This Old Hollywood hideaway still has plenty of glam after facelift

The hotel

Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, Palm Springs, US

Check-in

Hollywood glamour with a dash of colour … sitting poolside demands a cocktail.

Built in 1929 as the Estrella Motor Inn, this storied property was where the stars stayed in the heyday of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Marilyn Monroe, Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn and Frank Sinatra were known to rub shoulders (and who knows what else) at its famed Chi Chi Club – two hours’ drive from Los Angeles, or a quick flight by private plane. Renamed, revamped and more relaxed these days, the Avalon is still a hideaway for the less rich and famous.

The look

Yellow mellow … guest lounge.

Walk through reception to the indoor-outdoor bar and restaurant to find three pools and courtyards. Two are adults-only, with hot tubs, fire pits and sun-lounges under umbrellas. The other enclave is family-friendly, with cabanas, a fountain and original pavers from the 1940s. Estrella Spa is housed in a garden villa with alfresco daybeds and six treatment rooms.

Historic bungalows and modern studios are located around the manicured lawns, shaded by palms and citrus trees. These detached cottages and well-groomed hedges create the feel of a gated community. Views of the San Jacinto mountains and desert landscape add drama to the low-key glam.

The room

Light-filled one-bedroom bungalow.

Avalon Hotel’s 71 rooms fall into three categories – bungalows, studios and apartment-like suites. All feature comfortable king or queen beds with imported linens and comforters, large flat-screen TV, minibar, safe and free Wi-Fi. Premium touches include room service, plush bathrobes, full-size Aesop toiletries in marble bathrooms, and cocktail-ready bars in some of the bigger accommodation spaces.

Tucked in the quietest corners are the one and two-bedroom bungalows (65-74 square metres) with full kitchens, lounge rooms, gas fireplaces and furnished patios. One-bedroom suites (56-65 square metres) also have separate living rooms and terraces. Regency rooms (23-28 square metres) are the most traditional, with many original fittings and fireplaces maintaining a taste of vintage charm. A separate two-storey building has larger studios (28-35 square metres) that provide mountain, city or pool views from balconies; a few have two beds for families or friends sharing a room.

Marilyn Monroe’s favourite room was 104, Frank Sinatra stayed in 114, and Joan Crawford booked 507, where she always demanded a fresh baguette and seven packs of cigarettes.

Food + drink

Bright and light … inside/outside dining.

A signature local drink sees dates from palm trees (of course, you’re in Palm Springs) blitzed into a milkshake. Whole young coconuts are a healthy choice until it’s time for poolside cocktails; the best are made with pisco, mezcal or tequila.

Chi Chi serves a Californian menu to the dining room or outside tables. Brunch dishes range from wholesome acai bowls to French toast smothered in bananas, candied walnuts and whipped cream- cheese. For dinner, try the mezze plate, grilled octopus and pork belly, or the chopped salad with salmon.

Out + about

Joan Crawford vibes ... Avalon Hotel bungalow.

The property is one block from the design district of downtown Palm Springs, making it an easy walk to dining, shopping and entertainment venues. Avalon guests can also use the amenities at neighbouring sister property, Ingleside Estate, including another pool, Melvyn’s Restaurant and Casablanca Bar.

The verdict

A desert-fringed oasis with an Old Hollywood wink, blending casual living and glamorous surrounds, enhanced by the warmth of attentive staff (and the climate).

Essentials

Rooms from $US238 ($365). Two accessible rooms. Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, 415 South Belardo Road, Palm Springs, California. See avalon-hotel.com/palm-springs

Our rating out of five

★★★★

Highlight

Date shakes and coconut drinks (rum optional, poolside essential).

Lowlight

Old-fashioned fittings in some rooms may not appeal to modern travellers.

The writer was a guest of Visit Greater Palm Springs. See visitgreaterpalmsprings.com