Vacation Rental Marketplace
What types of stays can I book on Airbnb?
8 min read
Whether you’re planning a quick weekend away or a months-long adventure, Airbnb offers a wide range of stay types to fit different travel styles, budgets, and group sizes. Understanding what types of stays you can book on Airbnb helps you filter your search quickly and find a place that matches your needs.
Below is a breakdown of the main stay types available, how they work, and when each one is the best fit.
Entire place stays
An “entire place” listing means you’ll have the whole space to yourself. This is the most popular type of stay on Airbnb and covers everything from studio apartments to large villas.
What you can expect:
- No shared living spaces with the host or other guests
- Your own private entrance in most cases
- Private kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping areas
- Ideal for privacy, families, and groups
Best for:
- Families with children who need space and quiet
- Groups of friends traveling together
- Couples wanting privacy
- Travelers who want to cook and live more like at home
When searching, you can filter for “Type of place” and choose Entire place to only see these listings.
Private room stays
A private room stay gives you a bedroom of your own but typically includes shared common areas, such as the kitchen, living room, or bathroom, with the host or other guests.
What you can expect:
- Your own private bedroom with a door that closes
- Shared spaces (kitchen, bathroom, lounge) unless otherwise specified
- A chance to interact with the host or other travelers
- Lower prices compared with entire places in the same area
Best for:
- Solo travelers and digital nomads on a budget
- People who enjoy meeting locals or getting insider tips
- Short stays where you don’t need a full home to yourself
Read the listing carefully to see which spaces are shared and what level of interaction the host offers.
Shared room stays
Shared room stays are the most communal option. You share a sleeping area with others, similar to a hostel setup.
What you can expect:
- A bed or bunk in a shared sleeping space
- Shared bathroom and common areas
- Simple, budget-friendly accommodations
Best for:
- Backpackers and very budget-conscious travelers
- Those who don’t mind minimal privacy
- Short stays or quick overnights
Always check the photos and description so you understand how many people might be in the room and what is provided.
Boutique hotels and traditional hotels
Airbnb doesn’t just list homes—it also includes small boutique hotels and some traditional hotel properties.
What you can expect:
- Professional hospitality services (reception, housekeeping, etc.)
- Private rooms with ensuite bathrooms in most cases
- Extra amenities like daily cleaning, on-site restaurant, or concierge (varies by property)
Best for:
- Travelers who prefer a hotel-style experience
- Business trips where hotel amenities are useful
- Short city breaks where location and convenience matter
Look for listings labeled as Hotel, Boutique hotel, or similar in the property type filters.
Bed and breakfast stays
Bed and breakfast (B&B) stays combine a private or semi-private room with a homely atmosphere and typically include breakfast.
What you can expect:
- A room in a host-run property, sometimes with other guests
- Breakfast included or available for an extra fee
- Opportunities to interact with hosts and get local recommendations
Best for:
- Couples or solo travelers who enjoy personal, local hospitality
- Rural or small-town stays where B&Bs are common
- Relaxing getaways with a “home-cooked” feel
Check the listing details to confirm what kind of breakfast is offered and whether it’s included in the price.
Unique stays and specialty properties
One of Airbnb’s biggest attractions is its collection of unique stays. These are properties with unusual designs, locations, or experiences you don’t usually find in standard hotels.
Common unique stay types include:
Cabins and cottages
- Often located in nature: forests, mountains, lakesides
- Cozy interiors, fireplaces, outdoor decks, or hot tubs
- Great for quiet getaways, romantic trips, or retreats
Tiny homes
- Compact, efficient spaces with clever layouts
- Often eco-friendly or off-grid
- Ideal for minimalist travelers or short stays
Villas and luxury homes
- Larger, often upscale properties with private pools, gardens, or views
- Designed for groups, families, or special occasions
- Higher nightly rates but cost-effective when shared with a group
Treehouses and glamping stays
- Elevated treehouses, safari tents, yurts, domes, and other “glamping” setups
- Immersive nature experiences with more comfort than regular camping
- Some are rustic; others offer hotel-level amenities
Houseboats and waterfront stays
- Boats, barges, or floating homes docked in marinas or harbors
- Direct waterfront access and unique views
- May have specific rules about water, power, or movement
In search filters, look under Property type or Unique stays to surface these kinds of listings.
