Palm Springs: Saguaro parties timed to Coachella music festival

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival takes place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, Calif. The Black Keys, Radiohead, the Shins, Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg and a ton of other bands are featured at this year’s outdoors concerts starting this weekend. The Saguaro hotel in nearby Palm Springs puts you close to the action and has a $199 room rate that comes with exclusive pool-side music parties in a kind of mini-Coachella celebration.

The deal: The Saguaro, a relative newcomer to the Joie de Vivre chain of hotels, will host Desert Weekender parties 1-6 p.m. featuring DJs such as KCRW’s Jason Bentley of “Morning Becomes Eclectic,” live performances by Nosaj Thing, Tokimonsta and other bands, plus free food goodies too. The rate requires a two-night minimum stay during the weekends of the Coachella fest.

When: The offer is good Friday through Sunday and April 20-22.

Tested: Last week, this package started at $380 a night for a three-night minimum. Now, the price drops to the hotel’s best available rate at this hotel -- and comes with the party factor. I found availability for rooms both weekends starting at $199 plus tax a night.

Contact: Saguaro Desert Weekender, (760) 323-1711