There are holiday rentals, and then there are holiday rentals so unique, they’ll make you laugh and squeal with excitement. And, while Airbnb has come to be known as the low-key, economical way to travel, it also boasts some seriously incredible, one-of-a-kind accommodations.
So, yeah, you could stay in hotel. Or, you could stay in a glass tree house in the Tuscan forest, or a real-life Scottish castle, or even a restored windmill in Santorini. Ahead, we've scoured the site to find 33 of the coolest, quirkiest, and most all-around awesome Airbnb listings. You'll want to spend a night in each and every one, just for kicks.
One-Of-A-Kind Converted School Bus, Salinas, CA
Calling all fans of the Magic School Bus! If you can find this off-the-grid converted school bus (it's on a five-acre farm in Monterey Bay and, apparently, most GPS devices have a hard time finding it), it offers surprisingly comfy interiors and sweeping views of the sunrise and sunset. And though it's really just a bedroom, you'll have access to the hosts' bathroom and kitchen in their nearby house. Other perks include optional sunrise yoga and fresh eggs from the farm's chickens.
$50/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Malibu Dream Airstream, Malibu, CA
The Airbnb listing says, "There really is no other airstream like this one" — and that's not just because Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss shot their Vogue cover there. It's been renovated into a one-room interior with glass walls and stunning views of the California coast. It's a bit of a rough drive up the hill, but once you're there, you're on your own (except for the deer and coyotes that sometimes drop by in the morning). And if you think the daytime views are stunning, just wait until night falls and the stars come out.
$400/night.
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
The Fisherman's Cave House, Santorini, Greece
Your Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants dreams are one step closer to coming true. Up to five guests can enjoy this lovingly restored traditional classic "cave house," which is literally carved into a cliff above the seaside town of Oia. It's a five minute walk to restaurants and bars, but you may not want to leave — why venture out when you have your very own Jacuzzi and these views?
$299/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Overwater Bungalow, Sepang, Malaysia
Overwater bungalows are pretty much the beach-lover's dream vacation — but with notoriously high prices, actually staying in one is probably a fantasy. Until now. For under $200 a night, you can enjoy the overwater experience in a resort setting with this private rental at the Golden Palm Tree Resort & Spa. In addition to direct access to the azure waters, you'll also be able to utilize the hotel's spa, fitness center, and restaurants.
$199/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Mushroom Dome Cabin, Aptos, California
This quaint geodesic dome house is conveniently located in Monterey, a short drive from town and the beach — but you'll feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. The eco-friendly construction includes a composting toilet, which may take some getting used to, but there's a full kitchen, which comes pre-stocked with snacks, and a sleeping loft with a Casper mattress. The owners also welcome guests to enjoy their farm (with baby goats!), as well as the hummingbirds that flock to the many feeders around the property in the summer.
$115/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Tree Sparrow House, Cornwall, England
If you don't mind close quarters, it doesn't get much cozier than this tree house, perched on the southern tip of England. Built around an ash tree, the little house contains a small kitchen and dining area and snug sleeping loft for two. The magical feeling of the home extends to the craggy cliffs and coastline of Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula, only a 10-minute walk away.
$145/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Frank Lloyd Wright's Schwartz House, Two Rivers, Wisconsin
There are several Frank Lloyd Wright houses open to the public for tours, but actually staying in one is more of a rarity. When you book this stunning home, which appeared in Life Magazine in 1938, you can experience the architect's designs as he intended — as a place to live. If that's not enough of a draw, guests can also enjoy the peaceful nearby marsh and the small-town charms of Two Rivers.
$395/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Amboise Troglodyte, Nazelles-Négron, France
Charming and rustic, this perfectly French abode — near the one-time home of Leonardo da Vinci — will transport you to another time with its cave-like structure, period furniture, and open-plan bathroom.
$70/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
If you’re climbing the walls in a shoebox apartment with little to no natural light, you're in luck — because this Atlanta loft has plenty to spare. The ultra-modern space is essentially a glass box in the sky (complete with a queen-size bed, A/C, and an espresso machine), so you can sleep easy, and wake to the Georgia sunrise.
$244/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Bamboo Eco Cottage, Bali, Indonesia
Be kind to the planet as you lap up holiday luxury in this impressive eco-cottage, which slays in style and sustainability. Take a leisurely snooze in a curtain-enclosed bed fit for royalty, and savor your Indonesian coffee each morning on your private patio, as you gaze out over the rice fields.
$65/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Houseboat, Copenhagen, Denmark
Why merely admire Denmark’s beautiful waterfront when you can sleep on it? This renovated houseboat lets you get up-close and personal with the sea from the comfort of a luxurious (and dry!) abode. And, you can jump directly into the water outside for a summer swim.
$47/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Bubble Under The Stars, Limousin, France
Why stay in a hotel when you can stay in a transparent, tent-like bubble under the stars, in a real bed? Surrounded by fields and forests, and with unobstructed views of the sky, this out-of-the-norm retreat promises peace and quiet, and good god, think of the romantic possibilities!
$176/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
This tropical two-story eco-unit is tucked into a tree canopy in Nicaragua, and comes with its own infinity plunge pool and stunning views of the Pacific (and plenty of wildlife). Oh, and it’s only a five-minute drive to three of the area's most pristine beaches. Surely, it’s too good to be true.
$185/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Container Home, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
A wooden box never looked so appealing. This cozy spot in Palma de Mallorca might be small, but it has everything you need — not just fresh sheets, high-speed Internet, and cooking facilities, but a pool and barbecue, too. Two free bikes are also provided, so getting around town is a cinch.
