Airbnb offers plenty of unconventional places to stay in Arizona for travelers looking for a vacation beyond the status quo.
If a basic home isn’t adventurous enough for your next Arizona getaway, you’ll be happy to know there are more than enough funky neighborhoods and rentals that are uniquely Arizonan: the Coronado Historic District in Phoenix, Barrio Viejo in Tucson, the open prairies, and the hills hugging Flagstaff are packed with awesome homes.
Here’s a look at some of the most unique Airbnbs in Arizona so you can have the coolest stay possible in the Grand Canyon state. See ya later, side-of-the-highway hotel.
Related Read: 9 Unique Places to Stay in Arizona for an Unforgettable Vacation
1. The Kiva
Why you should stay: Unique Southwestern home cut into the desert landscape northwest of Phoenix.
- Location: Cave Creek
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $123/night
The Kiva derives its name from the rooms used by Pueblo Indians for rituals and ceremonies, and it’s a fitting moniker for this mostly underground home in Cave Creek.
Outside, you’ll find desert walking trails and an in-ground fire pit for barbecuing and enjoying cooler months of the year. The desert is the focus here, and The Kiva blends beautifully into the surrounding Sonoran landscape. There’s a lot to do in town, but you’ll feel far removed from the hustle of the metro area.
The space is small but makes ample use of its circular design; a loft bed and pull-out couch sleep up to four guests and there’s plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sunset. The hosts live nearby and are happy to offer recommendations for food and entertainment in the area.
Check AvailabilityRelated read: 15 Native American Ruins in Arizona that Offer a Historic Glimpse into the Past
2. Majestic Mountain Retreat
Why you should stay: Private home in the forest with amazing outdoor spaces.
- Location: Walker
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $160/night
The Majestic Mountain Retreat south of Prescott was featured on CNBC’s “Cash Pad,” where designers transformed it into the appealing short-term rental it is today. At an elevation of 6,500 feet, this thoughtfully designed Airbnb offers one of the fastest ways to get out of the Valley and into cool weather without a long drive.
This place is incredible. Not only was the home absolutely spotless, but it was so cute! The view is incredible and you can clearly see the stars from the property at night.
The mountain road leading to the house gets steep a quarter-mile out, but it also means secluded views and no neighbors once you’re settled in. The interior has a balance of Southwest decor and mountain chic, and outside, you’ll find a terrace and patio that are hard to leave once your evening lounging is in full swing.
Check Availability3. Sedona Sanctuary
Why you should stay: Unparalleled views and amenities that’ll redefine your concept of Arizona.
- Location: Sedona
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $502/night
Staying in one of Sedona’s most elevated residential neighborhoods has its perks, starting with the out-of-this-world red rock views from all around this luxury studio in West Sedona.
The building was designed by architect Bob McIntyre, the creative mind behind Sedona’s iconic Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village, who once said buildings “must be built to echo laughter, dancing, and singing.” You’ll find that sentiment and more in this luxurious apartment with amenities that rival any spa in Red Rock Country.
Two private decks offer unimpeded views of well-known Sedona monuments like Thunder Mountain, Coffee Pot Rock, Steamboat Rock, and the resort-like setting includes a therapeutic hot tub, saltwater pool, and space to lounge day and night.
We are never ones to use hyperbole or exaggeration, and we can say that this spot is the closest thing to heaven on earth.
The studio’s Aireloom Vitagenic mattress is the same used by luxury five-star hotels around the world, and hosts Iona and Huib spare no expense in creating a memorable experience for guests. Their five-acre property is high and secluded, but it’s near great hiking (check out Sugarloaf Loop and Teacup Trail) and less than two miles to town for dining and shopping. It’s definitely one of the pricier Airbnbs in Arizona, especially for two people, but it’s a downright stunning splurge.
Check Availability4. Dome Sweet Dome
Why you should stay: A colorful home once featured in Life Magazine.
- Location: Phoenix
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $116/night
Back in the 1970s, Arizona State University professors John and Francine Hardaway built this dome in Sunnyslope, where they could live in a custom desert home built into the mountainside. It’s beyond unique: think Frank Lloyd Wright meets geodesic dome.
The current owners renovated the home, brought it out of the 70s, and listed it on Airbnb as separate dome rentals (you can rent the whole place, or just the tower). In any of the spaces, the angles and natural light comes together to create a one-of-a-kind stay that offers views and seclusion in a city where it’s often hard to find either.
Lots of travelers have shacked up at Dome Sweet Dome over the years, but the hosts’ favorite crew was the cast of an in-town Cirque du Soleil show that didn’t want to leave. When you see the Dome for yourself, you’ll understand why.
