11 Best Hotels for Coachella this Spring

In April, the arid desert outside the Palm Springs region comes alive for Coachella, one of the country’s largest music festivals. This thumping music festival is two unforgettable weekends of desert glamour, food, art, and of course, live music shows with Billboard Chart-topping artists. In fact, this year’s lineup just dropped; read OMG!, Frank Ocean, BLACKPINK, Chemical Brothers, Gorillaz – well, the list goes on. In fact, we music lovers have been planning our entire year around Coachella, and finding a place to stay is the first thing we thought of. There is no dearth of options for the best hotel for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Not only do they range across budgets and types of hotels – resorts, unique, boutique ones, etc. – but they’re also divided across different towns and cities in the Coachella Valley.

These include the towns of Palm Desert, La Quinta, Indio, Desert Hot Springs, and Coachella itself. So, whether you’re looking for chilled mornings by the pool or raucous happy hours, these are the best places to stay for dancing in the desert.

Villa Royale, Palm Springs

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We were looking for a rest-and-recharge respite in the Coachella Valley, and that’s why we chose the 1950s favorite that is Villa Royale. This sought-after Palm Springs boutique hotel is also one of the most romantic hotels in Palm Springs. We loved everything about this hotel that lies just 15 minutes from the Coachella Valley. Think red-roofed Spanish villas, 1947 Mission Revival buildings, bougainvillea-filled gardens, trickling fountains, and tranquil courtyard pools.

The mid-century rooms and suites are juxtaposed against the 1940s Old-California architecture with custom oil paintings, pops of avocado green and turquoise, mahogany wood paneling, and vintage-style credenzas. We loved the indulgent vibe of the comfy Impala suites, which feature king beds, kitchenettes, and bars. And with just 31 rooms, staying here felt very intimate, which was a new experience. The best bit? Every one of them has unique features, like a private patio, a moodily-lit galley bar, or a Spanish-tiled fireplace.

The amenities here are just like the digs – bespoke, thoughtful, and unique. The pool was a favorite place to swim and hang out on the cushioned daybeds or the cabanas. Plus, Del Rey, the intimate bar/restaurant, happens to be one of Palm Springs’s hottest dining spots. We loved kicking back inventive cocktails at the spectacular bar!

L’Horizon Resort & Spa, Hermann Bungalows, Palm Springs

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The L’Horizon Resort & Spa, Hermann Bungalows, Palm Springs, is a luxurious boutique hotel that was converted from the historic William F. Cody–designed mid-century L’Horizon. Originally built in 1952, the hotel is spread across a main house and 25 bungalows, with the addition of an alfresco restaurant and an open-air spa. In fact, the original residences were hideaways for Cody’s Hollywood friends, including Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable. Even today, no two bungalows are alike and are a mix of vintage and modern. We were impressed by the gold plaque etched with our surname affixed to the front door. While the Deluxe Bungalows have outdoor patios, they don’t have pool views – although some do have mountain views. Go for the west-facing options, which come with outdoor showers where you can watch the sunset over the San Jacinto Mountains as you shampoo your hair.

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The resort might have a fun private club vibe, but it’s also a great place for quiet indulgences. For instance, the spectacular infinity edge pool with stark-white cabanas, loungers, umbrellas, and mountain views is open only to guests, making it one of Palm Springs’ best hotels with pools. Special mention goes to the roaming poolside therapists who’d offer complimentary shoulder and foot massages. Every afternoon, the staff would bring unexpected treats to our room, right from tequila shots to ice cream scoops. Plus, they gave us treats like freshly baked cookies and eye masks at turndown too. The alfresco restaurant serves all meals, but we loved the offerings at the spa.

Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Indian Wells

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Best wellness-focused getaway. Imagine a Tuscan-inspired oasis in the middle of the Palm Desert – that’s Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells for you. Located barely 10 minutes from the Coachella Valley, it sits on the main Palm Springs area road, making it a favorite with indulgent music festival goers like us. we were impressed right off the bat by this Tuscan getaway of a spa resort, thanks to the wrought-iron accents, wooden gates, and terracotta roofs. The green spaces like herb gardens, rose bushes, and citrus trees are wonderfully placed. As we checked in, the staff not only offered us complimentary wine but even gave us personalized recommendations on local restaurants, attractions, and activities.

