Wanderlust is a powerful feeling. Exploring somewhere new is always exciting, but when you finish those long days of finding new places to visit, you should ensure that the place where you lay your head down is just as impressive. If you have been planning a trip somewhere you have never been, check out the following list for recommendations of where to stay.
We have compiled the 15 coolest Airbnbs on the planet below, based on their:
- Location
- Decoration
- Features/Amenities
- Historical Significance
The 15 Coolest Airbnbs On The Planet
These AirBnBs stretch across every continent in the world except for Antarctica. No matter where you have been planning to visit or what kinds of features you look for in your Airbnb, you are sure to find somewhere spectacular on this list.
1. La Flocelliere, Pays de la Loire, France
This medieval chateau is available for only $750 per night. If you have ever dreamed of the royal life in a castle, this AirBnB fulfills all of those fantasies. You will not be sharing the keep with anyone else either; you get it all to yourself. This castle has been around since the 11th century, and the old walls have history embedded in the very stone.
The castle has room for up to 10 guests in the spacious bedrooms, so you can bring your closest friends or family members to share in a fun time on a trip to France that none of you will ever forget.
2. Dome Room in the Sacred Valley, Pisac, Cusco, Peru
These adorable huts are located at the base of the Pachatusan Mountain and give you a scenic view every morning like you would not believe. Each small but beautifully decorated dome can hold one or two people and only costs $28 per night. The La Pacha community surrounding the domes is very welcoming.
If you plan to stay here, try to ensure that your visit includes a Friday evening or a night with a full moon because the Ayahausca temple located nearby has wonderful ceremonies that they encourage visitors to attend for a spiritual retreat. You do not have to sacrifice the amenities you enjoy for this little slice of heaven on earth.
3. Underground Hygge, Orondo, Washington, United States
Built in the style of the hobbit houses portrayed in the beloved Lord of the Rings series, the Underground Hygge is a cute place to stay in a picturesque area of Washington. The location is perfect for one or two guests with a single bedroom and bathroom. Everything down to the circular wooden doors is adorable.
The owner does note that the walk from the parking area up to the house is quite steep, so you should make sure that if you have a heart condition or have trouble walking up steep hills, you find different accommodations. However, the walk often takes fewer than five minutes for most people, and the view is more than worth the exercise.
4. The Seashell House, Isla Mujeres, Mexico
This funky AirBnB is shaped just like a conch shell and gives you the right vibes for laying out in the sun. For $564 a night, up to four guests can stay in comfort in these twin shells. The trip from Cancun International Airport is only a 25-minute ride and then a 20-minute ferry away. The property also has a private pool for your enjoyment.
Each bedroom has a king bed so that you can sleep in the utmost comfort. If you are more adventurous, El Garrafon is only a 15-minute drive away, and you can spend the day snorkeling in the sun and seeing some of the pretty fish in the warm, clear waters. The larger shell also has a kitchenette, so you can learn to make some Mexican dishes while you are there.
For the cheapest way to fly to Mexico, check out this article!
5. Secluded Intown Treehouse, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
This treehouse can bring out any guest’s inner child. The rope bridges connecting the various treehouses mean that you can stay up in the treetops all day long without worry. This Airbnb has been featured on many TV shows and allows up to two guests per room to stay, all within the city of Atlanta.
If you want the city’s convenience but the call of the wild compels you to look up, this property has the perfect mixture of both. The treehouse features three rooms: a sitting room, a bedroom, and a hammock deck for stargazing. The bathroom is located in a different area, which can be difficult for some people, but the sky’s enormity is at your fingertips here.
6. FOSuite Superior, Oia, Santorini, Greece
Initially built in the 1800s, this house was recently renovated a few years back and offers all of the modern amenities that you might be used to without sacrificing the sense of history in the walls. Located in Finikia Village, this house is excellent for one or two guests who want to explore Greece and see Oia and Santorini.
The room includes a light complimentary breakfast of bread and various jams specific to Greece. Many of the most excellent restaurants and shops are within a 20-30 minute walk of the property, so you can get out and enjoy the fresh air when you stay there without needing to rent a car for the whole time.
