There are lots of different types of accommodations that you can book for a night’s stay when you travel – hotels, motels, campgrounds, and resorts. But the sharing economy continues to change the way we think about travel and where we choose to stay when we explore new places.
When you book an Airbnb, for example, you can stay in some really fascinating places that you’d probably never even see otherwise. In Arizona, Airbnb often accommodations celebrate the free spirit of the southwest with traditional Native American and Old West-inspired architecture and amenities. Other Airbnbs dotted around some of the best cities in Arizona celebrate nostalgia and the “tiny home” movement. Not only are they fascinating, but these types of accommodations also provide opportunities to connect with experienced locals who can offer advice on what to see and where to eat!
To make your next trip to Arizona more memorable, these are some of the most unique and unusual Airbnb rentals that you’ll find in the state of Arizona.
Sage Yurt, Flagstaff
One of the best glamping Airbnbs in Arizona, this unique space is perfect for when you’re in the Flagstaff area. It works for up to four guests and offers an off-grid forest experience with running water and electricity in the nearby Nordic Village Lodge. Come here to cross-country ski and snowshoe in the winter on the 35-mile trail system. The yurt comes with twin-size sleeping pads, but you’ll need to bring your own pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags. The yurt comes with some chairs and tables, a wood-burning stove, port-o-potty, food storage bin, and a propane grill with grilling tools. You can bring up to four dogs to stay here for a $10 per dog fee. In the lodge, you can access showers, complimentary coffee and tea, games, and snacks and drinks for purchase.
Harpur’s Haven Underground Home, New River
The owners refer to this property as the “hobbit hole” because it’s an underground home on three acres of desert in Northern Arizona. This unique place to stay can accommodate up to three guests and is a private room in a home. You’ll have access to the common living room, kitchen/dining area, ping pong table, swing set, and patio on the property. Breakfast is served for an additional fee.
The Majestic Mountain Retreat, Prescott
For a unique stay in Prescott, you can also choose this earth house Airbnb for up to four people. It offers a relaxing place with epic patio views and a serene scene at 6,500 feet elevation. High-profile vehicles are recommended to get here, and the home is close to hiking and biking. It’s off the beaten path but still just 15 minutes from shops and restaurants. Guests here can use the outdoor dining area and gas grill. Dogs are allowed here with prior approval and if kept on a leash since there is a lot of wildlife in the area but no fencing. Other features in the retreat are a queen-size bed, kitchen, Wi-Fi, free parking, and laundry.
Healthy Treehouse Paradise in the Cliffs & Trees, Prescott
When you visit Prescott, consider this unique private room in a treehouse that’s listed on Airbnb. It’s ideal for two guests in the gorgeous Granite Dells. This is a three-room treehouse that’s open from April through November and beautifully nestled on an overhanging cliff. It has a queen-size bed, trails right outside the door, a pool, spa, lawn, and hammock. You can enhance your stay with guided hikes, bike rides, kayaks, yoga, or even a massage with additional fees.
Peaceful Yurt on Hippie Soil, Tucson
Couples love this yurt in Tucson for a unique place to stay for an ultimate camping experience. There is a community shower and sauna on the property that you can use, and the outhouse is just a short distance from the yurt. The interior space is artistic and colorful, and there are gardens to explore here too on a nice hike. Your stay here includes access to the pool as well, and the full bathroom is a short walk to the main house. Other features of this Airbnb rental are a sofa bed, kitchen, indoor fireplace, laptop-friendly workspace, and free parking on the premises.
Wildly Spectacular CaveCastle in the Granite Dells, Prescott
You’ll love this unique castle-style Airbnb that works well for up to three people in Prescott. It has two bedrooms and 1.5 baths and offers lots of space to relax, bike, and hike. It is open for both short-term and long-term stays and has an open floor plan, built-in office desk, bay windows, and 360-views of the Dells from the rooftop patio. Guests can use the indoor Jacuzzi with views and massage jets. There’s a trail outside that leads to a creek and access to Watson Lake for kayaking. Outdoor adventurers love this place for all the recreation that you can check out while staying here.
