled shrimp) and the shishito peppers. For drinks I had the piña colada, and the desert facial which was so refreshing with cucumber and mint. Everything I ate was fresh and so tasty. The only issue I’m having now is that I don’t want to leave!!! I 100% would recommend this hotel and I will always be back. The pool is hip and fabulous. Ranging from families to singles just looking to have a good time. Aka me :)

If you want a cool desert hangout with a decent pool and bar this is a good spot. Are there younger trendy folks? Yes. A few people who have kids? Sure. Maybe a sprinkling of old person? Yeah. Is this palm springs where people of all types from all over go to vacation? Why, yes, yes it is. This is not a rich person retreat nor a nightclub so embrace the variety.
In evolving palm springs trend this is a motel complex consisting of a few buildings tied together as a hotel. There are no elevators but the max is also just a second floor.
If you don’t like sound late at night ask for a room away from the pool. If you like the idea of being enticed to come out for a drink at midnight stay by the pool.
The pool and its bar are open until 2am. Super.
They have breakfast lunch and dinner from 7am until 11pm. The food is pretty good. You can eat it in your room, by the pool, or in their converted diner.
Tip: if you want potentially fast or a larger selection of food at the pool go into the lounge and then the diner and order to go. Take it back out to the pool.
Room tip: if you are interested the suites with fireplaces and other amenities which are ground level and mostly have proximity to the pool are, in fact, pretty cool. Alternatively, there’s a number of common areas including a fireplace by the pool which don’t require you to have a special room.
Parking: is all around the entire building. You need a night pass. It’s not Compton so I wouldn’t stress it’s not in a locked park.
Security: consistent staff of security who seem to be on point everywhere.

Very funky spot. In fact, I thought I saw Austin Powers a few times shaggin’ away with his ladies up in 315. Haha. I came here for a wedding for two nights and it was a bit disappointing. I thought the retro hotel was cool and different but it was just dirty overall. It just seemed a bit run down and needing a face lift. The staff was extremely friendly and they did a great job with accommodating the wedding party. Overall good experience, just a tad on the dirty side to me.
I’ll be back to check out their pool parties.

Truly the «happiest» place on earth.
Now now, don’t be alarmed, if you aren’t into the same sex you’ll just have to get used to all the smiles and winks going around.
After that, settle in to your concrete flooring, and firm king mattress.
The big pool for sure is a giant «tool shed» so I’d avoid if you are over 30… or not looking for beef.
Kings Highway is awesome. Lots of fun. Or make some Amigos in the Amigo Room.
It was a HoJo in the 60s and Ace did a great job of saving an aging queen in the middle of the desert. They wiped the sweaty mascara and reapplied liberally.
A fine hotel.
Nice front desk.
Great food.
Friendly people and some assholes but you can walk on by…

It was raining when we stayed followed by a cold day so admittedly we didn’t get to experience the ‘pool club’ part of the hotel.
I liked the spa, the massage was outstanding and as good as I’ve had in ages.
The gym was pretty poor, not well kept and small.
The rooms were OK. no more… I guess the idea is that in a climate of so much sun, most people spend as little time in the rooms as possible, I personally didn’t find the whole Ace style applied itself to the traditional ‘American motel’ that well… however the bar and restaurant were excellent (see separate reviews)

Weird, hippy, retro, blast from the past, shag room, orgy room, vintage, runny man décor… If you can imagine all of these in a hotel room, that was exactly what the rooms were like. Yes, a bit funky!
Front desk were really friendly and understanding. They let us checked in early and were very helpful.
Hotel rooms: dirty, dusty, weird/​odd… Our room had a big King and 2 small twins that they made look like a couch. Our room looked like an orgy room with all the beds and décor. We can’t explain it but it’s the room you’ll imagine Austin powers to have. Stay the weekend and it’ll cost you $ 200 Per night! Yikes!
Cleanliness: not very clean. Full of dust… You can tell some things were never cleaned while others are partially ignored. There was another person’s hair when I flipped the pillow. Towel had some yellow stains. Also my BF found a skittle on his side of bed when we first arrive… Guess someone was saving it for later. The shower drain was disgusting… It was full of green slim and hair…
They charge you $ 29 for the resort fee per day FYI! So take advantage of the shit you never use. Like wifi (who needs wifi when you got your 4G?) and newspaper (seriously who reads newspaper). Pool stays open til 3. Anyway, the rooms/​hotel were really a 2 but the hotel staff were so friendly 1 extra star. Also the cleaning lady never came around… Figures why it’s so dirty.
Wedding: if you have a wedding to attend, it’ll turn out beautiful. Our friends were getting married here and it was beautiful next to the pool. But I do suggest you stay next door at motel 6 for half the price, heard it was clean.

I love the ace. Its dog friendly which is one of the most important things when going out of town, since we always bring the dawg. So many good amenities: pool is open late, bar serves good drinks and snacks, activities every day (bingo and trivia night when we came), beautiful grounds and they even have a little dog park in the back. Front desk is always so helpful, professional and cheerful and the prices for rooms aren’t too crazy.
stay in the room with a patio and a fireplace… worth it.

