Airbnb: ten unusual places to stay
21.07.2023 - 08:33
/ roughguides.com
Tired of the usual bed-in-a-box hotel rooms? As Airbnb takes over the world we had a rummage for some unusual places to stay listed on the site.
If you like owls, you’d be wise to check out this bird-like bolthole just outside Liverpool. Built at the bottom of a garden, the eco-friendly cabin has two eye-shaped windows on the front and – as this owl can’t swivel its head around – a big glass pane at the back, providing views over the sea and sand dunes. Inside there’s a feather-soft bed, but unfortunately there’s no bathroom; when nature calls guests pop into the owner’s bungalow.
£80/night
Okay, so it’s not quite the Great Pyramid, but this cute wooden cottage near the Chilean border is impressive in its own way. From the wide windows, edged by warm timber boards, it’s easy to make out the toothy peaks of the Andes. At night, guests can head up to the glass point on top for a spot of astronomy and discover whether this pyramid – like its Egyptian cousins – was built with knowledge of the stars.
£27/night
Ever since tree-house hotels started sprouting up around the world, the focus has been on smart design. Take Sweden’s Treehotel, for example, or these new spherical pods hanging from trees on Vancouver Island. This dinky tree house with views over Falmouth Bay takes back some of the childish innocence, with knotted sticks running along the walls and the chunky trunk of an ash tree climbing past the table.
£75/night
Although it’s most famous for its bikes, Amsterdam has – thanks to its labyrinthine canals – a prodigious number of houseboats. They come in all shapes and sizes but for long-term stays this floating flat southwest of the centre, with its sleek lines, high ceilings and free wifi, has got to be one of the smartest options. And if you do fancy cycling, you’re in luck: bikes are included in the rental price.
£69/night
Sleeping under the stars has never been more comfortable. These geodesic domes in Chile are built with a bed close to the roof, which retracts back to reveal the heavens. That leaves plenty of floor space for sofas and armchairs, which guests can kick back in while reading books about the constellations. With the combination of low humidity and high altitude, clear skies are almost guaranteed.
£101/night
A great option for budget travellers (or anyone of a masochistic persuasion), this place offers a whole square metre to stretch out in. The idea is that guests pay €1 per night and can then enjoy use of a tiny, portable house. After dark, they flip it over onto its side and bed down for the night. There aren’t any reviews online yet and, as the house is more of an architectural experiment than a regular accommodation option, would-be guests have to apply in advance using Facebook.