Destination Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Stephanie Hernandez

Coachella has become the golden goddess of the summer festival season. Everyone wants her, but so few can enjoy her desert beauty. Quite possibly the most anticipated lineup announcement of the year, Coachella certainly did not hold back in 2015, and bless their hearts, gave us AC/DC, Jack White and Drake as the weekend’s headlining acts. A mix of classic, blues rock genius, and smooth new age cool. The lineup also includes dozens of fan favorites like The Weeknd, Florence and the Machine and experimental acts like FKA twigs. The crowd-pleasing list of acts and the aura of hysteria surrounding the festival is without doubt the reason passes seemingly disappeared as quickly as they arrived.

Coachella has come a long way from its start in 1999. A short 16 years ago, Coachella was just the name of a small town somewhere in Palm Desert you might have broken-down in on your way to Mexico. Today, Coachella is seen as a rite of passage for those who desire to be labeled musical aficionados. The experience is one inspiring jealousy in the hearts of any who hear that you’ve been lucky enough to score a ticket. What used to be a small event held to provide new artists a stage to play on, is now the quintessential musical event of the year.

Coachella has turned into an international phenomenon, celebrity hot spot, and Instagram year round trending hashtag. Headlining artists can consider themselves institutions, and new (generally unknown) acts can expect to be positioned for fame beyond their dreams. Playing Coachella means sharing the stage with the world’s biggest acts. It means hundreds of thousands of fans will be able to hear and share your music almost instantly, a fledgling band’s dream. Making this the best festival to attend if you are just as concerned with seeing legends like Paul McCartney as you are discovering the next big thing on the same stage.

2015’s lineup is bringing the best of huge names, rarely seen acts, and up and coming talent together over two weekends, April 10-12 and April 17-19. Flower crowns, fanny packs, and selfie sticks at the ready; because you never know what parties and celebrities, you may be casually running into during the event. We have all you need to know about where to stay, eat, and drink to quench your thirst for adventure. ‘Chella 2015, we’re coming for you!

Stay

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Relaxation at its best, consider the JW Marriott your spa away from home. You enter through a palm-lined path through a lobby complete with a cascading waterfall and then to a spacious room with all the amenities of home (but better). The full service spa, three golf courses, four pools, and six onsite restaurants are sure to keep you occupied. However, if you do get bored, you can always take a gondola ride around the grounds, because it’s Coachella and hey why not? #ImOnABoat

The Saguaro
If unadulterated fun is what you’re looking for, The Saguaro hotel is calling your name. The grounds are painted in a bright technicolor and are accented by a gorgeous pool, and even more beautiful panoramic desert views. The surroundings make Saguaro’s Pool parties during Coachella that much more intoxicating, trust us. Once you’re done taking in the sunset you can always check out the flavors create by Iron Chef Jose Garces for the hotel’s two premiere restaurants; El Jefe a modern Mexican restaurant with a wild west look and Tinto, an authentic Spanish tapas bar. The vibe is fun, relaxed and just the place to unwind after a long day dancing at the main stage.

Hard Rock Palm Springs
No other hotel is synonymous with musical history like the Hard Rock. This place is crawling with memorabilia at every turn, a true music geek’s dream.  With awesome extras like Fender guitar and amp deliveries to your room, personalized playlists, DJ equipment for check out, there is little you can’t do here. All that’s left is to start a jam session with your neighbors, because they can’t call the cops.

Viceroy Palm Springs
This hotel has been opened since the 1930s and truly makes you feel as though you have escaped into a different era. The architecture reflects the golden days of classic Hollywood glamour but with a wonderfully modern twist. Enjoy a light and colorful snack at their critically acclaimed restaurant Citron, or simply lounge poolside in a full service cabana. This hotel’s old school feel and impeccable service might make you forget about how much your body aches after a 12-hour dancing marathon and why sweet air conditioning beats camping any day.

Eat

Palmie
Tucked away in the heart of Palm Dessert lies Palmie, a relaxed and welcoming husband and wife run French restaurant. Known for their charming atmosphere, exquisite service, and even better sauces, Palmie is the perfect alternative to the fast food within the festival walls. We suggest trying the cheese souffle or cassoulet if you want to have a truly French evening.

Le Vallauris
If your palette desires something a little more health conscious, Le Vallauris may be the choice for you. The Chef’s menu includes mostly organic, naturally grown, and raised produce and meats as well as seasonal offerings. Chef Jean Paul Lair’s famed Sunday brunch menu should also help cure any hangover you might have; reason enough to pay Vallauris a visit.

Pinzimini
Located inside the Westin Mission Hills, the Pinzimini is the perfect spot for large groups. The atmosphere is casual and bright, making it a great spot to stop in before you head into the festival. Pinzimini’s small plates are perfect for sharing; thin crust pizzas and grilled Italian Sandwiches are sure to please even the most particular of palates.

Drink

Amigo Room at the Ace Hotel
The Amigo Room may quite literally be the epitome of California cool. The bar serves amazing artisan cocktails made with fresh fruit juices, but if that’s not your thing, no worries! The Amigo Room has strong partnerships with craft beer companies like Dogfish Head and Lagunitas. Never boring, you can catch everything from DJ’s to comedians most nights and since Coachella will be happening, you can bet on some pretty spectacular parties here as well.

Bar Palm Springs
Are you fond of whiskey? Bar is calling your name. With dozens of choices from the classic Bulleit Bourbon to more refined aged whiskeys, the options are endless. The handcrafted drinks paired with delicious small bites like their fan favorite Picnic eggs (Siracha and Wasabi) and IPA battered onion rings, make Bar one of the best places to go for some after festival wind down.

Pappy & Harriet’s
Located near Joshua Tree, the legendary Pappy & Harriet’s has been a local favorite spot since opening back in 1982. You will notice the facade to look a bit like an old western film, that’s because back in the day P&H’s was a part of a live-in movie set sponsored by the Good ol’ Gene Autry. This bar apart from having an otherworldly feel has also been a musical stomping ground for everyone from Robert Plant to Sean Lennon and Vampire weekend. Stop by P&H’s for a trip down memory lane, and make some new ones here yourself.

Copa Palm Springs
The interior of the Copa is a throwback to the Hollywood glamour of old school Palm Springs nightclubs. Don’t think this makes the Copa any less of a modern spot. The resident DJs, huge dance floor, and lively themed evenings make this a must see for out-of-towners. So grab a cocktail, sink into a luxurious leather lounge chair and let the fun begin.

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will be held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA on April 10-12 and 17-19. Tickets are sold out, but resale tickets are still available on Stubhub, starting from $470