Do Airbnb Unique Stays Still Pay Off for Hosts?

If you're looking for Airbnb rentals that aren't quite the norm, we're helping hosts tick off all the amenities and features to create unique Airbnbs for an unforgettable weekend getaway. Read on for tips and inspiration.

Key Takeaways

• Many property categories have disappeared from the Airbnb search bar and filters.
• Airbnb has created a selection of OMG! properties. As the name suggests, all these properties have a "wow" effect.
• Glamping is a multi-billion-dollar global industry. Branding unique properties is still a way to charge higher rates.
• Take a look at some real examples of unique stays for inspiration.

Unique stays on Airbnb refer to properties or experiences that offer something different and out of the ordinary to guests. These can include everything from treehouses, yurts, and airstreams to boats, tiny homes, and even igloos.

Although Airbnb has removed many search filters by property type, unique properties like the ones in the OMG! selection, themed rentals, and glamping spots have really taken on a life of their own as a travel style.

Offering unique stays on Airbnb is still an excellent opportunity for hosts to differentiate their listings and attract more guests. Unique properties and experiences tend to command higher rental prices and revenue.

What Happened to Airbnb Unique Stays?

Unique stays still exist and are a popular type of stay. However, the platform has gone through some changes, and the way you search for them looks a bit different now. Back in 2022, Airbnb launched category search, so users could narrow down accommodations by various categories, such as a cottage, tiny house or a treehouse.

Since 2025, many property categories have disappeared from the search bar. Users are left with more limited short-term rental categories to filter. It doesn't mean unique stays aren't being listed anymore or booked on the platform.

Unique stays are undoubtedly an important aspect of what makes Airbnb famous, especially for younger generations looking for something out of the ordinary and memorable. Airbnb now relies more on algorithms, machine learning, and personalization to deliver the best recommendations to its users. In fact, unique stays are sometimes called OMG! stays. Let's explain it.

What Are OMG Listings on Airbnb?

Airbnb has created a selection of OMG! properties. As the name suggests, all these properties have a "wow" effect, which means there's something unique about them. These can be futuristic UFOs, submarines, off-grid treehouses, vintage windmills, bunker properties, flower pots, Hobbit houses, or stargazing bubbles.

OMG! properties are more than themed stays. These are offerings created with the intention of making an impression and sparking the imagination. How often do you get to sleep in a UFO?

Anyone who wants to make it into this selection needs to start from scratch and design not just a rental, but a full experience from the ground up.

What are the Popular Categories Of Airbnb Unique Stays

Category-based discovery is less prominent on the platform in terms of search functions. However, many types of unique vacation rentals are being rented out every day. Some of the popular types are labeled as:

• Tiny homes
• Earth homes
• Amazing pools
• Luxe
• Design
• Camping
• Campers
• Properties near national parks
• Castles
• Arctic
• Containers
• Countryside properties

Let's focus on a few of the broader and unique property types that got traction over the years:

Glamping experiences

Airbnb has surely influenced the popularity of glamping, making it easier to discover and book unusual stays for a romantic getaway or similar occasion. Today, glamping is a multi-billion-dollar global industry.

Instagrammable outdoor camping experiences combined with luxurious accommodations define glamping. Think of geodesic domes, with transparent or semi-transparent panels that offer panoramic views of the surroundings.

It's for people who want to escape into nature and wilderness but keep the comfort through minimalism. That's how glamorous camping was born, and that's why many glamping accommodations are found in remote or secluded locations.

Eco-friendly stays

Airbnb has always cared about carbon footprint-aware travelers and wanted hosts to highlight sustainable features.

There's no need to give up modern interior design to stay in green properties on Airbnb. While some of the listed properties use solar power, others employ composting toilets or recycling to save water and reduce waste.

Themed accommodations

The OMG! selection features Airbnb's most extreme themed stays. But it doesn't need to be that extreme to be unique. For instance, there are pink flamingo-themed listings around Palm Springs, California, such as The Funky Flamingo, where even the Adirondack chairs are pink.

