• The Madison Club: This VERY high-end golf community sits right across from the Polo Fields ~ but the only way you’re staying here is, A) You’ve got a TON of money, B) You know someone who’s got a TON of money + connections, or C) You’re a Kardashian.  Home rentals here would be in the $50,000+ range for Coachella weekend, if not more.  For more on where celebrities like to stay in Palm Springs, read this article.
• Rancho Santana: This is a mid-to high-end community that’s just east of the Madison Club, with NO golf course.  It’s harder to score home rentals during Coachella here, as most owners aren’t fans of renting out their homes (I know because I used to live there)!  But if you can swing one: you can walk across the street to the polo grounds.
• **Indian Palms Country Club: Now here’s where you’ll find a lot of Coachella rentals.  The speed bumps inside this community are a nightmare, but you’ll also find some of the most affordable housing rentals for Coachella ~ & you’re right across from the polo grounds here, on the east side.  Homes here are more modest, but many people rent their homes out during Coachella & Stagecoach, & rates are far cheaper than other high-end communities that surround the grounds.
• Mountain View Country Club: On the west side of the polo ground, you’ve got this high-end golf community.  If you can afford it: this is a great place to stay.  Homes have beautiful mountain views, & you’re actually closer to Coachella’s entrance.  But rentals here will set you back at least $10,000+ for the weekend.
• **The La Quinta Cove: If you’re looking for more affordable rentals in La Quinta, check out the “La Quinta Cove.”  This is a large area with thousands of homes that’s not gated; homes range from modest Santa Fe’s to larger compounds.  Many people here list their homes on VRBO or Airbnb, & this puts you close to cute restaurants in Old Town La Quinta ~ & about 10-minutes from the Coachella grounds.
• **Other Golf Communities Nearby with Home Rentals: PGA West is a HUGE set of communities, with everything ranging from townhomes to high-end, multi-million dollar homes.  Many people in PGA West rent out their homes year-round, so this is a great area to hone in for your Coachella search.  It’s far enough that you’ll need to Uber, bike, or shuttle to the Coachella grounds.  The Hideaway is an exclusive golf community with gorgeous homes; similar to the Madison Club.  Home rentals here will be very expensive ~ but you’re also very close to Coachella.

Rentals in PGA West: Check out this PGA West rental that looks right out over the classic “Island Alcatraz” green on the Stadium Course, or this home with mountain & fairway views.  Or take a look at this 3-bedroom home that can sleep between 6-8 people. 

PGA West is located just south of the Coachella grounds, & offers THOUSANDS of homes, condos, & town homes ~ many of which are able to be rented out during the festivals.

Or, check out ALL kinds of home rentals on VRBO for Coachella & Stagecoach: for everything from modest home rentals to luxurious desert compounds with pools & mountain views….

Finally, we move to Palm Springs.  It’s a good 45-minute drive from Palm Springs to the Coachella grounds (more with traffic), so if it was me: I’d only stay here if I was just going to the Festival for one day.  Otherwise, I wouldn’t want to drive an hour or more each day!  But that’s just me.  Hotels in Palm Springs are a lot more *hip* than hotels right by Coachella, so there is a trade-off in that respect. 

As for great party pools & fun atmospheres during Coachella: The Saguaro Hotel is candy-colored & great for photos, with 245 rooms.  This is one of the most reasonable hotels in Palm Springs ~ but 4 people max per room.  The Ace Hotel & Swim Club has a perennially-popular hotel pool & during the Festivals, this place gets happening.  Think: hipster chic.  ARRIVE Hotel is a newer spot, & this is where I’d stay for a Palm Springs weekend: it’s hip & modern, but with a fresh, fun feel.  Great pool area & coffee on-site as well.

The Ace Hotel chain has long been known for its “hip” vibe, & its Palm Springs pool scene is no exception. Especially during Coachella & Stagecoach!

For celebrity sightings, you’ve got the Parker Palm Springs ~ which is pricey, but made for privacy-seeking celebs, as its hidden behind high hedges.  Plus, the scene during Coachella is elevated chic.  L’Horizon is another place where you might spot celebs, & Villa Royale feels like a celebrity hideaway. 

But again: most of these places may be sold out by the time you try to book ~ so for a bigger hotel in Palm Springs, check out the 400-room Margaritaville Resort.  It’s got great decor & a pretty pool area, & used to be called the Riviera.

Villa Royale has that intimate, cozy chic vibe that celebs love. But with just 38 rooms: it books out quickly during Coachella.

You may have better luck finding rooms at the brightly-decorated Margaritaville Resort, which has 400 rooms.

The Largest Hotels in Palm Springs (That are Less Likely to Sell Out for Coachella):  The Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel has 410 rooms, & is attached to the Convention Center ~ so vibes aren’t the best, but you may get lucky finding a last-minute room. The Hilton Palm Springs has 260 rooms & pretty grounds, Hotel Zoso’s got 163 rooms & more character than other hotels. The Kimpton Rowan has a great location downtown, facing the mountains ~ & a beautiful rooftop pool + 153 rooms.  The Hyatt Palm Springs has 200 all-suite rooms, & is a good choice….but the Margaritaville is still my favorite in terms of size AND character.

The bottom line for any of the hotels mentioned above is to BOOK. AS. SOON. AS. POSSIBLE!!!  Many hotels are already sold out, which is why I’ve honed in on the bigger hotels here, where you’ll have a better chance of scoring last-minute rooms. 

But if you’re not having any luck finding hotels, or if you’ve got a big party & need a larger home: check out some of the gorgeous homes for rent on VRBO.  There are still many available right around the polo fields, most with beautiful pools & backyards….perfect for photos & lounging between shows.

xoxo Noelia 

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