Posted by Fan Winston, Honeymoons/Destinations Expert
To me, the term “staycation” is right up there with “recessionista”—they’re both of-the-moment terms that have been bandied about much too much and mainly only by members of the media. That doesn’t mean the concept behind staycations is bunk. With the economy doing a kamikaze nosedive, I absolutely believe that more and more people are opting for local destinations in lieu of exotic, farflung vacations.
If you fall in this camp, consider booking part or all of your honeymoon at one of Ace Hotel’s properties (buzz about them is just deafening). You can choose from one of four–in Seattle, Portland, New York, or Palm Springs—all of which are expert studies in min-hip. Yes, I’m coining my own phrase. It means minimalist hipster chic: vintage pieces, quirky art, muted color palettes, urban industrial aesthetic. Just wander over to their site, and you’ll get what I’m talking about right away (lots of photos of scruffy looking, sensitive souls who probably dabble in furniture-making).
It’s hard not to succumb to its artsy allure—especially when it comes with such a reasonable pricetag. Rates for their “cheap” rooms (yes, that’s what they call them) at the New York location start at $209; and at the Portland property, you can get one for $125 (including breakfast and parking)!
The lobby at the Portland property. (photo by Jeremy Pelley)
Meownificent wall art in a room at Ace Hotel in Portland. (photo by Jeremy Pelley)
Write your thank-you letters at this desk in the Palm Springs location. (photo by D. L. Thompson & Jon Johnson)
Lovely light in (surprise!) Seattle's Ace Hotel.
Bath products from Rudy's Barbershop at NYC property. (photo by Jeremy Pelley)
Are you planning a domestic honeymoon in place of a more exotic international one? If so, where are you going? I'd love to hear from you!
From: joel serrato films | 3/27/09 at 1:54 pm
love the feel of this space
From: Mel G | 3/27/09 at 2:57 pm
That cat alone is reason enough to go there!
From: Darcy McFry | 3/27/09 at 7:42 pm
I work as a book reviewer and I'm reading a book called the Power of Small. It's all about how we let small things fester and, when we don't take care of them-- such as a fridge that's always breaking down-- it comes back to bite us twice as hard.
I keep thinking it's nonsense, mainly-- the fridge is fine here-- but then I read this blog and I say, "Wait a minute... there is something missing. I've been hoarding money and thinking I couldn't afford to go away." Duh! A staycation... mmm... although maybe not $200 a night... then again, my birthday's coming up.
Thanks for this!