This past winter Ace Hotel opened their forth location in Palm Springs, California. Originally established in Seattle by friends Alex Calderwood, Wade Weigel and Doug Herrick. These guys had a very specific idea of what they wanted – a place their friends would want to stay, you know the creative types ie. DJs, artists, magazine creators, graphic designers and musicians, who aren’t awash with money.
Some of the ingredients included an old building in an emerging location, a small budget, industrial salvage, a style that mixes uncluttered comfort and a bohemian vibe, along with the experience of a seasoned traveler.
In March ’07 Ace opened their second location in Portland. With 79 rooms, the hotel offers a restaurant, coffee shop, exhibition and event space, a bit bigger than Seattle’s. Ace Hotel New York in downtown was next up with a 1904 building that manifests the grit and glamour of the city. However, it’s Ace Hotel & Swim Club which brings us to their newest establishment in Palm Springs, transforming a mid-century motel into a desert resort, with solar power and an old ranch-hand bar.
As an assortment of local artists and designers create a space with many voices, this desert oasis embraces a natural and organic design. A place that expands on the idea of community with outdoor communal fireplaces and patios inviting guests to come together.
CFI Development designed this Palm Springs location while partnering with Andre Balazs just as other projects they collaborated on including the Standards in Miami and New York.
The rooms have an indoor-outdoor feel cloaked with tent-like walls and a concrete floor. They extend onto patios with outdoor fireplaces. Each room comes with slatted walls to promote personalization. This allows guests to hang artwork or pictures. Don’t worry, all 180 rooms are highly civilized and will have everything you need.
Amenities comprise of indoor and outdoor spas promising a tranquil haven and swimming pools, 2 in fact. One, which is divided by a hot tub and small walkway. Hammocks and pillows surround the area for those who just want to lounge. Get this…they also took an old Denny’s restaurant on the property sandblasted the walls, recovered the booths and unearthed the terazzo floor for a rustic American food tradition. “We believe that cooking should always be inspired but never pretentious and that food should be accessible but not ordinary.”
Come friends, the Amigo Room is an original old ranch-hand bar restored. They also have an old ice cream truck as their poolside bar. Not to mention the 3,000 square foot building available for a small amphitheater and perfect for meeting and weddings.
For more info, check out acehotel.com
