We’ve learned the hard way that reviews should factor into any and every decision, whether we’re picking out a new hyaluronic acid serum or splurging on the latest viral it bag. When it comes to booking an Airbnb? Guest testimonials are even more important. After all, no one wants to risk getting catfished and end up somewhere straight out of a horror movie.
We obsessively analyze star ratings, comb through every comment, and keep a mental note of all the cool stays we’ve come across that have earned the coveted “Guest Favorites” status. That tab is an easy way to filter out all the “meh” options on the site, narrowing down your search results to properties that have earned glowing five-star reviews and been saved to countless wish lists. The result? A treasure trove of stays that are practically guaranteed to impress — no guesswork required.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of the most highly-praised stays that are affordable (less than $300 a night), from swanky city apartments to an actual castle. All that’s left for you to do is press "book" and pack your bags.
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Location: La Mesa, New Mexico, United States Price Per Night: From $100 Sleeps: 2
Over 1,200 reviewers unanimously agree that this quaint casita is a top-notch place to unwind and be at peace with nature, especially if you’re on a budget. Besides the quirky rainbow-colored decorations, guests rave about the cozy hot tub, the lush courtyard garden, and the scenic drive through pistachio orchards to get to the house.
Location: Saint-Chartier, France Price Per Night: From $188 Sleeps: 2
Ever wondered what it would be like to spend the night at a castle? It doesn’t get better than this fairytale château, a historic monument dating back to the 12th century. You can freely roam around the communal areas, which include an ornate library full of old books and a lounge area overflowing with artefacts collected from all over the world.
Location: Ponta Delgada, Portugal Price Per Night: From $160 Sleeps: 2
Sure, staying inside this 19th-century windmill sounds like a cool concept on its own, but it’s the uninterrupted 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean that leaves guests completely speechless. (Honorary mention goes to the perfectly manicured gardens surrounding the property, giving guests the opportunity to spot a wild bunny or two.)
Location: McCall, Idaho, United States Price Per Night: From $124 Sleeps: 8
Anyone looking to make special memories with a group of their favorite people should add this rental to their wishlists ASAP. There’s truly something here for everyone: You can snow shoe or ski right out of the cabin, chill by the fire pit, or help yourself to video games, darts, board games, and foosball. It’s also a convenient walk to Davis Beach and Ponderosa State Park.
Location: Tambon Su Thep, Thailand Price Per Night: $252 Sleeps: 8
Our calendar alerts are already set for the premiere ofThe White Lotus Season 3, which will take place in Thailand. This Airbnb is giving us even more travel FOMO: Set in the northern province of Chiang Mai, the luxe treehouse comes with a private pool and fluffy loft beds. The most impressive feature? A vintage helicopter built into a corner of the living room, which serves as a mini TV lounge.
Location: Yucca Valley, California, United States Price Per Night: From $281 Sleeps: 5
If stargazing, total seclusion, and interior magazine-worthy decor sound like the ideal trip to you, this Joshua Tree abode should be on your wish list. This is the romantic Airbnb listing to end all listings: According to the host, 90% of bookings are for an anniversary, proposal, or a honeymoon. And with that killer desert sunrise, it's not hard to see why.
Location: Tulum, Mexico Price Per Night: From $169 Sleeps: 10
Doesn't this stunning villa just scream "girls' trip" to you? From the tasteful local arts and crafts on display to the sparkling pool surrounded by palm trees and hammocks, this colorful three-bedroom home offers incredible aesthetics and amenities for the price. The proof is in the pudding: The review section is full of guests raving about how much fun they had.
Location: Athens, Greece Price Per Night: From $78 Sleeps: 4
Athens is home to some amazing Airbnbs with even more jaw-dropping prices. For just $78 a night, you can stay at this airy loft with a patio that opens up to the Acropolis. The world-famous ancient remains are just a 15-minute walk away. The convenient location and chic interiors make this the perfect address for solo female travelers.
Location: Pensacola, Florida, United States Price Per Night: From $180 Sleeps: 2
The chance to stay at a registered historical landmark for under $150 a night almost sounds too good to be true, but at this "castle," you'll get all that and more. The interiors, which date back to the 1880s, have been lovingly restored by the hosts and updated with colorful modern art and eclectic antique furniture. The outdoor saline pool is where you'll find us at all hours of the day.
Location: London, United Kingdom Price Per Night: From $136 Sleeps: 2
London Airbnbs often come with a hefty price tag, so this double bedroom in Putney— a leafy and pristine part of London right by the Thames — is a bit of a find. It's hosted by a wonderful couple that has been talked up by every single traveler who has left a review. They absolutely love the hospitality, the thoughtfully maintained 17th-century house, and the fact that there's no cleaning surcharge. It's often fully booked, so we'd jump on any available dates if we were you.
Location: Santa Teresa Beach, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica Price Per Night: From $144 Sleeps: 2
The unique design of this light-filled "floating studio" means that you will be one with nature in a truly unique way. Half of the property is suspended over a lush jungle, so howler monkeys and anteaters will often come over to say "hi." Sleeping in the jungle has never felt more luxurious.
Location: Sóller, Mallorca, Spain Price Per Night: From $188 Sleeps: 4
Mallorca will continue to be a tourism hotspot for the foreseeable future, and this 19th-century residence is a great setting to feel the magic of the island. For access to this gorgeous pool and gardens under the Mediterranean sun, the nightly rate feels like an unbelievable bargain.
Location: Bolzano, South Tyrol, Italy Price Per Night: From $240 Sleeps: 4
This Airbnb may be classified as a tiny home, but its amenities are nothing to scoff at: It's one of the few properties in the Dolomites that comes with a private pool and massive mirror panels reflecting those spellbinding Tyrolean hills. It's the kind of stay that has been on people's wish lists since forever.
Location: Kōshū-shi, Yamanashi-ken, Japan Price Per Night: From $153 Sleeps: 7
Prepare to journey back to the Edo period in this utterly charming traditional Japanese home. Everything is preserved to look exactly the same as it did 200 years ago, with the addition of modern comforts like air conditioning, BBQ equipment, and microwave.
