Ace Hotel Palm Springs travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

The new Ace Hotel is already shaping up to be Southern California’s boho playground du jour. The hotel has 180 rooms with denim headboards and things like vintage furniture and retro turntables with “The Red-Headed Stranger” on vinyl. At the bar, you’re greeted by Charlie, who handmake his excellent fizzy blackberry soda and Black Sheep Ale. The hotel’s restaurant, King’s Highway, used to be a Denny’s — and in some ways, it still is, but with vegetarian tamales for brunch. (Get there before noon or they’ll probably be sold out).

It’s a good lodging choice if you’re making a trip to popular attractions like Joshua Tree, the Salton Sea, or nearby casinos. Plus, it’s the best Palm Springs hotel for getting a massage. The spa at Ace Hotel & Swim Club is casual, simple, and unfussy. Cedar-lined, indoor treatment rooms with sauna and steam flow out to the large Swim Club pool. Outside, nestled in sage and lavender, you can get a massage in a Mongolian yurt. The treatments are inspired by where we are — fresh, straightforward and effective. It’s a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, not just a luxury.