9 Trending Airbnbs to Book Before Everyone Else Does
Your 2023 travel list is about to get a whole lot longer thanks to Airbnb. The holiday home rental site recently announced some new updates designed to make it easier for hosts to list their homes on Airbnb, as well as for guests to find their perfect stay. In addition to the new set-up, protections, and coverage, Airbnb has added six new search categories including verified accessible homes, homes around 10,000 feet above sea level, and rentals with a ‘play’ element, from games rooms to water slides. Another new and exciting category is ‘trending’—featuring the highest-rated and most viewed homes on the site—essentially a shortlist of the hottest Airbnbs from around the world. Here are just some of the trending homes that caught our eye.
We've vetted these listings based on ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor. This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.
An apartment overlooking the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
Despite what Hollywood films might have you believe, it’s actually very rare to stay right next to the Eiffel Tower (Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel would be the closest hotel), which is one of the reasons why The Viognier apartment is the top trending Airbnb in Paris. The elusive location—in the Left Bank’s 7th arrondissement, steps from the Parc du Champ-de-Mars—means the sixth-floor apartment enjoys unobstructed, front-row views of the Eiffel Tower from its romantic balcony and spacious lounge. The location is unbeatable, but the apartment itself is also a rare find—air conditioning, a large kitchen, private laundry, and a building elevator are all noteworthy features in the French capital.
Sleeps: 6
Price: From $665 per night, five-night minimum stay
A Cycladic cave house on Santorini, Greek Islands
From the first photo of a curved cliffside balcony overlooking the azure Aegean Sea, it’s little wonder why this traditional cave house is the most viewed Airbnb in the Greek Islands. Originally operating as a bakery near the main pedestrian street of Oia, it has been beautifully transformed by local craftsmen to feature modern comforts while still maintaining much of the traditional elements and architecture. The original cistern is now an illuminated cocoon-like cave bedroom, fitted with an emperor-size bed. The primary bedroom is separated from the main house via a private entrance. Inside the cave makes for a special stay, but it’s the view of the caldera from the private whirlpool that makes this spot one of the best on Santorini.
Sleeps: 4
Price: From $239 per night, two-night minimum stay
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An architectural villa in Baja California, Mexico
Welcome to the house that looks good from every angle. The Costa Azul in San Jose del Cabo is typical of many Baja beach houses, but done to minimalist perfection, with a free-flowing open plan designed by award-winning Vancouver architect Javier Campos. There are indoor-outdoor spaces throughout the sprawling villa, from open-sky showers in the primary ensuite bathrooms to open-air hallways, a rooftop gym, and an outdoor bathtub and day bed surrounded by cactus and agave plants. The real show stopper is the swimming pool at the center of the house, integrated seamlessly into an open plan lounge area neighbored by an alcove ideal for practicing yoga or simply relaxing on the fringed hammock. The sleek white lines of the house are paired perfectly with raw and natural interiors—polished concrete, jute, and wood all combine together to create a dream stay in Baja California.
Sleeps: 8
Price: From $1,052 per night, eight-night minimum stay
A black desert house in California
Black on the outside, and much of the inside, the surreal and secluded Black Desert House has not only caught the eyes of Airbnb guests but also Architectural Digest. Designed by Oller and Pejic Architecture and built in 2012, the futuristic project was born from the concept of creating a house that appeared as a shadow on the landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows surround the house, so the 440 private acre landscape can be admired from multiple vantage points. The best views are from the sunken living room—by the cozy fireplace—as well as the heated infinity pool, perched amongst towering boulders and surrounded by an expansive patio with lounges and an outdoor dining area.
Sleeps: 4
Price: From $1,208 per night, two-night minimum stay
A folly tower in Louth, Ireland
You’ll find one of Ireland’s most popular Airbnbs standing tall within the green Irish countryside (about an hour’s drive from Dublin). Very tall in fact, the Victorian tower has four floors, all accessible by a winding staircase that takes 43 steps to reach the top. It’s worth the climb—the castellated roof terrace has 360-degree views and is illuminated at night so you can dine under the stars. The unique bolthole dates back to 1858 when it was built by William Drummond Delap as a Folly Tower in remembrance of his late mother. More recently it was restored into a small dwelling and further modernized to feature a well-equipped kitchen on the ground floor; a charming lounge with chesterfield sofas, red velvet curtains, and a library of books on the first floor; and a comfortable bedroom with ensuite on the second.
Sleeps: 4
Price: From $166 per night
A new luxury villa on Santa Teresa Beach, Costa Rica
Carved into a leafy hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the newly built Villa el Mango was only finished in 2021, making it one of the hottest addresses on the Santa Teresa coastline. From the saltwater infinity pool to the barbecue grill and sun loungers in the backyard, it’s clear this was built to be the ultimate party pad. Open plan, floor-to-ceiling windows and a kitchen that any home cook will love, every detail has been considered. The bedrooms are a particular crowd pleaser—all are primary bedrooms with their own ensuite and private terrace.
Sleeps: 8
Price: From $600 per night, four-night minimum stay
A mediaeval castle in Catalonia, Spain
Castle of Llaés might be one of the most historic stays available on Airbnb. The mountaintop castle, complete with fortification, parade ground, and Romanesque-style church, dates all the way back to the 10th century. As a Protected Historical Heritage Property, it took the castle owners nearly 20 years to renovate the building into a comfortable rural house featuring a modern kitchen and four bathrooms. The mediaeval history of the castle is evident everywhere you look, with antique furniture adding to the old-world experience.
Sleeps: 16
Price: From $549 per night, six-night minimum stay
A snow igloo in Lapland, Finland
More of a bucket-list experience than a simple Airbnb stay, you can book a night in an Igloo at Lucky Ranch, a horse farm and activity center in Lapland. The snow igloos are built every winter by the family-run ranch, and set up like a glamping experience with proper beds, warm sleeping bags, and LED lights. A warm house with toilets, a shower, a living room, and a kitchen is also available to guests. When walking between the two, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights.
Sleeps: 4 guests per igloo
Price: From $135 per night
A bamboo lodge in Bali, Indonesia
Rice paddies and soaring palm trees surround this Ubud Airbnb. Combined with the nearby waterfall and natural river, the setting alone is enough for it to be a trending address. But it’s the structure of the house, a whimsical egg-like loft made from bamboo, that makes this bolthole a truly unique stay. Inside the cocoon, bamboo is utilized everywhere, from the sofa and coffee table in the small lounge, to the outdoor shower and even the staircase. Upstairs, a large bamboo bed (draped with much-needed mosquito nets) sits under a high open roof so you can sleep under the stars.
Sleeps: 2
Price: From $96 per night