Check Availability5. My Sedona Place
For an authentic stay in the red rock Mecca, check out My Sedona Place, a geodesic dome house in a quiet, secluded neighborhood in West Sedona. Its bright living space is punctuated by natural lighting, angular windows and dynamic, colorful décor that pops against white walls.
The spiritually-inclined traveler will enjoy the dome’s positive energy: crystals adorn the home, and the patio’s in a direct line “between the vortexes at Cathedral Rock and Kachina Woman.” Its 1,500 square feet feel much larger, thanks to the well-designed dome roof that makes for high ceilings and an expansive living room.
The home offers views of Cathedral Rock and Thunder Mountain, and easy hiking and mountain biking access to nearby trails. It’s off the main tourism drag, but still close to the action. If you haven’t stayed in the quieter residential areas of Sedona, you’ll have a new-found appreciation for the town and its beauty after visiting.
Check Availability6. The Kyo͞ob at Shash Dine’
Why you should stay: The latest addition to one of Northern Arizona’s best glamping destinations.
- Location: Page
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $279/night
The Kyo͞ob at Shash Dine’ is a stark departure from the working sheep ranch’s normal Airbnb digs, which include sheep wagons, traditional Navajo hogans, and glamping tents. With their industrial cabin in the desert, hosts Baya And Paul created a mindful merge of materials that both contrast and blend into the landscape at the same time.
The Kyo͞ob is an incredibly magical stay, one of my absolute best experiences on Airbnb if not the best.
Oversized windows and a minimalist interior puts the focus of the Kyo͞ob squarely on the surrounding desert, and when you’re visiting in cooler months, the provided Pendleton blankets are great to throw around your shoulders while you wander the grounds and take in the stark beauty of the land.
Check Availability7. Sky Suite @ Arcosanti
Why you should stay: World-renowned community focused on unique architecture and green living.
- Location: Mayer
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $136/night
In the 1960s, architect Paolo Soleri sought a new way of living and an alternative to the rapid urban sprawl that now defines the Phoenix metro area. “The problem I am confronting is the present design of cities only a few stories high, stretching outward in unwieldy sprawl for miles,” Soleri said. “My solution is urban implosion rather than explosion.”
Arcosanti is the architect’s real-life application of his ideas and theories on arcology (architecture plus ecology). It’s been a community in constant motion since 1970. For guests and residents alike, day-to-day life includes learning, making art, and constructing buildings.
You can now stay in the Sky Suite, an open-concept dwelling with a living area, bedroom, and kitchenette. Take advantage of on-site features like the hillside pool or cafe or attend one of the many events and workshops held throughout the year.
Architecture fans will appreciate the unique way Soleri built the community into the high desert, and those looking to roam will find this is one of the best Airbnbs in Arizona to use as a base for exploring areas like Prescott and West Clear Creek.
Check Availability8. The Verde Dairy Cottage
Why you should stay: Historic building converted into a contemporary home-away-from-home.
- Location: Cottonwood
- Sleeps: 6
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $179/night
Before it was a farmhouse-inspired Airbnb, this building was home to the Verde District Dairy that slung milk around the Verde Valley for decades. Today, it’s one of Cottonwood’s best-rated Airbnbs, both for its history and cozy accommodations.
This place was beyond my expectations (and I had high expectations). The location is close to main access points yet feels remote. The cottage is adorable with every amenity we could think of.
The Verde Dairy Cottage pays homage to its roots with farm-style decor and spaces that feel modern but still authentic to the building’s heritage. Outside, the porch overlooks tranquil farm land framed by towering trees and greenery in every direction.
Guests can access the Verde River from the property or take a quick drive to nearby Dead Horse State Park for more outdoor recreation. Old Town Cottonwood is home to six wineries and it’s a 20-minute drive to Sedona for even more wining and dining options.
Check Availability9. Airstream Dreaming
Why you should stay: Easy living in one of Northern Arizona’s most underrated communities.
- Location: Flagstaff
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $95/night
It can be tough to find a comfortable place to stay in Flagstaff, but Superhosts Josh and Robin make it easier with their renovated Airstreams available just outside of town.
One of those is a 1965 Airstream renovated with modern conveniences, fun decor, and enough inside and outdoor living space to comfortably fit a small group. The Airstream and its counterpart sit on a half-acre lot out in a beautiful open stretch of land just 10 miles from downtown Flag and about 23 miles from Snowbowl.
The views here are spectacular, with sunsets framed by Mount Elden and the San Francisco Peaks looming large over Flagstaff. In summer you’ll find plenty of wildflowers and walking areas to explore, and fall and winter are great times to huddle up by the outdoor patio and fire pit.
