How to Find the Best Accommodations, Navigate Stay Restrictions, and Avoid Stress During Festival Season
By: Brad Greiner, CEO of Open Air Homes and OpenAiRE Brokerage
March 7, 2023
As two of the biggest music festivals in the world, Coachella and Stagecoach draw crowds from all over the globe. However, finding the perfect accommodations for the event can be a challenge, especially with stay restrictions in place in many areas. Whether you’re a first-time festival-goer or a seasoned attendee, it’s important to know how to navigate these restrictions and find the best accommodations for your stay.
We’ll share some insider tips on how to book the ideal home for Coachella/Stagecoach and offer some advice on what to do once the festival ends. From understanding restrictions in various cities to exploring the benefits of hotels versus home rentals, we’ve got you covered. Read on to discover how to make the most of your Coachella/Stagecoach experience with the perfect accommodations.
Should I Book A Hotel or a Home For Coachella or Stagecoach?
When to Book a Home for Coachella/Stagecoach
If you’re less of a music buff and more going for the experience, you likely won’t be at the festival first thing in the morning to hear the opening bands. In this case, you may be spending more time at home preparing for the festival. If you are this type of person, then we recommend renting a home.
Space, privacy, and amenities like a kitchen and private pool are great reasons to book a home over a hotel during the festival season. If you’re traveling with a large group, a home may also be a more cost-effective way to split accommodations while giving everyone personal space and privacy.
Read: The Best Homes to Book for Coachella 2023
When booking a home for Coachella, here are some insider tips:
How long does it take to get to the Coachella + Stagecoach festival grounds?
- Upwards of an hour to an hour and a half to drive from Palm Springs
- About an hour from Cathedral City or Palm Desert
- About 45 minutes from Rancho Mirage
- About 20-30 minutes from La Quinta or Indio, depending on where in these areas you are
Stay restrictions to be aware of when booking a home for the festivals
- Indio has the loosest restrictions. The area has little to do but is the closest to the festival.
- Homes in La Quinta are mostly 30-day rentals, with some exceptions.
- Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and Palm Desert are all 30-day rentals unless you rent in an HOA that allows short-term rentals.
- Palm Springs has a fair and balanced short-term policy, so you can rent here. However, please mind the rules, or you may receive a $500 or more fine on the first strike.
- Palm Springs has some pretty serious car and noise restrictions. If you book in Palm Springs, when you come home after a long day at the festival, just know there is a higher chance of getting a fine if you are loud or have excessive amounts of cars.
When to Book a Hotel for Coachella/Stagecoach
With stay restrictions of many Coachella Valley cities at 30 days minimum, if you find yourself racking your brain for a place to rent, hotels are always a good option.
The Coachella Valley has hotels at all price points, and with the influx of vacation homes for rent, there will be occupancy for everyone who wants to attend the festival.
Oftentimes, you’ll be so exhausted from the sun and walking all day that as soon as you hit the hotel pillow, you’ll be ready to sleep.
Post-Festival Survival Tips
Take time to decompress and let traffic die down: Traffic back to Los Angeles on Sunday night and Monday can be unbearable, especially if you’re experiencing a post-Coachella hangover. Instead of driving back Sunday or Monday, speak to the host of your rental property about a possible Tuesday departure at lower rates so you have time to decompress at the home before going home.
Take advantage of nearby nature: If you want to take decompressing to the next level, consider booking Two Bunch Palms for Monday and Tuesday at this natural hot spring, relax in the jacuzzis and chat with your friends about your favorite moments at the festival.
Another great option is to book a home up in Yucca Valley or Joshua Tree on Monday-Wednesday. The desert landscape is an incredible escape.
Remember to be safe: Ridesharing has been professionalized for Coachella over the past few years. While you still have to walk and face high demand rates, we highly recommend ride-sharing over driving yourself out of the venue. The system they have designed will get you in and out of the festival while valuing your safety above all else.
