Ace Hotel & Swim Club, Palm Springs

Each room and suite at the Ace Hotel is a cross between a cool city studio apartment and a vintage antiques shop. Low-level beds are framed with Levi denim headboards and the infamous Ace dressing gowns hang from a simple home from home hook on the wall by the door. Nothing is formal about the Ace Hotel & Swim Club…even when it comes to the mini bar which serves up Californian Pinot Noir in a can, jars of Palm Springs Candy Company sweets and even a ‘Temptation Loves’ kit (we won’t spoil the surprise)… perfectly fitting with the slightly risqué vibe which runs throughout. Choose a Patio with Garden or Patio with Fireplace room for a bit of privacy away from the party. We love the Simple Suites tucked away at the back of the hotel which are slightly quieter than the standard rooms. Those without private patios can enjoy one of the seven communal fire pit lounge areas, decked out with comfy sofa’s and smore’s kits.

Totally transformed from its Denny’s days, the trendy Kings Highway diner is now the hotels main restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to an ever-growing crowd. Brunch is especially popular with the favourite dishes of scrambled egg and merguez sausage or smashed avocado on toast flying out of the kitchen every day of the week …usually accompanied by a Stumptown Coffee or Ace Date Shake – the Coachella valley’s unofficial signature drink. The Amigo Bar’s large circular bar and cosy booths are high in demands hang out spots from which to enjoy the nightly entertainment. The menu is Mexican inspired tapas and we have inside information that the Amigo Room ‘Fundido dip’ is the best in the city. There is also outside seating by the pool area, where light snacks and lunches can be enjoyed on a more leisurely basis at any time of day (or night!).

When a hotel has a full time ‘Cultural Engineer’ on site you know you’re in for a treat. From bingo on Mondays, karaoke on Tuesday’s, DJ’s on Friday’s, pool parties on Saturdays and yoga on Sundays, there is something for everyone and no chance of getting bored during your stay at The Ace Hotel & Swim Club. During the day make the most of the complimentary (Turquoise!) bikes and tandems lined up outside, or rent one of the ‘Scoot Palm Springs’ mopeds to explore further afield. When in need of a retreat the ‘Feel Good Spa’ is ready and waiting with a number of chill out rooms available for guests to use even if they haven’t booked a treatment.