For those who love travel or frequently use hotels, Ace Hotel is a place that everyone wants to stay at least once. It was founded in 1999 in Seattle, Washington, USA, by Alex Calderwood. The idea came about when Calderwood remodeled an old building to create a hotel where his music colleagues could stay. Ace Hotel has been offering an "experience, not just accommodation" by overturning conventional wisdom with its innovative design, sophisticated interiors, and friendly hospitality. It has even created a new genre in the hotel industry, known as a lifestyle hotel. Previously, hotels mainly emphasized being a "place to stay," but Ace Hotel transformed it into a "thrilling place" where spending time is the purpose. Ace Hotel values its connection to the local community and aims to be a catalyst for regional revitalization by reflecting the characteristics of each location through design and collaborating with the local community. That's why they chose Kyoto as their first destination in Asia, a city known for its international popularity and as a cultural hub.

True to its reputation, Ace Hotel is adept at remodeling vintage buildings in collaboration with local creators. Likewise, Ace Hotel Kyoto is located in a renovated historic building called "Shinpukan," which was originally the Kyoto Central Telephone Office built in 1926. The building was designed by world-renowned architect Kuma Kengo and has a design inspired by Kyoto's nature and culture, aligning perfectly with Ace Hotel's concept. The interior design is handled by "Commune Design" from LA, who also designed the interiors for Ace Hotel in the United States. They bring together Western architects and designers with Japanese craftsmen, art, and traditional crafts in their collaborative history. The building is adorned with crafts, nature, local materials, and custom art by Japanese and American West Coast artists and artisans, reflecting a deep respect for Japan as a cultural and historical center. The distinctive wooden architecture by Kuma Kengo and the playful sense of design by Commune Design create a space where visitors can experience the charm of Kyoto's abundant nature, culture, and history.

Ace Hotel Kyoto is a place where music, art, culture, and fashion converge, making it a popular destination for creators and their fans. As evidenced by its roots, Ace Hotel and music are inseparable. As soon as you enter, you can hear various genres of music, from rock to Latin to bossa nova. Additionally, to ensure guests can enjoy music at any time, all rooms are equipped with Tivoli radios, and some rooms have TEAC turntables and Epiphone guitars. As an Ace Hotel based in the multicultural United States, the café and restaurants also offer diverse global options. The lounge with a DJ booth, called "PIOPIKO," is a space where people naturally gather, managed by Wes Avila, the owner of the acclaimed contemporary Mexican restaurant "Guerrilla Tacos" from LA. On the hotel's third floor, you'll find "Mr. Maurice's Italian," overseen by popular chef Mark Vetri from Philadelphia, serving American Italian cuisine based on home cooking. Adjacent to the lobby, "Stumptown Coffee Roasters," a Portland-based Third Wave coffee representative, has made its first entry into Japan. Lastly, the newly renovated Shinpukan complex embodies the concept of "traditional and innovative fusion" and houses 20 unique stores, including a cinema, restaurants, clothing, and general merchandise shops.

Edited by STAYFOLIO
Designed by Ace Hotel Kyoto
Image © Ace Hotel Kyoto