“The views at this resort were fabulous which, along with the amenities, made it one of the most relaxing places to stay.”

WOW Travel

Thanks to the two outdoor pools, one adults-only and one family-friendly, everyone could have their share of water fun here. After a long day at the festival, we headed straight to the award-winning Well Spa, which offers a bevy of unique experiences. Our favorite? The Pittura Festa, where we can “paint” one another with colorful kinds of mud. That’s why it’s one of the best spa hotels in Palm Springs. Another fun way to unwind is enjoying lawn games like oversized Jenga and Connect 4. Plus, the bar and restaurant were perfect for drinks and other meals.

The spacious rooms here are done up in browns, nudes, and whites, with lovely blue accents. The highlight is the terrace or balcony overlooking the lush landscaping. The Cuisinart coffeemaker was a much-needed amenity for early-morning coffee, while the whirlpool tubs allowed us to take long, languorous baths.

Caliente Tropics Resort, Palm Springs

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Best budget-friendly resort. We were looking for a budget-friendly resort full of frills right in the heart of Palm Springs, and the Caliente Tropics Resort was perfect. This top Palm Springs gay-friendly hotel built in the 1960s lies less than 20 minutes from the Coachella Valley. What drew us to this hotel, besides its price point and the location, was that it once once attracted the whos-who of Hollywood! After long days enjoying the music at the festival, we’d retire to the pool at this amazing tropical island-themed getaway. After a heavenly swim, we lounged to our heart’s content on the Tiki-styled cabanas and sipped on cocktails, followed by a soak in the hot tub. Evenings were reserved for strolling the adjacent sun-kissed gardens leisurely. We didn’t have to go anywhere to satiate our hunger pangs too, thanks to the onsite restaurant and its amazing mid-century tiki setting.

The rooms and suites here were very comfortable and came with free Wi-Fi, cable TVs, and even mini-fridges. In fact, the Polynesian-inspired decor didn’t feel out of place, and we were digging the ultra-retro feel. All in all, we had a ball at this tropical sanctuary.

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

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10 minutes away from the Coachella Valley, we found ourselves in the middle of the Mediterranean at The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa. This sprawling property which boasts Mediterranean architecture, is all about a stunning array of perks with a focus on luxury experiences. The feel is very much relaxed and upscale and we loved the bevy of locally inspired experiences. But the absolute standout was the presence of resident animals, including two tortoises, Shelley and Scooter, and two adoptable dogs in the lobby!

We had little reason to leave the resort – save Coachella, of course – thanks to the wide array of amenities. We enjoyed our exclusive tee time at the two golf courses, the Gary Player and the Pete Dye Course, complete with mountain views. Apart from the fitness center and tennis courts, the three pools were certainly one of the best outdoor places on the property. After some much-needed poolside lounge, we also indulged in treatments at the onsite spa, which even offers pilates and yoga. We’d kick our evenings off with cocktails in the fireside lounge, followed by Tuscan-inspired Italian fare at the restaurant, which more than just satiated our hunger pangs.

The resort’s desert theme carries over to the digs, all of which are extra-spacious and come with private balconies or terraces, and we chose a room with splendid mountain views. Amenities such as the brand’s signature Heavenly beds, Starbucks coffee machines, TVs, and luxe bathrooms made our stay memorable.

Casa Larrea Inn, Palm Desert

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Best value for money. Coachella tickets are expensive, so balancing out the digs is important. If you’re looking for a low-key, value-for-money but reliable option in the Palm Desert, then the colorful little hideout that is the Casa Larrea Inn is perfect. It’s run by a husband-wife duo who have green thumbs, which is evident from the outdoor space here. Every inch of the space, whether it’s the oasis-like pool area, the patio, or even the corridors between the rooms, is full of leafy embellishments. Whether it’s a cheerful cluster of potted palms or flowering vines, we loved the verdant ambiance at this inn.

After a long day of singing our voice boxes off at Coachella, this place was perfect for some R&R. The pool was our absolute favorite spot on the property, surrounded by white lounge chairs under pretty red umbrellas. There was even alfresco furniture, so we enjoyed a light meal after some poolside lounging. Evenings were reserved for gathering around the barbeque, mingling with other guests, and enjoying dinner under the stars.