7. Dog Park Bark Inn, Cottonwood, Idaho, United States
This quirky property has both a master bedroom and a single room with two beds for a total of four guests. The best part is the property’s shape, as the entire house is shaped like a friendly beagle. There are dog-themed books and puzzles for kids of all ages to enjoy, as well as a complimentary breakfast served every morning.
The amber waves of grain and purple mountain majesties are easy to see around this property and can provide a perfect home away from home for dog lovers. The Nez Perce live on land near there, and plenty of nearby museums have their art and display other aspects of their culture for curious visitors.
8. NewEarth Haven, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
This AirBnB residence is a domed hut with room for one or two guests inside. Located near picturesque rice fields, the dome has two stories for a larger living space inside. For guests concerned about their carbon footprint, they can rest easy knowing this property has a composting toilet and local water capture.
For only $55 per night, you can travel on a budget and see the natural beauty of Indonesia. If you need any special accommodations, the staff onsite can work to help you. You can even get a massage in the comfort of your dome! The property also includes a complimentary breakfast, and the staff offers guided tours of Bali if you want to roam free.
Check out the Bali travel guide for things to while you are at this amazing Airbnb! Plus, you can see the cost to vacation to Bali in this article!)
9. Private Island, Hvaler, Norway
If you have ever wanted to get away from it all, you can with this property. For the low price of $241 per night, you can rent out an entire island for your family. The price includes a boat to get on and off the island. Between four and five guests can stay in the small house, but having a whole island to yourself is a wonder.
However, there are some downsides to keep in mind. This cabin does not have any running water, so you will need to stock up from the local grocery store on the mainland. The cottage is also not part of an electrical grid, so you will need to rely on the energy provided by solar power. That may not be enough for a computer.
10. Secluded AirShip, Drimnin, Scotland, United Kingdom
This airship is something straight out of a science-fiction novel and provides the best view possible of the Scottish highlands. One bedroom and one bathroom mean that it is an excellent getaway for one or two guests, although pets are allowed if you want to bring a couple of furry friends along for the unique experience.
For only $205 per night, you can gaze up at the stars through the glass panels as you recline in the insulated ship and pretend you are up there getting lost in the galaxy. There is a kitchenette and a designated office space with a desk if you need to get away from the world to concentrate on your work.
11. Snow Igloo, Pelkosenniemi, Finland
If you want to have a great experience and are not afraid of a little cold, the snow igloo is undoubtedly a place you will never forget. Although the hosts provide a warm sleeping bag and real beds for up to six guests inside, you will need to bring some insulating thermal clothes because the temperature inside the igloo is well below zero degrees Fahrenheit.
Depending on when you stay there, you might be able to see the Northern Lights above the igloo, although it is too cold then to remain outside the igloo for very long. Although you spend the night in the igloo, a warm house is on the property containing bathrooms and a living room to warm your cold feet after a long night.
12. Bird Island, Placencia, Belize
Another one of the private islands available for rental, Bird Island is a colorful getaway for people who want to have some fun in the sun. Up to eight guests can stay in the four-bedroom bungalow on the island. There is even a swing set over the water so that you can look out at the sunset while you gently swing or dive off into the water.
The $709 per night price might be intimidating, but with enough people staying there, you can easily split the cost. The clear water is located over a lovely reef that you can snorkel in or just relax in the warm water. It is an approximately three-hour car or bus ride from Placencia to Belize City if you want to know the local culture.
13. Zebra Safari Tent, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
The Zebra Safari Tent is a fantastic experience that will not soon be forgotten. The picnic table, hammock, and private deck allow you to watch wild animals as they stroll by in their daily activities. You are at a safe distance, but close enough to feel like you are part of the action as giraffes lope and play.
With four beds and one bathroom, you can easily accommodate the whole family on this unique trip. For $122 a night, you can watch the animals romp around the watering hole and relax with your family under the hot African sun. There is even a hot tub outside when the sun sets, and the evening starts to cool off, but you are not ready to call it a night yet.
