11 Unique Airbnb Stays Across the US
Source: NYCxClothes
It may be the thrill of experiencing someone’s home, noticing all the quirky touches and decor details that make their place feel lived-in and personal, but I always go for Airbnb stays whenever I travel. I like to imagine what the space looks like when it's not ready for guests. Would there be a stack of books on the living room table; a blanket hanging off the couch; a window accidentally left open; or sizzling pots on the stove? I often find myself saving places for future travels.
There’s a time to nest and a time to be on the road. After months of staying home, Michael and I recently decided to shake up our routine with a cross-country road trip, You heard that right! We drove from New York to Los Angeles, by car—and then back.
Now that we’re back and ready to hibernate, I’m sharing my top Airbnb stays across the country. They will hopefully check most (if not all) of the boxes for you as they did for me. As in: stylish space (read IG Story worthy at least), great service, reasonable price, and great location. These are my best-kept secrets, so go ahead and book them for your future trips. Oh, and stay tuned for a New York specific list.
Disclaimer: This isn’t a sponsored post, and I do not receive a commission from any purchase.
Pennsylvania
Source: NYCxClothes
Location: Pittsburgh
Price: $70/night
More of an elevated crash pad, this is a no-fuss, clean and minimally-decorated apartment. It’s ideal for a night or two in Pittsburgh. The neighborhood it’s in is very scenic. It was the first stop in our cross-country road trip, and it’s pretty solid.
Minnesota
Source: NYCxClothes
Location: Minneapolis
Price: $92/night
We stayed here two years ago and it was such a lovely place to experience Minneapolis from. It gives you plenty of room to stretch, cook elaborate meals, read, watch TV, and now have a spa day. At the time of our stay, it didn’t have a sauna, so it only got better. The area is a creative hub that is home to many artists (think Bushwick).
Source: Airbnb
Location: Minneapolis
Price: $92/night
If you’ve dreamed of having a treehouse as a child, spending a few days here might come close to achieving that. At first glance, it is clear that this is a thoughtfully designed space. Spend more time there and you might eventually realize that the hosts are actual architects and designers who’ve put a lot of work into it. The neighborhood is very residential, but you’re a short drive away from a major art center and a buzzy strip of highly-rated restaurants. Michael and I originally planned to stay for one night, but the hosts were so lovely and the place so peaceful, we spontaneously booked it for a second night.
North Carolina
Tiny Living in a Magical, Bespoke Little Home
Source: Airbnb
Location: Charlotte
Price: $113/night
If you happen to be in Charlotte and want to experience tiny living, this place is your chance. I will say though that the one night we spent felt like enough. The bathroom shares the same sink as the kitchen, which we found a little unsavory. The blinds are also a little thin, but still, a pleasant stay for a night or two. I wish I could have spent more time in Charlotte, but we did get to drive through NoDa, the city’s arts and entertainment district, and had a beer flight at the NoDa Brewing Company (which I recommend stopping by).
South Carolina
Source: Airbnb
Location: Charleston
Price: $121/night
Now, I have my feelings about Charleston, but this place was a nice reprieve from the brutal homogeneity of the downtown area. Not that anywhere considered “desirable” in Charleston is as diverse as I would like it to be. But all my opinions aside, this was a charming little guesthouse.
Tennessee
Source: Airbnb
Location: Nashville
Price: $89/night
Only positive things can be said about this place. It’s thoughtful, elegant and it comes equipped with everything you need (including a washer and dryer). The neighborhood is laidback, up-an-coming and filled with small businesses (donut shops, eateries, vintage stores) for a fun treasure hunt.
I’ve had a crush on Nashville since my first visit in 2018, and I can see myself coming back here again and again. The city is a refreshing change from the more conservative parts of Tennessee, and I wish I had some vintage stores to recommend, so you’ll have to stay tuned for my next trip.
Missouri
Source: NYCxClothes
Location: Columbia
Price: $95/night
I love a house with character. A space with unexpected corners, colorful walls, wooden stairs and random meaningful objects. At times vintage, maximalist and mid-century modern, this place is full of personality. The check-in process is seamless and you have complete privacy. There’s a lovely writing nook in the upstairs bedroom, which is where I spent some time writing this post. This place is so unique, I almost wish I could’ve spent more time in Missouri. Almost.
Montana
Source: Airbnb
Location: Billings
Price: $63/night
You know I love an open loft! As a first-time visitor, I got a pretty good impression of Billings from this place. Surrounded by pubs, breweries and restaurants, it sits in the lively downtown area. The neighborhood is relatively safe, but I recommend leaving your car in a parking garage (for $8 a day). As a couple who likes to make use of a stove, we had all the basic essentials to cook a mean steak in their kitchen.
Colorado
Source: Airbnb
Location: Pagosa Springs
Price: $99/night
This was a random stop along the way and my first time in Colorado, but it was a lovely introduction. Pagosa Springs is luckily a fun little town with lots of outdoor fun. We indulged in some self-care at the nearby Springs Resorts Spa, which has 24 geothermal pools! We also had some delicious sandwiches at Riff Raff, which might just be where all the locals hang out. There’s a strip of small businesses around this apartment, so it’s easy to get immersed in the town. You’ll enjoy being close to nature and having everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Utah
Source: Airbnb
Location: Orem
Price: $64/night
We were here for barely nine hours, but it was a lovely spot on the way to LA. The space is clean, modern and decorated in typical Scandinavian fashion, so it’ll be a pleasant stay. The host almost over-communicates, so you’ll have all the instructions you need. I don’t know much about the city, but I compared the neighborhood we were in to Wisteria Lane, the fictional street from Desperate Housewives.
California
Source: NYCxClothes
Location: Los Angeles
Price: $201/night
Silver Lake is commonly referred to as the Brooklyn of LA, and after staying there twice this year, I can see the parallels. It’s laid back, has a strong food and drinks culture, and a slew of small businesses scattered across random stretches. That said, it is a high-income neighborhood so the properties sell at a premium, and I’m not actually sure there are apartments available for rent.
But I digress. This Airbnb is one of the best possible stays in Silver Lake. From the large windows that boast amazing city views to an outdoor patio, it’s as close to nature as you can get. The space was designed by a Black architect Keith Gregory Williams, and his signature style is clearly reflected in the unique decor and feel. Although the hosts live a few feet away, they aren’t intrusive at all. In fact, they’re super responsive and quick to help.