
I recently stayed at the Avalon over Labor Day weekend while working as a staff member at Cinecon, handling video work. I was on a tight schedule, so I was in a rush during check-in to get back to the theater. The staff directed me to the elevator and sent me off to my room. However, after arriving on the designated floor, I quickly discovered that my room number didn’t exist. Let me paint a picture for you: I was hauling a 50lb suitcase, a 25lb camera bag, and additional gear, including a computer and tripod. Despite this, no one offered any assistance. When I encountered a housekeeper, she kindly attempted to help, but there was a language barrier, and ultimately, she led me back downstairs, only for me to pass by the front desk again. When I asked why I was sent in the wrong direction, I received a brief apology but still no offer of help with my luggage.
The situation worsened when I learned that my room was in another building across the street—one without an elevator. This meant I had to carry all my heavy gear up a flight of stairs. I had received a spinal injection just two weeks earlier and was supposed to be careful with lifting, but there was no bellhop assigned to assist me, which the front desk should have been aware of, given the building's lack of elevator access and the amount of gear I was carrying.
The explanation I received was that the staff member who directed me was new. However, there were experienced team members at the desk who could have intervened and ensured a smoother check-in process. At check-out, I received only a simple "I'm sorry, he was new" and no compensation for the inconvenience—no offer to waive one of the $58 per night parking fee or even one of the $30 breakfasts I had during my stay.
While the room itself was lovely and housekeeping was top-notch, this unfortunate experience overshadowed what could have been an excellent stay. It also raises concerns about how the hotel handles guests with mobility issues. What would happen if someone in a wheelchair faced a similar situation?
I sincerely hope that management will take this feedback seriously and consider how they can improve their service, especially in situations like mine where a little extra assistance would have made all...
Read moreA hidden gem in the Beverly Hills/West Hollywood area, at the edge of residential area, you will find this amazing boutique hotel. While it would appear that this is a cozy place, once you enter the front doors it is evident that it does not fit the description usually associated with "cozy".
The hotel is welcoming, elegant and artsy. The lobby is open, as you enter, there is an immediate view through the windows of their unique boomerang pool. There is cushioned seating in this window space, so you can just enjoy the view before diving in.
There is more cushioned seating near the check in desk (pool and street views), as well as some very interesting sculptures, abstract paintings and plantlife.
The pool dominates the middle of Viviane Restaurant - you may dine inside with views of bamboo trees or the pool, choose a table poolside or use one of the private cabanas that line the far side of the pool. Additionally, there are chairs and loungers that surround the pool area, and a very comfortable cloth couch, tables and globe lamp at the end of the pool. As you exit the pool area, a very bohemian retro place to sit and take in the sun.
It is a very well designed and artsy place, relaxing with comfortable rooms. each floor has different abstract works of art and vases with flowers.
Of note is that while there is street parking, however, valet is complimentary, no validation or payment is required. It is very conveniently located within walking or bicycle distance (ask or reserve bicycle at front desk) to shopping and other conveniences such as pharmacy and other services.
There is also a fitness and wellness center here.
I found my stay here quite invigorating and pleasant. Excellent friendly service, they are very accommodating and willing to provide whatever it is you need to make your stay a pleasant one.
Even if you are not going to stay at hotel, a must is visiting the restaurant Viviane. I so look forward to...
Read moreOverpriced stay, slow service, small rooms, overpriced food, and convoluted policies.
I found a reasonable price on Hotel Tonight ($500 for 2 nights), and tried to call the front desk to book directly. No one picked up. So I called Marriott Rewards, hoping to use my gold status. They said they couldn't match the price, and that it would be $650 for the two nights if I booked directly. Fine. But then I get to the hotel, and they say that the would match the price if I talked to them directly rather than through Marriott, which I thought was exactly the same as 'directly'. Too bad no one was there to answer the phones.
Additionally, they couldn't match the price retroactively, despite the fact that I booked directly through Marriott.
And additionally to that, they said they could have applied my Gold status after the fact if I booked through Hotel Tonight!!! So all in all, terrible communication, and unable to make amends for their own mistakes in the booking process.
Ordered a coffee maker this morning (which doesn't come in the room) and it took 25 minutes to arrive.
Ordered a shave kit just now, and still waiting 30 minutes later.
Breakfast this morning was good, but small portions and overpriced for what it is. $100 for two people, for a scramble, yogurt, avo toast, one juice, and two coffees.
The room is very small, hardly stylized, and right next to a busy street. Windows are thin and don't keep out noise, so we were kept up last night to all hours by loud engines and public bus announcements.
Not anything close to what I would expect, and my experience here has made me decide to drop my loyalty to Marriott and try another company, despite my Gold status with Marriott.
Update: the shave kit came 40 minutes later after calling again, with the notice that they had no shaving cream. Literally that's the only thing I needed...I have a razor but no cream....
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