Airbnb has come a long way for a company that started out as two enterprising friends renting air mattress on a loft apartment floor. And not just in the realm of diverse, quirky and budget accommodation options — its now listing some jaw-droppingly lavish mansions, villas, and estates around the world.
Although Airbnb’s initial concept was one of sharing budget living spaces in overpriced cities, they have now grown to cater for all types. Though many scour the website looking for overnight stays in quirky airstream trailers, remote treehouses and converted windmills, there’s another side to Airbnb hiding at the high end of the Average Nightly Price slider, where most fear to click.
If you’re looking to book a night of total opulence, or just want to know how the 0.1 percent travel, then these pricey abodes are the best place to start. Here you’ll find vast mansions, luxury estates, unparalleled views and true architectural masterpieces.
Although many of these include all the extras you could imagine, are the very definition of luxury and can sleep many guests, you’ll still be shelling out a small fortune for an overnight stay. But if money is no object, then why not splash out on one of the United States’s most expensive short term rentals?
Luxury Estate in Malibu Beach
This Malibu Beach villa can fetch $3,500 a night. Airbnb
A night in this luxury Tuscan villa in Malibu Beach may cost you upwards of $3,500, but when you consider that its construction costs allegedly exceeded $30 million, that suddenly seems like a small price to pay.
The villa is a staggering 11,000 square feet and features only the finest finishings. There are several outdoor and indoor fireplaces, his and hers baths with ocean views, a chef’s kitchen perfect for professional catering, and a swimming pool and fully-equipped spa.
The property also overlooks the famous Zuma Beach, and guests also have access to four acres of private gardens and a maid service for stays of three nights or more. If cost saving is on your mind, you can split the bill 15 ways — the enormous villa can accommodate more than a dozen guests in its six bedrooms.
Greenhouse and Gardens in Woodland Hills
This $2,000 a night property in the Walnut Acres neighborhood of Los Angeles is outfitted for weddings. Airbnb
If you’re looking to take the concept of a back garden wedding to the next level, then it might be worth forking up some $2,000 to rent this remarkable property in the Walnut Acres neighborhood of Los Angeles. It may only sleep a maximum of three guests in a single bedroom, but the true charm of this property lies in the garden and the sprawling property.
The Greenhouse and Gardens can accommodate up to 60 guests, and the full price includes use of the lawn, garden, covered patios and greenhouse. There’s also a quaint cottage on site, which usually goes to the bride and groom.
If you’re happy to only host your ceremony at the venue, and forgo the extras like the overnight stay, you can book the property for a more manageable $900, though this excludes all event organizing and decor.
Private Estate in Las Vegas
This Las Vegas estate isn’t cheap, at $3,000 per night, but has 10 bedrooms. Airbnb
Most people experience Vegas from a generic hotel room. But if you’re heading to Sin City for a truly memorable experience, and are without price constraints, then this estate might just be your answer.
The massive 2810 Private Resort describes itself as the “epitome of modern luxury” and comes complete with all the facilities you’d expect of a five-star hotel, with none of the inconveniences like the general public and untimely room service.
The one-and-a-half acre estate is located on prime land just five minutes from the Las Vegas Strip, and is geared towards a weekend of epic entertaining. There are outdoor entertainment spaces, including grotto-style and mosaic-tiled rooms, a jacuzzi, and a heated swimming pool that features real Malibu beach sand.
At upwards of $3,000 per night, a stay in the resort doesn’t come cheap — but it can accommodate more than 16 guests, has 10 bedrooms, 15 beds, and six bathrooms, which means you can definitely pack them in to reduce your outlay.
Mega Mansion in San Diego
This “Mega Mansion” in Rancho Santa Fe, San Diego, is 21,000 square feet and can accommodate up to 14 guests. Airbnb
The owners of this property in San Diego weren’t exaggerating when they titled their AirBnb listing a “Mega Mansion.” This vast property in Rancho Santa Fe is 21,000 square feet, can accommodate up to 14 guests in seven bedrooms, and has an acceptable eight and a half bathrooms.
