Palm Springs is weird. It’s a place where the sun feels like a physical weight and the architecture looks like a 1950s vision of the future that actually came true. In the middle of all that sand and mid-century modernism sits the Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs, a spot that basically redefined what "cool" looks like for an entire generation of travelers. It’s not the fanciest place in the Coachella Valley. Honestly, if you’re looking for white-glove service and gold-plated faucets, you’re in the wrong zip code. This is a repurposed Westward Ho with a DIY soul.
It’s gritty. It’s intentional.
When the Ace team took over the old Howard Johnson and Westward Ho back in 2009, they didn’t just slap on a coat of paint. They leaned into the "roadside motel" bones. They kept the asphalt and added desert-friendly landscaping that looks like it grew there by accident, though we all know every agave plant was meticulously placed by a designer in Brooklyn or Portland. People flock here because it feels like a movie set where you’re actually allowed to jump in the pool.
The Vibe Shift at Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs
Most hotels try to hide their age, but the Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs wears it like a badge of honor. You’ll see canvas walls, denim headboards, and record players that actually work. It’s a specific kind of low-fi luxury. You aren't paying for marble; you’re paying for the curated selection of vinyl in your room and the fact that the person at the front desk is wearing a better outfit than you are.
The crowd is a chaotic mix. On any given Tuesday, you might see a family with a toddler eating avocado toast next to a group of fashion editors from LA nursing hangovers with micheladas. It works because the space is sprawling. You’ve got the Amigo Room, which is dark, cavernous, and feels like a dive bar where secrets go to die. Then you have King’s Highway—a former Denny’s that now serves some of the best buttermilk pancakes in the desert.
Does it get loud? Yeah. Sometimes the "Swim Club" part of the name is taken very literally. Weekends during Coachella or Splash House are a different beast entirely. If you want silence, go to a monastery. If you want to hear a DJ set while floating on a giant inflatable swan, you’re home.
Rooms That Don't Feel Like Rooms
Walking into a guest room here feels less like a hotel and more like your coolest friend’s studio apartment. The design palette is heavy on organic materials. Think plywood, felt, and heavy-duty canvas.
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Some rooms have patios with fireplaces. These are the ones you want. There is something profoundly satisfying about sitting outside in the dry desert air, watching the San Jacinto Mountains turn purple as the sun goes down, while a small fire crackles next to you. It’s a vibe.
But let's be real for a second. The walls are thin. This was a 1960s motel, remember? You might hear your neighbor’s muffled conversation or the faint thud of bass from the pool. It’s part of the trade-off. You trade the sterile silence of a Marriott for the character of a place that has a soul. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs or just stay out at the Amigo Room until you're tired enough that it doesn't matter.
Why the Pool is the Real Main Character
The Swim Club is the heart of the whole operation. There are actually two pools, but the main one is where the action happens. It’s a massive, turquoise rectangle surrounded by yellow lounge chairs that are almost always claimed by 10:00 AM.
The service is surprisingly sharp for a place that looks so laid back. You can order a "Desert Cooler" or a bucket of beers without ever leaving your sun-drenched perch. The staff oscillates between being effortlessly cool and genuinely helpful.
What’s interesting about the Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs is how it manages the "day pass" culture. A lot of locals and people staying at Airbnbs buy passes to use the pool. It keeps the energy high, but it can make the deck feel crowded. If you’re staying at the hotel, you get priority, but it’s still a social gauntlet.
Eating and Drinking at the Ace
King’s Highway is the onsite diner. It’s iconic. Not just because of the food, but because of the "Lunar Calendar" on the wall and the fact that it perfectly captures that Americana diner aesthetic without feeling like a theme restaurant.
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- The ricotta pancakes are non-negotiable.
- The burger is solid, but the seasonal salads are surprisingly fresh given you're in a literal wasteland.
- Coffee is Stumptown, obviously.
The Amigo Room is where things get interesting after dark. It’s a grotto-style bar with a heavy rotation of live music, DJs, and even bingo nights that get way more competitive than they have any right to be. The lighting is dim, the drinks are strong, and it feels like the kind of place where you’d run into a minor indie rock star or a very chic architect.
The Location Factor
The Ace is located on the south end of East Palm Canyon Drive. It’s a bit of a trek from the main "downtown" strip of Palm Springs, but that’s actually a plus. You aren’t dealng with the foot traffic of the main tourist drag.
You’re close to:
- Moorten Botanical Garden (a must-see for cactus nerds).
- The entrance to Indian Canyons for hiking.
- A handful of other mid-mod gems like the Saguaro and the V.
You can borrow a bike from the front desk and cruise around the Twin Palms neighborhood nearby. That’s where you’ll find the real-deal architecture—Eichlers and Alexander homes that make you want to quit your job and become a desert recluse.
Is It Still Worth It?
There’s a lot of competition now. Since the Ace opened, dozens of boutique hotels have popped up in Palm Springs trying to catch that same lightning in a bottle. You have the Arrive, the Korakia (for a totally different, Mediterranean vibe), and the renovated Sands Hotel & Spa.
So, does the Ace hold up?
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Mostly, yes. It has a patina now. It’s not the shiny new toy anymore, and that actually suits it. The trees are taller, the staff is more seasoned, and the brand knows exactly what it is. It’s a clubhouse for people who value aesthetics and atmosphere over traditional luxury markers.
If you hate dogs, you might have a hard time here. It’s one of the most pet-friendly spots in the city. You will see dogs. Everywhere. Small ones in bags, big ones lounging in the shade. It adds to the "community" feel of the place.
How to Do the Ace Right
If you’re planning a trip, don't just book the cheapest room and hope for the best. Try to snag a "Patio Garden" room. The extra outdoor space makes a huge difference, especially if you want to escape the pool noise for a bit.
Go during the week if you can. The rates are significantly lower, and the pool isn't a battlefield for lounge chairs. Tuesday in Palm Springs is a fever dream of quiet streets and easy dinner reservations.
Don't skip the "Feel Good Spa." It’s tucked away and doesn’t look like much from the outside, but they use organic products and the treatments are actually legitimate. It’s a nice way to reset after a day of sun and cocktails.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Book Direct: Sometimes the Ace has "Add-On" deals or resident discounts for Californians that don't show up on the big travel sites.
- The "Desert Rate": Check for midweek specials during the summer. Yes, it’s 110 degrees, but the AC is cold, the pool is wet, and the price is right.
- Pack Light: You really only need a swimsuit, a linen shirt, and sunglasses. The vibe is very "I just threw this on," even if you spent an hour planning it.
- Check the Calendar: Before you book, see what's happening in the Amigo Room. If there’s a band you hate playing for three nights, you might want to know that ahead of time.
- Hydrate: This sounds stupid until you’re three margaritas deep in 105-degree heat. The desert doesn't care about your aesthetic; it will dehydrate you.
The Ace Hotel and Swim Club Palm Springs isn't just a place to sleep. It’s a specific cultural landmark that proved you could turn a crumbling motel into a global destination by focusing on music, art, and a lack of pretension. It remains a cornerstone of the Coachella Valley for a reason. Whether you're there for the photography-friendly corners or the genuinely good hospitality, it delivers a version of the desert that feels both nostalgic and completely current.