So, you scored tickets to Coachella? Sweet. Even if the festival is on the verge of becoming overpriced and over-exposed, this year’s lineup is practically too good to pass up. While tickets and flights may have set you back a fortune alone, the idea of pitching a tent in the desert for a weekend doesn’t appeal to everyone -- especially if you're not 18 anymore. Thankfully, the resort town of Palm Springs is only a 30-minute drive away with more hip hotels than you'd expect from a once sleepy golf town. As die-hard music fans and hotel experts, we’ve rounded up the best hotels and matched them to the fans that fit them best.
The music you love: Radiohead, the Black Keys, Pulp, Dr. Dre & Snoop Dog
The right hotel for you: The Movie Colony Hotel
For all the indie and underground music buzz it generates, Coachella still snags a handful of top-tier verified rock stars. But a huge aspect of the music experience is taking part in the legacy, to be able to say you were there when history was made. For fans like these, we recommend the storied Movie Colony Hotel. The property has played host to some of the greats, including Jim Morrison, Marilyn Monroe, and Frank Sinatra, and sports a ’60s-inspired decor that celebrates its history. The pool is open 24-hours (although it’s a little tiny), so you can feel free to take a dip after a day in the desert. Hitting up Coachella with your fan club in tow? Check out the townhouses, with living rooms that open directly into the pool area. Just don’t pull any old-school-rock “I’m a golden god!” moments and jump in from the roof.
The music you love: The Weeknd, St. Vincent, M83, Real Estate, Neon Indian
The hotel for you: Ace Hotel and Swim Club
The Ace Hotel and Swim Club is arguably the hottest place to be in Palm Springs during Coachella. It already has a year-round reputation as a hipster haven that draws the PBR-swilling, mustache-toting indie crowds from L.A. (think Silver Lake or Echo Park in the desert). Then again, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise: Like the hotel’s sister property in New York City, there is a serious music theme throughout and the hotel plays host to some awesome live musical acts and DJs. Staying here means you’ll be able to take advantage of the two pools, in-room record players, photo booth, and diner serving seasonal fare (local and organic, naturally). The fun ambiance means means you can expect plenty of dance parties fueled by Girl Talk’s or Neon Indian’s music blasting from an iPod dock. They also allow pets (for a fee) if you can’t bear to part with Fido for the weekend. The only big drawback? The hotel doesn’t allow any alcohol purchased off-site.
The music you love: Explosions in the Sky, Mazzy Star, Bon Iver, Beirut
The hotel for you: Korakia Pensione
Hitting the desert isn’t just a chance for building indie cred or rocking out: It’s also a chance for some good old fashioned shoe-gazey romantic interludes. The Koarkia Pensione — which was named one of the sexiest hotels in America by Forbes — looks like something out of Greece or Morocco. The vibe is decidedly laid-back (no small kids are allowed) with working fireplaces and small kitchens in most suites. But the outdoor grounds are what really stands out: There’s fire pits, fountains, stone paths, a bocce court, and twopools. Basically, it’s the perfect spot to curl up with that special someone and listen to “Fade Into You” or some romantic instrumental rock care of Explosions in the Sky.
Like This? You’ll Also Love:
All products are independently selected by our writers and editors. If you buy something through our links, Oyster may earn an affiliate commission.
