Originally published on Tuesday, 10th February 2009

Ace In The Hole

Here in the Big Smoke, bars fold like Vegas virgins, fashions come full circle, and financial institutions crumble like so much fag ash. And all faster than you can say itsnotarecessionsonobodypanic.

But there’s one other city that can be relied on to ravage at such a similarly wired pace. No, it’s not Paris (the city of long coffees and longer bottles of wine); nor Barcelona (where things don’t get started till after midnight). For the same deliciously relentless caffeine hit, it’s all about our Transatlantic sister.

So when an 8 year-old, affordable and oh-so-cool design hotel group moves into the Big Apple (following on the heels of everyone's previous designer-budget option of choice: Room Mate's Grace, which moved into the old QT last year), even though it may be all the way over there, we can't help but get excited.

The Ace Hotels have always been about the little details, and the NYC branch looks no different. From architecturally-sympathetic design touches (all old-school tiling, exposed pipe-work, and locally-stocked Smeg fridges) to homely comforts (boxing-style bath robes, leather sofas and huge canvas murals), there’s not a single thing missing. Except maybe the price. And any hotel with in-room decks has my vote.

Ace Hotel 20 West 29th Street (29th and Broadway) +1 212-679-2222
Opens April 1, but is taking bookings now for a special price of $99.

Room Mate Grace, 125 West 45th St (between 6th and 7th Av) +1 212 354 2323

And check out Metrotwin for things to keep you busy while you’re there.

For travel, BA have extended their Business Class sale to include flights in March.

by AC