They describe the mansion as “high-luxury” designed by a world famous architect. Indoors, aside from the seven bedrooms, you’ll also have access to a movie theatre, gym, dance club, bowling alley, and wine cellar. If you can tear yourself away from all that, head outside and you’ll find a tennis court, playground area for the children, large terrace, and a swimming pool. The property is also close to Del Mar beach, and goes for around $2,500 per night.
Tiki Moon Villas in Laie
This huge beachfront property in Laie, Hawaii, has six beach bungalows available to sleep up to three dozen guests. Airbnb
Why rent a bungalow at a villa when you can rent the entire villa with all its bungalows? This 30,000 square foot beachfront property in Laie, Hawaii, has six beach bungalows all available for rent in one neat package. In total they’ll sleep up to three dozen guests, and if you’ve got two and a half grand to spare, it’s the perfect excuse to have a private holiday with 34 of your closest friends.
Each bungalow is expertly decorated and fully equipped, and they’re nestled in lush gardens, close to koi ponds, and within earshot of the crashing waves of the Pacific. If you want to throw an event while you’re there, the property can handle up to 100 guests — for an extra fee of up to $2,000.
Modern Luxury Villa in Malibu
This Malibu modern beachfront property can be rented for $4,500 a night. Airbnb
It seems as if Malibu is working hard to claim the crown of costly Airbnb capital of the United States, and this modern villa is right up there with the most expensive of them all.
As an oceanfront property the views are understandably incredible, but if it’s the interior that you’re paying for, you won’t be disappointed. That’s because within the confines of the villa you’ll find a private pool, hot tub, outdoor entertainment deck, several smart televisions and speakers, palm trees, a grill, and a kitchen that’ll please even the most demanding of chefs.
All this comes at a price — $4,500, to be precise — but it’s likely that the owners will query whether you can really put a number on such exquisite opulence.
Wine Country Villa in Calistoga
This wine country villa, dubbed Bellissimo Alba, starts at $2,000 a night. Airbnb
California’s Napa Valley is no stranger to fancy villas, but if price is anything to go by, this is one of the special ones. This high-end villa, dubbed Bellissimo Alba, is perched atop a hill with sweeping views and total privacy.
There are four bedrooms that can sleep up to 12 guests, and the villa is equipped with all of the modern conveniences your tech hungry heart could desire. There’s a library, exercise room, gourmet kitchen and salt water lap pool on the premises, and you’re also within easy reach of more than 40 acres of hiking trails. A single night stay in this humble home starts at $2,000.
Mountaintop Retreat in Idledale
You’ll have the mountaintop all to yourself at this this 10-guest listing that starts at $2,500 per night. Airbnb
It will be hard to argue with the 360-degree views from this mountaintop retreat in Colorado, which also features a fire pit, six outdoor living areas, a hot tub, and access to hiking trails.
The location allows guests to enjoy both sunrises and sunsets from the house, with incredible views over Bear Creek below. No expenses have been spared inside, where there’s a kitchen equipped with professional appliances, four luxurious bedrooms, a theatre, billiard room, games room, and gym.
The property is also just 10 minutes away from Red Rocks amphitheater and ideally located for outdoor enthusiasts in both summer and winter. Access to this 10-guest Airbnb starts at $2,500 per night.
Beverly Hills Mansion
This Beverly Hills mansion will all the fixings will set you back $1,600 a day. Airbnb
If you want to live the Beverly Hills dream, but only have $1,600 to spend, then this rental may present your best option. For that price you can rent a night in a classic 8,600-square-foot Hollywood mansion complete with swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, tennis and basketball courts, pool table, and media room.
And if you’re the type of traveller who likes to keep childminders and other help close by, the nightly rental even includes a staff quarters.
The mansion is located just behind the famous Beverly Hills Hotel and offers typical Mediterranean style luxury. And if you’re unable to fill the three car garage, your hosts will arrange for the rental of a fleet of luxury vehicles to complete the film star fantasy.
