When it comes to travel, sometimes you just have to try something new. From a transparent pod perched on the side of a mountain to a hobbit-esque underground hygge to – yes – even a giant potato, unusual places can take your vacation to the next level. Score some major Insta-credit with an unforgettable stay at one of these unique and weird Airbnb rentals from around the world.
Published July 4, 2019, Updated February 27, 2020
An Elephant-Sized Stay: Jersey Shore, United States
Location: Jersey Shore, United States
Cost per night: $185
For three nights only (March 17-19, 2020), couples can have the chance to spend one night in one of the most recognizable monuments on the Jersey Shore: a six-storey elephant named Lucy, which is the oldest surviving roadside tourist attraction in the United States. For $138 US (the same amount of years that Lucy has been gracing the Jersey Shore), guests will receive an overnight stay, dinner and breakfast at local restaurants and a gift bag. Requests to book on Airbnb launch March 5th.
A Delicious Stay in a Potato: Idaho, United States
Location: Boise, Idaho, United States
Cost per night: $263
Take a bite out of one of the strangest (and coolest) Airbnbs out there with a night at the Big Idaho Potato Hotel. The six-tonne potato used to travel across America, but now it lives on 400 acres of beautiful farmland just outside of downtown Boise. Inside, the potato is surprisingly elegant – designed by former Big Idaho Potato Tour spokesperson Kristie Wolfe, the interior features all-white walls, vintage records and stylish furnishings like a custom-built bed. Outside, there’s even a customized silo that’s been transformed into a mini-spa bathroom.
Related: Ellen DeGeneres Buys Adam Levine’s Posh Beverly Hills Mansion for $45M
A Bamboo Beauty: Bali, Indonesia
Location: Bali, Indonesia
Cost per night: $217
One of the most-wished locations on Airbnb, this two-story Bali retreat is made entirely of bamboo for a unique eco experience. The Hideout is completely encircled by nature, deep in the mountains of the Gunung Agung volcano. There’s a two-night minimum stay – which seems fine, since it’s hard to imagine wanting to leave.
Related: Are You Brave Enough to Rent This Airbnb on the Edge of an Active Volcano?
A Bubble-icious Wine Country Retreat: Baja California, Mexico
Location: Baja California, Mexico
Cost per night: $206
Have you ever dreamt of waking up amidst the jade-hued vines of wine country? How about of going to bed in your own private sphere? Campera Hotel’s French-designed, state-of-the-art bubbles let you truly immerse yourself in the stunning Mexican wine country. These weird-but-wonderful Airbnb rentals are like upscale glamping, with a full-size bed, private bathroom and distinctive bubble-inspired design.
Art Meets Airbnb: Toyko, Japan
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost per night: $215
If you’re allergic to boring, this unusual Airbnb lets you immerse yourself in art while you stay in the cultural hub of east Tokyo. BnA STUDIO Akihabara is an Art x Hospitality project – your room was designed by a collective of artists (and part of the profits from your stay go towards supporting the artists).
Carve Out Cool: Santorini, Greece
Location: Santorini, Greece
Cost per night: $897
Go old-school cool with Hector Cave House, overlooking the mind-blowing views of Santorini. Originally a wine cellar, the iconic white house has been carved into the Caldera Cliff for more than 250 years for some serious cultural cred.
A Cave of Stylish Wonders: Chania, Greece
Location: Chania, Greece
Cost per night: $132
Strange meets luxe with this stone-cold cool Airbnb in Chania. This renovated studio is located in a cave, so you’re surrounded by an incredible combination of natural rock and upscale, modern furnishings. Outside, a balcony gives you a view of the mountains and nearby Kissamos Bay.
A Place Worth Barking About: Idaho, United States
Location: Cottonwood, Idaho, United States
Cost per night: $174
Must love dogs. This delightfully strange Airbnb offers a beagle-shaped building and plenty of whimsy. The one-unit is located in the heart of rural Idaho, so you’ll enjoy classic views of prairie grain and surrounding mountains. Inside, dog-themed decor adds to the fun. Overall? The place is doggone charming.
Off-The-Grid Adobe: Terlingua, Texas
Location: Terlingua, Texas, United States
Cost per night: $116
Go off-the-grid. This solar-powered adobe dome earth house lets you get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, while being treated to incredible sunrises, sunsets and the unobstructed night sky. Inside, the isolated dome stocks the essentials for your time in the desert, with a small kitchen, bed and half bath.
A Serious View: Sacred Valley of Cuzco, Peru
Location: Urubamba, Peru
Cost per night: $631
Location, location, location – it’s never been more true than with this gravity-defying adventure suite suspended from a mountain in the Sacred Valley of Cuzco in Peru. Not for those with a fear of heights, the Skylodge Adventure Suite features a completely transparent hanging bedroom for a once-in-a-lifetime view. If you’re adventurous, getting there is half the fun, too – you can either climb the mountain or hike a trail through ziplines to get to your rental.