14. Stone House, Ueda-shi, Nagano-ken, Japan
This gorgeous stone house is located in a beautiful, private area where you can admire the beauty of nature without being surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city. Located at Migahara mountain’s base, you can meditate or do yoga exercises in the wooden rooms. Futon beds are given with the house for an authentic sleeping experience.
You will need to be barefoot in the house or wear the slippers provided, in accordance with Japanese custom, out of respect for the homeowners. During the winter, if you run the house’s heating, you will be required to pay extra for it on top of the $229 per night cost of staying in the house, although you do get 15% off for consecutive nights booked.
15. Japanese Studio, Fitzroy Falls, New South Wales, Australia
With nine acres of gardens to explore, there is nothing that this tranquil Japanese studio cannot give you when you need a little rest and relaxation. There is enough space for one or two guests, although the owners do not encourage bringing children along. The studio does not include any cooking facilities, however, so you cannot cook for yourself there.
There is a rowboat which you can take out onto the water in order to experience the peacefulness of the water altogether. It is a great place to go for a honeymoon or a romantic getaway, and every part of both the studio and the entire property is photogenic. There is also heating and air conditioning available so you can stay at the perfect temperature inside.
Which Countries Have The Cheapest Airbnbs?
In general, the price of an Airbnb depends on its location within the geographic area. There will always be a range of prices, based on the cost of living in the country and looking to be in a city center or located in a more rural region. Typically, the cheapest AirBnBs are located in Eastern Europe and South American countries.
Brazil is the country with the cheapest AirBnBs on average, based on the property’s price per night. The average rate per night in Brazil was only $19 as of 2019. However, the property’s price varies a lot based on how far in advance you are booking and whether the property allows you to cancel your reservations.
If you would instead visit Europe than South America, there are plenty of other places you can go without breaking the bank. Traveling on a budget does not have to be an outdated idea for bygone eras. Other countries that have a low average cost per night for AirBnBs include:
- Belarus
- Ukraine
- Romania
- Poland
- Hungary
- Greece
- Russia
- Span
- Portugal
Asian and African countries also have cheaper properties, although China tends to fall more in the middle of the price range, and it is relatively expensive to stay in Japan because of the high cost of living there. Western Europe and the United States tend to be the most expensive when it comes to Airbnb properties.
Where Do Airbnb Hosts Make The Most Money?
SmartAsset’s analysis in 2018 found that Miami, Florida, and San Diego, California, are the two most profitable cities in the world to own an Airbnb property. On average, they found that by listing your property through Airbnb, you can expect to make 81% of the rent through your renting out of the property.
They found that most people need to rent out multiple properties to make enough income to live. However, the average amount of money made by renting out Airbnb properties is around $20,000 per year, per property. In general, cities with year-round warm weather tend to be the most profitable because people can visit any time.
If hosting an Airbnb experience is something you are considering, check out that amazing article!
However, cities like Houston and Philadelphia, where the cost of living is significantly lower, are still viable options for Airbnb hosts who want to make the most money because they do not have to spend as much on their rent and on other expenses like paying for cable, WiFi, or other utilities. Those savings can balance out the lower prices per night.
Although New York might have some prime real estate offered in a select few properties for people to rent out when they want to be in the city, many people simply cannot afford to visit at a rate that makes sense for the property owner. Property owners in New York City often find that Airbnb is not as profitable as they might have hoped.
How Profitable Is Airbnb?
The company projected that it would be worth over three billion dollars by the end of 2020. With over seven million rental properties worldwide, it is not hard to understand where the money is coming from. Even with the pandemic, people have been traveling and will continue to travel.
The company earns money by taking a percentage of the profit made by hosting properties on its website. The property owner gives AirBnB a small percentage of the amount paid by guests in return for promoting the property and assuring guests that the company has appropriately vetted the property and its owners.
Which City Has The Most Airbnbs?
As of October 2019, the city with the most Airbnbs is Miami Beach, Florida, followed closely by Kissimmee and Sarasota, also in Florida. Some of the best areas to stay are in Miami Beach. Florida is the most popular state for people to visit in the US when looking for AirBnB getaways. It is a warm-weather state with amazing beaches that everyone can visit throughout the year.
