Start with Airbnb's Category Filters Instead of the Search Bar
The fastest way to find a unique stay is to skip the search bar and use Airbnb's category buttons at the top of the home page. These categories—like Treehouses, Houseboats, Cabins, Tiny Homes, and Castles—show only listings that match that specific type of property. You do not have to type anything or guess what keywords the host used.
Open Airbnb.com or the mobile app, and you will see a row of category icons below the search bar. Scroll right to see more options. Click or tap any category that interests you, and Airbnb will filter the entire map and listing results to show only that type of property. This is much faster than searching for "treehouse" and getting results that include regular homes with tree views.
If you do not see a category that matches what you want, you can still use the search bar—but be specific. Search for "houseboat" rather than "water," or "yurt" rather than "unique." The more exact your term, the better the results.
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb's category buttons at the top of the home page filter listings by property type, which is faster and more reliable than typing keywords into the search bar.
- The Filters button lets you narrow results by amenities, price, number of bedrooms, and house rules—use it to rule out listings that do not match what you need.
- Scroll through the photos and read the full description before booking, because "unique" can mean anything from a converted barn to a room in someone's house.
- Check the host's reviews and response rate, especially for unusual properties, because unique stays sometimes have quirks that regular hotels do not have.
- Save listings to your Wishlist while you browse, so you can compare options later without losing track of the ones you liked.
Use the Filters Button to Narrow Down by What Matters to You
After you pick a category or search term, tap or click the Filters button to set conditions that rule out listings you do not want. You can filter by price per night, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, property type (to combine multiple categories), and amenities like WiFi, a kitchen, or a washer.
Scroll down in the Filters menu to find House Rules, where you can see whether the host allows pets, smoking, or parties. If you are traveling with children, you can filter for properties with a crib or high chair. If you need wheelchair access, there is a filter for that too. These filters save time because they remove listings that would not work for you before you even look at photos.
One filter worth using is "Superhost"—these are hosts with consistently high ratings and fast response times. Unique properties sometimes have unexpected quirks, so booking with a Superhost reduces the risk that something will be broken or not as described.
Read the Full Description and Look at Every Photo
Unique stays often have details that matter more than they do in a standard hotel room. A treehouse might not have cell service. A converted barn might have low ceilings in some rooms. A houseboat might rock when the wind picks up. These are not problems—they are part of what makes the stay unique—but you need to know about them before you book.
Open each listing and scroll all the way through the description. Look for a section called "The Space" or "About This Property," where the host explains what the place is like and what to expect. Read the "House Rules" section to see whether there are restrictions on noise, checkout time, or guest count. Then look at every photo, not just the first few. Photos taken from different angles and at different times of day will show you whether the space feels cramped, whether natural light is good, and whether the unique feature (the view, the pool, the architecture) is actually visible from the main rooms.
If something is unclear, scroll down to the "Questions" section and see whether other guests have asked about it. If not, you can message the host directly before booking to ask about anything that concerns you.
Check Reviews and Host Response Rate Before You Book
Unique properties depend more on the host than standard rentals do. A host who is responsive, honest in the listing, and quick to fix problems makes the difference between a memorable stay and a disappointing one. Look at the overall rating (aim for 4.8 stars or higher), and then read the most recent reviews, not just the highest-rated ones.
Pay attention to reviews that mention the specific feature you are interested in. If you are booking a treehouse, look for reviews that talk about the view, the noise level, or how sturdy it feels. If you are booking a houseboat, look for reviews that mention the rocking motion or the plumbing. Hosts cannot delete reviews, so if multiple recent reviews mention the same problem, that is real information.
Check the host's response rate and response time, shown near the top of the listing. A host who responds within an hour is more likely to help if something goes wrong during your stay. For unique properties, this matters more than it does for a standard apartment, because there is less margin for error.
Save Listings to Your Wishlist to Compare Options
When you find a listing you like, click the heart icon to add it to your Wishlist. You can create multiple wishlists (one for each trip, or one for each type of property) and organize your favorites without booking yet. This is useful when you are comparing several unique stays in the same area and want to look at them side by side.
To view your wishlists, click the heart icon in the top navigation bar. You can share a wishlist with travel companions so everyone can see the options and comment on them. You can also sort your wishlists by price, rating, or the date you saved them, which helps when you are trying to narrow down a long list.
Search by Location and Dates to See What Is Available
Unique properties book faster than standard rentals because there are fewer of them. If you have flexible dates, search for a range of dates rather than a specific night. Click the calendar icon in the search bar and drag across multiple weeks to see which dates have the most availability. Properties with fewer bookings in your date range are more likely to still be open.
If you are searching for a specific location, zoom in on the map to see where unique properties cluster. Some areas have more treehouses, others have more houseboats or glamping sites. Zooming in also shows you the exact neighborhood and proximity to attractions, which matters more for unique stays because they are often outside the main tourist area.
If your first search does not show many options, try expanding your search radius or shifting your dates by a few days. Unique properties fill up quickly, so flexibility on both dates and location gives you more choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I search for multiple categories at once?
No, Airbnb's category buttons show one category at a time. If you want to see both treehouses and cabins, search for one, save your favorites to a wishlist, then search for the other and save those too. Then compare your two wishlists.
What does "unique" mean on Airbnb?
Airbnb uses "unique" to describe properties that are not standard apartments or houses—things like treehouses, houseboats, igloos, or converted barns. But the term is not official, so always read the full description to understand what makes a property unique and whether that feature appeals to you.
Are unique stays more expensive than regular rentals?
Not always. Some unique properties are cheaper because they are smaller or farther from the city center. Others are more expensive because they are rare or in high demand. Use the price filter to set your budget, and Airbnb will show you unique stays within your range.
What should I do if a unique stay does not match the photos?
Message the host as soon as you arrive and explain what is different. Take photos of the problem. Airbnb's Resolution Center lets you report issues and request a refund or rebooking. Hosts of unique properties usually want to fix problems quickly because their reputation depends on it.
How far in advance should I book a unique stay?
Book as soon as you know your dates, because unique properties have fewer listings and fill up faster than standard rentals. If you are flexible, you can sometimes find last-minute deals, but do not count on it.