15 of the Most Cool, Different, Unique Airbnb Stays

Wheels up! It’s never too early to start thinking about travel plans, and if you’re looking to escape the city and have a taste for adventure, we’ve combed through Airbnb to find some of the coolest, weirdest, most unique places to stay. Wowed by architecture? Wooed by the peculiar? Looking to unplug from your day to day? We’ve got you covered.

1. Bohemian Bus

For the Adventurer
Point Arena, California

Whether you’re looking to relive your school days, drawn to a stay just a mile and a half from the cool blue Pacific Ocean or your ideal summer plans involve the road less taken, you might consider the Bohemian Bus, a 1985 Chevy bus converted into a house using mainly secondhand materials. This unique Airbnb bus rental features hot water, a full kitchen, a fridge and queen bed, with a private toilet just a short walk away.

2. Big Idaho Potato Hotel

For the Carb Lover
Boise, Idaho

From the breathtaking display at Shoshone Falls to the gently rolling hills of The Palouse, Idaho is full of majestic natural wonders. And yes, while they do also have a lot of potatoes, there’s only one (probably) that you can actually stay inside. The Big Idaho Potato Hotel is built inside a giant 6-ton spud that’s traveled across 48 states on the Idaho Potato Commission’s Big Idaho Potato Tour. And the savvy designer? She’s a former tour spokesperson, so she knows her way around a potato—and has a keen design eye to boot.

3. The Boot

For the Shoe Collector
Nelson, New Zealand

Speaking of boots, if you’re lucky enough to travel to New Zealand, you can sleep inside of The Boot, a wondrous 1-bed, 1-bath accommodation on the charming Tasman Coast. Relax amid large open fireplaces, a shower built for two and a private courtyard. For the full fairytale experience, step outside your boot and frolic in the scenic garden.

4. The Seashell House

For the Beachcomber
Isla Mujeres, Mexico

What’s even more summery than collecting shells? How about actually sleeping inside of a giant shell? You can do just that at The Seashell House, a gated 2-bed, 2-bath Airbnb getaway boasting a pool, tranquil ocean views, sensationshell décor and swaying palms. Fly in to Cancun International Airport, take a 25-minute taxi ride and the seashell vacation home is just 20 more minutes away by ferry.

5. Deluxe Covered Wagon

For the Oregon Trail Fan
Sandy Valley, Nevada

If you grew up playing Oregon Trail and are yearning for some nostalgia, now’s your chance to experience a covered-wagon adventure IRL at Sand Valley Ranch, a working dude ranch, just 45 minutes from the neon and nightlife of Las Vegas. The Conestoga Wagon sleeps four and is equipped with electricity, A/C and a picnic table with fire pit. You’ll find modern outhouses on premises and hot showers in the ranch house. Take a stroll and visit the goats, horses and dogs, and round out your stay stargazing and lazing by the fire pit.

6. Kelly’s Jubilee Ark

For the Boatie
Springfield, Tennessee

All aboard! You may have heard of houseboats but have you heard of the Kelly’s Jubilee Ark on Airbnb? If you’re prone to seasickness, this is the vessel of your dreams because it’s anchored to a verdant lawn amid 50 acres of hiking trails, a labyrinth, fishing pond and creek. The 1-bed, 1-bath ark, complete with portholes, comes equipped with all the amenities you need including wi-fi, a kitchen, A/C, and a splendid main deck which doubles as the balcony.

7. Area 51 Futuro House

For the Sci-Fi Fan or Architecture Enthusiast
Ohoka, Canterbury, New Zealand

For the ultimate extraterrestrial experience without having to be beamed up by aliens, consider your summer Airbnb stay at the Area 51 dome, a fully restored 4-bed, 1-bath 1974 Futuro house—1 of around 60 in the entire world! If you’re looking to be pampered, this Futuro vacation home does not disappoint. There’s free Tesla pickup, rare designer furniture, a sauna, pool and spa, and a soon-to-be-built gameroom/gym. Just 25 minutes from Christchurch.

