Hotels for this summer's music fests

No feeling quite like a good ole fashioned crowd surf. Credit: Evarinaldiphotography.

Nothing like a good ole fashioned crowd surf. Credit: evarinaldiphotography

Sure, camping out in a tent or Mom’s minivan can be make festival-going “fun,” but for those of us who dig a hot shower at least once every three days, here’s where to put down roots on the road:

Coachella. Credit: sputnik mi amor_

COACHELLA

Where: Indio, CA
When: April 12-14 and April 19-21
Why it’s awesome: Two words: Daft. Punk. The rumor mill was abuzz after a teaser video hinting that the electronica juggernauts might be making an appearance. And jamming to Blur or Phoenix with Palm Springs as your backdrop? Not bad either.
Where should I stay?
Broke and sexy: Royal Plaza Inn: A cozy spot to rest your festival-weary head.
In-betweeners: Embassy Suites Palm Western: An upscale, 3-star experience without the post-splurge wallet hangover.
High-rollers: La Quinta Resort & Club: VIP passes? Check. Now rest up for day two in the lap of luxury.

Bonnaroo. Credit: jon_elbaz

BONNAROO
Where: Manchester, TN
When: June 13-16
Why it’s awesome: McCartney meets Wu Tang Clan meets Bob Saget meets R. Kelly meets Mumford and Sons meets Bjork. ‘Nuff said?
Where should I stay?
Broke and sexy: Country Hearth Shelbyville: A bit of a drive from the festival grounds, but this place is a perfect spot for a rest or base camp.
In-betweeners: Best Western Chaffin Inn: A serious step up from sleeping in the back seat of the minivan.
High-rollers: Hilton Nashville Downtown: For the VIPs flying in, this spot is unbeatable. Perfect for the post-jam spa treatment, too.

Lollapalooza. Credit: M. Janicki

LOLLAPALOOZA
Where: Chicago, IL
When: August 2-4
Why it’s awesome: The festival is smack in the middle of Chicago, which means festival by day, partytown by night. Plus, the Cure, Nine Inch Nails, the Postal Service and Vampire Weekend don’t hurt either.
Where should I stay?
Broke and sexy: Red Roof Inn Chicago Downtown: There’s no camping at Lolla, but this hotel makes up for it on location alone.
In-betweeners: Congress Plaza Hotel: 3 stars. Right across the friggin’ street from all the action—a blessing after the mosh pits.
High-rollers: Hard Rock Hotel Chicago: This is where you come to see and be seen. A hotbed of ultra-fans and bands alike.

Electric Daisy Carnival. Credit: b@nfy.

ELECTRIC DAISY CARNIVAL
Where: Las Vegas, NV
When: June 21–23

Why it’s awesome: You can almost hear the bass drop now. Kaskade, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, Tiesto, Avicii, Calvin Harris and Bassnectar are bringing the beats. You bring the glow sticks.

Where should I stay?
Broke and sexy: Travelodge Las Vegas: Works hard for the money. Close to the venues, easy peasy. In-betweeners :Planet Hollywood Resort Casino: A total party atmosphere in the heart of it all, right on the strip.
High-rollers: Wynn Las Vegas: Obsessively filled with the most luxe fixings you could possibly imagine.

Outside Lands. Credit: Zack Sheppard.

OUTSIDE LANDS
When: Aug. 9 – 11
Where: San Francisco, CA

Why it’s awesome: Ah, the dulcet tones of Metallica, Stevie Wonder and Neil Young. Come for the Foo Fighters, stay for the Skrillex.
Where should I stay?
Broke and sexy: The Mosser Hotel: Sleek, chic, no muss and no fuss. The perfect hub for the festival-goer on the go. In-betweeners: Best Western The Hotel California: You can’t go wrong with a Best Western. Comfort is king. High-rollers: Hotel Adagio Autograph Collection: Everything sounds fancier when it’s part of a “collection,” no? But no worries—this place is ultra swank, yet decidedly un-stuffy.