The Most Loved Airbnbs on Social Media (And What They Tell Us About Guests in 2026)
In 2026, social media isn’t just influencing travel decisions—it’s driving them.
Airbnb’s own survey data shows that for Gen Z travelers, platforms like Instagram and TikTok are becoming one of the top ways people discover destinations, experiences, and places to stay.
In other words, your Airbnb listing isn’t just competing on one feed or algorithm anymore, but multiple.
So if social media is now one of the most powerful marketing tools for short-term rentals, who’s winning right now?
To answer that, Airbnb recently released a list of the most loved Airbnbs on social media, based on total engagement across Instagram and TikTok. The results give us a clear look at what today’s guests actually want — and why those guests are changing faster than you realise.
Airbnb Guests Are Getting Younger (And Why That Matters)
A few years ago, social media wasn’t a major factor in Airbnb's success. Today, it’s impossible to ignore — largely because Airbnb’s guest demographic has shifted.
- 54% of Airbnb guests are female
- 36% are between the ages of 24 and 35
- 23% fall into the 35–44 age group
- Only 5% of guests are over 65
That means the vast majority of Airbnb guests today grew up online. They plan trips differently, discover stays differently, and choose experiences that look and feel share-worthy.
Research backs this up:
- A Morning Consult study found that 52% of Gen Z adults travel for leisure three or more times per year.
- The 2025 American Express Travel Trends Report revealed that 80% of Gen Z travelers prefer using apps or social media to plan trips.
- A Thrillist study found that 72% of Gen Z respondents see travel as central to their identity, even when money is tight.
This isn’t just about vacations anymore—it’s about self-expression, identity, belonging, and meaning. That's what hosts need to connect with.
What Gen Z Is Actually Looking for in Airbnbs
Younger guests aren’t just chasing luxury. They’re chasing feeling.
They want immersive, nature-forward stays. Places that help them disconnect, slow down, and experience something real — whether that’s a cabin deep in the woods, a place with bold architecture, or a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list experience.
They want:
- Experiences over excess
- Design that tells a story
- A setting that feels different from everyday life
- Something worth sharing (but not overly polished or generic)
And Airbnb’s most loved stays on social media reflect that perfectly.
The Most Loved Airbnbs on Social Media (2025)
Below are some of the standout listings from Airbnb’s list — along with why they work.
North Cascades River Cabin (Marblemount, WA)
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An off-grid cabin perched right above a glacier-fed river in the North Cascades.
Why it works:
This Airbnb fully commits to its environment. The riverfront deck, forest views, and constant whitewater sound create a sensory experience guests can’t get at home—and can’t stop filming once they arrive. That's how this retreat earned over 1.8 million likes on TikTok.
DC-6 Airplane House (Wasilla, Alaska)
A fully restored DC-6 cargo plane turned into a livable Airbnb — complete with two bedrooms, a kitchen, a spacious living room (and cockpit access).
Why it works:
Sleeping inside an actual airplane is instantly memorable, wildly shareable, and checks every “bucket list” box. And it feels really luxe and comfy inside.
Gilay Estate (Quirindi, Australia)
A stay that brings on the countryside charm with a cool geometric cabin. Guests get to stay "in the middle of nowhere" surrounded by the Liverpool Plains.
Why it works:
The contrast is the magic here. Guests are fully immersed in nature while staying in a sleek, futuristic structure.
Birch Falls Spa Cabin (Remsen, NY)
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A forest spa retreat featuring an indoor waterfall, soaker tub, massage bed, and private wellness space.
Why it works:
It offers luxury through experience, not size. The indoor waterfall alone becomes the centerpiece—a single standout feature that works as a booking magnet.
Star of the Wild (Del Norte, CO)
An off-grid rustic but chic cabin where guests can roll their bed outside to sleep under the stars in a designated dark-sky zone.
Why it works:
This stay leans into adventure and immersion over traditional luxury. It feels raw and deeply connected to the outdoors—exactly what experience-driven travelers crave. The outdoor greenhouse shower and wood-fired hot tubs are on brands. That's how you earn more than 2.1 million on Instagram.
Come & Dream in Quetzalcoatl’s Nest (Mexico)
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This insanely strange yet gorgeous stay feels like a lucid dream. An architecture-driven stay designed to feel like you’re living inside a mythical creature woven into the landscape.
Why it works:
It’s not near nature—it’s part of it. The design is emotional, immersive, and completely unforgettable. The exterior is wild, but the interiors don't disappoint.
Cozy Cabin (Black Mountain, NC)
A classic mountain cabin done exceptionally well —complete with a hot tub, reading nook, fireplace, and mountain views.
Why it works:
An example of a perfectly executed mountain stay with everythingguests already love. And the view of Black Mountains makes it worth the trip. Plus, a speakeasy and arcade are hiding inside.
Secret Treehouse (Volcano, Hawaii)
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This treehouse is exactly what you dreamed of as a kid. Surrounded by Hawaii's lush forests, it's designed like a living sculpture with wraparound decks and 360-degree views.
Why it works:
Its quirky and fun theme taps into your inner wonder and imagination. The surrounding nature merges with the deor nd interiors. It's a rustic retreat and sanctuary.
Civico 65 Garda Holiday (Arco, Italy)
A minimalist luxury apartment near Lake Garda with mountain views and thoughtful modern amenities.
Why it works:
Quiet luxury. No gimmicks — just exceptional comfort, clean design, and convenience like EV charging that modern travelers appreciate. Proof that simplicity and luxury work when it's executed exceptionally.
Six Mile Stable (Pray, Montana)
A remodeled log cabin nestled between Yellowstone National Park and Livingston, MT.
Why it works:
Location does the heavy lifting here. Add authentic Western charm and panoramic mountain views, and the experience sells itself. It's also an hour from Bridger Bowl Ski Area and boasts views of not one, but three, mountain ranges. That's how you pick an insanely profitable Airbnb market!
What These Stays Tell Us About Airbnbs in 2026
What do these stays tell us?
Yes — immersive, outdoor, experience-driven Airbnbs are clearly winning. Guests want to disconnect, slow down, and reconnect with something real.
But just as important, this list proves something else:
Simple still wins when you nail comfort, design, and experience.
Not every top-performing stay is unique or over-the-top. Some succeed because they execute the basics flawlessly with thoughtful layouts, intentional design, strong locations, and a solid understanding of their guests and what they want.
2026 won't be about chasing trends.
It's about creating places that feel memorable, meaningful, and easy to fall in love with—in real life and on social media.
Ready to turn your Airbnb into a brand, not just a listing? Join the Host Camp community and learn from real operators building unforgettable stays.
