This past weekend, I stayed at Ace Hotel in New York City. Besides the fact that this hotel is loaded with static electricity and every doorknob and elevator button you touch shocks the heck out of you with a visible, miniature-sized lightning bolt, this is one very cool place.
Located in Midtown east of Chelsea, I would describe Ace Hotel as vintage bohemian meets total hipster. If Ace Hotel was to open a branch in the Los Angeles area, it would be in the middle of Silverlake – that’s the level of hipster I’m talking about. If you’re not aware of this correlation, I’d be happy to explain it to you via email.
Anyways, Ace Hotel is perfect for the twenty-something and thirty-something crowds. During the day, the hotel lobby and bar is filled with local New Yorkers on their laptops (free wi-fi), drinking cappuccinos from the hotel coffee shop. At night, the bar transforms into a very hip lounge attracting a large after-work crowd. Sometimes there’s even entertainment, including live bands and DJs. On top of all that, the lobby bar has great drinks and delicious food. Let me tell you, I was not afraid to order the chocolate-filled donuts on the dessert menu even though many a New York skinny minny was giving me dirty looks for enjoying them so wholeheartedly. SO GOOD!! The drinks were unique and tasty as well – my favorite was the Hound on Fire, complete with Stoli Vodka, grapefruit juice, and rimmed with chili salt. Overall, the lobby bar scene was fun and lively and their vintage couches were very comfortable.
As for the room itself, it was not your standard hotel room – and that’s what I loved about it! Though it was still very nice and comfortable, it was super eclectic as well, filled with, again, very vintage-inspired and bohemian furniture. So unique in a world dominated by Hiltons and Marriotts.
Oh, I forgot to mention the best part of Ace Hotel: the tall, dark, and handsome doormen (Kyle calls them “retired male models”). A very nice addition, oh la la.
Overall, I enjoyed my stay at Ace Hotel NYC very much. They have several locations across the U.S., including Seattle, Portland, and Palm Springs. Next spring, I think I’m going to stay at the Portland location. I highly recommend this hotel! It’s a hipster heaven, I assure you!
