Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills

The Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills, a Michelin Key Selected property, offers a distinctive boutique experience in the heart of Beverly Hills, blending retro-chic design with modern comfort. It is generally praised for its excellent service, prime yet quiet location, and unique mid-century ambiance.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for the Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills is very positive, with guests frequently highlighting its friendly and professional staff, great location, and well-decorated, comfortable rooms. Many describe it as a "hidden gem" offering a peaceful environment. The hotel often receives ratings in the "Very Good" to "Excellent" range from guests. While not explicitly stated with a numerical key, its inclusion in the Michelin Guide's hotel selection signifies a very special stay.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently praise the Avalon Hotel for several aspects:

• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently described as "excellent," "cordial," "friendly," "helpful," and "not stuffy at all," providing professional and personal care.
• Location: Its location is a major draw, situated on a quiet residential street but still within walking distance (around 15 minutes) to world-class shopping and dining on Rodeo Drive and the Golden Triangle. It offers a sense of being close to everything important while maintaining a serene atmosphere.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's retro-fabulous mid-century modern design, with interiors by Kelly Wearstler, is a significant highlight. The hourglass or boomerang-shaped heated pool, surrounded by cabanas, serves as a central and inviting focal point, creating a relaxed, "California cool" vibe.
• Amenities: The heated pool with poolside service and private cabanas is a favorite. Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center with modern equipment, 24-hour room service, and complimentary wired internet.

Room Quality

The 79-84 rooms and suites are designed in a retro-modern style, blending its old Hollywood roots with a distinct 1950s influence. Rooms are generally described as well-decorated and comfortable.

• Comfort: Beds are noted for their comfort, often decked in Italian linens.
• Design: The decor features muted colors, mirrored walls, fossil stone tables, and geometric marble bathrooms. Some guests appreciate the "refreshingly un-boring" and "50s-meets-70s" decor. However, some find the sea-foam green color palette and retro-chic style a bit too much on the retro side.
• Features: Standard room amenities include a mini-bar, 42-inch flat-screen cable TV, iPod docking station, and tablets for guests. Some rooms offer private balconies or kitchenettes, and many are wheelchair accessible. Guest rooms are divided between three buildings: the Olympic (main building with reception, pool, and restaurant), Beverly, and Canon (residential-style studios). Guests suggest requesting rooms in the Olympic building overlooking the pool for the best experience, and advise avoiding the Beverly Tower annex if possible due to lack of pool views and mid-century vibe.

Dining Experience

The on-site restaurant, Viviane (previously Oliverio's), is a mid-century marvel with interiors by Kelly Wearstler, straddling the lobby and poolside lounge.

• Cuisine: Viviane serves contemporary Californian interpretations of European and American classics, with Chef Michael Reed at the helm. The menu often includes a vegan option.
• Atmosphere: It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with private cabanas available, making dining by the boomerang-shaped pool a popular choice.
• Breakfast: Breakfast and dinner have been enjoyed by guests, with breakfast being described as delicious, including acai bowls, and coffee often available free until 10 am.
• Quality: The food quality is generally considered good, and the restaurant is highly praised by guests.

Service & Staff

The service at Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills is consistently rated as "excellent." Guests frequently commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, cordial, and professional. Specific mentions include great front desk service that is "not stuffy at all" and exceptional restaurant and valet staff. The staff is known for taking "personal great care" of guests.

Location & Accessibility

The Avalon Hotel is located in a quiet, semi-residential part of Beverly Hills, offering a peaceful retreat.

• Proximity to Attractions: It is conveniently located within a 15-minute walk of Rodeo Drive and the Golden Triangle for shopping and dining. Other nearby attractions include the Museum of Tolerance (0.6 miles) and Westfield Century City (1.4 miles). Santa Monica and the Sunset Strip are also easily accessible.
• Transport: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 13-17.9 miles or 26-45 minutes away by car. Valet parking is available, though it can be pricey. Bikes are available for hire.

Value & Pricing

The Avalon Hotel Beverly Hills is often considered a good value for money, especially given its Beverly Hills location.

• Price Range: Room prices can start from around $196 to $238, with average weeknight prices around $366 and weekend nights around $338. It is described as "less expensive than the hypermodern set design that is the modern boutique standard" and offers a "touch of luxury at a surprisingly affordable rate" compared to the average Los Angeles hotel room.
• Additional Costs: Rates typically do not include continental breakfast (which starts from $21) or a nightly resort fee (around $28 plus tax). There is also a fee for Wi-Fi in some instances, though free Wi-Fi is also mentioned.

Common Complaints

While generally well-received, some recurring criticisms include:

• Cleanliness: A few guests have reported issues with cleanliness, particularly in common areas, and some have needed to request room cleaning daily.
• Room Location/Type: Rooms in the annex buildings, particularly the "Beverly Tower," are sometimes criticized for lacking pool views, natural sunlight, and the desired mid-century vibe, potentially leading to a "depressing" stay. Some suggest that pictures of the pool area might not fully represent reality.
• Noise: Light sleepers are advised to request a room away from the pool area, as occasional nighttime pool parties can get loud.
• Small Bathrooms: Some guests find the bathrooms functional but "very small" with limited vanity space.
• Valet Cost: Valet parking, while convenient, is noted as being on the pricier side.
• Restaurant/Breakfast Service: Despite generally positive feedback on the restaurant, one review mentioned the restaurant and breakfast bar being a "disaster" in terms of service.

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