The overall coziness is mirrored in the rooms, which are small but well-furnished, and ours even had a kitchen where we could whip up small meals. In fact, the hosts even laid out simple but wholesome breakfasts every morning. What more could we ask for?

The Saguaro Palm Springs

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Best party scene. A bright, color-blocked facade with every color on the rainbow and blue bedrooms with purple carpets and lime furniture – sounds like a design nightmare? But somehow, the Saguaro Palm Springs manages to pull it off – and how! In fact, it’s a much sought-after stay, so much so that it’s one of Palm Springs’ best boutique hotels! If you’re at Coachella for a raucous party-fueled atmosphere even after the festival, then you’re in the right place. The Saguaro is considered a hot venue for fabulous pool parties, with the poolside DJ playing absolute bops. After a swim, we’d lounge on the chairs and enjoy drinks and snacks from the pool bar. In fact, weekends here are amazing, with even bachelor/bachelorette parties taking place! Did you know it’s a heated pool? Yes! Check out the entire list of events at the Saguaro.

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Aside from the vibrant pool vibe, we loved the onsite restaurant that served delicious Mexican fare and some great tequila. And, of course, the spa and wellness center was a plus point and offered some much-needed relaxation after dancing the day and night away.

The rooms and suites here have been designed to reflect the vibrant Palm Springs atmosphere and take in the vibe of the Coachella Valley. Since we didn’t want to be far from the pool, we chose the ground-floor pool view room, which came with not just a patio but even a nice little garden out front. While they had all mod-cons, we were rather struck with the colorful design of the room, which had a pink bed, lime green curtains, colorful bathrobes, and even a sitting chair that looked as if it had been splashed with all colors!

Holiday House, Palm Springs

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Apart from enjoying Coachella, we’re huge fans of art and design, which is why we needed to look no further than Holiday House in Palm Springs. Formerly the 28-room bolthole that was the Chase Hotel, this reinvented place is now chicly splashed with white-and-blue decor and an excellent art collection, including an original Lichtenstein! Since it’s a design hotel, we had high expectations, and we weren’t disappointed one bit. After a rose spritzer at check-in, we were shown to our Superior King Room, which featured rattan furniture and cheery white-and-blue decor.

Moreover, all rooms are set around the attractive pool, which was the central point of the property and our favorite spot after Coachella. After a swim, we’d find comfy chaise lounges under umbrellas to unwind a bit more, sipping on drinks from the bar. After some fueling up at the restaurant, we explored the lush lawns, which even had a shuffleboard court. Afternoons were spent catching up on reading at the library, while evenings were reserved for the pergola-covered deck, where we sat around the fire pit. Did we mention the delightful breakfast spread, the beach cruisers, and the honor system ice cream cart? Yep.

Hotel Paseo, Palm Desert

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Sitting right on one of the main arteries running through the Coachella Valley, Hotel Paseo certainly scores high on the location front. But that’s not all. Instead of the region’s expected mid-century design aesthetic, it goes for something different – and fresh. Gleaming Calacatta marble greeted us in the reception, complete with eclectic and colorful artwork and other showpieces. The full-length windows with sweeping views of the desert only added to the area’s Insta aesthetic.

Going deeper into the property, we were impressed by the inclusion of retro lawn games like mini golf and cornhole in the backyard. Yes, there was a cabana-lined pool, which we loved swimming in and lounging by after a long day of screaming ourselves hoarse. The cherry on top was the seven-room spa, where desert-inspired therapies awaited us and relieved us of all our stress – if there was any. That said, the highlight of the property is the AC3 restaurant/bar, which is extremely popular with not just resident guests and locals, but even with tourists passing by!

We had the choice of 150 rooms and 9 suites, which included a 50s-era Airstream trailer! Moreover, they were all kitted out with modern art, Carrera marble, and barn doors that led to oversized bathrooms, which is a bonus point for us.

The Chateau at Lake La Quinta

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Imagine finding a lakeside chateau-like property less than 10 minutes from the Coachella Valley – and that too one that’s rated as great value for money! Yes, we’re talking about the Chateau at Lake La Quinta, which sits on the northern fringes of La Quinta in the Californian desert.

