Unique Airbnbs
Since debuting just over a decade ago, Airbnb has made a name for itself by offering accommodations with more personality than your standard big-box hotel. But some properties are so quirky, inspired and downright bizarre that they really stand out.
Curious what it’d be like to sleep in a grounded plane? What about in a Dutch windmill? Or on a train caboose?
From among Airbnb’s 4 million listings across 191 countries, here are 14 particularly memorable stays.
Bubble Suite in Ensenada, Mexico
Campera Hotel’s bubble-shaped tents look like they’re from another planet, but promise plenty of earthly comforts. Situated in the middle of Mexico’s wine country, they include full-size beds and private bathrooms — no sleeping bags or outhouses necessary.
Instead of sleeping with four walls surrounding you, bask in the beauty of the vineyards that surround you and, by night, the gloriously starry sky.
Pro tip: talk to the hosts about what temperatures to set inside your bubble to avoid condensation.
Sheep Wagon in Shirley Basin, Wyoming
It doesn’t get more memorable than snoozing in a converted sheep wagon in the heart of rural Wyoming.
The wagon dates back to the 1920s, when it was used on a ranch in the area, and has nothing but a clear and tranquil pond to keep it company. Step back in time to enjoy no-frills amenities like a wood-burning stove and a wash basin for cleaning dishes.
To enjoy the great outdoors, fish or take a ranch tour to learn more about the area. Or just wander around to enjoy the majesty of peaceful, untouched nature.
Adobe Dome in Terlingua, Texas
If you’ve ever wanted to experience life off-the-grid, book a stay at this remote adobe dome promising solar-powered living and incredible stargazing opportunities.
More than just a place to sleep, the dome includes a small kitchen to prepare food. And the location can’t be beat: it’s situated near Big Bend National Park, one of the best spots on earth to explore rugged canyons and go bird-watching.
Because it was featured on HGTV, the dome is popular, so make sure to book in advance. If you’re interested in visiting in the heat of the summer, be aware that there’s no AC available — but there’s a fan to keep things cool(er) and temperatures dip at night, just in time to take in the blanket of stars above.
Treehouse in Atlanta, Georgia
You’ll need to be willing to pay to enjoy this expensive listing — but the splurge is worth it.
The secluded treehouse encompasses three rooms connected by bridges outfitted with magical twinkling lights. Indoor features include antique furnishings and a collection of fossils; outdoors, a deck surrounds a 165-year-old pine tree. While it feels like a world away, the bustle of downtown Atlanta isn’t far away.
It’s little wonder that, a few years ago, this treehouse was named Airbnb’s No. 1 most wish-listed property in the world.
Bamboo Palace in Abiansemal, Bali
Why settle for a bamboo hut when you could rent an entire bamboo palace?
Spanning an incredible six stories, this remote property is both one-of-a-kind and completely luxurious. Features include a private media room and a pool, and hosts can arrange for access to a private Balinese chef, masseuse or yoga instructor. But the real selling point is the views: the palace is perched high above the Ayung River, Bali’s longest river, and boasts stunning water and valley vistas.
If you book this space, make sure to bring friends: the complex includes four bedrooms and four baths, plus a separate guest house.
Seashell House in Isla Mujeres
Ocean lovers will enjoy spending time in this seashell-shaped home with its own private pool, overlooking — appropriately — the dazzling Caribbean Sea.
While the property is most notable for its distinctive facade, it is equally charming inside, thanks to its clever integration of colorful shells throughout. The bed features a shell-shaped backboard, the bathroom mirror is ringed with conch shells, and the shower head is a shell with holes carved in it for the water to pour through.
Nearby attractions include stunning Playa Norte, a 15-minute golf-cart ride away, and El Garrafon Snorkel Park.
1950s Metro Bus in Ashland, Oregon
Anyone who's ever taken public transit and accidentally fallen asleep should have no problem catching z's at this one-of-a-kind Airbnb. You’ll still see many of the features you’d expect to see on a bus, like a steering wheel and tires. But you’ll also enjoy a well-equipped place to rest your head.
Aesthetic touches include nautical decor, bamboo floors and a collection of antiques. Guests also have access to a patio and a freestanding bathroom with — appropriate for the hippie-flavored accommodations — a compost toilet.
The story behind the bus, according to the listing, is a pretty fun one. It’s been in the current host’s family for years, dating back to when her mother-in-law bought it with some cash and a bongo drum.
Airplane in St-Michel-Chef-Chef, France
Four people can stay in this converted plane, which makes clever use of its aeronautical features. The bathroom is located in the cockpit, which still includes pilot controls, and the dining-room table is flanked by old plane seats. Also included are a comfortable bedroom, living room and kitchen.
The plane is located within a campground where, in the summer months, guests can enjoy a swimming pool and water slides.
Barn Silo in Decorah, Iowa
If you’ve ever found yourself staring out of a car window while on a road trip through farm country, wondering what it’d be like to live the simple life, this silo experience is for you.
Wake up to the sun peeking through the silo’s skylight, then explore the charming town of Decorah, home to wineries and microbreweries, charming art galleries and bucolic green space.
The rental spans two stories and features beautiful wood carvings and basic yet comfortable commodities. And the rental’s friendly hosts promise to show you the best of rural living before you return to the bustle of everyday life.
Caboose in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
This converted caboose allows travelers to live out their fantasies of sleeping in the back of an old train, without the fear of not knowing where they’ll end up.
The accommodations are nothing fancy but provide everything you need, including a washroom, heater, fridge and two single beds. Rather than making it feel more like a traditional apartment, the owners have converted the space with an eye on conservation. A dinette serves as the dining room table, and old train posters decorate the walls.
The train is located within the Castanea Railroad Station, which dates back to 1883.
Little Church in Columbus, Ohio
The outside of this charming property may still look like a church, but inside it’s been converted into a comfortable home complete with all the necessities, including a living room, bathroom, washer and dryer, and kitchen (and, of course, a comfortable bedroom).
Dating back to the 1950s, the once-active site of worship includes many remnants from its past, including a pew converted into a dining-room table and a bedroom built on what was once the church’s raised podium.
A lovely patio with garden is ideal for relaxing outdoors.
Royal Castle in Galway, Ireland
A surprising number of straight-up castles are listed on Airbnb; this one in Ireland stands out for its affordability. Depending on the season, you can book a stay here for under $200.
The castle has been standing since the 1400s and, due to its size and age, it's a bit rough around the edges. Still, reviewers rave about the property’s historic charm and modern touches, including solar water heating. At night, make sure to warm up in style beside the roaring fireplace.
Hammping in Park Hills, Missouri
What happens when you mix hammocks with camping? “Hammping,” of course.
Book a stay at this Airbnb, and enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of sleeping in a hammock strung between two trees in the heart of the Ozarks. Each reasonably priced hammock sleeps one, but there are up to four available to book at a time.
Much closer to camping than the average Airbnb experience, you’ll nonetheless have everything you’ll need for a comfortable stay, including ponchos, a fire pit with a cooking grill, LED lamps, towels and bug repellant. A nearby building includes a bathroom and some basic accommodations for making food and coffee.
Silly name aside, those who’ve experienced hammping have nothing but good things to say about it.
Windmill in Abcoude, Netherlands
Fans of Don Quixote will especially appreciate the chance to stay in this charming windmill just outside Amsterdam. Up to six guests can stay in the space, which features three bedrooms and a spacious kitchen and living room.
Learn about the inner-workings of the windmill, which is still functioning, and roam the bucolic grounds. Looking to head further afield? Bikes are available for rent, to explore the area like the locals do.