What Ace Hotel Is
Ace Hotel is a chain of independent-style hotels owned and operated by Ace Hotel Corporation. The company runs about 30 locations across North America, Europe, and Asia, each designed with a focus on design, art, and local culture rather than standardized corporate rooms. Ace positions itself as a mid-range alternative to both budget chains and luxury properties — you pay more than a Days Inn but less than a Four Seasons, and the money goes toward distinctive interiors, strong WiFi, and a social atmosphere rather than room service or concierge.
Each Ace location looks and feels different because the company partners with local architects and artists to design each property. A room at Ace Portland will not look like a room at Ace New York. This approach appeals to travelers who want something more memorable than a standard hotel room but do not want to pay luxury prices or deal with corporate sameness.
Key Takeaways
- Ace Hotel rooms are individually designed by location and typically cost between $150 and $400 per night depending on the city and season.
- You book directly through acehotel.com, through third-party sites like Booking.com or Expedia, or by calling the specific property you want.
- Ace includes WiFi in all rooms and common areas, but does not include parking, breakfast, or other amenities that some mid-range chains offer.
- Ace properties have public spaces like lobbies, bars, and restaurants designed to encourage guests and locals to mix, which is central to the brand.
- Cancellation policies vary by rate type and property, so you need to check the specific terms when you book rather than assuming a standard policy.
How to Book an Ace Hotel Room
You can book Ace Hotel through three main routes: the official Ace website (acehotel.com), third-party booking sites like Booking.com, Expedia, or Hotels.com, or by calling the specific property directly. The official website often shows the full range of room types and sometimes offers Ace-specific rates or packages that third-party sites do not display.
When you book, you will choose your room type, check-in and check-out dates, and number of guests. Ace rooms range from small studios to larger suites, and prices vary significantly by location and season. A room in Portland or Los Angeles might run $150 to $250 per night, while Ace locations in New York or San Francisco can reach $300 to $400 or higher during peak travel times. You will also see the cancellation policy for your specific rate at booking time — some rates are non-refundable, others allow free cancellation up to a certain number of days before arrival.
If you are a frequent Ace guest, you can join the Ace Hotel loyalty program to earn points toward free nights and room upgrades. The program is free to join and tracks your stays across all Ace locations.
What Is Included in Your Room
Every Ace room includes high-speed WiFi at no extra charge. This is standard across all properties and all room types. You also have access to the hotel's common areas — the lobby, bar, restaurant, and any fitness facilities — without additional cost.
What Ace does not include varies by property, but generally does not include breakfast, parking, or daily housekeeping. Some Ace locations offer parking for an additional fee (usually $15 to $40 per night depending on the city), while others have no parking available. Breakfast is not included but is often available for purchase at the hotel restaurant or café. If you need daily room cleaning, you can request it at the front desk, though standard service is end-of-stay cleaning only.
Room amenities typically include a bed, desk, bathroom with shower or tub, and a television. Many Ace rooms have a record player and vinyl collection as part of the design aesthetic. Air conditioning, heating, and climate control are standard. Phones and alarm clocks may or may not be present depending on the specific room design.
Check-In, Check-Out, and House Rules
Standard check-in time at Ace Hotel is 3:00 p.m. and check-out is 11:00 a.m. If you arrive before 3:00 p.m., you can ask the front desk whether an early check-in is possible — it depends on whether rooms are ready and how busy the hotel is. Early check-in is not may provide and may incur an extra charge.
If you need to stay past 11:00 a.m. on your checkout day, you can request a late checkout at the front desk. A late checkout of a few hours is often granted at no charge if the hotel is not fully booked. A full extra night's charge applies if you want to stay significantly past checkout time.
Ace Hotel properties are designed as social spaces, which means the lobby and common areas can be busy and sometimes loud, especially in the evenings. Rooms are generally soundproofed, but if you are sensitive to noise from hallways or adjacent rooms, mention this when you check in. Smoking is not permitted in rooms at any Ace location. Pets are allowed at some Ace properties but not others — check the specific hotel's policy when you book.
Pricing and What Affects Your Rate
Ace Hotel room rates depend on the location, the season, the day of the week, and how far in advance you book. A room in a smaller market like Portland might cost $160 on a Tuesday in January but $280 on a Friday in July. The same room in New York or San Francisco will cost significantly more year-round.
Rates also depend on the room type. A small studio or "bunk" room (which has a bed plus bunk beds) costs less than a standard room, which costs less than a suite. When you search on acehotel.com or a booking site, you will see all available room types and their individual prices for your dates.
Third-party booking sites sometimes show lower advertised rates than the official Ace website, but you should compare the total cost including any booking fees or taxes. The official site sometimes includes perks like free room upgrades or late checkout for loyalty members, which can offset a slightly higher nightly rate.
Cancellation and Changes to Your Reservation
Cancellation policies at Ace Hotel depend on the rate type you booked. Some rates are fully refundable if you cancel up to 7 days before arrival; others are non-refundable from the moment you book. The specific policy appears on your confirmation email and in your online account.
To cancel or modify a reservation, log into your account on acehotel.com, find your booking, and follow the cancellation or modification options. You can also call the specific property directly to make changes. If you cancel within the allowed window for your rate type, the charge will be refunded to your original payment method within 5 to 10 business days.
If you need to change your dates rather than cancel entirely, you can often modify your reservation directly in your account. If the new dates cost more than your original booking, you will pay the difference. If they cost less, whether you receive a refund depends on your rate type — non-refundable rates typically do not refund the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ace Hotels have a front desk open 24 hours?
Most Ace locations have 24-hour front desk service, but this varies by property. Check the specific hotel's information page or call ahead if you are arriving very late or very early and need to confirm someone will be available.
Can I extend my stay after I arrive?
Yes, if rooms are available. Ask the front desk on or before your checkout day whether you can add nights to your reservation. Availability and pricing depend on how booked the hotel is, and you will pay the current nightly rate for any additional nights, which may be higher or lower than what you originally paid.
What should I do if there is a problem with my room?
Contact the front desk when ready. Staff can move you to a different room, fix issues like WiFi or climate control problems, or provide other solutions depending on the situation. Most issues are resolved the same day.
Are there discounts for longer stays?
Some Ace properties offer weekly or monthly rates that are lower per night than nightly rates. These are usually visible when you search on the booking site, or you can call the property directly to ask about extended-stay pricing.
Can I work from my Ace Hotel room?
Yes. WiFi is included and reliable, and rooms have desks. The lobby and common areas are also designed as work-friendly spaces with seating and power outlets, so you can work outside your room if you prefer a change of scenery.