The Airstream is 25 feet long and offers everything you’d need for a simple stay. Dining options are just a few miles away and the bustle of downtown Flagstaff isn’t much further. If you’re looking to explore more of Northern Arizona, it’s about 40 miles to Sedona and just over an hour to the Grand Canyon.
If the Airstream’s booked and you need more ideas of where to stay in the area, check out the best cabin rentals in Flagstaff — and here’s an awesome list of Flagstaff’s pet-friendly cabins too.
Check Availability10. The Nest Tiny House
Why you should stay: Modern tiny home centrally located near the Valley’s main draws.
- Location: Phoenix
- Sleeps: 3
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $91/night
The Nest is a cozy tiny home previously located in Coronado Historic District but now lovingly rehomed in a beautiful neighborhood just off SR 51. Its 260 square feet includes a living room, full kitchen, bedroom, full bathroom, and patio.
Beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows create an airy, comforting space that’s easy to relax in and the clean decor and smart design makes optimal use of the home’s footprint. 10-foot-tall ceilings, dimming lights, and no-nonsense organization create a surprising sense of space, making it a perfect landing spot for staycations and out-of-state travelers alike.
Because it’s small, it’s one of the more affordable Airbnbs in Arizona, but it feels much larger than it is once you step inside. The home was designed by local architects Damon Wake and Hunter Floyd, a duo redefining what it means to make functional but environmentally sound tiny homes.
Check Availability11. The Sedona Domes
Why you should stay: A flash to the past with a modern touch of elegance.
- Location: Village of Oak Creek
- Sleeps: 8
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $264/night
The ten domes that make up this Sedona home were inspired by Xanadu houses from the 1980s billed as the “computerized homes of tomorrow!” Like most funky Tomorrowland-style projects, they quickly became outdated and obsolete.
Fortunately for travelers around the world, Airbnb hosts Laura and Paul took on the renovation of this unique home, updating its kitschy rainbow exterior to a clean, modern take that’s decidedly with the times. The largest of the two domes, which is 32 feet tall and 32 feet in diameter, makes up much of the 2,500-square-foot rental. It’s one of Sedona’s most recognizable residences.
The home retains much of its unique original character – cue the sunken living room with spaceship windows – but contemporary decor and conveniences save this from being a relic of the past. Though you’ll have plenty of room to hang out inside, the domes form a private courtyard where you can search for constellations and UFOs in the night sky.
Check Availability12. Lyman’s Place
Why you should stay: Rustic ranch life not far from some of the Southwest’s best national parks.
- Location: Fredonia
- Sleeps: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
- Rates from: $123/night
Lyman’s Place is an old homesteading cabin on a sprawling 400-acre ranch just an hour from Zion National Park and 90 minutes from the North Rim. Built in the early 1900s, the cabin was recently restored with modern conveniences but still features original wood-plank floors, beams, paneling, and hand-finished cob walls.
If you’re looking to get away from it all, Lyman’s Place will help you get there. It’s located west of Fredonia in the Arizona strip, the remote swath of land south of Colorado, east of Nevada, and north of the Colorado River. It’s an ideal base camp for those looking to explore the north side of the Grand Canyon and Utah’s stunning national parks.
The ranch is home to animals – penned and free-range – and includes a shared fire pit, garden, treehouse, and other areas to explore. The hosts are on property but respect visitors’ privacy and only visit if “it’s like that,” to use a popular phrase. They provide ample linens and essential supplies like coffee, tea and breakfast supplies. Shopping and eating options are close by.
This is one of the highest-rated ranch Airbnbs in Northern Arizona, with a perfect five-star rating from more than 400 guests from around the world.
Check Availability13. Stargazing Dome
Why you should stay: Epic sky-watching within a short drive of the Grand Canyon.
- Location: Valle
- Sleeps: 4
- Minimum stay: 1 night
- Rates from: $170/night
Most guests staying at this dome rental north of Williams use it as a basecamp to visit the Grand Canyon’s South Rim some 35 miles away, but many find that the nature viewing starts as soon as they arrive. Stargazing in this neck of the woods is world-class, and in the morning you can catch sunrise over distant mountains through the dome’s wide bay windows.
If you’re visiting in winter – a good way to avoid larger Grand Canyon crowds – the dome’s pellet stove does a remarkable job of keeping the space warm, which also comes in handy when making trips to the nearby compost toilet. The stargazing dome may be a newcomer to the Grand Canyon glamping scene, but its off-grid amenities and budget-friendly rate will make it an Airbnb wishlist favorite in no time.
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