Epic Stays tips

The Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Visiting the artistic complex offers a chance to stand where philosophers once debated, where democracy was born, and where art and culture flourished during the Greco-Roman era. The structure has endured wars and stood the test of time thanks to ongoing restoration and conservation efforts. It sits atop a hill in the heart of Athens, which rewards visitors with panoramic views of the city, stretching all the way to the Aegean Sea. The UNESCO World Heritage site attracts around three million visitors annually. Due to the throngs of summer tourists and concerns over the long-term preservation of the ancient citadel, there is now a daily cap of 20,000 sightseers per day. The restriction does not affect most. That said, opting for a vacation rental close to the Acropolis will give you a head start for a morning visit and a spectacular backdrop for your stay. These Airbnbs near the Acropolis are all within walking distance from the heritage site and have direct views of the complex from balconies or rooftops, so you can sit back and enjoy your visit to Athens without hustling through crowds.

Salt lake city is the best outdoorsy big city in America, with easy access to skiing, climbing, hiking, biking, and — because of the lake from which it got its name — even on-water activities. These combine to make SLC the perfect basecamp for your Utah adventures, and these are the top Airbnb Salt Lake City rentals to host your stay.

We hope you love Romer Waikīkī! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Who doesn’t love a good blast to the past? Whether it’s the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, 90s, or even the aughts, nostalgia has a way of getting people excited. To immerse completely in the ’80s, you need to check out this ’80s themed Airbnb in North Carolina. Guests will feel like they’ve stepped into a time machine straight to a classic, decade-appropriate arcade.

Asheville is North Carolina’s most vibrant and dynamic city. It’s a place that appeals to all — mountain lovers, foodies, and culture enthusiasts. Whether you’re visiting Asheville to escape into nature or dive into downtown’s cosmopolitan and artsy vibes, these Airbnbs in Asheville provide a home base (or an experience into themselves) at a variety of price points.

With 466 bridges crossing over three rivers, three major sports teams, four Carnegie museums, and 90 distinct neighborhoods to explore – not forgetting the origin story of “57 varieties” – there’s no need to be a math genius to work out that Pittsburgh offers infinite entertainment. This mid-sized city in western Pennsylvania has a small-town vibe and a rich cultural scene expressed through visual and performance art. These top-rated Airbnbs in Pittsburgh put you close to the Penguins and your next Primanti sandwich.

What ski culture in the US has historically lacked is the idea of community-based après-ski activities. In the US, après-ski is usually no more than grabbing a drink in the ski lodge bar, and lacks the kind of scale and excitement that makes it a vital part of the ski day, as you’d find in the Alps.

The Kimpton Banneker, a boutique Washington, D.C., property in a historic building near Dupont Circle, boasts 144 guest rooms and suites spread out across ten stories. The vibe is modern and trendy, setting a new tone in the heart of a capital city steeped in institutional tradition, and in a great location for both work and play, to boot. There are two on-site restaurants (including a beautiful open-air rooftop terrace) and an impressive range of traveler-friendly amenities for guests to indulge in to enjoy a comfortable visit. It’s also easily accessible to many well-known attractions like the National Mall, the famed cultural institutions of downtown D.C., and the sought-after restaurants and shops of Dupont Circle.

Colorado is a great destination for those wanting to smoke marijuana legally – though it’s important to follow regulations that stipulate you must be on private property. Fortunately, these 420-friendly Airbnbs in Colorado give you a safe space to toke up. With its abundant natural beauty, exciting activities, and laid-back atmosphere, you’ll be sure to find plenty of unique experiences. Along with this, the state boasts a huge selection of dispensaries where visitors can legally purchase cannabis products. Whether it’s exploring the rugged mountains and stunning landscapes or simply taking in all that vibrant cities like Denver and Boulder have to offer – there’s something special here for every cannabis enthusiast.

Presiding over Manhattan since 1930, the Empire State Building is as emblematic of New York City as the Statue of Liberty. Observatories are installed on the 86th and 102nd floors but the experience starts at street level where craning your neck up the length of the Art Deco tower is a traveler’s rite of passage. Skip the subway and stay at one of these Manhattan Airbnbs near the Empire State Building.