Malibu Masterpiece
A Malibu stunner for $1,500 per night. Airbnb
This beautiful house in Malibu is one of a kind, both inside and out. The architectural style is eye catching and unique, and the interior is nothing short of excessive. Add dramatic ocean views, a peaceful swimming pool, and several outdoor entertaining areas, and you can almost justify the starting price of $1,500 per night.
The building was designed by Harry Gesner, and inside you’ll find a sweeping staircase that leads down to a room with 30-foot-high vaulted ceilings. Most rooms in the house deliver incredible views, owing to the hilltop location, and if you wander off among the trees you’ll also find a vintage 1957 Airstream trailer.
Vintage Mansion With Staff in Vermont
This 1902 mansion costs $3,000 per night. Airbnb
This impressive mansion, which starts at around $3,000 per night, will transport you back to a distant era. It was built back in 1902, and reviews suggest that overnighting here feels like stepping into the pages of the Great Gatsby. That’s likely due to the lavish decor that defines the property — from oriental rugs and chandeliers, to four poster beds and high ceilings.
The property is pegged as the ideal destination for corporate events, family reunions, and lavish destination weddings. There are 11 bedrooms and 13 baths that can accommodate up to two dozen overnight guests, but the 30 acre property will more than suffice for a bigger function. There’s also a crew of staff on hand to help you out with your special event — for an added fee.
Premium Apartment in Vail
Vacation in style at this Vail abode for $1,100 a night. Airbnb
This premium apartment in idyllic Vail, Colorado, may just be the perfect place in which to base yourself during a lavish holiday to this skiing Mecca. It’s smaller than the typical mansions at the top of the Airbnb price list, but it still offers up to six guests some 2,000 square feet of interior space to move around in, as well as 800 square feet of wrap around deck space.
The unit has its own elevator and views in three directions, made all the more dramatic by floor to ceiling windows. At $1,100 a night it offers everything you could wish for from a luxurious ski base, including heated ski lockers, private access to a gym and spa, and daily maid and private chef service.
Private Estate in Santa Fe
The exclusive Santa Fe estate asks $4,200 a night. Airbnb
This private estate in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is slightly mysterious. A single night in the remote house costs a staggering $4,200, and yet it has only three bedrooms that can accommodate a maximum of six guests.
Still, each bedroom is described as a “master suite,” and the views from the New Mexico property are breathtaking. There are also facilities for outdoor dining, a gourmet kitchen, an extensive art collection, theatre, library, hot tub, and an auto court that can accommodate 10 vehicles.
Availability at the property appears limited and is by request only, but at this price tag it’s easily one of the priciest and most excessive properties on the website.
Brooklyn Brownstone
This Brooklyn brownstone is $8,000 a night and outfitted for film shoots. Airbnb
At a shade under $8,000 per night, this beautiful Brooklyn brownstone is easily one of the most expensive listings on Airbnb. But there’s a slight catch, in that it’s been kitted out specifically for the film industry.
Nevertheless, this 10,000 square foot landmark, built in 1887, is the epitome of contemporary Brooklyn cool and 19th century class. The interior has been meticulously restored, and its furnished with only the finest items and museum-quality artwork.
The house is ideal for filming, and even features a green room, makeup space, and onsite location manager to ease the process.
Ultimate SXSW Accommodation in Austin
At $9,000 and up per night, this Austin, Texas, listing is one of the most expensive on Airbnb. Airbnb
If you want to do SXSW in the most extravagant way possible, then this over-the-top mansion is the way to go — if you can handle the $9,000 a night rate.
The massive property features two full houses, and one guest house, that between them sleep up to 19 guests. There’s a large outdoor space perfect for entertaining, as well as a gym, hot tub and indoor fireplaces. The house is a convenient walk away from all the action in downtown Austin, and a free concierge service is on hand to help you out with any issues that arise.
Rules, fines and additional fees abound at this costly rental, so it appears as if the $9k is only the starting point for a night of sheer luxury in the heart of Austin, Texas.