The 20 Coolest Airbnb Rentals in the World
A peek at the most beautiful vacation homes around the world
Airbnb is the new go-to for vacation rentals, and it's picking up steam for business travel as well.
Whether you're ready to sleep in a grown-up treehouse in Hawaii, roam the halls of a medieval Tuscan tower, live on your own priviate island or even spend a weekend in an Irish castle, considering renting one of these Airbnb properties on your next vacation. Some are actual homes, and others are used strictly for rentals. Whatever the case, you'll see plenty of reviews on that particular unit unless it's new. If that's the case, a good tip is to check out reviews of other properties the owner might offer on Airbnb. If previous renters give them a thumbs up, then it's likely the new property will measure up as well.
If you haven't used it yet, here's how it works. Head to the Airbnb website and search by city. You don't have to enter dates if you just want to get a sense of what's available. Once you know when you're traveling, you can enter the dates, the number of guests, and see what works with your schedule and budget. You might even decide to vacation in a particular spot after you find the perfect home.
Bird Island in Placencia, Belize
Stay on your very own private island in Belize in this unique rental. You can go snorkeling, swimming, whatever suits your fancy in this self-catered experience. It sleeps four guests and starts at $495 a night.
Medieval castle in Vittorio Veneto, Italy
Experience a taste of medieval life in this castle near Venice, Italy. It sleeps four guests and starts at $175 a night.
The 500-year-old Ballyportry Castle in Ennis, Ireland
This limestone Gaelic tower house rises over the gentle rolling landscape with grazing cows and horses. Ballyportry Castle is one of the best examples of a restored late medieval Gaelic tower houses. It sleeps eight guests and starts at $873 a night.
Jack Sparrow house in Cornwall, UK
You'll have a magical time at this adorable cabin in the UK. It sleeps two guests and starts at $128 a night.
Beach villa in Bali, Indonesia
This stunning three-bedroom home has an open-air living pavilion with a pool table and bar lounge and a gorgeous tropical garden. It sleeps six guets and starts at $690 a night.
Cave house in Santorini, Greece
This 250-year-old cave house is carved into an actual caldera cliff. It sleeps five guests and starts at $322 a night.
Yurt cottage in Talkeetna, Alaska
Ever wanted to stay in a yurt getaway in the midst of the Alaskan wilderness? Well, this is your chance. This cottage sleeps two guests and starts at $85 a night.
The Gnome House in New York, New York
Head to Manhattan's Upper East Side for this renovated Swiss Chalet style home for a blend of style and charm. It sleeps six guests and starts at $1,200 a night.
Rustic cottage in Brindisi, Italy
This charming home in the town of Cisternino, Italy has a stunning view and is near the sights in Apulia, the caves of Castellana and the baroque cities of Lecce and Martina Franca. It sleeps four guests and starts at $66 a night.
All-bamboo river house in Bali, Indonesia
Indonesia is home to some of the most amazing Airbnb's and this bamboo house is no exception. Breezes blow through the home in its tranquil setting and transport you to another world. It sleeps eight guests and starts at $335 a night.
Bailiwick cottage in Freeport, Maine
This cozy cottage is in Freeport and it serves as year-round lodging whether you're going shopping or to LL Bean. It sleeps two guests and starts at $110 a night.
Tropical treehouse in Fern Forest, Hawaii
You'll feel as if you've been transported to an adventure novel when you walk through the jungle to reach this bamboo treehouse on the Big Island of Hawaii. It sleeps two guests and starts at $200 a night.
Sleek loft in Bangkok, Thailand
Live like a local in this artsy loft in Bangkok. It's room, at 1,000 square feet, and it sits above an art gallery and artist's studio on the ground floor. It sleeps two guests and starts at $71 a night.
Lakeside apartrment in Lombardy, Italy
Don't miss out on this stunning apartment overlooking one of Italy's most beautiful lakes. It sleeps six guests and starts at $55 a night.
Eco-village cliff-side cabin in Bali, Indonesia
A former ship's cabin has been turned into a fairytale home on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. It sleeps two guests and starts at $192 a night.
Airstream in Malibu, California
The views don't get better than from this vintage Airstream camper perched on a hilltop in Malibu. It sleeps three guests and starts at $500 a night.
Wagon in Medieval village in Mont Saint Jean, France
Head to the Burgundy region of France to experience a vacation in a charming wooden wagon. This vintage wagon is magical and previous guests give it rave reviews. It sleeps two guests and it starts at $60 a night.
Castello Dal Pazzo in Piedmont, Italy
This elegant and stately estate is yours to rent in its entirity. Perfect for weddings or a special event. It sleeps two guests (although it lists eight bedrooms) and starts at $3,821 per night.
Romantic cabana in Armenia, Colombia
This bamboo cabana has a lovely view and you enter it by crossing through a bamboo forest on the owner's 5-acre organic farm. It sleeps two guests and starts at $49 a night.
Medieval Tuscan tower, Villa di Sopra, Italy
This gorgeous tower in the midst of Tuscany is the perfect place to get away from it all and use as your homebase as you explore the countryside. It sleeps eight guests and starts at $197 a night.