The Indio center is approximately the area of Indio Amtrak Station and the area of Downtown Indio.
Although Indio's tourist season peaks during the summer months, you won't want to visit between June and August if you don't tolerate heat well. The average highs hover around 106 degrees Fahrenheit, which increases the chances of heat exhaustion and other problems. In fact, the heat doesn't begin to taper off entirely until around October, when the average high sinks to around 77 degrees.
Additionally, because of the tourist traffic, you'll pay significantly more for your hotel room if you visit during the summer. You're better off taking a winter vacation to Indio. You'll enjoy highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s and 50s, which means you can stay comfortable throughout your trip. In March, the weather heats up to the high 80s, so this is the best time to visit if you're interested in taking a day trip to Palm Springs or other beachside towns and getting wet.
Tourists who want to attend the iconic Coachella Music Festival, however, should wait until mid-April. Over nine days, some of the world's hottest bands play to thousands of raving fans. Although it's a chaotic event, it's also a music lover's dream.
If you stay at the Best Western Date Tree Hotel, you'll save up to 10 percent off your hotel bill if you have a AAA or CAA membership. Auto club members just need to bring their cards to the reception desk when they check into their hotels. Seniors, meanwhile, might want to choose the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Indio. You can knock up to 15 percent off the nightly rate if you're over 65, which can help keep your vacation budget on track.
Some Indio hotels offer seasonal promotions and packages, so investigate those if you want to save money. You can also book several rooms at once to get a bulk rate or plan well in advance to snag an early bird discount.
When you don't want to blow your whole vacation budget on lodgings but you're looking for a few great amenities, select a high-value hotel. These venues pack in plenty of perks, but their rates remain budget friendly. Try the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Indio, for instance. It's a fairly standard hotel if you judge it by its outdoor facade, but its guest rooms look like luxury suites. They feature triple-sheeted bedding, blackout curtains, flat-screen televisions, and coffeemakers. You also get a refrigerator and microwave in case you want to keep your beverages cool or cook up a quick meal on the fly. You'll get a complimentary breakfast every morning as well as access to an outdoor heated pool, a fitness center, guest laundry facilities, and concierge services.
The Best Western Date Tree Hotel also serves up plenty of value. Pets are welcome at this comfortable, quiet hotel, and you'll love the modern interiors. Amenities at this hotel include an outdoor pool and spa, high-speed internet access throughout the venue, and meeting rooms for business travelers. You'll also get the chance to fill up with the complimentary hot breakfast that's served every morning. In addition to the standard fare, the Best Western serves up breakfast meats, waffles, and more. In your room, you'll find a flat-screen television, pillowtop mattress, spacious bathroom, and a refrigerator and microwave.
If you're already staying at the magnificent Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, you might as well start your gambling adventures there. The Cabazon Indians, a Native American tribe whose reservation remains in Indio, run the casino here. It's known for its excellent variety of slot machines, its heated table games, and its off-track betting. There's also a social betting component and you can even play a few rounds of BINGO.
If you feel like venturing into Coachella, consider stopping by the Spotlight 29 Casino. It's a huge venue that's part casino, part restaurant, part theater, and part after-hours club. In the gaming part of the venue, you'll find slots and table games galore. The tables impose a minimum bet between $5 and $25, so you can start conservatively if you're not a risk-taker.
Indio doesn't get as much press as some of its neighbors, but don't discount it as a vacation destination. You'll love the culture, beautiful weather, gambling opportunities, and wide range of hotel rooms. Start planning your itinerary and book your room today.
Below are reviews of the city of Indio, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Friendly people and lots of great restaurants!
Stayed to see a tennis tournament nearby.
The desert is a very unique place to visit.
Concert venue is close by hotel.
Staff Friendly, room clean, room comfortable.
Great pickleball courts about 10 minutes away!
Access to a lot of Casinos and entertainment.
Visited the Flamingo Springs Resort and a concert.
Employees were very nice.
Indio is a great halfway point to L.A. so if you need a place to stay for the night, I would recommend Indio. Good restaurants nearby and coffee places.
Literally close by to everything!
Great inexpensive places to eat.
Great restaurant next to Grand Royal Hotel, Cactus Jacks. Needed gas when leaving and no gas stations on the way out. Had to risk getting gas when on Interstate 10. Not a good feeling.