Themed accommodations work well for family vacation and especially large groups seeking an extraordinary place to celebrate a birthday or other occasions.

What Are the Advantages of Unique Stays

There are several financial benefits of offering unique Airbnb stays as a host:

• Charging premium ratesUnique properties and experiences tend to command higher rental prices, which can result in increased revenue for the host.
• Branding and differentiationUnique stays can help create a strong brand and reputation for the host. Unique stays help hosts to differentiate themselves from competitors and stand out in a crowded market.
• Increased demandUnique properties and experiences can attract more guests, leading to increased occupancy rate, more bookings and word of mouth refferals.
• Lower competitionUnique stays aren't competing against hundreds of identical apartments. That alone gives you more pricing power and visibility.
• Press and social media exposureUnique properties get shared organically on Instagram, TikTok, travel blogs and vlogs. That's free marketing a standard apartment rarely gets.

How to List a Property on Airbnb as a Unique Stay

To show up in Airbnb search with your unique property, you basically need to go through the same listing process as any other property. Since Airbnb relies on AI, machine learning, and algorithms to determine when to recommend a property, you should be as descriptive as possible.

We have a few tips for creating your unique listing.

How to create and market your unique listing

What is the unique selling point of your listing? Floor-to-ceiling windows that give a glimpse at the outside and let in a lot of natural light are a big selling point, especially if they frame a great view. Or something like a huge stone fireplace to make the living space of a log cabin feel so much cozier.

Look for architectural features that would normally be mentioned in real estate listings. This could be anything like exposed brick walls, an outdoor shower, French doors... Anything that would make your cool Airbnb feel like the dream house.

Once you've identified the highlights, work them into your listing's title and description. Marketing these features is essential.

Here are several tips for Airbnb hosts on how to market their unique stays:

1. Great photography: High-quality photographs are essential to showcase the unique features of your property. Make sure the photos are well-lit, well-composed, and professionally edited.
2. Compelling descriptions: Use descriptive language to highlight the unique features of your property and the experiences you offer. Focus on the amenities that make your property special.
3. Use keywords effectively: Make sure your listing is optimized for search by using relevant keywords in your title, description, and tags. This will help guests find your property when searching for unique stays.
4. Make use of video: Videos are a great way to showcase the unique features of your property, the surrounding area and give a sense of the experience guests can expect.
5. Post on social media: Share your listing on your social media accounts, and create a dedicated Instagram account for your property. Use hashtags and geotags to make it easy for potential guests to find your property.
6. Create a website: Having a website dedicated to your property can help you to showcase the unique features of your property, and provide guests with more information about your property and the area. Create one with iGMS.
7. Use local events and festivals: Take advantage of local events and festivals that may be happening in the area to promote your property.
8. Partner with local businesses: Partner with local businesses to offer unique experiences and package deals to your guests.

Take a Look at Some Real Examples of Unique Stays (Case Studies)

Let's look at a few real-life examples of unique Airbnbs that have had success in attracting guests.

Floating House Boat

The first standout we can draw from is a floating tiki suite in Key West.

It is a floating house where guests enjoy all the advantages of being on a boat while avoiding the hassle of having to drive it themselves. It's made up of one bedroom with a king bed.

The private patio doubles as a private dock where guests will be able to see dolphins, stingrays, and manatees.

What does this listing get right?

• They have worked the unique brand name into the title.
• They have a website and Instagram to advertise and create brand visibility.
• The photography is not only high quality but is in-line with the marketing: a romantic sunset atmosphere highlights they beachy vibe.
• The description starts with a compelling line and then provides all the details about the listing clearly.
• Highlights birds and other features of the location.
• Highlights the “custom oak bed”.
• Good use of tags.

They have offered services and amenities that will make the guest experience even better:

• Offer shuttle services.
• Provide snorkel gear.

Earth House

This Hobbit-Esque residence located on a cliff overlooks a man-made waterfall that plunges into an old quarry pond. It has one bedroom with a queen bed and is one of three cottages on private land used as a wedding venue.

This turf-roofed home has a Keurig and an air fryer among other modern conveniences, as well as a soaking tub and an outdoor spa.