Denver is known as the “Mile High City” due to some parts of the state capital standing exactly one mile above sea level. After recreational marijuana was legalized in Colorado back in January 2014, cannabis-curious travelers can now get high in more ways than one. Flower, edibles, and other apparel must only be purchased from a licensed dispensary and consumed on private property in Denver. Sidewalks, ski slopes, and trails are off-limits but 420-friendly accommodation is a safe haven to space out. These cannabis-friendly Airbnbs in Denver give you the green light to smoke.

Hotel AKA Alexandria is a chic, sultry, boutique-feeling hotel hosting 180 residential-style accommodations in the Alexandria, Virginia’s, Northern Old Town Alexandria neighborhood. It’s an easy 15-minute walk from traditional downtown Old Town Alexandria’s bustling shopping, dining, and attractions and a quick 20-minute drive from downtown Washington. D.C.’s metropolitan atmosphere. But it’s secluded enough and separated away from the traffic and hustle of nearby business districts to offer a nice, quiet respite as a home base while visiting the area.

I’m scooped up by a golf cart and whisked along a palm-tree-lined pathway to Paradisus La Perla, an adults-only all-inclusive Meliá resort on the sandy shores of Playa del Carmen, Mexico. I’m taken to the inner sanctum of the Reserve members lounge for check-in, a perk for upgraded guests. I’m surrounded by marble flooring, wall art, and a welcome-snack area. Through the glass doors straight ahead, there’s a sweeping view of the main pool area. This is the start of a relaxing getaway that’s focused equally on wellness and adventure.

Sunsets, sandy beaches, and sunshine collide in glamorous Santa Barbara. With the Santa Ynez Mountains looming in the background and pretty Spanish downtown streets to explore, this central California resort suits outdoor enthusiasts as well as city slickers and foodies. All you need is a place to get your beauty sleep. Here’s our selection of the coolest Airbnb Santa Barbara homes and beach house rentals.

Humidity. That was the first thought that went through my mind upon exiting the terminal at Bali’s Denpasar International Airport — though, to be honest, not much was happening in my brain after 27-plus hours of travel. Unable to place the exact time of day (or which day of the week it was), I managed to find our driver in a chaotic sea of hotel signs, and was immediately greeted with a cold bottle of water, wet towel, and car pulsing with air conditioning. This, I thought, couldn’t be a better welcome.

It’s the live music that summons travelers to Austin, Texas; nightly performances coupled with major festivals maintain a steady intake year-round. Outdoorsy adventurers can tap on a dip in Barton Springs and tackle the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail whereas foodies are nourished by Tex-Mex eateries and taprooms galore. The accommodation scene is equally dynamic and Airbnb’s latest category makes it easier to fish out the coolest places to stay in the state capital. Recover from one too many Mexican martinis at these Guest Favorite Airbnbs in Austin.

Ask a New York City regular where to stay in Manhattan and they’ll tell you NoMad is the coolest downtown neighborhood. The clue is in the name: NoMad, or Madison Square North, bounces right off the north end of Madison Square Park. A recent revival has brought a surge in luxury hotels, inventive bistros, and voguish bars to this historic 30-block nook. NoMad hotels are close (but not too close) to Times Square while Chelsea and the Flatiron District are on the doorstep. The “North of Madison Square Park” neighborhood is ripe with luxury hotels for sightseeing and nightlife in NYC, and the new INNSiDE by Meliá New York NoMad leads the pack.

The moment you enter The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa, your eyes dart to the infinity pools and crystal-clear teal waters that await you through the lobby doors. For me, as a first-time traveler to Cancún, this was the moment that the slight chaos of the busy tourist city faded away, and I was able to step into that zen vacation state that we all crave.

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Manchester is located in the northwest region of England. This city has a storied history of originally being known as a hub for industrial manufacturing — but today has transformed into a trendy spot boasting spirited energy, soccer fever, tasty food, a vibrant music scene, and interesting cultural offerings.

It’s that time of year again: the season for plotting out where to travel in the New Year. Staying closer to home is just as on-trend as venturing to faraway destinations for 2024. This skips the hassle of passport renewal and paves the way for spontaneous getaways to storybook cabins under unpolluted skies and lodges near national parks, part of Airbnb’s predicted trends for the year. Here’s a taste of what these trending and wish-listed Airbnbs in the United States offer for 2024.