Desert Sand Resort Complex, Avalon

Just retruned from 3 nights at the Desert Sand Resort. It was the middle of September so it was quiet but the hotel was clean, well maintained and the staff was friendly. Our two queen bed room had plenty of space, a very nice bathroom and included a flat screen TV, refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave. All for $106.00 a night. The Desert Sand has both an indoor and outdoor pool and both were in great shape. There is also an upscale restaurant on site for dinner. This was my first vacation in Avalon but I plan to go back next year and stay at the Desert Sand.

My family had a last minute change in plans and had to find a place at the beach when staying with friends fell through. It was peak season and we got 2 rooms together and loved the location of the hotel!....One block from the beach...an easy walk into Stone Harbor for crumb buns and shopping! Staff extremely pleasant and accommodating. Pool clean and refreshing....quiet even though right on the main road. We would go back...rooms were fine. Looks like recently recarpeted, painted and has a nice television....Beds comfy too. Fixtures in bathrooms also seem new. No need to be in the rooms when you are staying in Avalon.

I have a large Italian family and we have been going to the Desert Sand for over 20 years, we have never had problem until this year. We used to have a very friendly very efficent mother/daughter team of chambermaids that clean our room although they still work there they no longer clean our room which is ok but what is not ok is the fact that we were told just yesterday(we are at Desert Sand now) that they will no longer be able to come down and say hello as they are not allowed to socialize with customers any longer! The remodeled rooms are nice but lack comfort and furniture. The supersuite which we usually stay in a couple of times a year has 1 small couch which seats 2 people, and 2 hardbacked chairs, that is it! Oh and did I mention their is no carpet in the living room area? How is the whole family going to sit in comfort? The room supposedly sleeps 12! Lastly this year is the 1st year that we met the only owner we did not know, this woman is 1 of the most unplesant people I have ever had the displeasure to meet. No people skills whatsoever! She is rude to the customers and rude to her staff, someone should tell her that she employs chambermaids not slaves. So because of these reasons and many others-including the overpriced new resraunt Fuze we will not be back. They need to bring back the old manager John and keep the new owner/manager away from customers!! Signed, Very Dissapointed

Our room was clean although needs some updating. The bathroom was rather small and in desperate need of a remodel. Everyone was very friendly. We would probably go back, although would like to check out other places.

Best hotel in the area for the money. All rooms face south so you're always in the sun. Rooms are clean and comfy. Staff is top-notch. Easy walk to beach. Weekend specials are great - breakfasts included and late Sunday PM checkout! Can't wait to go back again and again and again!

Depending on who helped you, the staff sometimes took credit card, sometimes only took check or money order or cash. Some people said there was a credit card fee, some people didn't mention any such thing. For the price, the room size was fine. Bed was slightly smaller than expected. Bathroom did not have a full vanity sink--no space for laying out toiletries--nor did it have a hair dryer (very glad I'd brought my own). Air conditioning worked well. Maid service came in though it was not requested. Elevator to 3rd floor from bottom was quick. Elevator from 3rd floor was slow. Mirage restaurant was understaffed and had poor service--was not greeted at/near the door, did not receive apology for the wait, etc. Did not use vouchers for a meal there because did not have time to wait around all day. Unable to find a promised parking spot the first night. The second night was able to park in the back alley. No Internet!

The one bedroom rooms are VERY SMALL! One room is acroos from the vending machines and there is a lot of traffic back and forth through the night. I had a family emergency and there is NO relenting on early check out. Even if the room is rented (it was), I was not able to get three days back. The hotel made double money. I understand the early checkout policy, but sometimes there are emergencies. Because it was the height of the season, I knew they would rent the room. The manager never came out to speak with me. He just gave his response to the woman at the desk that there would be no refund.