Lonely Planet Review

Mid-century modern meets amenities fit for the new millennium at this stylish ice-blue boutique hotel. Rooms vamp it up with vintage Nelson bubble lamps and Eames cabinets, and the pool has a sexy hourglass shape.

It's like a slice of fabulous Palm Springs style in the middle of the LA's urban cityscape. Marilyn Monroe once lived in this vintage apartment building, and Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez came and went as well. The Avalon's quotient of beautiful people is still high today, especially at the cool Blue on Blue restaurant-bar, with its poolside cabanas and creative California cuisine (tip: tipple the Canadian ice wine for dessert). Big perks that appeal to the Avalon's moneyed, metrosexual crowd include in-room spa treatments, media and entertainment centres, high-speed Internet and 24-hour room service. Oversized penthouse studios enjoy private sun decks, too. Ask for accommodations facing away from the poolside if you want a good night's sleep.