m+m: ace (palm springs)

images megan,christine

roughly two hours inland from both san diego and los angeles, palm springs is the perfect place for a quick getaway.  the sunny dry weather and seclusion have been drawing in people since the 1920's.  i recently met a girlfriend in palm springs to capitalize on some much needed rest & relaxation, and we booked a room at the desert resort, the ace hotel and swim club.  nestled below the san jacinto mountains along east palm canyon drive, the resort was close enough to ride a bike or scooter (which they have available) into town, or removed enough to get lost in the tranquil property.  the los angeles based firm, commune, redesigned an old howard johnson, creating an affordable boutique hotel that would appeal to the style seeking traveler.  with two pools, pumping mellow beats and cooled by giant sun shades, it's easy to kick back and sip on one of their many specialty cocktails and enjoy a bite from the poolside bar, the short bus.  the resort also takes advantage of indoor/outdoor living and has fireplaces surrounded by lounge furniture in both public spaces, as well as on the first floor private patios (the ceramic detailing is by artist stan bitters).  

the ace hotel started in 1999 with three partners in seattle, and have since opened locations in portland, new york, palm springs and upcoming in los angeles.  the style and furnishing of each of the properties is unique and is intended to be a reflection of the specific location.  they also look to re-imagine challenged and distressed properties, breathing new life into places like a halfway house or an old motel.