Remembering Alex Calderwood, Visionary Hotelier & Founder Of The Ace Hotel Chain

Fast Facts

-Alex was born in Denver on January 28, 1966 and grew up in Seattle. -He decided to forgo college in favor of more creative pursuits, including party promoting and running a vintage clothing business. -His first major venture into the world of hospitality was the risky revamping of the classic barbershop idea in the early 1990s. -Rudy's, as the shop was called, would eventually grow into a successful chain, garnering Alex and his partners the opportunity to lease a 28-room flophouse in Seattle. -This first Ace hotel (named for the playing card) would set the business model for outposts in New York, Portland, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and London—an eclectic space meant to appeal to the creative class. [Photo via]