Most hotels sell a bed. This one sells a story. Enter the lobby, and the vinyl crackles, the air is fresh and filled with the aroma of espresso, and people can be seen typing on their laptops as visitors drag suitcases. It’s that scene that made the Ace Hotel brand a cultural icon and not just yet another overnight stay.
Of course, you’ll want to see if the excitement is justified. Of course, you also might be wondering which city to choose, how much you will be expected to pay and who really likes these stays. This guide has all the answers to this question. You will learn the history of the brand, compare locations, learn about the rooms and compare costs and experience. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
The Ace Hotel is a true story
The brand began as tiny as ever in 1999. In Seattle, Alex Calderwood and his partners converted an old building of the Salvation Army into a hotel for creative people. They were not very well-off, so they listened to their taste. They purchased antique furniture, local art, and adhered to minimalism. This made it seem like a friend’s apartment and not a chain of corporate properties.
This shoddy method succeeded. Meanwhile, weary travellers broadcasted the news of beige lobby, audience-oriented service. Rooms were booked by musicians, designers and writers. This led to the hotel developing a reputation as the venue for interesting people.
The founders were smart to make an early choice as well. They gave the lobby a public treatment, rather than a waiting room. Raising your cup of coffee at no cost, working for hours or meeting friends without being an outsider to the community. As a result, each new property took in the energy of its surrounding property, rather than opposing it.
Soho House’s Expansion, Design Philosophy, and Community-Driven Legacy
It also helped that their timing was perfect. Old districts were being reinvigorated by cities and travellers were looking for something different rather than a chain hotel. The company fulfilled that need before the majority of its rivals were aware of it. The community aspect was a feature that was copied over time by other brands, but few were able to do as much.
Growth followed steadily. The next year, Portland followed, followed by New York, Palm Springs, London, Los Angeles and New Orleans. Subsequently the company expanded to Asia and Australia. The openings were each made to restore a historic building, including a theater, a former bank, or an old warehouse. Furthermore, the designers preserved the original features where possible. The exposed brick, high windows and worn wood floors lend a sense of place to each location.
Design also was a major factor. The founders worked with early artists, carpenters and musicians with similar taste. All of those things took care and were made collaborations that gave a very easy look, despite careful planning. Today, that visual identity remains as a guide for each renovation.
Unfortunately, Calderwood passed away in 2013. But his way of thinking continues. The team continues to seek out the area’s local artists, collaborate with local businesses, and create spaces for non-guests. Indeed, this ethos of being community-focused sets the company apart from luxury brands that pursue uniformity.
A list of the locations of famous Ace hotels and resorts.
The selection of a city is important because everything reflects the city surroundings. That is, every stay is different from every other stay. There are some places that are artsy and urban. Others are feeling sunny and relaxed. The availability is subject to change and please visit the official website before booking. The following cities, however, demonstrate the brand’s reach.
New York. The flagship is located close to Koreatown and Midtown. The lobby is constantly busy throughout the day; the area is close to the Empire State Building, which you can walk to. There are also subway lines in close proximity making it easy to sightsee. If you are an energy person and enjoy people watching you will be at home here.
Los Angeles. The downtown building is built on a 1920s theatre building. There’s a large pool on the grand roof that overlooks the city, and the adjacent old theater doubles as a concert and movie venue. This is a popular one with visitors who appreciate architecture and live music.
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Portland. The Pacific Northwest area remains warm. Imagine cozy blankets, record players and coffee brewed down the street. Meanwhile, steps away are the city’s food carts and bookstores.
Palm Springs. In this context, the brand goes from the city to the desert for tranquility. Visitors sit in the pool and drinks cocktails while enjoying mid-20th century fashion. In addition, the place is ideal for weekend trips and wellness vacations.
London and New Orleans. Shoreditch’s London branch is for residents of the East End’s creative community. The New Orleans home, on the other hand, embraces Southern style, jazz and late-night food.
Kyoto and Sydney. The newer outposts combine local craftsmanship with the brand’s signature feelings. As an example, the Kyoto hotel combines contemporary and Japanese woodwork.
