Ace Hotel & Swim Club

Ace Hotel & Swim Club, a Michelin Key Selected property in the Palm Springs Area, offers a distinctive and vibrant experience, blending mid-century modern aesthetics with a lively, bohemian atmosphere.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Ace Hotel & Swim Club generally receives positive feedback, with overall ratings around 7.6 (Good) from Booking.com reviews, 8.6 from Agoda, and 7.9/10 from Trip.com. Guests frequently praise the hotel's "hip, cool, and comfortable" rooms, the "amazing" staff, the "super fun" vibe, and excellent food and pool areas. It's widely regarded as a "hipster haven" with a "palpable party vibe" and a unique "funky" sensibility that celebrates the past without being overly retro. The hotel fosters a democratic, participatory, and accessible environment, creating a sense of camaraderie among guests.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently highlight several aspects of their stay:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel is a "mid-century modern marvel" with a retro-industrial style, featuring eclectic and detail-oriented designs that include vintage elements rather than just retro ones. The lobby, rooms, and restaurant decor are often commended.
• Amenities: A major draw is the extensive pool area, featuring two outdoor pools, a large hot tub, and often a live DJ, with pool hours extending until 2 AM. Other amenities include an outdoor fireplace, a spa offering massages, body scrubs, and facials, a fitness center, a stargazing deck, and community fire pits. Rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, MP3 docking stations or radios with input, well-stocked minibars, and organic bath products. The property is also pet-friendly.
• Vibe: The Ace Hotel is known for its "chill atmosphere" and often described as the "center of the party," with relaxed vibes and music playing late into the night. Its poolside atmosphere is likened to a "summer camp" rather than a fashion show.
• Service: The staff are consistently described as "amazing," friendly, and helpful, with an exceptional staff performance rating of 9.1.

3. Room Quality

The rooms are praised for being "hip, cool, and comfortable" and "really well designed, clean, with comfy beds and great AC". They feature "cute, eclectic, and detail-orientated designs," equipped with organic mattresses, natural bath products (including uka shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, or Rudy's Barbershop products), vinyl turntables, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Room types vary, including Standard Double (265 sq ft with two full beds) and King Lounge (335 sq ft with two twin beds and one king bed). Many rooms offer views of the city, pool, or mountains. Some guests appreciate the private patio options, which can include garden views, fire pits, and lounge seating. The comfort rating for rooms is 8.3.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel features King's Highway restaurant, a "refined roadside diner" that serves American cuisine, emphasizing seasonal and organic ingredients whenever possible. The menu is described as high-quality, locally sourced, yet comfortingly familiar. For drinks, The Amigo Room bar offers creative cocktails and is considered a "cool, hideaway cocktail bar". Guests can also enjoy poolside bites and drinks. The food and drinks generally receive high praise.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Ace Hotel & Swim Club is frequently highlighted as a strong point. Guests consistently describe the staff as "amazing," "friendly and helpful". Agoda reviews give staff performance an "exceptional" rating of 9.1, noting that the "dedicated and friendly staff go above and beyond to ensure that every guest's needs are met, providing personalized service and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere".

6. Location & Accessibility

The Ace Hotel & Swim Club is situated on the southwest edge of Palm Springs, offering convenient access to the vibrant downtown area and nearby attractions. It is a short drive from downtown Palm Springs and very close to the Moorten Botanical Garden. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute drive from Palm Springs International Airport. Onsite amenities include valet parking, an onsite car park, and electric vehicle charging stations. The location is well-regarded for its easy access to shopping and golfing activities. The hotel is also wheelchair accessible, with facilities such as a pool lift, accessible parking, and accessible public areas, including the spa, fitness center, restaurant, and lounge.

7. Value & Pricing

Ace Hotel & Swim Club is often seen as offering good value, described as "surprisingly affordable" compared to other hotels in its category, especially when promotions are available. It boasts a "very reasonable price point". The average room price is around $262, though prices can start from $164 or be as low as $93, varying significantly based on room type and booking platform, and can go up to $1156. The hotel receives a value for money rating of 7.4 from Booking.com and an excellent value rating of 8.3 from Agoda.

8. Common Complaints

While generally positive, some recurring issues and criticisms include:

• Noise Levels: Due to its "party vibe" and frequent music nights with live DJs, the hotel can be "really loud". Rooms have been described as "a bit tiny and unfortunately not soundproof" by some guests, who suggest requesting a patio room away from the pool area to mitigate noise. This atmosphere might not be ideal for older couples seeking a quiet retreat or for families.
• Room Issues: Past complaints have included problems with air conditioning, lack of hot water, and noise from generators, leading to requests for room changes. Some guests have also found bathrooms to be "too small".
• Construction: One guest noted construction activity that impacted pool and jacuzzi access without prior notification, suggesting a temporary dip in standards.
• Minibar Pricing: While well-stocked, the minibar is considered expensive by some.
• Accessibility within buildings: Some upper floors are only accessible by stairs as the property does not have elevators.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. agoda.com
3. trip.com
4. michelin.com
5. oyster.com
6. trvl-diary.com
7. acehotel.com
8. expedia.com
9. hotels.com
10. acehotelpalmsprings.com
11. acehotel.com
12. thevoyageer.com
13. booking.com
14. joshuatree-national-park.com
15. momondo.com