$164/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Sharp, slick, and blissfully isolated, this spiky two-bedroom rental offers the ultimate escape from urban life. The only thing you'll find around here is an outdoor hot tub surrounded by wild blueberries, trees, and crowberries.
$220/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
The Green Windmill, Santorini, Greece
Escape from reality and into a fantasyland, as you watch the sunset over Grecian waters from your very own windmill hideaway in Santorini. The three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is luxurious throughout; there’s even a bean-shaped pool in back with hydro-massaging jets.
$329/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Cube House, Rotterdam, Netherlands
For fans of the Rubik’s cube, this crazy, sunshine yellow house in the center of Rotterdam awaits. The kooky space is spread over three floors and accommodates four, with a cozy box room at the top that offers epic 360-degree views. Amsterdam is less than an hour away by train.
$159/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Live out your Downton Abbey dreams in this stunning, restored 12th-century Scottish castle, which can be your home for the weekend. Bring 12 friends and have cocktails in the Great Hall or the Gallery before exploring the property's herb garden, orchard, and six acres of woodlands.
$726/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Hide from real life in this sublime retreat tucked into the Moganshan mountainside near Hangzhou, China. The 150-year-old former farmhouse is now a three-bedroom, four-bath villa with naturalistic structures and modern furnishings. There’s Wi-Fi, huge TVs, and even a baby grand piano. Outside, a wood-burning pizza oven and large hot tub are calling your name.
$500/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
You want quirky, you got quirky. This bizzaro, beagle-shaped inn in Cottonwood, Idaho, is worth visiting for the LOLs alone. There are lots of outdoor activities (horseback riding, jet-boat tours, etc.) nearby, and the owners are happy to provide recommendations to guests. Naturally, dogs are welcome to stay, too.
$98/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Geodesic Dome, Andalusia, Spain
Set on the grounds of a larger guesthouse, this igloo-like white pod contains a beautiful, colorful interior. Here, guests get comfort, privacy, and quirk, plus their own dining table in the sun and access to additional facilities in the main guesthouse — it's a win all around.
$37/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Gingerbread House, Maui, Hawaii
Headed to Maui? How about crashing in this gorgeous garden cottage, where Jimi Hendrix reportedly stayed during his travels in the '70s? It’s set on 4.5 acres of land and has a vegetable farm, fruit trees, and a stream. Mahalo !
$175/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Glass Treehouse, Tuscany, Italy
A far cry from the treehouses you used to play in as a kid, this impressive glass structure right outside Florence offers undisturbed views of the Tuscan landscape from the comfort of your queen-size bed. There's also a small kitchenette, en suite bathroom, and a private outdoor terrace. (And, if you can't make the trip to Italy but you like the idea of crashing in a treehouse, we've got you covered.)
$294/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Moderne Apartment, Akureyri, Iceland
Yikes, we think we may have found the most beautiful property on the whole of Airbnb. Rural, natural, and architecturally stunning — what more could you want?
$117/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Off-Grid House, Pioneertown, California
Cool off in the California desert at this stunning off-grid house, powered exclusively by solar panels. Set on a serene, private piece of land, it's ideal for some serious R&R — and 360-degree views of the desert.
$380/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Seashell House, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
If you're looking for accommodations that are particularly unusual (not to mention photo-worthy), Seashell House is a whitewashed, curvilinear villa in Isla Mujeres, Mexico — and it's looks just like, well, an actual seashell. Take the round staircase up to the master bedroom, which boasts stunning views of the Caribbean sea.
$299/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Glean some serious interior decorating tips from this wonderfully simple, perfectly contemporary Ginza apartment, which fuses traditional Japanese and Scandinavian design elements to magical effect.
$332/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Train Carriage, Pokolbin, Australia
For those of you who struggle to stay awake on your commute home at night, meet the train carriage you're actually supposed to sleep in. Set in the middle of vineyard country in New South Wales, the compact carriage offers beautiful scenic views, all the standard comforts, and luxurious spa bathing facilities. Not bad.
$125/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Villa San Gennariello, Campania, Italy
Feel oh-so-fancy in this swanky B&B villa, which has three beds and baths, a rooftop solarium, and all sorts of antique furnishings. Just be advised that the rooms are treated as separate bookings, so if you want to occupy the whole place, you'll need three individual reservations.
$70/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Magic Windmill, Lisbon, Portugal
Though it looks like something that’s been erected for a music festival, this cutie is actually a very permanent windmill near Lisbon, which sleeps two and offers stunning 360-degree views of the Portuguese countryside. Inside, bold, contemporary furnishings contrast with the old-worldy architecture, though it’s the outside that’s begging to be Instagrammed.
$70/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Hong Kong accommodations tend to be insanely expensive, but we’ve found a solution that’s authentic and affordable. Stay in the heart of the harbor on this beautiful Chinese teak wood boat, and experience life in Hong Kong without the eye-popping price tag.
$88/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
Mongolian Yurt, Lower Saxony, Germany
The formula is simple: Stay in a yurt, Instagram a lot. This is the most glamorous glamping site of all — full of character, color, and panache, it's wonderfully inviting with its felt and linen furnishings. Outside, it’s all apple trees and plum trees, with cooking facilities in the welcoming host’s house.
$82/night
Photo: Courtesy of Airbnb.
St Pancras Clock Tower Guest Suite, London, England
Very few people can say they've slept in a clock tower — let alone one in the middle of London. Provided you don't mind sharing common areas with the host, book this comfortably modernized tower (originally built in 1868) and enjoy the Gothic revival architecture, along with your bird's-eye view of the bustling streets below. The location is excellent; the tower is situated above St Pancras King's Cross, one of the city's major rail and tube stations.
$218/night
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