SALT LAKE CITY — In the age of the coronavirus pandemic, travel has been made more difficult. But after being quarantined in your own home for five months, it might be nice to have a little getaway. Utah has so much to offer from vibrant cities, National Parks, world-class ski resorts, lakes and deserts, so why not go explore our backyard?
You can ditch the overpriced and boring hotels and opt for a unique and more homey stay at an Airbnb in Utah, which offers stays in treehouses, cottages, castles, tents and much more.
Airbnb hosts pride themselves on their short-term vacation home rentals, trying to make the space unique and special for each guest that comes to visit. When you book an Airbnb, you book more than a stay, you get an experience.
We’ve compiled a list of the best Airbnb’s located throughout Utah, including the most affordable, luxurious, unique and best for large groups. Each listing having a minimum rating of 4.75 out of 5 stars.
- These ratings come from previous guests rating the accommodation on things such as cleanliness, communication, check-in, accuracy, location and value. The majority of the proprieties also have superhosts, who are hosts that have shown exceptional service and stand as an example for other hosts to follow. Airbnb visits the property four times a year to ensure the property and host are still able to hold that title.
Be aware that Airbnb has recently passed a new rule to adhere to social distancing guidelines and are only allowing up to 16 guests per home for the time being. There are some properties included in this list that can accommodate more than 16 that would be better experienced after the pandemic.
Zion & Bryce glamping tents — Kane County
Sometimes camping can be a lot of work and the thought of no air conditioning and sleeping on the ground can turn away some. Glamping tents are a great alternative for the people who want to camp but with the comforts of home. Glamping (or “glamorous camping”) includes more amenities than normal camping and can be compared to resort-style services, yet you still have access to the outdoors. The tents themselves have a queen bed and three twin beds as well as a sitting chair, luggage rack, and other decor items to make the tent feel more like a home. In the summer, the tents are equipped with air conditioning and heating in the winter. Located on the Zion Ponderosa Resort Property, you will have access to many of the amenities such as breakfast, pool, hot tubs, sport courts and others. Your camping site also includes a private shaded area with a picnic table, gas grill, and fire pit.
Price: $138 per night
Mini dome near Snowbasin — Huntsville
Located in Huntsville in Weber County and Snowbasin Ski Resort, this home is a dome that can fit three people and has two different beds. Here you will overlook the Pineview Reservoir and have stunning views and a star-filled sky from your own patio. You’ll have access to basic kitchen supplies but also an outdoor grill. The interior is decorated in a rustic fashion that is similar in fashion to a European ski chalet. In the mini-dome, you will feel a sense of coziness and relaxation.
Price: $115 per night
Park City castle mansion (colony ski-in, ski-out) — Park City
Charming and designed in a French chateau-style, this might be one of the most luxurious and expensive Airbnbs in Utah. However, you get a whole castle to explore and call yours for your stay. This castle can accommodate up to 16 people for the time being but you are allowed to contact Park City Rentals in the future if you would like to have more guests. This house is 16,000 square feet featuring six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a formal dining room, three kitchens, an outdoor patio area and a hot tub. If you visit during the winter, you will have easy ski access as it is steps away from the Flat Iron chair lift and the Quicksilver Gondola, as well as the Golden Spruce ski run bordering the property.
Price: $5,926 per night
Log cabin on 17-acre farm with backyard “playland” — Spanish Fork
This log cabin stay is located in Spanish Fork and is a fun affordable stay as well as being able to welcome larger groups. The key features of this property that make it special is the 17-acre farmland that has a batting cage, five trampolines, a sand volleyball court, rope swing, slide and a fire pit. The cabin can fit up to 10 people in three cozy bedrooms. Be mindful though that Bob the rooster might wake you up in the morning with his crowing.
Price: $89 per night
Breathtaking designer mountain retreat — Cottonwood Heights
The name does not lie about this house, it is a home built into the foothills of the Wasatch mountains in Cottonwood Heights. The house is decorated in a minimalist modern fashion with floor-to-ceiling windows around the house, giving you plenty of natural light and a view of the mountains. Outside of this home you will find your own private pool, a nice patio, and area to barbecue and eat. You’ll have your choice of four different bedrooms with most featuring a mountain view, a suite bathroom and heated floors. Here you will also have access to 21 different amenities.
