Ace Hotel Palm Springs Review: Pool, Day Pass & What to Know

A 1960s motel conversion in Palm Springs, the Ace Hotel & Swim Club operates on a two-pool setup—one adults-only with weekend DJs, the other family-friendly. Its day-pass model, available through third-party platforms like ResortPass, makes the property accessible for non-guests. This review examines the pool configuration, day-pass logistics, and what guest reviews consistently praise or flag.

Last checked: 2026-10-12

Property: Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs · Location: Palm Springs, California, United States · Guest rating: 8.1/10 Excellent on Agoda from 702 reviews · Pool and day pass: Two pools; day passes available via ResortPass

What is the Ace Hotel chain?

Ace Hotel operates a collection of properties globally defined by a focus on cultural programming—live music, DJ sets, performances, artist conversations, and gallery exhibitions. The Palm Springs outpost is officially branded Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs, reflecting the central role its pool facilities play in the guest experience. The official Swim Club page promotes day, month, quarter, and longer-duration passes alongside poolside cocktails and membership options.

The implication: The Palm Springs property isn’t just a hotel with a pool; the pool is a branded amenity with its own membership and day-pass structure that operates independently of the hotel room inventory.

What did the Ace Hotel Palm Springs used to be?

The building is a renovated motel that retains its 1960s whitewashed architecture. The exact pre-Ace motel brand is not named in official materials, but the conversion preserved the low-slung, desert-motel footprint that defines the property’s current retro-chic aesthetic. A renovation refresh maintained this mid-century profile while updating the pool and common areas.

Ace Hotel Palm Springs renovation

The 2026 events calendar demonstrates that the property actively programmes its spaces around the Swim Club concept, with events like the July 4 Red, White, & Pool weekend offering day-pass access and poolside programming across both the Main Pool and Commune Pool. The hotel’s events calendar shows that events can affect pool access for day-pass visitors.

The pattern: The property leverages its architectural past as a design asset, leaning into the retro desert-motel aesthetic rather than building a traditional hotel box.

Does Ace Hotel Palm Springs have a pool?

Yes, the property operates two pools. The Main Pool is adults-only (18+ according to the official site, though some third-party sources list 21+) and often features weekend DJs. The Commune Pool is designated as kid-friendly and may close for private events. Pool hours for hotel guests run from 7:00 AM to 2:00 AM daily, though the gathered sources do not confirm identical hours for outside day-pass users. The official FAQ page details the two-pool system and their distinct policies.

Ace Hotel Palm Springs day pass

For non-guests, the hotel sells day passes directly and through third-party platforms. The ResortPass listing advertises a day pass with access to a heated or seasonally chilled outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, Wi-Fi, and free parking. ResortPass displayed a starting price of USD 28 including fees at the time of capture. A separate listing for an all-access membership includes daily day-pass access from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM with blackout dates applying. The official sitemap identifies separate booking sections for sun-lounger rentals and cabanas, indicating that upgrades are available beyond the standard day pass.

The catch: While the price discrepancy is notable ($28 vs $50 depending on the source), the core offering remains consistent: pool access, hot tub, fitness center, and towel service. The real variables are the specific pool (Main Pool vs Commune Pool), age rules, and potential blackout dates for private events.

What happened to the Ace Hotel?

The property currently operates as Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs. It holds an 8.1/10 rating on Agoda from 702 reviews (categorized as Excellent) and an 8.4/10 on Hotels.com from 1,002 reviews. Guest sentiment clusters around phrases like ‘fave go to spot,’ ‘cute rooms,’ ‘delicious food and drinks,’ and ‘gorgeous pool’. Tripadvisor summaries note that guests often praise the lively pool scene and eclectic decor.

Ace hotel Palm Springs restaurant and bar

On-site food and beverage options include Kings Highway and poolside bar service. Visit Palm Springs reports that poolside dining and cocktails are part of the day-pass experience. Tripadvisor reviews include complaints that food and drinks can be expensive and that poolside service may be inconsistent.

Why this matters: The current operational reputation is built around a lively, social pool scene with high energy—a selling point for travelers seeking nightlife and a potential drawback for those prioritizing quiet or consistent family access.