When I first started using Airbnb, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. Would it be awkward? Would I be staying in someone’s dusty guest room with weird vibes? But over time — and through a mix of trial and error — I’ve come to love Airbnb for what it offers: a chance to step into someone’s world, even if just for a night.
Living in New York, I’m used to tight spaces and fast paces. So whenever I travel, I look for Airbnb stays that slow things down — places with charm, character, or just a little more soul than a standard hotel. I’ve stayed in remote cabins, sunny studios, even one odd houseboat in Amsterdam. This review is a little different — instead of reviewing one product or place, I’m sharing my favorite Airbnb experiences so far, and what made them special.
Whether you’re planning your next trip or just curious how other people travel, I hope these stories give you a few ideas — and maybe even help you avoid some of my mistakes.
🛖 The Cabin in Vermont That Made Me Love Stillness
One of my absolute favorite stays was a tiny A-frame cabin tucked into the woods near Stowe, Vermont. No TV. No cell signal. Just a wood-burning stove, a little deck with two chairs, and enough firewood to last the weekend.
I remember arriving just before sunset, tired from the drive, and stepping inside to total silence. I cooked a simple pasta, opened a bottle of wine, and sat outside watching the trees sway in the wind. It was the first time in months that I hadn’t heard a siren, car horn, or phone buzz.
That stay reminded me that I don’t always need Wi-Fi to feel connected — sometimes a quiet place and a warm blanket are enough.
🌞 A Sunlit Studio in Lisbon That Felt Like Home
Lisbon surprised me. I’d booked a third-floor walk-up in Alfama mostly for the price, but what I got was this airy, sun-drenched studio with tall windows and creaky floors. The host had left me a handwritten note with a list of her favorite bakeries (I still dream about the pastel de nata from Manteigaria).
Every morning I’d open the windows wide, let in the smell of baked bread, and sip coffee on the tiny balcony. It wasn’t fancy — there was no elevator, and the shower was definitely made for someone under 5’10” — but it felt like mine for those few days.
Sometimes, the best Airbnb experiences aren’t about luxury, but about rhythm — the morning light, the neighborhood sounds, the feeling of belonging even just briefly.
🛶 That Houseboat in Amsterdam (Yes, It Rocked)
Okay, this one was weird in the best way. I booked a floating houseboat in Amsterdam just to say I did it, and… yeah, I’m glad I did.
The motion took a minute to get used to — the boat would gently rock whenever someone walked past on the dock — but once I got into it, it was almost meditative. The interior was minimal: a narrow kitchen, a bunk-style bed tucked into the corner, and big windows that overlooked the canal.
One night it rained, and I lay there listening to the drops hitting the roof, the boat swaying just slightly beneath me. It was like being in a lullaby.
🌵 Desert Escape in Joshua Tree
I stayed at a mid-century modern house near Joshua Tree National Park that honestly felt like a movie set. Everything was styled — the record player, the cactus garden, the clawfoot tub outdoors — but somehow it didn’t feel fake.
The host had thought of everything: robes, a stargazing guide, even a Polaroid camera with film. At night, the sky lit up like something out of a planetarium. I sat by the firepit, wrapped in a wool blanket, just looking up for what felt like hours.
It reminded me how rare true darkness is — and how good it feels to be under a sky that makes you feel small in the best way.
🍜 Tokyo Apartment with a Tiny Magic Kitchen
In Tokyo, I rented a micro-apartment not much bigger than my NYC studio — and it somehow felt twice as efficient. The kitchen was the size of a closet but had every tool I needed to make miso soup and tamago gohan. The toilet had more buttons than my TV remote.
The neighborhood (Shimokitazawa) was full of thrift stores, record shops, and noodle joints — I felt like I was in a manga for a week.
What I loved most was how intentional everything felt. The host had even left origami instructions on the desk. I spent one rainy afternoon folding cranes while sipping matcha and listening to city rain on the glass.
🐈 Bonus: The One With the Cat
Not every Airbnb is about views or vibes — sometimes, it’s about the cat. I once stayed in a guesthouse in Portland where the listing mentioned “an older, aloof cat named Carl.” Carl turned out to be the highlight of my stay.
He’d appear at random, give me the slow blink of approval, and then curl up on the windowsill while I read. I’m not even a huge cat person, but Carl and I had a thing that week.
I left Portland feeling like I’d made a friend — one who judged me silently, but still.
✅ What Makes an Airbnb Experience Great?
After dozens of stays across cities and small towns, I’ve noticed a few things that really make a difference:
💬 Communication
A good host who checks in, gives local tips, and responds quickly is worth their weight in gold. It doesn’t have to be chatty — just clear and helpful.
🧼 Cleanliness (Goes Without Saying)
There’s Airbnb-clean and then there’s hotel-clean. I’ve had both. The great ones feel like someone actually cares about the space.
🪟 Light and Layout
Natural light makes even a modest space feel welcoming. Bonus points for thoughtful layout — especially in small apartments.
🛏️ Personality, But Not Clutter
I love when a space feels lived in — books on a shelf, art on the wall, a throw blanket that isn’t beige. But there’s a line between cozy and crowded.
📍Location, Location, Walkability
Sometimes a place looks great but turns out to be on a highway or far from anything. The best Airbnbs are walkable to coffee, groceries, or just a nice spot to wander.
💸 Lessons Learned (The Hard Way)
Not every Airbnb experience has been perfect. I’ve learned:
- Always check for AC or heating — some charming spots can get very cold or hot.
- Read the recent reviews — that “amazing” place from 2017 might now have mold.
- Look up the exact location — I’ve booked places “in Barcelona” that turned out to be 45 minutes outside the city center.
- If the photos feel too perfect, they might be. Look for unfiltered images or guest photos.
Would I Keep Choosing Airbnb?
Yes — with a few filters.
These days I look for “entire place,” strong reviews, and hosts who seem genuinely engaged. I’m less about novelty now and more about comfort + charm. I’ll still try the odd treehouse or yurt, but only if it has running water.
There’s something incredibly human about staying in someone else’s space — seeing what they’ve chosen to keep, how they arrange their books, what kind of mugs they have. Hotels don’t give you that.
And for someone like me, who lives in a fast-moving city, it’s the little touches of calm and character that make all the difference.
My Verdict
Airbnb hasn’t just been a way to find a bed — it’s been a way to find stories. Whether I was cooking in a Japanese shoebox kitchen or dozing off in a swaying houseboat, each stay offered a small, beautiful glimpse into another way of living.
If you travel with curiosity more than expectations, Airbnb can still be magical. Just don’t forget to check the heating settings before you book.
Written and tested by Chi Tran for 123Review.net.
Affiliate links may earn a commission, but opinions are my own.
Chi Tran is a tech and lifestyle reviewer based in New York City, exploring how simple tools make urban life smarter.