What to do if you have to choose? Begin with the way you travel. Los Angeles or New York is the place for art and music buffs. People looking for a place to relax should choose Palm Springs. Budget-minded explorers will find Portland friendly. International guests can experience a different take on the formula in London, Kyoto and Sydney.
Whether you go to a different city or not, you will receive the same. From here on, you can look forward to a design-forward building, an exciting lobby, and a neighborhood you’ll want to explore.
Rooms and Design at Ace Hotel
The rooms are organized in a systematic way. They remain simple, elegant and a bit quirky. Marble bathrooms or gold fixtures will be found very rarely. You’re provided with truthful contents, warm lighting, and personality in its place.
Room Types and layouts
The majority of properties will provide you with multiple categories. Small rooms are ideal for solo travellers and couples. Larger suites are suitable for families and for longer stays. Groups can also save money by renting bunk style rooms at some locations. Also, some rooms have terraces, record players or kitchenettes.
Comfort is an important factor here as well. Beds are comfortable, linens are crisp and windows let in plenty of light. For some rooms, there are even a vintage armchair or a writing desk, encouraging relaxation with a book.
Be prepared for some special features. Items such as wool blankets, custom artwork and turntables are frequently seen. A variety of records can also be found in many rooms, in vinyl format. This is very cute to some stayers. Others wish for more storage space. I’m not going to lie, you should use the rooms as a haven to sleep and recharge, not to hide away all day.
Create and select design details that are memorable
Make a careful observation of little decisions. Local artists are commissioned to make murals and prints. Wood is used for walls, desks and is brought back. In the meantime, the colour palette is taken from the surrounding landscape. The Palm Springs rooms are desert inspired, while the New York rooms are moody and urban.
Amenities stay practical. You typically are provided with high-speed internet, decent bedding and fresh local products for your toiletries. Most rooms do not have heavy decor & minibars. Instead, they guide you to the coffee bar in the lobby, the bar or a nearby store. This helps to maintain the rates at a fair level and helps you get outside your room.
Noises may be a problem. Walls at times are thin in the historic buildings, and the nighttime noise from downtown locations is perceptible. Hence, book a quiet room, please. Similarly, if you’re a light sleeper, wear earplugs!
Dining & Nightlife at Ace Hotel
The brand takes a starring role with food and drink. In fact, many tourists never even stay there! They just go there for the restaurants, bars and coffee.
Coffee, Breakfast and Casual Bites. The majority of lobbies have a coffee counter offering espressos and fresh pastries. It’s a queue they have every morning in the morning. Later on, many guests sit at lobby sofas to work during lunch. There’s no pressure to get off the WiFi, and it’s all readily available.
Comfort breakfasts are the order of the day. You can count on eggs, toast, grain bowls and good coffee. Most menus include vegetarian and gluten-free options and dietary needs rarely cause issues. In the meantime, there are a number of spots with neighborhood dinners that are open from sunrise till midnight.
The evening is suitably wrapped up in cocktails, music and late nights. This is a time when things change after dark. Dim lights, DJ sets and craft cocktails replace them. Live shows, film nights and art events are held at several properties. This makes it possible to create a full evening within the building.
Events bring it to an extent. Record Fairs, author readings, dance parties are organized at many places. Look at the schedule as there may be multiple events in one evening.
Rooftop bars are noteworthy. Have an overview of the city sky and a less formal crowd than found in usual hotel lounges. On weekdays, however, popular places are filling up quickly. Be early or book early.
The brand also helps neighbours. Local chefs are usually featured in restaurants, and local distillers serve the spirits in bars. Records, books and handmade items are sold from pop-up shops. Then, you’re spending goes to the community, and the menus are not generic.
Those who crave a night of relaxation should make their plans accordingly. Get a room on a higher level, and not near the bar. If not, take part in the hype and have a good time.
Ace Hotel Comparison Table
Numbers aid comparisons when you’re looking at cities. Here are 5 popular locations summarized in the table below. The prices are subject to change, depending on the season and demand, and should be considered as an approximation; check the prices online before committing to a booking.
| Ace Hotel Location | Vibe | Best For | Standout Feature | Typical Nightly Rate (USD) |
| New York | Busy, urban, artistic | City sightseers | Vibrant lobby scene | $200–$400 |
| Los Angeles | Historic, glamorous | Music and film fans | Rooftop pool and theater | $200–$380 |
| Portland | Cozy, indie | Foodies, bookworms | Local coffee culture | $150–$280 |
| Palm Springs | Sunny, retro | Couples, wellness trips | Desert pool scene | $180–$400 |
| London | Edgy, creative | Design lovers | Shoreditch nightlife | $220–$420 |
Read the table for priority. If price is important, go to the final column first. When thinking about mood, begin with the vibe column. Next, compare the standout feature to your interests.
