You want a vacation rental like no other, but there are so many in your market—here are the most unique Airbnb ideas that stop potential guests’ scroll and be sure your listing won’t get lost in the feed.
No matter your market, it’s no secret that the vacation and short-term rental industry has taken off over the last couple of years. With so much competition, how do you make your place stand out from the rest?
Great design and amenities are going to be your secret weapons to success. But don’t just sport the same look and features as the others out there on the market. Instead, you’ll need to hone in on what it is that can make your place the most unique and original out there, while still maintaining a tactful and clean style (important).
Here are the top most unique Airbnb ideas that’ll inspire you as you setup (or refresh) your vacation rental.
This post is all about the most unique Airbnb ideas.
Most Unique Airbnb Ideas:
1. Local Custom Artwork
Guests want more than just a comfortable stay at your vacation rental– they want the experience of what its like to be a local. Genius artwork like this custom drawing of Table Rock Lake helps create that localized vibe that guests want.
2. Pet-Friendly
While this feature understandably isn’t for every host, making your place pet-friendly is a great way to stand out in the listings. Many dog and cat owners like to bring their furry friends along for the fun when they travel and providing this feature is such a huge convenience to that demographic.
In addition to allowing pets, you might consider pet-friendly features like a fenced-in yard, a dog bed, complimentary startup supply of food or treats, and poop pickup bags.
3. Feature Wall
One of the things that’ll get guests to stop their scroll when looking at options for their stay is something bold that catches the eye like this flashy green feature wall. Its so simple to create something like this and really makes a difference in terms of making your listing photos stand out.
4. Vinyl Record Wall
A Vinyl record wall is basically a feature wall that serves two purposes– it’s instant decor and also an entertainment opportunity for guests visiting your place. You can easily create one with some picture frame ledges and your favorite vinyl records.
Related: How to Design an Airbnb: A Step-by-Step Process to an Instaworthy STR
5. Neon Sign
The neon sign trend you see all over Instagram is a super fun feature to have at your Airbnb. I’ve seen them above a bed, couch, or as a part of a photo backdrop, which brings me to my next idea…
6. Photo Backdrop
Travel these days is all about the photo ops– well, partly at least! Having a dedicated spot for guests to take a photo is a two-for-one. Guests get the selfies they want, and you get free advertising if they tag you (be sure to provide an instagram handle!)
7. A Killer Outdoor Space
Little else says vacation than lounging in an outdoor space as dreamy as this. Having an inviting space like this to return to after a day of activities just feels absolutely right, and this host nailed it with this luxurious patio that also brings in all the right elements of nature.
8. Game Room
Some hosts are providing mini arcades or game tables as an amenity at their vacation rental, and it can be a hit, especially with families or larger groups. I love that its brings people together and provides a fun thing to do on a rainy vacation day or during down time.
Related: 7 Incredibly Helpful Airbnb Host Tips for Beginners
9. Wall Decals
These fun wall decals are a great way to jazz up a bedroom like this host did. I love the idea of neutral walls, clean white bedding, and the simple yet fun pop of funk that these wall designs flaunt.
10. Bidet
OK, I’m not totally sure why these are the novelty that they are, but for some reason, people can be very passionate about bidets! A simple way to up your bathroom game and have your guest feeling like a whole new person after they do their bathroom duty.
11. Heated Toilet Seat
And while we’re talking about toilet amenities, apparently the heated toilet seat also is another bathroom-time game changer. Give your guests the ultimate bathroom business experience with this simple amenity.
Related:Top 21 Things Airbnb Guests Love
12. Binzebo
I have to admit, I’d never heard of a Bin-zebo, before catching sight of this trendy looking outdoor gathering pavilion made of recycled grain bins. It adds such a cool industrial vibe and adds such a cool statement to this host’s listing.
13. Stocked Beach Closet
Another super unique amenity some hosts are providing are complimentary items that guests might need while visiting the area– for example a beach closet containing all the things a family might need when hitting the beach: beach towels, a bag, wagon, sunscreen, umbrella, etc. What a fantastic feature to have so that guest don’t have to worry about packing these items!
14. Themed Interior
Theming, when done tastefully, is a great way to make your property shine! And when you’re located near a place like Disney World, like this host is- you’ve just GOT to use that to your advantage. What young princesses or group of girlfriends wouldn’t just feel like royalty staying at this Princess Penthouse?!
15. Outdoor Shower
I once stayed in a small rustic Airbnb in the mountain region of Puerto Rico. The place was simple, a small room with a half bath and only an outdoor, cold water shower. But let me tell you– that freezing cold outdoor shower experience overlooking the mountains of PR was just about the most invigorating experience I’ve ever had. If you’ve got a spot for it, consider adding an outdoor shower to your Airbnb because theres just nothing like it!
16. Swing Chair
This adorable swinging chair creates an iconic little nook thats perfect for a photo, as well as for lounging, of course. This host created such a unique, serene space for guests to relax and enjoy the sights of nature at her property.
17. Funky Tile
Similar to the feature wall idea, fun tile in a bathroom or kitchen can be a fantastic way to set your place apart from the others. Consider passing on the white subway tile option that’s all the rage and and go with something bold in color or a fun pattern.
18. Barrel Sauna
If you can add a barrel sauna to your Airbnb, you’ve got a highly sought after amenity that not many others have. You get get a barrel sauna kit pretty easily these days and they are fairly inexpensive for the luxury experience you’re getting!
Conclusion:
Designing a unique Airbnb is such a fun and creative process, and its often what brings hosts the most joy when it comes to owning a vacation rental. I hope you found these unique Airbnb ideas to be inspiring for your own journey of designing and setting up your property to get it ready to be enjoyed by guests!
If you found this post inspiring, you’ll also love:
Best Airbnb Interior Design Styles That’ll Make Guests Swoon
The Airbnb Essentials List Every Host Needs: A Complete Printable Checklist
New Airbnb Hosts: Click here to setup your host account for the first time!
This post was all about the most unique Airbnb ideas.
