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Where big boats and water sports are a way of life, these Lake Havasu City airbnbs embrace their setting on the Colorado River.
When the London Bridge was falling down in 1967, Robert P. McCulloch purchased it, had it disassembled, shipped and then rebuilt stone-by-stone to span the Colorado River in a place called Lake Havasu City. The western Arizona town wasn’t much back then, mostly a barren dusty landscape. But the London Bridge put the city on the map. In fact, London Bridge has become the second-largest tourist attraction in Arizona, after the Grand Canyon.
The river is Lake Havasu’s lifeblood. Three hours west of Phoenix, and just slightly under that driving in from Las Vegas, the family-friendly city centers on the waterways. You can swim, kayak, fish or boat along the more 400 miles of coastline and explore 27 lighthouses, which line the river bank.
For land lovers there are dozens of trails for hikers and mountain bikers, and more than 1,800 miles for off-roading. Also nearby is the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge , a birding haven with 318 species known to frequent the preserve.
So adventure of all forms, awaits. And the options for airbnbs in Lake Havasu are just as numerous and wide-ranging, from bright studios to condos with amazing views and palatial residences with sparkling pools.
Related Read: 8 Best Lake Havasu Camping Spots for Water-Filled Adventure
1. Resort-Style Living
Why you should stay: Spacious pool home ideal for entertaining large groups.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $325/night
This sprawling three-bedroom home puts an emphasis on outdoor living. Completed in March 2019, the home comes with a ton of gadgets and has the look and feel of a vacation resort rather than a short-term rental. A long driveway and large RV garage can even accommodate any oversized toys you drive or tow to the lake. Home chefs will fall in love with the dual kitchens.
Custom cabinets, quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances highlight the large, open indoor cooking space, while an outdoor kitchen makes grilling and entertaining by the pool effortless. A stay here promises delightful sunrises, marvelous sunsets and late night dips.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: The 15 Best Resorts in Arizona
2. Sunflower Studio
Why you should stay: Centrally located just a short walk to downtown.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $77/night
If the sight of sunflowers cheer you up, you’ve found heaven. Conveniently located near downtown, this colorful studio plays much bigger than it actually is. It has the ability to sleep four by adding a blow-up bed and pushing aside the folding dining table. It’s also wired to play streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon. And best of all, it’s just a short five to 10 minute walk to Starbucks, the London Bridge and Barley Brothers Brewery (say that five times fast).
Check Availability“This place is great, it’s a PRIME location, and everything is so close by. It was spotless, and perfect for a couple and a pooch.”
3. On The Water In Havasu
Why you should stay: Waterfront home where boaters can achor right on property.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $400/night
Bring your boat. The whole reason you’re hunkering down in Lake Havasu is because of the lake so you might as well not only stay on it, but be able to keep your eye on your boat. Pinned on a peninsula, this waterfront cottage is perfect for early birds who like to brew a cup of coffee, whip up some waffles (yep, there’s a waffle maker) and catch the sunrise. There is also a ninja blender for the smoothie crowd. Stairs lead down to a small, rocky beach if you want to go for a quick dip.
Check Availability“Simply amazing. The best view in all of Lake Havasu . It’s our second time renting the home and it was better than the first. The star gazing at night is so relaxing. You can even see the Milky Way and some shooting stars on a clear night.”
4. Regal Ranch Residence
Why you should stay: Large house perfect for you, and a dozen friends.
- Sleeps: 12
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $434/night
When you’re travelling to Lake Havasu with your extended family or your very large group of boating buddies, the listing for this ranch-style house will surely stop you in your tracks. It’s one of only a few airbnbs in the area able to comfortably sleep 12. The five-bedroom, three-bath house is spacious enough to give individual families privacy and has plenty to keep the kids occupied with a TV/game room and huge backyard with a heated pool.
Check Availability5. Cozy Lake View
Why you should stay: Relax on the sundeck and take in the scene.
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 3 nights
- Rates from: $150/night
The weather in Lake Havasu changes quickly. Temperatures can drop by as much as 30-degrees from midday to evening, so coming home to a heated pool is a big bonus for those who enjoy a nighttime swim. This home provides that. Another perk is its large sundeck. Perched on the roof, it overlooks the pool and provides endless lake views, the ideal setting for a sundown happy hour.
Check Availability6. Three Palms Casita
Why you should stay: A sense of the tropics in a relaxing desert casita.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $105/night
A tropical oasis in the desert? Three Palms is exactly that. Manicured grounds, a day bed under a large weeping palm tree, a refreshing pool, a chill sitting area and patio, and a spa with a wall-mounted television. Sounds like paradise to me. And that’s before you head inside. With its plants and artwork, the tropical theme carries to the inside of this comfortable 300-square-foot casita.
Check Availability“Great little getaway. Small but super cute and well-decorated! Extremely clean and the hosts are very accommodating!”
7. Luwho’s Lake House
Why you should stay: See spectacular sunsets and stargaze from the pool.
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $110/night
Sitting high on a plateau, Luwho’s Lake House is quiet with amazing amenities. You’ll settle into a roomy 700-square-foot casita, which has a private entrance and two patio areas. An electric fireplace adds warmth on cool nights while a full-size kitchen makes meal prep a breeze. After a day on the lake, relax poolside in a backyard that includes a spa, shade structure and a lounge area where wooden surfboards line a fence giving sunbathers a bit more privacy from neighbors.
Check Availability“This is an excellent place to stay in Lake Havasu. The suite is spacious, well-furnished and fully stocked. It feels private even though it’s a shared property. And, of course, the view from the poolside is fantastic.”
8. The Desert Dweller Ranch
Why you should stay: A weekend getaway with easy access to the lake and trails.
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $124/night
Folks come to Lake Havasu for the great outdoors. To swim, kayak and boat on the lake or to hike the many miles of trails winding through the desert. A stay at this cozy modern home throws a couple new adventures into the mix: karaoke at BJ’s Cabana Bar and country dance lessons at the Flying X Saloon. Both of these bars are popular among Havasu travelers and are just a short distance from your two-bedroom, two-bath abode.
Check Availability9. Hacienda Meadows
Why you should stay: Comfy desert escape just on the edge of town.
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $131/night
I can’t think of anything better than arriving home after a long day in the sun and being able to take a cool dip, crank up the grill and then relax under the stars by a fire pit. The inside isn’t too shabby either. Hacienda Meadows is a comfortable, carpeted rental decked out in artwork featuring Arizona’s famous saguaro cactus. This two-bed, two-bath home is just a five minute drive to town.
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Seen in: Arizona, Arizona Airbnbs, Southwest, Where to Stay, Where to Stay in Arizona