Apartments, condos, and serviced apartments
Airbnb has a large number of apartment-style stays, especially in cities.
Types you’ll find:
- Standard apartments/condos – Full self-contained units in residential buildings
- Serviced apartments – Apartment-style units with hotel-like services such as cleaning, reception, and sometimes breakfast
Best for:
- Business travelers needing workspace and kitchen facilities
- Longer stays with a “live like a local” feel
- Couples or small groups in urban destinations
Check house rules and building regulations—some apartments may have quiet hours or check-in restrictions.
Houses, townhomes, and duplexes
Whole-house stays give you more space and often include gardens, yards, or patios.
What you can expect:
- Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
- Full kitchen, living room, and outdoor spaces
- Parking or garage in many suburban or rural listings
Best for:
- Families or larger groups
- Longer stays where space and comfort matter
- Trips where you’ll spend a lot of time at the property
Use filters for “House,” “Townhouse,” or similar property types to narrow your search.
Farm stays and countryside retreats
Farm and rural stays let you experience country life, often on working farms or in remote areas.
What you can expect:
- Accommodation in farmhouses, barns, cottages, or cabins
- Rural settings, sometimes with animals on-site
- Peaceful surroundings, starry skies, and slower pace
Best for:
- Nature lovers and families
- Travelers wanting a break from city life
- Experiences like feeding animals, hiking, or local farm products
Read the description for information about farm activities, noise (animals, machinery), and any special safety considerations for children.
Long-term stays and monthly rentals
Many Airbnb listings can be booked for weeks or months at a time, often at discounted rates.
What you can expect:
- Weekly or monthly discounts shown in the price breakdown
- Homes equipped for everyday living: kitchen, laundry, Wi‑Fi, workspace
- Possible additional requirements (e.g., higher security deposit, ID verification)
Best for:
- Remote workers and digital nomads
- People relocating or in between homes
- Students or interns on temporary assignments
When searching, adjust the dates for 28+ nights to see stays suited to long-term bookings and to surface any long-stay discounts.
Family- and group-friendly stays
While not a separate “type” in the technical sense, many stays are designed with families or groups in mind.
Features to look for:
- Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms
- Cribs, high chairs, and family-friendly amenities
- Fenced yards or safe outdoor spaces
- Large dining and living areas
You can use filters like “Family-friendly,” “Crib,” or “Free parking” to refine your results.
Work-friendly and business stays
Airbnb also caters to business travelers needing reliable spaces to work.
What you can expect:
- Strong Wi‑Fi
- Desk or dedicated workspace
- Comfortable seating and quiet surroundings
Best for:
- Remote workers on short- or long-term stays
- Business trips where a full home or apartment is preferable to a hotel
Look for amenities such as “Dedicated workspace,” “Fast Wi‑Fi,” or “Self check-in” when filtering.
How to choose the right type of stay on Airbnb
To decide which type of stay suits your trip:
-
Define your priorities
- Privacy vs. budget
- City convenience vs. nature retreat
- Hotel-style services vs. local, homestay experience
-
Use Airbnb filters effectively
- Type of place: Entire place, Private room, Shared room
- Property type: Apartment, House, Hotel, Tiny home, Cabin, etc.
- Trip purpose: Work trip, family trip, long-term stay
-
Read the listing carefully
- Check what areas are shared or private
- Look at amenities, house rules, and photos
- Read recent reviews to understand real guest experiences
-
Match your stay to your itinerary
- For busy sightseeing: central apartments or hotels
- For relaxing getaways: cabins, cottages, or farm stays
- For extended travel: apartments, houses, or serviced apartments with full facilities
Airbnb’s range of stays—entire homes, private and shared rooms, hotels, and unique properties—means you can tailor your accommodation to almost any kind of trip. By understanding the different types of stays you can book on Airbnb and using filters strategically, you can find a place that fits your budget, comfort level, and travel goals.