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What was once the Beverly Carlton (and two neighboring apartment houses) is now the Avalon, a Fifties retro-style hotel packed with mid-century Eames, Noguchi and Nelson furniture to match its blocky blue facade and curvaceous hourglass-shaped pool, which we’d like to think is an homage to onetime resident Marilyn Monroe, but probably isn’t. Though outside the 90210 area code, the Avalon is still close enough to everything that matters, and you’ll likely be surprised by the quiet (and the low rates, for Beverly Hills at least).
California Modern is a good choice for a budget-minded hotel, less expensive than the hypermodern set design that is the modern boutique standard, and on balance more comfortable as well—and yet miles better looking than the utilitarian design of the corporate chains. Rooms are slightly more up-to-date, tempering what could be Jetsons kitsch with muted colors and modern bathrooms. The beds are anything but budget, decked out in the obligatory Italian linens, and the amenities are all a business traveler could ask for, including 24-hour room service and high-speed internet.
Suites come with sofa beds, in case you’re entertaining, and for longer stays try one of the two-bedroom villas, complete with kitchen, dining room, parking, a private patio and the full array of hotel services. Blue On Blue is the hotel restaurant (which, thankfully, is not literally blue-on-blue), a sort of upscale neighborhood diner, serving on Lucite tables in private cabanas around the pool. And as for the location, the Golden Triangle is nearby, for all your shopping and scene-making needs, and Santa Monica and the Sunset Strip are close at hand, but at the end of the day, you’ll be thankful for the quiet of the Avalon’s residential setting.
As has been noted by other Tablet Hotels users, the staff at that Avalon is a breath of fresh, attitude-free, air. Genuinely friendly and helpful, from the valets to the waitstaff to the front desk. During my visit the outdoor area was closed due to inclement weather (sad), but the groovy hourglass pool and citrus-toned cabanas looked lovely. I found the Blue-on-Blue restaurant/room service to be fantastic (seasonal New American). There's a glam yet unpretentious atmosphere in both the lobby and restaurant/bar, even though it feels a bit like you've wandered into an "Iconic Mid-Century Furniture" coffee table book (not a bad place to be, mind you...)
I Disliked
The rooms themselves felt a little dated (bulky TVs, unwieldy Wi-Fi system, finicky, low-pressure shower) and mine faced a rather traffic-y stretch of Olympic. But they were nonetheless comfortable, clean, roomy, and quiet.
I always come back to the Avalon. It's cool, quiet and safe, it's mall enough that the staff remember who you are and look out for you, and I love the retro vibe and the chic, stylish and spacious rooms. It's a short drive to everything you need (and a very short walk to everything in Beverly Hills)
I Disliked
Since my last visit, the downstairs Blue On Blue restaurant, which was once lively and buzzing (I even spotted Julia Roberts there at one point back in 2004), now seems to have quietened down considerably. Although this may be a plus for some people who prefer the quieter atmosphere..
The rooms at the Avalon hotel are nice, not extraordinary. The location is fine, but again not a tremendous wow factor. But, the Avalon is distinguished by service standards that meet or exceed those of far pricier properties. From valet to check-in to restaurant, the property is blessed with a fantastic staff. Overall a nice change from ostentation and hype to a grounded great experience.
I Disliked
The overall property is totally fine, just slightly rough around the edges.
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