Three Unique Air BnB's I've Stayed At

 

I classify myself as a  budget traveler. I'm defining that as taking a trip for as little money as possible while still feeling safe. I don't set an incredibly low budget and stay somewhere that would make us miserable - but I don't stay at luxury resorts either (unless I have some hotel points to use, which is rare) I think I like to have a good balance in my travels - stay somewhere a little pricier and do free things on the trip or maybe stay at a budget hotel and splurge out a little on what you do. Therefore, it's only logical that we stay at Air BnB's quite often for cooking facilities to curb costs on meals or split the cost between many people. Most cottages or homes that you rent are pretty straightforward. But sometimes you're surprised by a unique one that has a little je nais se quoi. The following are three Air BnB's that we've stayed at that just had that little something extra and unique.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

This Air BnB rental in the ? neighborhood is so different than anywhere I've stayed - it sits on the flat rooftop of the owners house. Access is by a side gate between the owners and neighbors with a set of stairs to reach the unit. Once topside, there is a covered area under canvas with seating, a small bathroom and an above ground pool. The small rental unit houses two bedrooms and an open plan living room/kitchen and a full bathroom. It's small but fits 4 people just fine. You are totally secluded from the neighborhood down below with views of the neighboring rooftops while you swim in the pool or lounge in the chairs. You wouldn't have to go anywhere if you didn't care to - just hang out in your penthouse seclusion. 

 There's not much around in the way of restaurants or shops so you would need a rental car unless you didn't plan on going anywhere - and one parking space in front of the owners house is provided. But if you're in for your own little secluded paradise, then this is the place for you.

Your own pool

Joshua Tree, California

This rental was made for the gram! A 2 bedroom cottage in the desert outside of Twenty Nine Palms and the large Marine base there, this was our home for our long weekend visit to Joshua Tree National Park. There is a great room with kitchen/living room and bathroom along with a washer/dryer in a closet outside.

 But this cottage shines in its outside space. There is a hot tub, roll top bathtub, grill, swings. labryinth and patio with chairs for lounging. All of this is set in a yard of sand - that is so different from where I grew up - which explains why there are 3 car washes in Twenty Nine Palm. (Be aware that the road to the cottage is dirt so you need a vehicle that can drive on that type of surface and it does sit outside of town so arriving after dark can be treacherous.)

Edam, The Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of my favorite countries to visit and I've really enjoyed getting out into the countryside while visiting. Before our river cruise down the Rhine, we rented an Air BnB in the tiny little hamlet of Edam. This rental was the church tower of a no longer used church. It was all one room, a really big room, with great views over the rooftops of Edam. The bed was tucked away in the corner making it separate but close to the bathroom (complete with washing machine) and the rest of the space was huge with vaulted ceilings (it was the church tower after all) and lots of light. 

A drawback: the tower is up 3 flights of steep stairs with no elevator so lugging your bags up is not easy. But this is clearly stated on the listing so we knew that ahead of time. Also, like many places in Europe there is no air conditioning. But it was a non issue for us - the windows open and you can get a breeze through them.

How about you? Do you enjoy finding unique places to stay?