Checking In: 4 Incredible (and Affordable) Places to Stay on Airbnb

by  Cailin Barrett-Bressack | Aug 12, 2013
Canals in Amsterdam
Canals in Amsterdam / KavalenkavaVolha/iStock

Why settle for a boring hotel room when you can stay somewhere that takes your trip to a whole new level? Though many Airbnb listings feature normal, furnished apartments and homes for short-term rental, there are also quite a few lighthouses, houseboats, and castles available around the globe – most with price tags that rival or beat the nearest hotel.

To find the most interesting places to stay, pick your city and then narrow down your search by “room types” like villas, tree houses, campers, or igloos (find these options on the left side of the screen). Once you’ve found somewhere that floats your boat (or is perhaps an actual boat), submit a reservation request through the “book it” button on the website.

Don’t know where to start? We’ve compiled a few of our favorite lodgings to jumpstart your imagination...

1. Vintage Houseboat, Amsterdam
This houseboat is located in a picturesque canal in central Amsterdam. For only 135 euro ($185) per night, you can’t go wrong, especially considering the sunny terrace for people and duck watching, a bottle of Prosecco waiting for you upon arrival, and the location within walking distance of most major museums.

2. Casa Caracol, Isla Mujeres
This one-of-a-kind house is literally shaped like a seashell, with amazing design details and a private pool. It’s perfect for a secluded and completely original Cancun vacation (for a competitive $225 per night).

3. Castle, Northern England
Not every bed and breakfast makes you feel like you’re in a fairy tale, but this one fits the bill. This Victorian gem has 15 acres of gardens to explore, and includes breakfast, four poster beds, and fireplaces in the rooms. The best part? Rooms are only $150 per night.

4. Wings Neck Lighthouse, Massachusetts
Though located only an hour outside Boston, this lighthouse feels a world away. Private sandy beaches surround the house, which sleeps eight. It’ll cost you $4,500 for the week, but the price seems worth it since (according to the reviews), watching a sunset from the top of the light tower can be a life-changing experience.

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