One-of-a-Kind Underground Kiva, Cave Creek
Kivas are traditional rooms used by Native Americans to host meetings and religious rituals. And you can sleep in a kiva-themed Airbnb when you stay in Cave Creek, Arizona. The home is on a quarter-acre lot and has a sleeping loft and 10-foot ceilings. This is a nice place to disconnect from technology because there’s no television, but plenty of views to watch the sunset over the Sonoran Desert. You’ll also find walking trails and an outdoor fire pit here. The Kiva can accommodate up to four guests in two beds, and children are welcome.
Hogan Glamping on Navajoland, Page
One of the most unusual places to stay in Arizona is a traditional Navajo Hogan on a ranch in Navajo Nation. This is an earth and log structure that has a wood-burning stove and is surrounded by natural beauty and peace. It’s located on a working sheep ranch and offers a true off-the-grid experience. The Airbnb owners have a total of seven accommodations here, also including canvas bell tents, a cabin, and covered wagons. The Hogan is considered to be sacred, and no alcohol or smoking is allowed inside. Guests will receive all the bedding, linens, and blankets they need, as well as basic toiletries, books, games, snacks, and water. For bathrooms, you’ll need to use the outhouses/porta-potties on the property. Since this is a very minimalist experience, bathing water is provided in a sun-heated container, as there is no running water on Navajo Nation. The property is located about 12 miles south of the alluring attractions in Page.
Tarzan's Hideaway, Cane Beds
Spend time outdoors while social distancing when you stay at this tiny house in a rural community at the base of a red mountain. It is equipped for both short and long stays and includes access to a private patio, fire pit, BBQ, private parking, and hot water heater. This tiny house is perfect for a couple or three people.
Treehouse, Prescott
There’s just something nostalgic and timelessly fun about playing in a treehouse. And when you visit Prescott, Arizona, you can sleep in one too! But this accommodation option is accompanied by all the technology and creature comforts you’ll need to have a relaxing stay. Make sure you’re ready to cozy up with your travel partner because there’s only a twin-sized bed inside. And you’ll need to be able to climb a 15-foot ladder to get there, but that’s just part of the fun. If you stay over during parts of the year with cool nights, there’s a space heater up there to use. Head down the tree and into the main house to share the kitchen, two bathrooms, dining area, living room, and Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi works up in the treehouse too. The coffee, snacks, and fruit provided are complimentary with your stay in the treehouse. This Airbnb is located about two minutes by car or a 15-minute walk from downtown Prescott in a mixed residential/industrial neighborhood.
House on the Edge of Time, Jerome
Another great earth house option is this one in Jerome that works well for two people. It has one bedroom and one bath and was built in 1977 from the inspiration of Arcosanti and the vision of Paolo Soleri. It’s carved into the earth and built from natural materials and found objects. The space has a kiva, patio, and many small doorways with low overhangs. Stay here to be close to nature and have a true adventure while climbing through small doorways inside the home. It is not kid-friendly or pet-friendly, although the host has a dog that is fenced off from the studio area. The Airbnb is next to the host’s home, and you can rent inflatable kayaks.
Taylor Mountain Cave Inn Retreat, Dolan Springs
Did you know you can stay overnight in a cave in Arizona? This Airbnb is a private room in a cave for up to six guests. It has three beds and one private bath, as well as enhanced cleaning procedures to keep you safe. This cave offers a unique adventure that’s off the beaten bath and surrounded by over 100 acres of rugged desert terrain to explore on hikes and ATVs. It is about an hour and a half from Las Vegas. Cool things to do here are play ping pong, darts, horseshoes, walk through the boneyard, and see the Museum at the Top of the Hill. Your host and her husband and great-grandson live in the cave too, which is accessible by a six-mile primitive dirt road that takes about 20 minutes to drive from the pavement. So, stock up on supplies so you don’t have to make a trip back to town!
Miniature Old West Town, Tucson
If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to live in a wild west town, but aren’t really one for “roughing it,” this is your top Airbnb pick in Tucson. Guests will enjoy a private space that shares a bathroom and kitchen with the main house. There are two small adobes that are filled with antiques and a private refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and bathroom. The adobes have a rustic and authentic Western theme and sleeps up to three guests in two beds. There’s also now strong Wi-Fi for guests to use. The home is in a quiet neighborhood near the end of a road, so it’s pretty accessible to the top attractions in Tucson, including the Rillito River Walk. This is a great place to stay for cyclists because the bike path is just a half block away.
