Friday, July 3, 2009

Palm Springs: The New, Super Hip Ace Hotel

The Ace Hotel & Swim Club

Everyone in LA knows the edgy, musically-inspired Rudy's, the popular salon for men and women on Melrose. My husband gets his wild mop trimmed there. Well, the owners of Rudy's have branched out and we like what we see. Built on the foundation of a 1965 Westward Ho Hotel, their newly-opened (and super hip) Ace Hotel in Palm Springs maintains both functionality and simplicity without sacrificing aesthetic. Perfect for couples getaways, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and just that much needed, get me the hell outta LA weekend trip. The hotel's laid-back atmosphere embraces a natural and organic design with interiors designed by L.A.-based visual design team Commune. Transporting guests to an indulgent camping experience with an eclectic assortment of local artists and designers contributing their talents to the hotel, community is a central theme with shared outdoor areas like communal fireplaces and patios that invite guests to come together.

The hotel features offbeat details like tamale carts and a sno-cone bar, poolside massages in a Mongolian Yurt (there are also indoor treatment rooms), and two saline pools. The restaurant Kings Highway redefines roadside diner fare, focusing on fresh, organic and local ingredients, while the original old rand-hand bar, the Amigo Room, has been restored to its high/low glory. An old ice cream truck - the Short Bus - also serves as poolside bar.

www.acehotel.com/palmsprings

$129-999