Unqiue Sleeps: Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs

Paradise in Palm Springs

I have long dreamed of staying at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs and dreams seem to have a way of coming true in sunny California.

Driving from Beverly Hills to Palm Springs only took a few hours but was a tad terrifying – on the wrong side of the road in huge wide lane freeways everywhere. Thank God for the GPS!

The temperature rises when you drive into the desert holiday town of Palm Springs. And it stays that way. Just like I dreamed, this town is a slice of retro Americana right in the middle of the desert.

The Ace

At the ACE we’re greeted by the famous oversized metal letters – I’m a big fan of typography and these letters certainly spell out what our stay was to be A-C-E Ace indeed!

We check in at the super cool reception – all timber and stone, complete with giant macramé, retro style decor, even a black and white photo booth and gift shop. Everything is considered but not overdone. Cool but not too cool. Even the room swipe cards have a cool design. At this point, I want to own everything and redecorate my house.

The vibe of the hotel is obviously very laid back, casual and relaxed, just like my own decorating/lifestyle. I instantly feel at home.

All the Ace Hotels have their own distinct personality and so do their gift shops. I’ve spent a bit of time browsing the shops online – their product selection is totally cool and I had to buy a couple of their T-shirts as souvenirs.

The rooms take the design ethos to another level – the décor is retro but minimal and cosy, decorated perfectly but not overdone. The walls are stripped back white timber panelled walls lined with canvas detailing, just like you’d expect in a glamping style tent. Suitably colourful but pared back, warm and relaxed with generous proportions.

I loved the details – the giant bed head with large denim cushion head board, the Kilim rug and throw cushion, the metal and leather stools, the very cool lamps and light fittings.

Our room even had a generous outdoor area with a wrap around sofa and fireplace, perfect to hang out in the evening.