Check the pattern. The higher rates apply to big cities and peak periods. In the meantime, Portland is the cheapest and Palm Springs has higher weekend spring rates. For this reason, flexible travellers are likely to save on their trip by booking midweek.
But, is Ace Hotel a good value for money?
Value is subjective and will vary according to one’s desires. You will be disappointed if you can’t find marble spas and butlers. But if you’re looking for atmosphere, location and character, the price is worth it.
Money for Money. For one thing, you have to pay for location. Almost all properties are located in interesting and walking areas. Second, Design is a price you pay. The rooms are nicer than many at their price. Third, social media comes at a price. Many guests complain that that’s the only amenity. The additional fun in the lobby, bars and events make this place a hotel unlike any other you will find.
Where the Brand is Lacking. Nobody is perfect. There are some rooms that seem small. Service can be casual, appealing to some and not to others. Also, you might be surprised by resort fees and noise associated with events. Check out the latest city reviews.
Sustainable Design, Ideal Guests, and Smart Booking Tips
Consider sustainability too. Reusing old building materials reduces landfill waste and helps to save local history. It resonates with people who value the environment and don’t want to spend their money to destroy it in order to save some architectural features.
It will be given to those who will most love it. These are the apartments that are most popular with creative travelers, solo adventurers, couples, and remote workers. Families can control, but light sleepers need to take care. The small town is also good for business travelers. Lobbies serve as cowork spaces, and meeting rooms are found in some buildings. In general the hotel encourages exploration. People that value meeting and exploring will come back.
Smart Booking Tips. Smart planning makes your stay great. Book directly and enjoy special offers and flexible policies. Secondly, book in the middle of the week for lower prices. Third, ask for a quiet room if you need a quiet place to sleep. Fourth, focus time in the lobby: It’s where the magic occurs.
Additionally, look at the calendar of events before coming to see them. A concert or screening can be the highlight of an evening. Also, take light bags, as small rooms go with little bags. Lastly, check out the area. All are located close to local shops, galleries and restaurants which are worth your time.
Final Thoughts on Ace Hotel
The brand proves that a hotel can feel like a neighborhood hangout. It trades stiff luxury for personality, and it rewards travelers who value atmosphere over perfection. Whether you want a lively city base or a sunny desert retreat, the formula delivers.
Choose your city, compare the rates, and book a quiet room if you need sleep. Remember that the best stays happen when you stay open to surprises. Chat with the staff, wander the neighborhood, and say yes to the unplanned concert. Then walk into the lobby, order a coffee, and watch the scene unfold. Your next stay at an Ace Hotel might become the trip you talk about for years. Book smartly, travel curious, and enjoy every unexpected moment there.
Frequently Asked Questions AQs
Q1: What Is Ace Hotel Known For?
Ace Hotel is known for stylish boutique rooms, lively lobbies, local art, and a creative community vibe. The brand restores historic buildings and opens its public spaces to locals, so each location feels rooted in its neighborhood. Many guests describe the experience as part hotel, part cultural hub. Locals visit often too.
Q2: How Much Does an Ace Hotel Room Cost?
A room typically costs between $150 and $420 per night, depending on city, season, and room type. Big cities and peak weekends cost more. Midweek stays and smaller rooms usually offer the best value. Additionally, booking early often saves money.
Q3: Is Ace Hotel Good for Solo Travelers?
Yes, the brand suits solo travelers well. Social lobbies, bars, and events make it easy to meet people, and compact rooms keep costs reasonable. Central locations also help you explore safely on foot.
Q4: Where Can You Find an Ace Hotel Near You?
You can find the brand in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Portland, Palm Springs, London, New Orleans, and Kyoto. Locations change over time, so check the official website for current listings.