Another primary reason for Florida’s popularity is the presence of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios theme parks. Having access to those insanely-popular theme parks is an excellent boon for Florida’s tourism economy. Kissimmee is very close to both theme parks, and Airbnb property owners delight in renting them out to families of all sizes.
After Florida, the next most popular city for AirBnB property owners is Bend, Oregon. This might seem like a strange pick, but many people want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and go somewhere far away from a large population. Charlotte, North Carolina, has also seen a recent boom in Airbnb properties in recent months.
If you are looking to stay in a place other than Florida or Oregon, do not worry. There are plenty of other places with booming AirBnB properties that range in price per night from affordable to expensive, depending on what you are looking for. Other cities with lots of AirBnB properties to choose from include:
- Los Angeles, California
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Austin, Texas
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Davenport, Florida
How Hard Has AirBnB Been Hit By The Pandemic?
The Airbnb phenomenon is sweeping the United States with increasing popularity, although many property owners suffered greatly during 2020. Many properties had to close down because of the global COVID-19 pandemic, but many others have survived and plan to reopen with increased safety procedures.
However, despite government warnings worldwide to stay at home and let the virus run its course, people began traveling again as early as May. Airbnb owners began to step up their cleaning game and work harder to keep the inside of the property clean for all of their guests so that people could visit with less fear.
Although March and April were the worst months for property owners, May saw a slight resurgence in travel. Airbnb properties located in out of the way places or rural regions increased in popularity as people tried to escape from crowded cities and find some peace and quiet away from the press of civilization and the coronavirus.
By June, Airbnb properties in all places were seeing a resurgence of travelers as people continued to ignore local and nationwide government restrictions and lockdowns. Because airports never closed entirely, people continued to enter and exit various states and countries to stay in Airbnb properties.
Where Is AirBnB Most Popular?
The most popular cities on AirBnB are Paris, New York City, and Tokyo. Although Florida has cities with the most profitable properties, the three cities listed above seem to be highly coveted travel destinations. However, Airbnb has expanded to be in over 220 different countries around the world. There are some places without AirBnB, but not many.
Many countries have greatly benefitted from the profits netted from AirBnB’s property listings and have seen an increase in tourism money as a result. For example, the United States has seen earnings north of 33 billion dollars from Airbnb properties alone. France came in a close second with nearly 11 billion dollars.
The United States has more properties than any other country globally, with nearly one million properties available for visitors. With properties in over 100,000 cities, it is hard to find a place that does not have an Airbnb. Although not as often booked or visited, the cities with the highest number of Airbnb properties include:
- Los Angeles, California
- New Orleans, Louisiana
- Honolulu, Hawai’i
- Seattle, Oregon
- Portland, Oregon
Exploring the best treehouses on Airbnb reveals a world of enchanting accommodations nestled amidst nature’s embrace.
Where Is Airbnb Banned?
Despite these advantages, some cities have fought back against the growing trend focusing on housing visitors, especially foreign ones, and displacing the legitimate residents of the city. Because of that, some cities have banned AirBnB and forbid residents from renting out their homes or apartments on the Airbnb website.
Some of these cities have not banned AirBnB properties entirely. However, they have imposed limits on how many properties a single owner can list or require homeowners to register with the government and obtain a special license. These cities include:
- Paris, France- Owners must obtain a license before renting out homes.
- Santa Monica, California, United States- Owners must obtain a license before renting out homes and pay an occupancy tax to the city.
- New York City, New York, United States- Owners can only rent out one residence at a time and cannot rent an apartment for less than 30 days.
- Berlin, Germany- Owners must obtain permission before renting out homes.
- Barcelona, Spain- Owners must obtain a license before renting out homes.
If you have been itching to put on your boots and hit the ground running by exploring the world, these properties are great places to start your adventure. Airbnb provides a fantastic service by offering you a home away from home so that you can be well-rested and ready for everything you want to explore in these countries.