8. Little Church on the Hill

For Church fans
Woodstock, New York

For a peaceful hidden retreat in the Hudson Valley woods, book your next Airbnb stay at the Little Church on the Hill, a beautiful 2-bed, 1-bath former house of worship. Originally built in 1914, the church was converted into a home in the 1950s and stuns with 25-foot cathedral ceilings, original stained glass, a wood burning stove, spiral staircase and modern amenities. With no TV to be found, you can enjoy the simpler things in life by taking advantage of the hammock and outdoor patio with grill, losing yourself in the forest or a good book, and admiring the calming views.

9. Bird Island

For the Aquaphile
Stann Creek District, Belize

Ever dreamt of having your very own private island? You can pretend with an Airbnb escape to Bird Island, a 4-bed, 3-bath home in the middle of the water, about an 18-minute boat ride away from the mainland Placencia fishing village. Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear water, play on the waterfront swings, lounge in the sun and marvel at the unspoiled reef surroundings. You also have the option to hire a cook/guide and add on a variety of tours during your stay.

10. Bedrock Homestead Cave West End

For the Spelunker
Boulder, Utah

Planning a Utah canyons trip? Fan of The Flintstones? Have an interest in caves? Whatever the draw, the Bedrock Homestead West End is a custom cave vacation home and work of art created by blasting out a freestanding rock. The sustainable off-grid home, accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles, uses hydro-electricity for power and boasts a nine-foot deep swimming pool, communal music room and shared kitchen.

11. The Windmill

For the Country Lover
Abcoude, Utrecht, Netherlands

For a quiet, relaxing countryside getaway just outside of Amsterdam, rent this romantic, historic 3-bed, 2-bathroom windmill vacation home built in 1874. Take a bike ride, kayak the river, go for a swim, enjoy the garden views and get a feel for what it’s like to be a miller.

12. Dairsie Castle

For the Medievalist
Fife, United Kingdom

For a taste of medieval life, a holiday at Dairsie Castle is sure to please. Dairsie was first sited in the 12th century and has been a hideaway for secret Scottish parliaments, military sieges and escapee monarchs until it fell into ruins in the 19th century. The castle was rebuilt in 1992 to combine medieval character with modern comforts. Best suited for a large family or vacation with friends, the vacation castle sleeps 14 and is situated on 6 acres that include a woodland walk to the river Eden, a walled herb garden, orchard, grass area, watch tower and 15-car parking lot.

13. Ream Hills Helicopter

For the Acrophobe
Preston, United Kingdom

Equally suitable for acrophobes (those afraid of heights) and those seeking all the joys of being in a chopper without actually getting off the ground, the Ream Hills Helicopter is a 1982 Westland Lynx XZ676 that has been transformed into a splendid, no-frills vacation home featuring a TV, small kitchen area, wi-fi and deck with tables and chairs. Use of nearby on-site toilet and shower block are also included in your stay.

14. Luxurious Treehouse

For the Tree Climber
Old Forth, North Carolina

Feel like a kid again in this rustic, modern treehouse vacation home with hot tub, tucked away in the woods of North Carolina, 10 minutes from Black Mountain and 20 minutes from Asheville. This unique treehouse boasts a swinging bridge, hot tub, deck with forest views, LED fireplace, luxury bedding and modern amenities.

15. Hobbit House

For the Fantasy Dweller
Ramona, California

Custom made for fans of J.R.R. Tolkein, the Hobbit House offers a unique experience where you’ll get up close and personal with wildlife while making do with minimal amenities. Enchanting touches include the iconic round hobbit door, natural rock walls and wood beam ceilings. Take time to disconnect, sit by the fire, smoke a pipe, sing some songs and bask in the magic of this romantic retreat.

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As enticing as some of these properties look, we know sometimes it’s nice to vacay a little closer to home too. For a local travel idea just three hours from Brooklyn, check out our Mystic, Connecticut article.

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