It’s not every day you get to stay at a legendary Hollywood hideaway.
But that’s exactly what I got to do at the Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs, A Member of Design Hotels in Palm Springs, California.
Review: Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs, A Member Of Design Hotels (CA)
Did the Avalon Hotel live up to its legendary reputation, or was it past its prime?
About Avalon Hotel Palm Springs
The history of the Avalon Hotel reads like this: Once upon a time, the Avalon Hotel was known as the Estrella Motor Inn. It was frequented by legends of Hollywood’s “Golden Era” including Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Errol Flynn, and Joan Crawford – all of whom made the two-hour drive to the desert to rub elbows with directors and producers, check out acts at the famed Chi Chi Club, and party the night [and weekend] away in the hotel that came with a game of Twister in every room.
The hotel was later renamed the “Avalon Hotel” by its new owners in 2015, and soon became affiliated with Design Hotels and the Marriott Bonvoy brand.
Location & Parking
Today the Avalon Hotel is located on a quiet and unassuming street near the heart of downtown Palm Springs.
There is a small parking lot on-property for the valet service that’s included in the $38 daily resort fee.
FHOP Tip: If you’d prefer not to valet, there is ample (and what appeared to be safe) free parking on S. Belardo St. directly in front of the hotel.
Marriott Bonvoy Redemption
During our stay, the Avalon Hotel started at the standard rate of $690 per night for a “Premium Studio King, Studio, 1 King” room.
As the Avalon Hotel was a Marriott Bonvoy Category 6 property, it was bookable for the standard rate of 50,000 Bonvoy points per night.
This was a very good redemption value for Bonvoy points at 1.38 CPP. We opted to book with one of our Marriott Bonvoy 50,000 point free award night certificates.
Front Desk & Check-In
We arrived at the Avalon Hotel pretty late, but there was no line, so we were helped immediately.
The front desk attendant recognized our Marriott Bonvoy status and informed us we’ve been upgraded to a room on the second floor with a pool view.
He asked if we wanted welcome drinks [in the form of two glasses of champagne], to which we smiled and said, “of course”!
He handed our room keys and a map of the hotel and then pointed us in the direction to our room.
Welcome Drinks
Map Of The Hotel
Room Key
Hallway
The hotel was obviously an older property, but it appeared newly restored.
As we walked to our room, we noticed the layout of the hotel was conducive to that of a true hideaway hotel, and thus probably why so many of the hotel’s guests were “hanging out” late night throughout the property.
From the looks of the clientele, the Avalon Hotel was still a playground for the young and affluent (I guess some things never change).
Room Entrance
Bedroom
We entered our room through the bright red door and found a large studio room decorated in what I could only describe as “vintage minimalist”.
Everything was black and white, although there were plenty of chrome accents. A closer look revealed unique and curious details such as the “horses leg” tables and the click-on lamps hanging from chains over the nightstands.
Overall, the room was attractive, clean, and sexy. It had a “young and fun” vibe to it that you don’t often find in hotels [no matter how recent the renovation].
The one thing I didn’t love about the room (actually, “hated”) was the diabolic placement of the air conditioner which seemed to be placed torturously so that it blasts directly in to your face while you try to sleep.
That A/C unit (top right) was the bane of my existence
Living Area
Office Desk
Room Amenities
The room’s mini bar came well-stocked with a wide assortment of snacks, beer, liquor, wine, coffee, and champagne (all at reasonable prices for a minibar).
Closet
Bathroom
The bathroom was newly renovated as well, and was well-lit and attractive.
It continued the room’s overall “diamonds-are-forever” vintage vibe, with a gaudy chandelier and an “old school” bathtub hidden behind a 1960’s style shower curtain.
Argan was the toiletry brand of choice at the Avalon Hotel.
Balcony
Our room had a large balcony (easily one of the room’s best features) that overlooked the central courtyard and the swimming pool.
View From The Room
Breakfast At Chi Chi
For breakfast, we headed down to the Chi Chi Restaurant by the pool. Our intention was to eat inside, but it was completely empty, so we opted to eat outside with everybody else.
After being seated, it took us about 45 seconds to realize we were being swarmed with mosquitoes. We asked to move but were told, “there was really nowhere safe to move us, and inside was even worse” as the mosquitoes were everywhere.
We took one look around and saw some guests were “swatting” while others were lathering up on insect repellent. We opted to get some mosquito repellent from the waitress before attempting to order. The repellent worked like a charm and we could then relax and enjoy our table by the pool.
Breakfast Menu
For breakfast, we opted for the Baked Omelet ($18), Chicken Sausage links ($7), and the French Toast ($14).
When our breakfast arrived, we could tell we chose wisely. The food was delicious.
Chi Chi Breakfast
Baked Omelette ($18)
Chicken Sausage ($7)
French Toast ($14)
The Property Interior
The Bar @ Chi Chi
The Property Exterior
Walking around the property, we could see glimpses of the glory that once was.
From the Koi Pond, to the glass chandeliers, to the bar at Chi Chi – – Oh, if those walls could talk.
Free rental bikes
Swimming Pool Area
The hotel’s focal point were the swimming pools (and rightfully so), this is Palm Springs we’re talking about.
Review: Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs, A Member Of Design Hotels (CA)
Overall, we had an excellent stay at the Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs. It truly felt like a secret hideaway. You want to know where the Rockstar’s stay during Coachella? Chances are it’s the Avalon Hotel.
Yes, the hotel was an older property, but the “Old Hollywood” DNA was the secret to its charm. Now, if they could only do something about the mosquitoes and the placement of that darn A/C unit in the room.
I recommend the Avalon Hotel for couples looking for a romantic hideaway/getaway and for singles looking for a “home base” to party. This probably goes without saying, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the Avalon Hotel for business travelers or families with children.
The service was excellent, the food and drinks were excellent, and the overall “fun” vibe was why we come to Palm Springs in the first place. Seriously, is there anything more important to do while in Palm Springs than sitting around the pool with a stiff drink in your hand? I think not.
Final Rating: 8 out of 10
