Adventures in hipsterland at the ACE

Last night a gaggle of girls and I assembled at the Ace to check out the Thursday night scene. Ok we were a large group of 10 almost like a bachlorette party but without the hideous veil. Again I was struck by the ambiance and décor-as if I’m hanging out in my older brother’s dorm common room minus the old pizza. God this place is cozy and with oodles of style. After one drink our group became restless because the male pickings were thin and it wasn’t totally happening but one of my girlfriends was clever enough to befriend the owner of the hotel and talk him into getting all of us into the private party down stairs. What awaited us was the band Fool’s Gold and what we perceived to be a more exclusive scene. Upon entering we we thrown into the tail end of what seemed to be a mock musical jam session/photo session with almost every hipster at the party. All flocking to be in front of the camera. Pictures blown up digitally on the wall run as a slide show. Was it a ritual I wondered? No it was just a wild moment of enthusiasm for this wonderful setup brought by a company called Studio Booth. (Vera Wang’s been there done that!) With a remote control for the shutter party peeps take time posing although shots were amazingly candid refreshing and real. No posed shots were taken. A miracle. You can see the debauchery moments with much flannel here. One of my girlfriends asked me, “Wasn’t this the scene you wanted to avoid by moving from Williamsburg to Manhattan?” I guess I’m still scratching my head as to how all these hipsters are here on 29th street? Go figure. Thestudiobooth.com

Ace is the place

Good things happen to those who wait...Waiting for the New York branch of Ace hotel to open was a bitch but it has a very sophisticated and stylish bar scene going on in their.....lobby? (making due with what you got!) . Despite the fact that the Breslin restaurant and bar (by the people who brought you the spotted pig) is not open yet hasn't stopped this place from becoming a hot spot with the hipster downtown Manhattan crowd (on 29th street!). Feels a bit like Jenny Humprey from Gossip Girl would hang out here. Last Saturday night was quiet the birthday time. I was there for a birthday and everyone else I met there were there for birthdays. I'll tell you why it's so inviting-because it is a big place with a cozy feel-vignettes of big couch living room seating. Good lighting, good DJ and music that isn't too loud (one can actually have a conversation) , and one of those old school photo booths you used to do with your 6th grade boyfriend or girlfriend. Decor is as if your cool older flannel plaid wearing older brother learned to decorate with ease. And I've totally decided that it will be my new living room day and night-laptop lane way cooler than Starbucks. And if you decide to take a room because you're too tipsy or you've met the woman of your dreams (for the night) rooms start at a reasonable $199. Who says New York is not affordable?

Palm Springs Bed Hopping

viceroy dining room
snowcone bus at ace that falls short
too cool for school pool at the ace
outdoor dining at the Riviera
red chandelier at the Riviera

So I was in Palm Springs visiting my two honorary uncles having a grand old time during Dina Shore (lesbian) weekend. One at DINKS (dual income no kids) we were subjected to a great torch singer whose breasts were so big I might turn gay.
But anyways, one of the highlights of the trip (besides getting dust boogers horseback riding) was touring the local hotels.
Here's a rundown:
The ACE: Local mid century modern furniture expert Courtney's comment was dead on. "It seems like they are trying really hard to look like they're not trying. But really, they should try a little harder!" Decor was kitchy and clever but service fell short. It's cute that the server by the pool delivers food on his skateboard but it's not cute when the shortbus serving alcoholic snowcones lacks a bartender. Converting an old holiday inn is a great concept but a coat of paint doesn't really change much. Clientele feels young and immature-pot smoking, beer drinking and tattoo toting. Too kool for school! I certainly hope when the ACE opens on Broadway in nyc Walter does open an oyster bar and the service is up to snuff.
Dave Dixon's sexy boutique hotel Colony Palms Hotel was one of my top picks. The rooms center around the inviting pool and restaurant area. It features a charming cozy vibe and attractive guests. Such a treat to dine alfresco pool side. On my way in I passed Kristen Davis scoping the place out with her surfer hot boytoy so the chances of meetings celebrities are good.
The Parker was decorated by Jonathan Adler and is fabulously grand. It feels like a secret enclosed paradise. Beautiful landscaping and grounds. Restaurant is super dark, super low ceilings, and super lively ie loud. Not my ideal but popular. The spa has his and hers private indoor pools perfect for nude swimming. I would go back for the spa.
The Rivera: style wise this was my idea of heaven. Color and ambiance with the red, white, black, genius lighting schemes, and many mirrors. Organic clover shaped clever pool and outdoor dining. Inventive round bamboo steamer boxes are clever for pool side food presentation.
The Viceroy: still one of my favorites. Is chic since it was decorated by Kelly Wearstler (it's her husbands hotel) but totally cozy. Colors are stark white black with accents of bright yellow. Food is scrummy but the pool is the size of a postage stamp.
Being a water person I am intrigued by watsu offered at ultra exclusive desert hideaway at 2 Bunch Palms. You can find me there soaking in the healing waters next year!
Can't wait to return!