Price: $2,000 per night
Dreamy treehouse above Park City — Park City
Childhood dreams become a reality in this charming treehouse among a 200-year-old fir tree located in Park City. Be aware to access this property you will need four-wheel or all-wheel drive as there is no paved road. Parts of the tree are exposed throughout the house adding to the ambiance that you are above the ground in your own treehouse. There are plenty of windows in the house including multiple skylights so you can take in the breathtaking views around you and the stars when you fall asleep. You will also have access to a private patio where you can dine in the treetops.
Price: $175 per night
Grove cottage on hobby farm — Wellsville
You’ll be off the grid and on your own with the nature surrounding you at the grove cottage in Cache County. The cottage is located 165 yards away from the driveway and sleds/wagons are provided for you so you’ll have no issues transporting your belongings. The cottage itself is small rustic but still cozy and can fit up to six people. The cottage has a loft up top with two sleeping bags perfect for the kids to have their space. On the porch, you can sit on the wooden swing and take in the scenic views of the mountains or enjoy sitting around the fireplace.
Price: $95 per night
Charming and serene 1919 escape — Salt Lake City
This charming home is located just south of downtown Salt Lake City and offers a peaceful stay with your own rose garden and gazebo to relax in. The house is fashioned in colors of gray and white with simplistic furniture. Four guests are able to fit here with one bedroom and a bathroom. Nights can be spent outside on the patio eating dinner under the delightful outdoor lights.
Price: $69 per night
Bear Lake big house, indoor playground, 9 bedrooms — Garden City
This 9,000-square-foot home is located in Garden City in Rich County. It has an indoor theater room outfitted with DVDs and Hulu as well as an indoor play area that includes a half basketball court, playhouse, trampoline and a putting green. This giant house can sleep 47 people scattered throughout the house and has a kitchen fit to cook for everyone. You’ll have access to three different decks all overlooking the beautiful Bear Lake and if at the end taking the stairs down is too much work, hop on in the outdoor slides.
Please note that during the current coronavirus pandemic this house will still be available to rent but can only accommodate a maximum of 16 guests.
Price: $1,632 per night on Airbnb
Cliffside tiny homes — Orderville
Tiny homes seem to be the new trend and you can have the opportunity to stay in one at this stay in Orderville in Kane County. Although tiny, these homes are outfitted with everything you need to have a conformable and wonderful stay including two beds, a kitchen and a full bathroom. The homes are decorated in a rustic modern theme to give you that cabin feel. You’ll also have access to a private fireplace with stunning views of the surrounding area.
Price: $129 per night
Downtown condo in Moab with rock climbing wall — Moab
Have you ever wanted to go rock climbing in your bedroom? Well, now you can. This unique stay in Moab has 16.5-foot-tall ceilings that allows you to go rock climbing in the master bedroom. The space has two usable climbing routes and harnesses, rope, and belay devices are provided. The other bedroom is outfitted with three stacked bunkbeds and a fireman's pole to make it a little easier to make it back to the ground. Throughout the house you’ll find many small details and unique touches to make your stay more special. This home is located within the brand new La Dolce Vita Villas inspired and designed in Italian fashion.
Price: $149 per night
Rustic loft at Wadley Farms — Lindon
This loft apartment is located within the grounds of the stunning Wadley Farms with breathtaking views of gardens, vineyards, and nearby Mount Timpanogos. The loft itself has one bathroom along with a fully equipped kitchen and then a private balcony. Decorated in a wooden and rustic fashion you will feel a cozy sense of home. Wadley Farms is a 23-acre family farm that is fully functioning and includes a vineyard and a fruit farm. The hosts are more than willing to give you a tour of the grounds during your stay.
Price: $113 per night
Did we miss one? Email features@deseretnews.com if we missed any top Airbnb location in Utah.