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Sure, you can check the ratings on a vacation rental, but the only real way to know if it will live up to your expectations is a recommendation from someone you trust. In Homes Away From Home, we round up the best spots according to the coolest creatives; our favorite designer-owned stays; and more.
Soft sheets, good views, a breezy layout—the boxes Airbnb hosts aim to check off in their own rentals are also the things they look for when planning a getaway for themselves. Because to no one’s surprise, the platform’s top hosts aren’t just experts at entertaining visitors—they are also expert bookers. So who better to go to for travel recommendations than the people behind some of the most popular Airbnbs? Ahead, six seasoned owners reveal the stays they are eyeing for their next trip.
A Retro Palm Springs Oasis
Who: Danielle Nagel
Host of: Dazey Desert House
Where they want to stay next: The Establishment in Palm Springs, California
With my own colorful Palm Springs Airbnb, perhaps it’s no surprise that I’m a fan of this one, too. This house lives rent-free in my head, and I’ve adored it for years ever since I first saw it on an HGTV show. The way they kept the vintage pieces perfectly intact is absolutely admirable. I’m very inspired by kitschy retro design—this space feels like a true time machine.
A Tulum Retreat Made for Big Groups
Who: Michael Seversky, cofounder of Fieldtrip
Cohost of: Invisible House
Where they want to stay next: 16TULUM in Tulum, Mexico
This property meticulously combines form and function. The design aesthetic provides a strong sense of place with carefully curated visual moments throughout the villa. The layout and amenities show strong attention to the use case of group travel.
An Instagrammable Moroccan Riad
Who: Kristie Wolfe
Host of: Potato Hotel
Where they want to stay next: Private Riad in Marrakech, Morocco
Every time I see this pool pop up on social media, I immediately save it and realize I’ve saved it several times already!
A Minimalist Kyoto Home
Who: Beatrice Faverjon
Host of: Modern Treehouse in the Heart of Topanga Canyon
Where they want to stay next: 120-Year-Old Machiya in Kyoto, Japan
My dream would be to travel to Kyoto and stay at this historic house in the heart of [the city]. I’m fascinated by Japan, and my work as a designer is highly inspired by Japanese design, as you can see it in both my houses listed on Airbnb.
A Picture-Perfect Slice of Paris
Who: Rhonda Voo and Eric Alan
Host of: Beautiful Bedroom in West L.A. Architectural Gem
Where they want to stay next: Montmartre 2BD with Spectacular Views in Paris
Montmartre is our bohemian-dream location in Paris. The styling of this Airbnb’s rooms is gorgeous, plus the skylight reading loft is romantic, and the patio is sunny and offers unmatched views.
An Indoor-Outdoor Moment, to the Extreme
Who: Andy Whitcomb and Forest Eckley
Host of: Canyon Creek Cabins
Where they want to stay next: Architect’s Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin in Twentynine Palms, California
We love the way this bold and beautiful building reflects the landscape it is situated in. The minimalist design along with the indoor-outdoor space is tasteful, location appropriate, and inviting.