If your bank account is the kind that has a few extra thousand weighing it down even after buying Desert Trip tickets, have we got a lodging tip for you.
Feel like catching some Zs where Frank Sinatra once did, or canoodling where Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe used to? Is your desert adventure incomplete without a midday game on the bocce court or a soak in a piano-shaped pool? We got a glimpse into some pretty swanky Palm Springs homes—the Beau Monde Villas by Natural Retreats—that will be available for rent over Desert Trip weekend in October.
While the homes may seem highfalutin, most sleep large numbers, which breaks costs down to prices comparable to other lodging options in the area, especially over festival weekends. If you're rolling deep to Desert Trip with a crew of 20, these spots are totally doable. Don't have enough moolah to make it happen this fall? Many of these houses are available throughout the year and also host larger events and weddings, so don't give up on your dream-house dreams.
The Merv Griffin Estate
Sleeps 20; $5,000+ per night
The former home of the late Merv Griffin, this 39-acre equestrian property includes a 2.5-acre pond, infinity edge pool, spa, bocce ball court, expansive event lawn and other event areas, multiple paddocks and an equestrian racetrack–you know, if you're into that sort of thing. Aside from the main house, guests can stay in private, circular-shaped bungalows surrounding the pool.
Frank Sinatra Twin Palms Estate
Sleeps 8; $1,950+ per night
Frank Sinatra’s former desert retreat from Hollywood was designed by renowned by E. Stewart Williams for the singer and his first wife, Nancy Barbato, in 1947. It features the famous piano-shaped swimming pool, and memorabilia remains preserved throughout the residence, including Sinatra’s original recording studio (not functional, sorry musicians). If Frank isn't enough star power, located just around the corner are residences previously owned by the likes of Al Jolson, Jack Benny and Cary Grant in the famous Movie Colony neighborhood of Palm Springs.
Sand Acre Estate
Sleeps 10; $1,299+ per night
Located in the heart of the Movie Colony neighborhood, Sand Acre is a 1933 Spanish estate rumored to have been frequented by Marilyn Monroe. If you dig a little deeper, you'll hear that it's the spot where she and Joe DiMaggio often spent time together while in Palm Springs. Want to get closest to where the action happened? Choose the tower bedroom—yep, there's a tower. There's also a private tennis court alongside the pool, spa and oversized gazebo (regular-sized gazebos are for regular people).
1955 William Cody
Sleeps 8; $975+ per night
This art deco dream was designed by renowned architect William Cody and was often visited by one-time neighbors Lucille Ball and President Ford. It's located in one of the first exclusive guard-gated country clubs in Rancho Mirage (for that extra bit of exclusivity) and overlooks the 9th and 18th greens. Cozy up near the fireplace in the great room—rumor has it that Ms. Ball was so enamored with it, she had a replica designed for her home in Beverly Hills.
La Chureya
Sleeps 10; $1,395+ per night
This Spanish Estate, located in the heart of the Movie Colony neighborhood, was completed in 1934. It boasts colorful tile throughout, five bedrooms, a pool and private tennis court (fans of the game take note, Spanish-born tennis coach and professional player Jose Higueras lived and played here). If you're not a big tennis player, there's pingpong on the porch and a tree-shaded hot tub for soaking.
Contemporary Dreams
Sleeps 8; $735+ per night
This contemporary home is dripping with accolades: it's been featured as a "Dream Vacation Home" in Travel + Leisure, on NBC's show Extra!, as an "Ultimate Destination" on NBC's Mansions and Millionaires, on CNN and in Palm Springs Life magazine. Spring for the master suite and you'll be treated to 18-foot vaulted ceilings and a giant sandstone shower. Into hiking? This place is a stone's throw from Indian Canyons Reserve, home to some of the best trails in the Coachella Valley.