Western Sands Motel

UPDATE, FEBRUARY 14, 2026, 11:30 PM CHECK-IN: I was quoted $70 in person for the evening, then $96 over the phone later that day when they said they couldn't book me online and I had to deal with them directly. They claimed the place was fully booked, but it looked quite empty. The front desk staff noticed my phone, worked out how much money I had in euros on a calculator right in front of me, and charged me that exact amount, including the money I had set aside for food. It felt predatory and disgraceful. I expect a refund and would like someone to contact me about the money, though I don't expect much after the way I was treated. The room was a mess: no towels except one damp, dirty one, a broken toilet, and a shower so dirty, with such weak water pressure, that I wouldn't use it. There were several vacancies, and it felt like they were taking advantage of a late-night check-in, even though the previous evening had been somewhat pleasant. The TV didn't work in either of the two rooms I had over the two nights, and both beds were dirty. I'd liked the place at first. It's tucked just outside Indio but close to everything, including a lovely farmers market in the Coachella Valley. My room was surprisingly big, with a full fridge and a small kitchen. It was cozy, and the front desk staff had seemed really kind. Bring your own extra pillow, towel, hangers, and maybe a blow dryer. But after this, never again. #CoachellaColeman

For what I paid, I was happy with the stay. The grounds felt pleasant, with a big pool and lots of trees and green grass, and the staff were nice. There was plenty nearby: a bar, fast food, a grocery store, pharmacy, laundry, and a bank. Across the way, a small ranch-style market sold produce straight from the field behind it. Sean and Brittany, who seemed to look after the place, really made an impression. Sean helped with my bags when I needed a hand and wouldn't accept a tip. Brittany cleaned the rooms and was sweet, checking whether I needed anything special because of my age. All in all, it was a wonderful visit. It's what you'd expect from an independent motel without a chain name. The rooms were clean and the building was well kept.

The place felt different from the motel stay I had pictured, but I enjoyed the weekend. The rooms weren't fancy, just more ordinary, and they seemed to have doors at both the front and back. That was reassuring for someone as worried about fires and earthquakes as I am. There's a big grassy space in the middle, and hearing kids play there was comforting. Fast food, a grocery store, and a well-known pharmacy are close by. Another successful weekend away.

We paid $300 a night because it was festival weekend, and this place was disgusting. There were bugs in one bed and three different kinds of hair in the sheets, including a short, curly one that looked pubic. When we asked for clean sheets, a woman showed up with one flat sheet, stood in the doorway, and stared without saying anything. The fridge was filthy, and the kitchen drawers were so dirty I wouldn't put anything in them. The pool looked like it hadn't been cleaned all year, with garbage floating in it. Furniture was ripped, tape held an electrical socket together, and none of the doors had security locks. I would give it negative stars if I could. Don't stay here.