Although there is no Wi-Fi, guests can use the outdoor tub to take in your surroundings.

What does this listing get right?

• The photos are light and airy and create a retreat atmosphere.
• The larger venue has both a custom website and a dedicated Instagram.
• The description highlights the unique architecture.
• Off-grid option with eco-conscious elements as a selling point

Joshua Tree Dome

Then this dome in the desert in Joshua Tree sleeps four. Ir is a dome house only a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Palm Springs and less than three hours from Los Angeles, making it the ideal weekend getaway location for city dwellers.

The dome has a wood-burning fire, space heaters, and air conditioning, making it suitable for all seasons.

King beds with memory foam mattresses are in the two bedrooms, and the windows open up so guests can completely take in the desert scenery.

What does this listing get right?

• It has a dedicated Instagram page.
• The description highlights the unique architecture and features such as the wood burning stove.
• The element of privacy and the unique location that Joshua Tree National Park provides.
• They show off the modern furnishings and design.
• It uses publicity to its advantage, using the "featured in" section and the description to showcase media that has covered it.

But what they also do is cater to an ideal guest with their services and extra touches:

• They offer the services of a "local juicing guru" by partnering with a business, Juice in the Desert to provide tailored menus.
• Guests will be provided with a list of local recommendations, highlighting the hosts' insider knowledge.

Grown-Up Tree House

Guests cross a 70-foot suspension bridge to get to this floating tree house in central Utah straight out of a fairy tale.

Guests can climb all the way up to the crow’s nest, where a deck 30 feet above the ground features a table and two seats.

At the base of the suspension bridge leading up to the tree house, there is a private bathroom, one queen bed, two sofa beds, and one additional mattress.

What does this listing get right?

• The listing photos show multiple seasons and show off the possibility of a cozy winter retreat.
• The description highlights the outdoor amenities such as the fire pit and private hot tub.
• The listing photos also show the venue in use for events, especially a wedding.
• Everything is designed to highlight the whimsy of the space, and the architectural features mentioned are no exception.

Little touches like photos at night show the string lights, adding to the fairy-tale atmosphere.

What Are Best Practices for Hosting a Unique Stay?

Regardless of how different your listing is, the hosting best practice is still applicable.

Clearly communicate house rules

Make sure your guests are aware of your expectations and house rules regarding things like check-in and check-out times, noise levels, smoking, and pets.

Provide basic amenities

Provide your guests with basic amenities such as clean bedding, towels, toiletries, and a fully-stocked kitchen. This will help guests feel comfortable and make them more likely to recommend your property.

Keep your property clean

Ensure that your property is cleaned and well-maintained between guests. This includes regular cleaning, laundry, and restocking of supplies.

Create a guestbook

Provide guests with a guestbook that they can sign and leave comments in. This will give you valuable feedback and help you improve your hosting skills.

Be available

Be available to your guests, and respond to their inquiries and messages promptly. This will help guests feel more comfortable and create a better guest experience.

Be prepared

Be prepared for any eventualities that may arise during a guest's stay. This could include providing an emergency contact number, a first-aid kit, and fire extinguishers.

Suggest activities

Provide information about local group activities such as hiking trails, team-building activities, and local events.

Offer extra amenities

Offer extra amenities such as a welcome basket, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi to make guests feel special and create a memorable experience. A personalized touches such as a welcome basket with local treats, a personalized note, and small gifts make guests feel special and appreciated.

Provide additional services

Offer additional services such as airport transportation, laundry, or housekeeping. These services will make guests' stay more comfortable and take the burden off them.

Be respectful of guest's privacy

Be respectful of your guests' privacy and make sure they have the necessary information about how to use the property and its features.

Final Thoughts

Airbnb unique stays offer a chance for increased ROI, guest loyalty, and increased demand year round.

Nail the marketing by creating a custom website with iGMS and a dedicated Instagram to promote your listing and show off its unique features.

You still need to provide an exceptional host experience regardless of the type of property. Automation with iGMS is key to avoiding double-bookings, keeping communication clear and quick, and handling the maintenance.