If you’re looking for a new kind of getaway, there are plenty of quirky, Instagram-worthy places to stay on Airbnb. Whether you’re in the mood for something rustic or flat-out bizarre, they’ve got you covered. After trolling the site (with some major wanderlust), we’ve rounded up some of the best (and most unusual) spots out there for your viewing pleasure. From a new kind of glamping in a restored 1920s sheep wagon to your own private yacht and crew in the Mediterranean, these “hotels” are all kinds of crazy awesome.
1. The Muffin Mansion ($65+ per night): Visit Oakland, CA, and stay a few nights in this 1964 Kenskill camper that’s been restored to all its multicolored glory. You’ll get the most out of urban glamping on this small plot of land (with chickens) that’s just a 30-minute BART ride from San Francisco.
2. The Geo Dome ($350+ per night): Located in the southern Catskill Mountains in the town of Woodridge, NY, the Geo Dome is a modern-day yurt that offers you views of the surrounding sheep, goats, rabbits and chickens that wander the farm. Take advantage of the clawfoot bathtub and fire pit while you’re busy getting away from city life.
3. Spacious Airplane Apartment (Contact for availability): Unfortunately not available to rent at the moment, this airplane is so stylish we’d like to live here all the time. Who would argue with a home that has 116 windows? House rules include not trying to fly the plane, which is totally fine by us.
4. The Barn ($300+ per night): A chic, rustic place to stay in the Hudson River Valley, the Barn has an open-loft floor plan with a wood-burning stove for those brutal New York winters. And for sticky, humid summers, AC and a private outdoor shower will keep you cool. It sleeps up to 8, but with four acres of romantic surroundings including a pond, stream and fire pits, you might just want it to be a two-person getaway.
5. Fully Restored 1920s Sheep Wagon ($100+ per night): Sometimes you just want to get back to basics, even if that means going all Oregon Trail on your vacay. Visit Shirley Basin, WY, for a chance to park this 1920s-era sheep wagon — complete with a full-size bed and wood-burning stove — anywhere on the 30,000 acre ranch. Unplug and enjoy the streams, petrified forest, wildflowers and wildlife that occupy this family-run, 100-year-old ranch.
6. The Iglu Village ($115+ per night): This one-of-a-kind village in Austria is located high in the mountains of the Kuhtai ski resort. Sleep on the sheepskin-covered bed surrounded by snow and ice, and in the morning, enjoy a husky workshop or a game of traditional Tyrolean curling.
7. Secluded Tree House ($350+ per night): Who would think that in a bustling city like Atlanta you’d find a quiet treehouse escape? This magical floating compound in the woods has three tree houses connected by illuminated rope bridges. Don’t miss out on the hammock for an extra dose of rest and relaxation.
8. A Fairytale Gingerbread House ($120+ per night): Even more surprising is this “gingerbread” house in Geyserville, CA. The loft-style bedroom inside and stained glass windows will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time to a land far, far away.
9. Houseboat on a Canal ($76+ per night): The Netherlands is known for its winding canals and the cozy houseboats that occupy them. This 100-year-old houseboat in the young, hip town of Groningen is surprisingly spacious and has all the amenities you’ll need. A stay on this conveniently located boat includes a terrace for catching some sun and a grassy knoll that begs for a picnic.
10. Triangle Cottage ($220+ per night): Enjoy the epic vistas Iceland has to offer from the triangle-shaped windows of this summer retreat. Sitting in the center of an old lava field, this eye-catching cottage is surrounded by lush vegetation that includes wild berries in the summer season.
11. The Seashell House ($225+ per night): Your eyes do not deceive you; this blazing white house is in fact shaped like a cluster of seashells. It’s pretty much perfect for the beach destination of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. With its gorgeous pool and serene surroundings, the Seashell House offers a hideaway for anyone looking to avoid the touristy scene. Just make sure you like geckos, because there are a lot of ’em around here.
12. Restored 200-Year-Old Church ($110+ per night): If you’ve ever wanted the chance to spend the night in a national monument, just go to Galway, Ireland, and stay in Bookeen Hall, a Church of Ireland chapel that was built in 1808. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when you walk in and see the renovated rooms and modern furnishings. And to top it all off, your hosts will even treat you to a continental breakfast each morning.
13. The Cave House ($70+ per night): If you’re visiting Spain, you have to spend at least one night in a cave like this stylish one in Granada. You probably won’t feel too claustrophobic, but if you need to get outdoors, city center is only a 20-minute walk.
14. Royal Train Carriage ($114+ per night): There’s something so romantic about trains, and this elegant train car is no exception. Surrounded by vineyards in New South Wales, Australia, this car accommodates two, with enough space for a luxurious bed and spa bathtub. Talk about a perfect spot for a second honeymoon.
15. Bonita Domes ($85+ per night): Get back to nature with a night in a sleep pod at the private, high-desert retreat of Bonita Domes located in Joshua Tree, CA. With a communal shower house, an outhouse and an outdoor kitchen, there won’t be a whole lot of privacy around here. But the stunning views of the starry sky more than make up for it.
16. Classic Yacht in Cinque Terre ($756+ per night): Head straight to Italy to live the high life on a private yacht that comes complete with your very own crew. The Rondine II is moored in Cinque Terre National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of five villages tucked into the cliffside and only accessible by sea. Take a gastronomic adventure through the villages, which are known for growing all their own fresh ingredients.
17. Glamping in the Columbia Gorge ($149+ per night): Just 2 miles from the Pacific Crest Trail in Stevenson, WA, this camping site might not look like much, but it has all the essentials for a pleasant night spent under the stars. With a hot shower, flushing toilet, internet and fully stocked kitchen, this space has everything you’ll need. The 18-foot teepee and outdoor kitchenette overlooking the beautiful Columbia Gorge are just icing on the cake… but wait, did we mention there’s even a keg on-site filled with a local microbrew? Our glamping dreams have been answered!
18. The Cubehouse ($145+ per night): This three-story architectural wonder sits in the city center of Rotterdam, South Holland, and with its slanted walls and interesting angles you might feel a little like you’re in a funhouse. But the stylish modern furnishings and 360-degree city view from the top floor are well worth the funhouse feel. The Cubehouse is also conveniently located near a train station that’s only a 50-minute ride to Amsterdam.
Do you own a quirky Airbnb? Have you stayed at any out-of-this-world Airbnbs? Let us know in the comments below!