A fantastic boutique style Hotel. We absolutely loved our stay here on 1÷12÷16 which also happen to be my birthday. Kyle checked us in and he is a awesome person and knows what customer service is all about. If more people strived for 100% guest satisfaction like Kyle does the world would be a nicer place. The hotel is a nice place to visit and enjoy. Everything was clean and well maintained. We loved our patio room with the fireplace, and because it’s electric there’s no wood to buy, carry etc. 2 clean pools and a huge jacuzzi!! We had a quick breakfast at the Kings Highway and it was awesome!
It was definitely worth the price we paid. If you work hard and want to reward yourself, this is the place.

Had a blast here with some friends.
Incredibly genuine, generous service in the restaurant.
Friendly, helpful front desk of the hotel.
The rooms are wacky, which I loved. Creative touches here and there. Also they had this playlist playing when we got in the room and it was literally the best playlist ever, we let it play for 5 hours, until we went to bed.
The pool was large and the hot tub was bubblin!
AND THE BED OMG. I sleep in a lot of hotels and this bed was so comfy.

We had a beautiful Christmas meal served with such love and joy. Thanks Chris!
The House cured skuna bay salmon with grilled sourdough spicy cucumber relish & herbed mascarpone was bomb.

Had a wonderful time this past holiday and weekend!
Resort was very much receptive to accommodating our family with two very active boys. The pool, jacuzzi and communal fire pits where a lot of fun! The décor and style of the resort was so pleasing to our eyes.
We had dinner twice at their dinner and order breakfast/​coffee to the room. Food was not disappointing ! Very delicious!
The only two negatives is the fact that they do not offer in room coffee… You have to purchase every cup and the towels were really lacking the good clean smell we expected for clean towels.
However, very pleasant hotel grounds, design, rooms, service, pool, and food !

Every time we go to Palm Springs we try a new hotel. The Ace has been our third. We’ve stayed at The Parker, The Riviera and now The Ace. They are all quite different from one another and nearly incomparable. Depending on what you are looking for (or you’re mood) will determine what you think of each. We always read up on everything before we make our decision and given the mixed reviews of the Ace, we thought to give it a shot and it was worth it. There was a diverse setting at the pool and it was mature. A few toddlers but the parents managed them well so their presence was a non-​issue. A DJ was present during the afternoon and the he was fantastic. He played hotel lounge and some throwback 60s and 70s mixes. LOVED IT!
Our room had a private patio with an eating space and outdoor fire pit. The room and patio were great. The décor gave an impression as though you’re staying inside a big tent. The floors are a distressed stained concert with throw rugs and the bed looked like a giant futon but it was a legit mattress with pillows and a comfy comforter. I appreciated all of the design details in the room as well. The rooms have been thoughtfully curated with elements that contribute to the retro vibe. I tried to capture this in my photo tiles.
Lastly, they have incredible burgers! We ordered room service and the food was fantastic.
Overall we enjoyed the stay and would go back.

**Did not stay here overnight so this review is strictly for the pool/​craft beer festival**
This hotel is seriously so dreamy. The décor is a combination of Urban Outfitters and Pinterest with some mad hipster and hippy vibes. The main lobby windows are lined with beautiful woven macramé and the adjacent diner fits so perfectly.
The pool and outdoor bar area is very open and screams hipster paradise. Perfect for a weekend getaway or chill birthday weekend :) Even the complimentary towels were so cute, perched next to a retro bus mobile. The shaded seating area is most necessary on the hot summer days.
The Craft Beer Festival was super fun and loved the open window venue that it took place in. All the companies serving beer were super friendly and offered more beer than I could consume. Great vibe and live music!
Kings Highway Diner is located right inside past the main lobby and has a retro feel. I soon found out that it was previously a Denny’s… ah it all makes sense. My friends and I ate here twice and both times we were pleased with the food.
FOOD: /​/​Chicken Madori/​/​— this is the first words that came out of our server’s mouth and highly recommended by another friend who has eaten here before. Fried Chicken with a light honey drizzle served with garlic mash or fries. Yum! comes with 4 pieces and didn’t feel too greasy either.
If youre in the desert and looking for your hippy oasis, check out ACE!

The Ace is a really cool spot. I dig it here. From the lobby to the pool to the rooms, it is very cool. I stayed in a room with a patio and a fireplace and it was worth it.
The place is very lively. There were weddings both nights I was there and the pool was always busy with people. In addition there are servers by the pool and the café is always there during normal hours when you are hungry.
There is a a special place to charge your tesla on the side of the café as well!
I would come back here if given the opportunity.

After having dinner at the Nest we wanted something a bit more lively and exciting so we drove a pretty mile to the Ace Hotel.
Parking is easy on the streets, and entrance is in the back of the hotel.
You enter this hipster like cave with a bear sitting on top of beer… Get it !?
It gets a bit too hot after a few bumping and grinding, but the music was good but you def will see the guest of the hotel prancing in with no shoes on and wet bodies smashing into your already stickiness !
When that happens, hurry and prance your booty outside and get situated on one of their lovely lawn chairs facing the pools. It does feel quite relaxing just to people watch !

Short review **
I didn’t stay at this place, only walked around to check it out since my friends spoke so highly of it.
To me, it was overrated. There was too much hype for me before coming so I was a little let down. It’s a small hotel that’s very «hip» and a little vintage. It’s only a couple miles from downtown which makes it a good spot location wise, but I imagine there are cheaper places to stay in Palm Springs that are equally as «hip.»
Two outdoor pools and a dog park (kinda cool!)
This review is not for the stay (once again only visited during the day). Will update this if I ever decide to stay the night here.