The 24-room villa hotel is a SoCal desert version of the French Riviera and sits against the backdrop of a shimmering, picturesque, and idyllic lake. On the inside, immaculate décor like high ceilings, hanging chandeliers, and vibrant accent chairs give the space a sparkling personality. We loved the idea of a 24-hour pool, which we haven’t seen in a lot of places. Plus, the desert-themed lounge chairs and the palm trees give it an intimate vibe. After a long day, we’d begin our evenings with handcrafted house cocktails at the bar, followed by a delicious dinner at the onsite restaurant, which also serves delicious breakfast spreads.

That said, the cosmopolitan rooms and suites stole our hearts with unexpected touches like hardwood floors and Victorian-inspired chandeliers. Of course, they all have the usual mod-cons, but since we wanted something different, we chose a lakeside suite. It offered stunning views of the lake from the terrace/balcony. Compared to the throng of crowds we saw in Indio, this place, with its sipping-champagne-and-watching-sailboats-on-the-patio vibe, was heaven.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

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Best large-group friendly. Are you heading to Coachella with a large group of friends? We’d highly recommend the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa, a 240-acre family resort that is very popular with, you guessed it, families too! This sprawling property not only has its own mini waterpark but even a sprawling 27-hole golf course – so much so that we needed a map just to find our way around the place!

A good starting point would be the impressive, almost two-acre Splashtopia waterpark, complete with two waterslides and a lazy river. We adults found the stylish adults-only Azure Pool to be more of our vibe, following which we headed to the spa, which is the main draw here. After a tropical guava body scrub, we relaxed even further, if that’s possible, at the Spa Pool. Not only was it open only to spa guests, but it also played music underwater! Four restaurants and bars satiated any hunger pangs we had, including serving hearty breakfasts that fueled us for an entire day of Coachella.

That said, the rooms are particularly a highlight here, boasting an upscale hacienda feel. Choices abound at Omni, whether there are couples seeking to reconnect or families looking to stay together. Not only could we select our views (pool, lake, mountain vistas) and room size (suite or room), but we could even select whether we wanted digs on the ground or the first floor with views overlooking the property.

Our Verdict!

While the Coachella Valley hotels are all amazing, we came up with this specialized list to help you choose or prioritize if you want to hop between hotels!

• Best wellness-focused getaway: Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa, Indian Wells
• Best budget-friendly resort: Caliente Tropics Resort, Palm Springs 
• Best value for money: Casa Larrea Inn, Palm Desert
• Best party scene: The Saguaro Palm Springs 
• Best large-group friendly: Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa

Where to Stay in the Coachella Valley?

The Coachella Valley is all about sun-kissed days and starry nights, with a lot of musical fun in between. So, which are the best cities to stay in the valley?

Firstly, there’s Palm Springs, which has had a timeless appeal since the early 1900s and is the tourism and entertainment center of the valley. Not only does it have a bevy of hotels and resorts, but it also has golf courses, shopping and entertainment centers, culinary haunts, and a scintillating downtown. Secondly, there’s the vibrant Cathedral City, which is a haven for creative types. In fact, it boasts an ever-swelling public arts scene, which is headed by the Downtown Arts & Entertainment District. Thirdly, there’s Rancho Mirage, which is (in)famously called the “Playground of Presidents.” Today, it’s a fancy-casual city with recreation, community, and conservation at the forefront, along with a ton of luxury hotels.

The next two cities in the lineup are Palm Desert and Indian Wells, which have a family-friendly vibe. Not only that, but they’re also the ideal choice for a luxury retreat and boast a ton of activities like swimming, hiking, tennis, golf, and more. Coachella itself boasts a rich Mexican heritage and a walkable downtown, while Desert Hot Springs is all about spa and wellness retreats due to the presence of many hot water and mineral springs. Indio is one of the mainstays of the Coachella festival, while La Quinta is a tee-time luxury destination with 25 golf courses and lots of recreational activities.

What is the nicest city in the Coachella Valley?

That would be Palm Springs, Cathedral City, and Ranchi Mirange, but all cities in the valley are equally good.

Why are hotels so expensive during Coachella?

Coachella Valley hotels often sell out months in advance, with the increased demand translating to rooms being sold at a premium.

What is the largest city in Coachella?

That would be the year-round city of Indio, one of the fastest-growing and largest cities in the Coachella Valley.