The Bar/Lounge at Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs

"Although many guests prefer to simply lounge by the pool, lunching on rock shrimp ceviche in one of the cabanas, or pamper themselves with a warm lava shell massage in the Estrella Spa, there’s plenty to do nearby"

"The pan-Latin food at Chi Chis was accomplished and delicious and the staff, though sometimes stretched (our waiter was also our bartender), did its best to keep up"

"The Avalon is all about the thoughtful touches: totes and shoes were provided in our room to take to the pool; trays of healthy drinks were left out for us to help ourselves to; and the weekend brought with it all-day gourmet barbecues by the pool (and we're not just talking paltry beef patties and a few chewy chicken wings – this was a bountiful bonanza of lobster, shrimp and filet mignon)"