So, you’re planning a trip across the country and you don’t know where to stay. Skip the boring hotels and book Airbnbs instead. The beauty of Airbnbs is that you can get completely unique properties and experiences you would otherwise not have known about had you not strayed from the beaten path. And while it can be difficult to narrow down the millions of choices across America, we’ve hit on 6 that we bet every traveler would love to stay at.
Here are our top choices for the best Airbnbs in America:
- Untitled at 3 Freeman - Studio Mini: Best City Getaway
- Sky Haus: Best Mountain Retreat
- Off-grid itHouse: Best Off-Grid Stay
- Modern Mountain Lake House: Best Lakeshore Cabin
- Beachfront Apartment in Malibu: Best Beachfront Rental
- Little Bear Modern Cabin: Best Tiny Home
How We Selected the Best Airbnbs
Everyone has their own definition of “best”, so narrowing down the choices was extremely difficult. In the end, we settled with this criter
- Value: None of these Airbnbs come cheap. But, if you’re looking for the best properties to stay at, then expect to pay top dollar. We did, however, take a look at price in comparison to what you’re getting, so that you’ll get your money’s worth—and more.
- Design: What’s the point of staying at an Airbnb if it just looks like your typical suburban house? These properties are all architectural marvels, and have the most amazing interior design, so that you’ll feel like you’re on another planet.
- Great Location: We’re not talking about being in close proximity to a historical landmark (although that was a factor, too)—instead, we looked at each location and determined its overall appeal and natural beauty.
- Amenities: No guest wants to tote around toiletries such as shampoo and conditioner, and great hosts know that. These properties all have the essentials so that you can arrive stress-free and ready to enjoy the property.
- Reviews: The best people to ask about the property are the customers who have stayed in them themselves. We scoured through thousands of reviews to find properties that consistently ranked high on people’s lists.
- Hosts: Finally, we judged based on the ratings of the hosts. Most are Superhosts (hosts with a minimum rating of 4.8), which means a very consistent track record when it comes to hosting great experiences.
1. Untitled at 3 Freeman - Studio Mini: Best City Getaway
Are you more of a city slicker than a mountain explorer? If your idea of relaxing involves going out to the latest restaurant and bars, then this tiny studio from Untitled at 3 Freeman located in the heart of New York City is perfect.
At 125 sq ft, this room is tiny and yet it’s gorgeously designed. With a double-sized bed, it has everything you and a friend need for a quick weekend getaway, including soap, shampoo/conditioner, towels, linens, air conditioning and heat, a bluetooth speaker, and a Smart TV.
Nestled in the Lower East Side, this is the perfect space to unwind after a long day (or night) in the bustling city. The building it's in also has some nice amenities, like a shared gym and an elevator, so don’t worry about overpacking.
Rates start at $165 per night.
2. Sky Haus: Best Mountain Retreat
Surrounded by the lush forests of Skykomish, Washington, the Sky Haus perfectly balances rustic charm with modern design. This picturesque A-frame cabin with its floor-to-ceiling windows offers breathtaking views of the PNW.
For nature lovers, this cabin is located within short driving distance to Stevens Pass. The quaint town of Skykomish is also only a few miles away.
Inside the beautiful cabin, you’ll find a fully equipped kitchen, a well-stocked bathroom, a cozy indoor fireplace, and a loft bedroom with three beds, and there is an additional sofa bed in the living room. Outside, there is a private deck and a hot tub that’s perfect to unwind in after a long day of adventure.
Rates start at $275 per night.
3. Off-grid itHouse: Best Off-Grid Stay
Situated in the remote desert landscape of Pioneertown, California, the Off-grid itHouse is every minimalist’s dream.
This sleek home blends seamlessly with the surrounding desert, with large glass windows that showcase panoramic views of the rugged terrain and starry night skies.
This truly off-grid 2-bed, 1-bath home runs on solar power and has a very small carbon footprint. Don’t expect all the usual amenities here: it has no WiFi, and utilizes satellite WiFi for emergencies.
Just a short drive away from Joshua Tree National Park, this is a beautiful space to relax and take in the serene beauty of California.
4. Modern Mountain Lake House: Best Lakeshore Cabin
Looking for a family-friendly getaway? Tucked away in Polson, Montana, is this beautiful lake house situated right on Flathead Lake.
Forget all about the lake houses you know from childhood: this home is luxuriously designed with floor-to-ceiling windows, a spacious deck with a hot tub and grill, and contemporary interiors. It can fit up to 10 guests in 4 bedrooms, and has 3 bathrooms for everyone’s comfort.
The gorgeous interiors include indoor fireplaces, a wine chiller, a cozy downstairs den—complete with a foosball table—and lots of spots where you can hunker down with a good book and a glass of wine while overlooking the lake.
Rates start at $1030 per night.
5. Beachfront Apartment in Malibu: Best Beachfront Rental
Imagine a world where you can fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the ocean. This beachfront apartment, situated right on the sandy shores of Malibu, will give you just that.
The beach chic decor and weather-beaten wooden interiors make this a stylish coastal destination you’d love to relax in for a weekend getaway.
Savor your morning coffee on the porch or stroll along the pristine beach just a few steps away—or even go for a dip with the sea lions and dolphins. This 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment is the romantic, tranquil retreat we’re all daydreaming about.
6. Little Bear Modern Cabin: Best Tiny Home
Tiny home living may not be for everyone, but you can’t deny that it does create a cozy atmosphere that’s ideal for a quiet stay. Located in Sierraville, California, part of the Constellation Creek group of cabins is the Little Bear Cabin—a modern take on tiny cabin living.
This 300 sq ft cabin comes with a queen sized bed, a fully-equipped bathroom and kitchen, an indoor fireplace, and a serene outdoor dining space with a fire pit, grill, and breathtaking views of the lush forests surrounding the property.
At the front of the cabin is a charming creek that will lull you to sleep every night, unless you’re too busy gazing at the gorgeous, starry skies above. In the mornings, enjoy walks on dozens of hiking trails or taking dips in small swimming holes—all from just beyond the cabin’s walls.
Bottom Line
With countless properties across America, selecting the perfect stay can be daunting. But what’s great about the vast amount of choices is that you’re sure to find gems wherever you look.
And whether you crave a historic brownstone in New York’s charming neighborhoods, a sleek modern apartment in San Francisco's bustling downtown, or a rustic cottage tucked away in the Smoky Mountains, Airbnb can match your every travel desire and help you create unforgettable experiences.
