Music festivals in the desert have it all. Fun, sun, and the best entertainment in the world. Whether you’re rocking out at Coachella or getting a little bit country at Stagecoach, there’s no better place for a music festival than the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. To make the most of your festival weekend, it’s always better to stay the night. But should you camp out or stay at a hotel?
Camping and hotels each have their pros and cons. Each experience appeals to different types of festivalgoers. If you’re not sure whether camping at a festival or staying at a hotel is a better choice for you, this guide is for you! In this article, we’ll be breaking down everything you need to know to help plan your perfect desert festival weekend.
Why Stay the Night?
As far as deserts go, Indio isn’t exactly in the middle of nowhere. This quaint town is only 128 miles from Los Angeles, 114 miles from Orange County, and 75 miles from Riverside. On average, it takes between one and a half and three hours to reach Indio from these destinations. But festival weekends are different.
During Coachella, for example, it’s estimated that Indio and surrounding communities see an influx of 125,000 people per day. That’s a lot of traffic! With so many people driving in for the festivals, the desert highways can become very congested. Reports vary, but some people say getting into a festival like Coachella can take four hours or more due to the long lines of cars.
Additionally, after spending a long day in the desert sun, even locals can get too tired to drive back. If you’re dehydrated and exhausted, driving long distances poses a hazard to yourself and others on the road.
That’s why it’s best to spend the night when you’re visiting the desert for a music festival. Making plans to stay the night also offers these advantages:
- You can stay out celebrating later into the evening
- You can get to the festival earlier the next day
- You can bring a change of clothes and other supplies to stay comfortable
- You won’t have to worry about a designated driver (as long as you also have a ride planned to your hotel)
So, as you and your group plan the ultimate Coachella or Stagecoach weekend, make sure you consider lodging. At Xpress Shuttles, we’ve given rides to numerous festivalgoers over the years and they’re always glad they have a local place to crash!
Hotels: Pros and Cons
Indio, Palm Springs, and other desert communities in the Coachella Valley offer a wide selection of hotels. These hotels can be your home-away-from-home during festival season, providing a comfortable place to relax and rejuvenate after the festivities.
But if you’re not sure whether a hotel stay is right for you, consider these pros and cons:
Pros
- Comfort: Hotels have soft beds, air conditioning, and hot showers. If you’re tired, sweaty, and dusty after a long day of dancing, you can wash off and sleep soundly on clean sheets.
- Room Service & Hotel Restaurants: If you’re sick of festival food, hotels offer delicious fare that you can order up to your room or enjoy in a restaurant.
- Security: Hotels also offer greater security. In addition to locked rooms, many offer in-suite safes for your valuables. This is a great option for international festivalgoers who don’t want to take their passport to the festival grounds.
- Privacy & Quiet Hours: At a hotel, you’ll have more privacy than a campground. Hotels also have “quiet hours,” which is an excellent option if you’re a light sleeper who’s concerned about other people keeping you up at night.
- Pools, Gyms, & Other Facilities: Many hotels also have guest facilities like pools, gyms, spas, and conference rooms. If you’re extending your stay past the festival weekend, or you simply need a few hours away from the festival, you can enjoy these offerings at no extra charge.
Cons
- Occupant Limits: Hotel rooms can only accommodate a limited number of guests. If you’re attending the festival with a big group, you’ll need to book separate rooms or suites to make sure everyone has a bed.
- Cost: Due to their amenities and cleaning services, hotels are more expensive than camping. However, if you’re planning your trip in advance, you’ll likely be able to find special discounts on a festival hotel stay.
Camping: Pros and Cons
Music festivals usually offer camping passes for attendees who want an immersive experience on the festival grounds. Depending on the festival, a camping pass may or may not be included with your admission ticket. While camping isn’t necessarily the most comfortable, it can be a fun way to make memories with your friends.
But before you and your group commit to camping for a desert music festival, consider these pros and cons:
Pros
- Conveniently Located: Campsites are usually within easy walking distance of the festival grounds, so you won’t have to travel very far.
- Community: Festival campgrounds are a great place to make new friends! Many people meet while camping at festivals and return year after year to enjoy the community vibes.
- Special Events & Activities: While every festival is different, some festivals offer unique events and activities for campers. Often, other festivalgoers set up unofficial events for the community, too, like yoga or drum circles.
- Budget-Friendly: Compared to hotels, a camping pass for a festival is usually much cheaper, unless…
Cons
- Camping Gear: If you don’t have your own tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, camp chair, and other gear, you’ll need to purchase these items before the festival. On its surface, camping may seem like a more cost-conscious choice than staying at a hotel, but if you need to buy lots of supplies, the costs quickly add up.
- Weather: When you camp, you’re exposed to the elements. Desert nights can be windy and cold. If you’re not prepared, you may have a poor night’s sleep due to the elements.
- Hygiene: Although festival campgrounds have portable toilets (and many also offer showers), these facilities aren’t as comfortable or clean as the facilities at a hotel. You may not be able to clean up as well as you’d like.
- Noise & Lack of Privacy: Often, people continue partying at the campgrounds even after the music stops. Camping also means less privacy. If your neighbors at the next campsite aren’t friendly, you’re stuck with them.
- Security: Similarly, festival campgrounds are exposed to potential security risks. It’s not advised to leave valuables in your tent, but taking them with you runs the risk of loss or pickpocketing.
Plan the Best Fest Ever
At Xpress Shuttles, we always advise festivalgoers to book a stay at a local hotel. That’s why we offer luxury desert music festival transportation that includes private rides and hotel bundles. Choose from spacious 1 or 2 bedroom villas at Marriott Desert Springs or Shadow Ridge, accommodating up to 8 guests. Learn more about our desert festival VIP experience or call 866-805-4234 to book now!