In today’s competitive short-term rental market, standing out is more important than ever. Travellers are no longer just looking for a place to sleep; they want memorable experiences. This shift in demand has made unique vacation rentals a hot trend and offers hosts a chance to increase their profits.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Hosting Unique Stays
Investing in a unique vacation rental can set you apart from the competition and bring in long-term success.
Higher Demand and Premium Pricing
Guests actively seek out special accommodations, whether it’s a treehouse, a castle, or a futuristic dome. Because these rentals are rarer, hosts can charge higher nightly rates and enjoy strong demand year-round.
Unlike standard vacation homes that compete on price, unique Airbnbs compete on experience, making it easier to justify premium pricing.
Stronger Social Media Presence and Viral Marketing Potential
Eye-catching rentals naturally attract attention on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. Guests love sharing photos and videos of their unique stays, which means free marketing for hosts.
A well-designed, Instagrammable rental has the potential to go viral, bringing in more enquiries and bookings without additional advertising costs.
More Guest Engagement and Word-of-Mouth Marketing
A unique vacation rental leaves a lasting impression, making guests more likely to share their experience with friends and family. Whether it’s through personal recommendations, blog features, or travel vlogs, word-of-mouth marketing can significantly boost bookings.
Better Reviews and Repeat Bookings
When guests have an unforgettable experience, they’re more likely to leave glowing reviews, which helps increase your rental’s credibility and visibility. Higher ratings also improve search rankings on booking platforms.
Additionally, guests who fall in love with a unique stay are more likely to book it again for special occasions. So, this also brings guest loyalty and long-term profitability.
How to Create a Unique Airbnb Stay
A unique vacation rental isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an experience. To create one, hosts must go beyond standard decor and design a property that tells a story and sparks curiosity.
Themed Rentals
A well-designed theme can turn a stay into an experience, attracting guests seeking something unique. Whether it’s a magical Harry Potter escape, a gothic Wednesday Addams retreat, or a futuristic space adventure, every detail should immerse guests in the theme. Use murals and props like floating candles and wizard-style furniture for a Harry Potter stay to create an authentic atmosphere.
Take it a step further with interactive elements such as themed board games or escape-room-style challenges that keep guests engaged. Even amenities should match the theme. It can be gothic furniture for a Wednesday Addams rental or glow-in-the-dark features for a space-themed stay.
To attract the right audience, give your listing a creative name and promote it on social media to draw in travellers who love immersive experiences.
Example:
The “Wizarding Home” in Kissimmee, Florida, offers an enchanting stay just 15 minutes from Universal Orlando’s Harry Potter attractions. This two-storey villa features four themed bedrooms on the ground floor, each representing a Hogwarts House. Guests can enjoy meals in the well-appointed dining hall, flanked by suits of armour with floating candles overhead. The property features a private pool, patio, and grill, perfect for unwinding after a day at the theme parks.
Floating and Underground Stays
When hosting guests on a houseboat or floating cabin, it is essential to create a perfect blend of comfort and adventure. You should prioritise stability, easy land access, and a scenic waterfront location for your unique Airbnb. Enhance the experience with marine-inspired decor and large windows to showcase water views. Offer activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, or breakfast on a deck overlooking the water.
For underground stays, highlight natural rock walls, warm lighting, and cosy interiors to create an intimate, tranquil atmosphere. Emphasise privacy and seclusion, making these unique stays ideal for romantic getaways or off-the-grid escapes.
Example:
This unique Airbnb listing offers a floating cabin in Brownsburg, Quebec, Canada, providing guests with an exceptional experience on the water. The cabin boasts stunning views, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the serene natural surroundings. Ideal for those seeking a tranquil getaway, this accommodation combines the novelty of staying on a boat with the comfort of a cabin.
Unusual Architecture
A special structure like a prefabricated dome, tiny home, or A-frame cabin can set your unique vacation rental apart. Maximise space with multifunctional furniture and smart layouts that enhance both comfort and functionality.
To create a truly immersive experience, incorporate standout features that complement the design. This can include floor-to-ceiling windows for stargazing in a dome or hanging bridges for a treehouse.
Example:
UFO Guadalupe is a spaceship-themed accommodation located in Mexico. Designed to resemble a futuristic spacecraft, this unique stay offers an immersive experience for guests seeking an unconventional getaway. The structure is set in a natural environment, allowing visitors to enjoy the surrounding landscape while experiencing a sci-fi-inspired retreat.
Historic or Cultural Homes
Bringing history to life starts with restoring or renovating properties like castles, converted churches, or traditional cottages while preserving their original charm. Stone walls, wooden beams, and stained glass windows can transport guests to another era. To enhance this authenticity, decorate with antique furnishings, traditional art, and culturally significant decor that reflect the property’s heritage.
Beyond aesthetics, storytelling plays a key role in creating an immersive experience. Provide guests with a history guide or share fascinating stories about the home’s past through interactive elements. To deepen their connection, offer activities that align with the property’s history, such as guided castle tours or traditional cooking classes.
Example:
Perched above the scenic River Tweed in the Scottish Borders in the UK, this ancient castle offers travellers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern comfort. With breathtaking countryside views and a tranquil atmosphere, this unique Airbnb provides an immersive escape into Scotland’s rich heritage.
Eco-Friendly Stays
Appeal to eco-conscious travellers with off-grid cabins, solar-powered homes, or sustainable treehouses designed with the environment in mind. Use reclaimed wood, bamboo, or stone to create a sustainable aesthetic while incorporating solar panels and water-saving appliances to minimise the ecological footprint.
