The Lobby Bar at Ace Hotel

As most swanky hotel bars go, The Lobby Bar at Ace Hotel is full, on any given night, of cologne-doused scenesters attempting to act unaffected as they sip $15 cocktails. Anything but down-to-earth, this place is elegant, if you're into the whole waspy collegiate thing. My friend and I read a great review for the bar, but much to our disappointment, not only were the cocktails overpriced and underwhelming, but the atmosphere didn't foster the sort of comradery I tend to appreciate on a night out. A strategic candle-like lighting scheme and cozy, abundant seating suggest that this might be a decent spot to take a date, but for singles looking to rub elbows, the layout is somewhat intimidating.

When I first walked in there I felt like I had walked into the Abercrombie catalogue - not because there was anything cheesy like a shirtless greeter or an oppressively awful stench of perfume coming from it, but because of the large comfortable looking tartan print chairs, wood everything, and giant American flag hanging over the bar. The crowd is a mix of hotel guests and laid back locals on their computers relaxing with drinks and appetizers, and my personal favorite touch is the photo booth because I have a seriously hard time resisting those things. Just as a note though, due to the large presence of tourists gratuity is included in all drink orders which the bartender usually remembers to tell you. Also, if you can go eat the suckling pig dinner at the Breslin next door, holy wow, that thing is freaking delicious!

I think I need to revisit, but my first outing here was strange. It's almost as if it's a hotel second, bar first with the concierge desk lonely and in a weird side room, with the bar and seating area easily 80% of the floor plan. Extremely high ceilings and thick plaster pillars give the place an elegant feel, but the decor looks like some weird indie flick with a set designer they got from the local Anthropologie... vaguely Parisian and very effeminate. It's odd. (think, fake books in muddy pastel colors on a stand-alone bookshelf in the corner, which parchment and quills lying on a lectern next to it with fresh flowers 'for sale'. I found it a little goofy) The manager was rude to me and the crowd seems to take themselves very seriously, so it's not really my thing I guess.

There was a time when hotel bars weren't the trendy insular places they now exist as, a time when many hotels just had a bar in the front lobby where world-weary passengers on the road to the grave could sidle up and get a stiff drink before even checking in. Thankfully, the Ace Hotel remembers such a time, and their bar is a chic counter without walls found at the back of their hotel lobby. Whether you've got a room at the Ace or you're simply heading to the Breslin to enjoy a whole suckling pig, this simple bar with its solid selection and cool, talkative staff will keep you loaded and lubricated all night long. Just be careful--you might find yourself introducing yourself to a bouncer five or six times (oy, THAT night...)

This venue is a great place to kick your night off. Although it's not in the most appealing of areas, it's not hard to find a subway or cab to make it downtown after you've begun your buzz. The Ace Hotel is a good time no matter which location you visit. It's trendy and chic. Walk into the lobby bar and it feels like you're in an enormous living room with rosy lighting and cozy divans. The crowd is what really makes this place interesting. If you're into the hipster, artsy, tech crowd, you may find yourself a date or two here. Everyone is primarily young, attractive and hip. The music is awesome, but not so much for dancing; more so for listening and creating that chill vibe. The staff is as attentive as Stumptown (coffee shop attached to the bar) and they know how to mix a good cocktail. Grab a friend, sidle up to a barstool and order a, "Lovely Day." Then proceed to slyly shift your focus and study the crowd. I'd be surprised if you didn't find at least one person to catch your attention. While there is space here, don't come with a huge crowd. This is more of either a quick intro date drink setting or a few close friends. You don't want to spend your entire night here. Quick Note: The Ace Hotel in Seattle is awesome as well!

Thinking about becoming the next Steve Job's? The lobby bar at the ace hotel is filled with techsters on business meetings and hipsters chilling. It's where all the cool technology business people meet to make deals, those that live in new york and those that are visiting. Don't dare bring a blackberry or pc. It's an Apple bar. Putting aside the tech snootiness, it's a chill place to grab a drink in the flatiron district. And who knows, maybe the next Mark Zuckerberg will offer you a job.

So I am a girl who appreciates a good scene and the Lobby Bar at the Ace Hotel is no exception. The Ace Hotel is the hipster tech entrepreneur/semi-legit artists hang out spot and I can't get enough of this place's air of self-importance. Beautiful decor and layout that reminds you of your well-to-do uncle's den, you can sit and drink (well) in comfort and style. Did I say it was a scene? Every time I go in here, I see some tech entrepreneur who has been posited as the second coming by Fast Nation. The only reason that it isn't 4 stars is because I like the drinks and the bartendars a LOT more at the Breslin, which is literally adjacent to this bar. The things that they can do with guava and tequila will put your mama to shame.

There's not a lot to it but as you're getting out of Midtown, hop off the subway at 28th and walk a half block to the entrance. Once inside, you're greeted by a wide open space filled with comfortable couches and chairs, some old-timey decor and taxidermy, and a massive American flag situated behind the main bar in the back. The people here were all mid 20s to early 30s and mostly young, stylish professionals. The drinks are poured heavy and the bartenders are very friendly and knowledgeable. I didn't eat at the Breslin (the hotels restaurant) but it supposed to be outstanding. If you're looking for a classy, cool, un-pretentious hotel bar, the Ace is a perfect place for you.