I guess we really are digging the ACE, we have been back twice already and it just opened two months ago. Have to say for the price, you get a whole bunch of design mileage. Commune, the firm that designed it, got it right. The atmosphere is a balanced mix of utilitarian design, 60's craft and Americana kitsch with splashes of well placed artist installations. Clare Crespo created a desert inspired taxidermy wonder world  above the check-in area and Margo Victor took her monochromatic 60's style mural size at the poolside lounge.

We brought our two kids both times and have stayed in two different rooms, the "King Lounge" and the "Patio with Fireplace," hands down the patio with fireplace is the way to go. The room is a bit smaller, but you get a huge outdoor area for kids to rip and run and we just brought in the mats from the lounge and threw some sleeping bags on them for the kids. We had designs on doing s'mores fireside, but were to poop after spending hours in the pool. The seven communal ceramic fireplaces designed by Stan Bitters are gorgeous and a visual testimate to his incredible contribution to California craft movement.

Last week the second pool/rec area opened and the ice cream truck come bar is now in full tilt. The food is yum, but very limited for kids, so bring a stash of snacks and bug them to get a kids menu, we sure did. Poolside was a mix of families and savvy singles. The gym is small but pro, no time to check out the spa, but during a temporary power outage they were giving out complimentary foot massages, combine that with a swing in a hammock and a distant sunset over the desert mountains and you got yourself one lovely vacation.