Enhance the guest experience with thoughtful touches like eco-friendly toiletries, reusable water bottles, and convenient recycling stations. Bring nature into the design with outdoor showers or living walls, ensuring a stay that feels both immersive and environmentally responsible.
Example:
Nestled within a 160-acre sustainable ecovillage in Gasquet, California, this rustic remote treehouse offers an eco-friendly retreat surrounded by approximately a million acres of national forest. The secluded setting immerses guests in nature, providing a unique opportunity to experience off-grid living. The treehouse is designed to harmonise with its environment and offers a serene escape for those seeking a sustainable getaway.
Enhancing Guest Experience in Unique Vacation Rentals
A well-thought-out guest experience ensures better reviews, repeat bookings, and more word-of-mouth marketing. Here’s how you can take your unique stay on Airbnb to the next level:
Themed Welcome Packages and Immersive Touches
Nothing sets the tone for a guest’s stay like a thoughtfully curated welcome package that aligns with your rental’s theme.
For a Harry Potter-themed stay: Include a parchment-style welcome letter, chocolate frogs, and a wand for guests to take home.
For an eco-friendly cabin: Offer organic snacks, reusable water bottles, and a handwritten note on recycled paper.
Interactive Elements (Escape Room Challenges, Treasure Hunts, Themed Games)
Adding interactive experiences makes your unique Airbnb stay more engaging and shareable.
- For an escape-room-inspired rental: Provide a mystery for guests to solve using hidden clues in the house.
- For a pirate-themed stay: Set up a treasure hunt where guests can follow a map to find a small prize.
- For a sci-fi or space-themed rental: Include a high-tech scavenger hunt using QR codes that lead to fun facts or hidden surprises.
- For a historic home: Organise a role-playing game where guests uncover stories about the property’s past.
Personalised Recommendations Based on Theme/Location
Going beyond a generic welcome guide, offering customised recommendations helps guests make the most of their stay.
- Suggest the best nearby hiking trails based on difficulty level.
- Provide a list of hidden beer flats and rooftop bars only locals know about.
- Map out a ghost tour of nearby historic sites.
- Offer recommendations on the best local markets and farm-to-table restaurants.
How to Market Your Unique Airbnb Stays
A unique vacation rental deserves a marketing strategy that goes beyond traditional listings. Since guests seek memorable experiences, your marketing should showcase what makes your rental special.
Professional Photography and Video Tours
First impressions matter, and high-quality visuals can make all the difference. Unique vacation rentals are highly visual experiences, so your listing should reflect that.
- Hire a professional photographer to capture the best lighting, angles, and details.
- Focus on the most special aspects – whether it’s an outdoor bathtub, a treehouse balcony, or a themed room.
- Create a video tour or 360-degree virtual walkthrough to give potential guests a feel for the space.
- Use drone footage if your rental is in a stunning natural setting.
Leveraging Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest)
Social media is one of the most powerful tools for marketing unique stays. Guests love aesthetic, Instagrammable rentals, and a strong presence can attract bookings.
- Post high-quality photos and engaging videos showcasing unique features.
- Use Instagram Reels and TikTok videos to highlight experiences (e.g., “A Day in Our Hobbit House”).
- Create Pinterest boards with travel inspiration and pin your listing to drive traffic.
- Use trending hashtags and location-based tags to increase visibility.
- Engage with travel pages, influencers, and potential guests in the comments.
Guests often discover rentals on social media before booking, so keeping an active profile is key.
Partnering with Travel Influencers and Bloggers
Influencer marketing helps you reach a targeted audience without relying solely on ads.
- Offer a free or discounted stay to travel influencers in exchange for posts, stories, or YouTube vlogs.
- Collaborate with bloggers to feature your rental in “Best Unique Stays” lists.
- Choose influencers whose audience matches your target guests (e.g., eco-travel influencers for off-grid stays).
- Encourage influencers to create engaging content like room tours, behind-the-scenes footage, or reaction videos.
Listing on Niche Platforms (Glamping Hub, Boutique Homes, Unique Stays)
While Airbnb and Vrbo are popular, niche booking sites help target guests specifically looking for unique experiences.
Where to List Your Unique Vacation Rentals:
- Glamping Hub: Ideal for treehouses, yurts, and eco-lodges.
- Boutique Homes: Perfect for high-end architectural and design-focused rentals.
- Unique Stays: A platform for truly one-of-a-kind accommodations.
- Plum Guide: For luxury rentals with a curated guest experience.
These platforms reduce competition with standard rentals and attract travellers willing to pay premium rates.
Highlighting Experiences, Not Just Accommodations
Your marketing should emphasise what makes a stay at your property special.
- Instead of just listing amenities, describe the guest journey (e.g., “Wake up to the sound of birds in a secluded treehouse, then enjoy breakfast on a treetop balcony”).
- Use storytelling in your descriptions – why is your vacation rental unique? Is it a restored barn, a vintage Airstream, or an artist’s retreat?
- Offer experience packages, such as stargazing kits, farm-to-table dinners, or adventure activities.
- Encourage past guests to share their experiences through testimonials and social media tags.
Investing in unique vacation rentals isn’t just a trend. It’s a long-term strategy for success in the competitive vacation rental industry. Whether it’s a themed Airbnb, an eco-friendly retreat, or a historical home with a story, standing out in the market requires creativity, thoughtful design, and excellent hospitality. By focusing on guest expectations and leveraging strategic marketing, hosts can maximise occupancy and profitability while delivering one-of-a-kind stays.
Image by pch.vector on Freepik.
