Summer Is Fabulous at the Newly Renovated Avalon Hotel
The Avalon is a hidden gem of a hotel in Beverly Hills, and not just because for our readers, the first few sips of your drink are free. Read on.
The quaint and cool Avalon Hotel, part of Viceroy Hotel Group's Urban Retreat Collection, was recently renovated with unique interiors by renowned American designer and tastemaker Kelly Wearstler.
The Avalon was first opened as the Beverly Carlton and was designed by legendary graphic designer Alvin Lustig. Stars such as Marilyn Monroe (who lived at the hotel for a period of about three years back in the 1950's) Mae West, Lucille Ball, and Desi Arnaz often stayed at the hotel. More recently celebrities who have been spotted at the Avalon include: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, Eva Longoria, Jonah Hill and Kate Hudson.
In 1998, property developer Brad Korzen purchased it and enlisted his wife, Kelly Wearstler for a facelift. For inspiration she and her team researched the original design elements of the hotel, which they obtained from photographs taken by famed photographer Julius Shulman for a 1948 Forum Magazine article.
"As a designer, my work is constantly evolving so I was excited to apply a fresh look to the Avalon," says Wearstler. "My goal was to remain true to the property's retro-nostalgic roots."
And that she did! The cool and inviting palette of sea greens and aquatic blues is present from the lobby to the rooms and are combined with custom-designed and classic furnishings including pieces by such notable designers as George Nelson, Isamu Noguchi, and Charles Eames.
The hotel is comprised of three different buildings – the Olympic, the Beverly, and the Canon. The rooms are tasteful with luxury amenities, Italian linens, a well designed work space and stylish furniture.
Additionally, the hotel offers luxurious amenities and creative meeting and event space. Included in their unique nooks and crannies are: a penthouse with open rooftop space overlooking the city, a poolside meeting room or a cabana for a casual and fun soiree.
The location is perfectly situated to shopping and dining throughout Beverly Hills. Steps away is Beverly Drive with its many restaurants and cafes: Urth Café, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Fresh Brothers Pizza and many more. Plus, easy access to shop Rodeo Drive and all the boutiques Beverly Hills is famous for.
At Oliverio restaurant and bar, Executive Chef Mirko Paderno's fabulous dishes include Branzino Acqua Pazza toorecchiette con Brasato, a variety of Pizzettas and Antipastis or Budino Di Polenta Con Spuma Di Limone, and lemon polenta pudding cake with lemon sabayon for dessert. Happy Hour is every weekday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Selected beers are $4, wines are $5, and appetizers are $5. During this time their popular Pizzettas are only $8.00.
The Avalon will be starting a Summer BBQ program kicking off on June 2nd and continuing every Saturday evening through August 25th. For $35 per person (not including tax/tip), anyone is welcome to the "all you can eat" poolside barbecue from 7 PM until 10 PM . Chef Mirko will be poolside at the grill, himself! A large variety of seafood, meats, and accompaniments will be served. Better yet, mention that you are a CBS LA reader and they'll take $2 off any of your drinks during the Summer BBQ!
Jeannine Chanin Penn owns xoj9 | event curator …providing smart & beautiful events & design | her son, her husband, lobster & the color purple make her happy…
