Search for unique stays using Airbnb's filters and category tags
Airbnb's search filters let you narrow results to specific property types rather than scrolling through thousands of standard apartments. Start by entering your destination and dates, then look for the Type of place section on the left side of the results page. You will see options like "Entire place", "Private room", and "Shared room" — but below those are the category tags that matter for unique stays: Treehouses, Houseboats, Tiny homes, Castles, Igloos, Caves, and Domes.
Click any of these tags and the results filter when ready to show only that property type. You can combine filters — for example, selecting both "Entire place" and "Treehouses" will show you only full treehouses, not shared rooms in treehouses. The filters stick as you scroll, so you can refine further by price, number of bedrooms, or amenities without losing your property-type selection.
If you do not see a specific category tag on your first search, try searching by location first, then explore filters. Some property types appear more frequently in certain regions — you will find more houseboats near water, more igloos in northern climates, and more castles in Europe.
Key Takeaways
- Airbnb's category tags (Treehouses, Houseboats, Tiny homes, Castles, Igloos, Caves, Domes) filter results to specific property types without scrolling through standard rentals.
- You can combine property-type filters with price, location, and amenity filters to narrow results further.
- Some unique property types are more common in certain regions, so location affects which categories appear in your search.
- Saving searches with your preferred filters lets you return to the same results later without re-entering all your preferences.
Use Airbnb's saved searches to track unique stays in multiple locations
Once you have filtered to a property type you like, save the search so you can return to it without re-entering all your filters. Click the heart icon next to the search bar at the top of the results page. The search saves with all your active filters — property type, price range, number of guests, and dates.
Saved searches appear in your account under the Wishlists section. You can create multiple wishlists for different trips or property types. For example, you might save one search for "Treehouses under $200 in Oregon" and another for "Houseboats in the Pacific Northwest". Each time you open a saved search, Airbnb updates the results to show current availability, so you can check back as your travel dates approach.
Browse by specific amenities and features that define unique properties
Beyond property type, unique stays often have specific amenities that make them stand out. Scroll down to the Amenities section in the filters and look for features like "Hot tub", "Pool", "Fireplace", "Sauna", or "Outdoor shower". Many unique properties advertise these features because they are part of what makes the stay memorable.
You can also filter by Bedrooms and beds to match your group size, and by Pets if you are traveling with animals. Some unique stays — particularly treehouses and tiny homes — have limited bedroom counts, so filtering by this first can save time if you need multiple rooms.
Search by specific keywords if you know what you want
If you have a particular type of unique stay in mind, use the search bar itself rather than relying on category tags. Type "treehouse near Portland" or "houseboat Seattle" directly into the destination field. Airbnb's search engine recognizes these property-type keywords and will prioritize matching results.
You can also search for experiences tied to the property. For example, searching "glamping California" or "off-grid cabin" will return results tagged with those terms. Hosts often use specific keywords in their titles and descriptions, so being specific in your search can surface properties that might not appear under the standard category tags.
Check host reviews and photos to confirm the property matches your expectations
Unique stays sometimes look different in person than in photos. Before booking, read the most recent reviews from guests who stayed in the same property type. Look for comments about whether the space felt cramped, whether amenities worked as advertised, or whether the "unique" aspect was worth the trade-offs.
Scroll through all the photos in the listing, not just the first few. Unique properties often have limited space or unusual layouts, and the full photo gallery will show you corners and angles that the main images might not. If the listing has a virtual tour, watch it — many treehouses, tiny homes, and houseboats benefit from seeing the full layout in motion.
Compare price per night against standard rentals in the same area
Unique stays typically cost more than standard apartments in the same location because hosts charge for the novelty and limited availability. Before booking, search for a regular apartment or house in the same neighborhood and compare the nightly rate. A treehouse might run $250 per night while a standard one-bedroom nearby costs $120 — that difference matters over a week-long stay.
Factor in cleaning fees and service fees, which Airbnb adds at checkout. These fees are the same percentage whether you book a unique property or a standard one, but they stack on top of a higher nightly rate. A $250-per-night treehouse with a $100 cleaning fee and 16% service fees will cost significantly more than the math suggests at first glance.
Look at availability calendars to understand booking patterns for unique properties
Unique stays book faster and further in advance than standard rentals because there are fewer of them. When you find a property you like, check its availability calendar. If it shows booked dates months ahead, you will need to plan your trip around those gaps or look for similar properties with more open dates.
Some unique properties have minimum-stay requirements — a treehouse might require three nights minimum, while a standard apartment requires only one. Check the listing details for this before you get attached to a specific property. If your trip is shorter than the minimum stay, you will need to keep searching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I filter by multiple property types at once?
No, Airbnb's category tags work one at a time. You can select "Treehouses" or "Houseboats", but not both in a single search. If you want to see multiple unique property types, run separate searches and compare results, or use the keyword search method to cast a wider net.
Do unique stays have the same cancellation policies as regular rentals?
Cancellation policies vary by host and property, not by property type. Check the cancellation policy listed on each unique stay before booking. Some hosts offer flexible cancellation, while others require strict or moderate policies. This is especially important for unique properties because they book quickly and hosts may have difficulty re-booking if you cancel.
What if I search for a unique property type and get no results?
The property type may not exist in your chosen location, or all available listings may be booked. Try adjusting your dates, expanding your search radius, or choosing a different property type. You can also try a keyword search like "unique stays near [city]" to see what unusual properties are available in that area.
Are unique stays more likely to have hidden fees or surprise costs?
Unique stays follow the same fee structure as any Airbnb listing — cleaning fee, service fee, and taxes are all disclosed before you book. However, some unique properties have higher cleaning fees because they are harder to clean or require specialized maintenance. Always read the full price breakdown before confirming your booking.
Can I message a host before booking a unique stay to ask questions?
Yes. Click "Contact Host" on any listing to send a message before you book. This is especially useful for unique properties because you may want to ask about specific features, space limitations, or whether the property suits your needs. Hosts usually respond within 24 hours.