Reflect on Nature: California, United States
Location: Santa Barbara, California, United States
Cost per night: $301
You know what they say about glass houses: stay in them for at least a night, for an extraordinary experience. At least, that’s the case with this luxurious Santa Barbara retreat, featuring a private cottage built of glass and mirrors, designed to reflect the home’s connection with its natural surroundings. In addition to the one-of-a-kind cottage, the retreat gives you access to an outside lounge kitchen, a redwood shower and bath house, a pool and hot tub, hammocks and even fresh eggs from chickens on the property.
Southern Charm in the Trees: Georgia, United States
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Cost per night: $493
Relax and unwind in a dreamy oasis in the sky with this urban retreat in the trees. Located minutes from downtown Atlanta, the treehouse’s suite of three rooms is connected by rope bridges for a unique experience that connects you with nature. Twinkle lights, wood and cozy furnishings make the unusual design of this Airbnb feel like home.
A Better View: Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Location: Burlington, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Cost per night: $90
Enjoy iconic harbour sights and a unique experience with The Lighthouse Inn in Burlington. The classic red-and-white lighthouse features four levels, with the top level dedicated to scoping out the scenery. Outside, a deck, fire pit and barbecue are perfect for relaxing – if you can tear yourself away from the amazing views.
A Stay on a Grounded Plane: St. Michel Chef Chef, France
Location: St. Michel Chef Chef, France
Cost per night: $133
Is it possible to actually get some sleep on a place? Yes – especially if the plane is grounded. Located minutes from the beach and sea, this real plane is the perfect unique Airbnb. Outside, the plane has kept its classic aviation-inspired good looks, while the inside has been comforted to accommodate four people. Your best bet is to visit in the summer – from May to September, there’s a swimming pool and water slides on site.
An Island All Your Own: Brother Island, Philippines
Location: Brother Island, Philippines
Cost per night: $409
What if you could have white sands, blue waters and sunshine all to yourself? Renting a stay on Brother Island lets you do just that. Located in the Sulu Sea, Brother Island is a secluded, fully staffed (including a housekeeper and cook) private island that accommodates groups of up to 16. Relax on the beach, go snorkelling, sleep all day. It’s up to you when it’s your own personal island.
Related: Island of Bryan: See How the Baeumlers Have Transformed Their Bahamian Resort
A Home Amidst the Rainforest Trees: Alajuela, Costa Rica
Location: Alajuela, Costa Rica
Cost per night: $164
Head to the tropics for an extraordinary Airbnb experience with this house in the trees in the Costa Rican rainforest. Located in the countryside, the treehouse is surrounded by tropical wildlife and lush rainforest. As a guest, you’ll have 24-hour access to the area’s natural deep-Earth hot springs – these ancient, mineral-rich waters have been around for at least 10,000 years.
Related: These Stunning and Unique Treehouses Take Seclusion to New Heights
Under-The-Sea Inspo: Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Location: Isla Mujeres, Mexico
Cost per night: $327
You may never be a mermaid, but you can sleep (in luxury) amidst seashells with this stunning Seashell house. The fantastical gated property is styled to look like a duo of enormous white seashells. While outside, a private pool enhances the water-loving vibes. Don’t worry, if things get too hot and you need a break from the Mexican sun, there’s in-shell WiFi and air conditioning.
Related: San Francisco ‘Full House’ Home Hits the Market at $6M
A Coned Trullo: Cisternino, Italy
Location: Cisternino, Italy
Cost per night: $146
Go the historical route with a holiday spent in this historic complex of trulli in the Itria Valley of Italy. Built in the 1800s, the classic stone trullo features signature cones and arches for a traditional feel – but the complex was renovated in 2005 to add contemporary comforts.
A Hobbit’s Dream Hygge: Washington, United States
Location: Orondo, Washington, United States
Cost per night: $526
If you’re a lover of all things hobbit, then this dreamy underground hygge snuggled in the Columbia River Gorge mountainside is a weird Airbnb dream come true. Showcasing picture-perfect details like a round doorway, natural wood and a classic indoor fireplace, the cozy dwelling is surrounded by animals like deer, rabbits and birds to complete your idyllic stay.
A Romantic Windmill: Abcoude, Netherlands
Location: Abcoude, Netherlands
Cost per night: $426
While a windmill may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think “vacay,” this iconic windmill, which goes back to 1874, is actually the perfect place for an iconic Netherlands experience. Located near Amsterdam, this historic windmill is nestled amongst green fields, with sheep wandering nearby for the ultimate tranquil stay. Inside, a beautiful mix of white walls and wood accents carry forward the classic Dutch feel.
Related: 20 Things You Need to Know to Become a Successful Host on Airbnb
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