Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs — Hotel in Palm Springs

If you're considering a booking, I think you'll enjoy yourself more if you prepare your mindset ahead of time, which I did not. Just erase the idea of this being a 4 or 5 star resort, and decide you're going to enjoy it and not think about the value for the dollar or compare it to other hotel experiences. Well, that's my advice. There's apparently a massive hotel shortage in the area, particularly when major festivals and events are running, so we have to put this place in context for what the local market is bearing, in terms of cost and quality expectations. The cost here can be outrageous, but also checking around, it's not necessarily out of line with what's happening in the area. The quality of the facility and the service is not nearly what you would expect for paying this much, but again, this is what they can get away with in PSP. First, let's cover the positive. Location is amazing, it's just a 2 block walk to the heart of the downtown area with shopping, bars and restaurants. There's a hot tub and 3 pools, one more for adult lounging the 2nd one a 50' pool great for exercise and laps, and the 3rd one is purely for kids and family. Also the food at Chi Chi the small eatery is very good, as are the drinks. You can get Marriott points! The rooms and grounds are clean and well-maintained. Any of the service people who are subject to tipping are engaging and friendly. Basically, the valets and wait staff. Ok now let's get to the other side of the coin: things to temper your expectations. The food cost is high (eg, $6 for about 8 oz of Coke and $20+ for a small lunch) but this is not out of line with the local area "tourist pricing" -- unless you go to a local dive. The staff not subject to tipping (front desk, etc.) are disengaged and sometimes downright rude. And while the wait staff are friendly, they are S-L-O-W. I waited about 35 minutes for a simple lunch item and it's common to wait a long time for a drink order, even when they're not busy. We asked twice nicely for our room to be made up before leaving for the day, and it was not done. The rooms are sparse and cheaply appointed, especially for the price. You'll need to haul your luggage around some narrow sidewalks with lots of cracks, and up some janky stairs, or pay the staff to do this for you. Some aspects of the facility seem to need maintenance or update. But overall, it's not a bad place to stay, especially if you value pool time. Just calm down your expectations and don't think...

I was very disappointed in this property and it goes was past the age of the hotel. But looking past that I can give a okay. But what I cannot let go is how the hotel is not ready to host black Americans of a educational class and economics. I didn’t get the warm great as I would as my counters parts. And I don’t know why my server for breakfast Sunday morning 7/28/19. Build tall Caucasian male, was so dry with me taking my order and giving my bill on the table. Like he didn’t want to serve me. I talked about it with manger regarding it. But at end I know business as usual. I let to go to Loma Linda University for a Violin and Piano concert, we I got back I had the Valet Park my park, first I had do it because when arrived on Saturday I found parking on the road by the hotel I did bother get it. So it was my first time using the valet. I don’t know why the attendant was acting in way like I wasn’t staying at the end, but what got me mad when left the key and came out to go have dinner my car was turn on and running with key and mind you I was ask by the attendant to turn off when I left so why did he leave it running with the key inside!! And he said had run and take care of another car and run inside. I was like dude that’s my car!! Anyone could of drive off with my SUV Lincoln Nautilus! Mind you it wasn’t the McLean he parked earlier but still!! I wasn’t really in the hotel as much but they have cool iPad that can interact with, housekeeping and front desk and order food. I don’t know why I had to learn it on my own and no one had me run through it. And when checked in the person who showed me my room offer ice and I was like cool it was 115 that hold weekend and had bottled water in the room, I thought would be very refreshing. Ask me if I ever got my bucket of ice. Mine you book with hotel with Marriott points but at this point I felt like I just wasted 35,000 points!! I liked Palms Spring but I really don’t know if come back to this property I travel a lot for work and I stay in Hilton and Marriott properties. This was the worse weekend getaway I ever had at a property!! I would be hard pressed to...

A Stay to Remember at Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, Palm Springs

So, let me tell you about my recent stay at the Avalon Hotel and Bungalows in Palm Springs, CA. It was absolutely wonderful, right from the get-go!

We were greeted by the most welcoming front desk staff, and then there was Raj, the valet, who was just fabulous! He handled our luggage like a total pro, delivering it straight to our room without a hitch.

Walking into the lobby was like stepping into a super cool, homey oasis. The design is just gorgeous, making you feel like you've come home (if your home was a hip, stylish hotel!).

Now, let's talk about the pools - they were amazing! They hit the perfect temperature sweet spot, so you could lounge in the water without feeling like a human popsicle. And the pool servers, oh boy, Eloy and Brian, you guys rock! They were always checking on us, delivering top-notch service round the clock.

Our room? Spacious and decked out in the stunning design of Kelly Wearstler. I mean, this place has been open for 18+ years, and thanks to Kelly W. and Brad Korzen, the decor still feels timeless and fresh.

Shout out to the housekeeping staff too - they did a fantastic job cleaning our room every day.

Let's not forget about the food! Chi Chi, the on-site restaurant, has this new chef who's shaking things up with delicious dishes like fried chicken. Heard rumors about a fried chicken sandwich coming to the lunch menu - fingers crossed! Also, their cheeseburger? To die for. And the bartenders? They nailed it with some truly awesome libations.

The Estrella Spa is a hidden gem, maintaining its status as one of the best in the desert. It's got this quaint, cozy vibe that you'll love. And if you're a gym rat like me, you'll appreciate their killer equipment.

Finally, a big thank you to Ryan, the Food and Beverage manager. He oversees Melvyns and Chi Chi and is just the nicest guy. His service was top-notch and really made our stay extra special.

In short, the Avalon team knocked it out of the park. Our stay was magical, and I can't...