Who's Going
Kevin Costner, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Kelly Wearstler
Reason to Stay
Private Villas, Lavish Gardens, City Central
Hotel Type
Boutque Hotel
Having driven through some of California's dumpiest cities, guests arrive after a 2-sometimes-3 hour journey from Los Angeles in front of an ivy-strewn complex of buildings known as the Avalon Palm Springs. Boutique hotels are a different business in Palm Springs, some hastily renovated and others meticulously conceived. It's the best-situated hotel in the Palm Springs, walking distance between the main town and haute racquet club. Opened in 2001 as the Estrella Hotel by designer Kelly Wearstler, a few years in business and a name change has allowed for time's ultimate test of hotel's design and style longevity. A small-gated courtyard with trickling fountain leads into the main reception area decorated in bold-stripes and Wearstler's signature Hollywood Regency-style furnishings. An intimate lobby bar connects the reception area to a terrace lounge opposite in-house ChiChi restaurant, painted bright yellow with mirrored walls and elegant white-leather booths. Unlike the nearby Parker Palm Springs that attempts to duplicate an eccentric aunt's home in the desert, Wearstler's resort feels like a rich relatives desert getaway. The well-planted grounds are sprawling yet sensible, leading to well-conceived courtyards and two separate pool areas surrounded by manicured lawns with perfect-white gazebos and loungers accented by yellow terry-cloth towels. Spa-lovers discover a vibrant bungalow-style retreat with outdoor showers and exposed treatment rooms offering desert-theme massages and facials.
The Room
A series of two-story buildings and single story bungalows are connected by three lush courtyards and two elaborate pool areas framed by towering palm trees and the San Jacinto Mountains. Standard accommodations are known as Regency Rooms arranged in stylishly masqueraded 60s style two-story buildings with small balconies overlooking the lobby courtyard and less-preferable fountain court. Fabric-strewn walls feature whimsical black stripes with chrome lighting fixtures and tile floors painted a glossy white. Furnishings are bold and colorful with touches of playfulness. Larger premium studios are freestanding bungalows arranged around the grassy lobby court offering a free-flowing one-room decor with faux fireplaces, larger seating area and small patio. Bathrooms bare the Achilles heel of the property and probably should have been re-conceived at renovation, instead leaving tightly packed lavatories with pedestal sinks and rain showers located on the opposite side of some rooms. Be sure to close the shower curtain tightly or you just might get your bed wet, or at least the floor right next to it. Wall unit air-conditioners help drown-out some of the street noise in exterior accommodations but could be a little better hidden. Those looking for a lot more space can book one and two-bedroom villas located at the rear of the property with added features like full kitchens, furnished patio and private entry from an adjacent street.
Preferred Room
Premium Studio
Special Features
Spa, Formal Gardens, Jogging Track
Amenities
Views, Designer Hotel, Spa, Restaurant, Bar, City Central
