The Playbook: Airbnb's Most Wishlisted Stays & What Guests Want in 2026
Airbnb just released their most wishlisted stays across all 50 states. These are the properties travelers keep coming back to, share with friends, and save for future trips.
And this year's list is eye-opening. It's not all bold, crazy designs like that airplane Airbnb from their most shared stays. This is about nature, comfort, and interesting architecture.
Here are a few of our favorites from the lists and our findings on what makes a wishlist-worthy stay in 2026.
What Makes a Listing Wishlist-Worthy
Looking across the most saved properties, six clear patterns emerged.
1. New experiences.
People are hunting for experiences that feel removed from their day-to-day. Stargazing decks. Swimming in rivers. Watching wildlife. Grilling and playing games with family on a deck. Guests don't just want novelty, they want something different to do and experience.
2. Unconventional architecture wins.
This year isn't just about bold colors. It's about bold shapes, materials, and designs—even if they're grey or black. Glass octagons. Steel sculptures you can sleep inside. Houses built into the earth. Travelers are gravitating toward "one-of-a-kind places to rest their heads." And more and more of them are appreciating interesting architecture, even when it's minimalistic. If your property has unique bones, lean into them.
3. Off-grid isn't a limitation—it's a feature.
Multiple properties on this list have no WiFi, no cell service, or both. And guests love it. This is another way of creating a unique experience. They're craving genuine disconnection, not a place to pretend they did. Market the silence. Market the stars. Market what they won't get at a hotel or at home.
4. Nature immersion beats flashy interiors.
Across the board, guests prioritize views, peace, quiet, and access to the outdoors over fancy interiors or the flashiest amenities. Many of the most wishlisted homes have very simple, basic interior designs. But they win because of wide windows, wrap-around decks, or a bed hanging above a stream.
It's not just about being in or near nature. It's about your Airbnb feeling like it's immersing guests into nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows. Outdoor showers. Beds that face the view.
5. Unique doesn't mean loud anymore.
Almost all of the most wishlisted properties aren't gimmicky or loud. They're tranquil, peaceful, and nature-forward. A stream running behind a treehouse. A lavender farm at your doorstep. A fairytale cottage in the woods.
The wow factor comes from serenity, not spectacle. They don't have crazy amenities—just the basics executed very well while keeping nature the main focus. Unique means fresh in 2026.
6. Minimalistic, relaxing, neutral design.
Calm, wooden or neutral interiors are having a moment. They were a key feature in most of the wishlisted homes. When guests want to unwind and relax, they want a home that feels that way too—serene and calming, a rest for the senses. They appreciate comfort more than bold interiors. And they want the theme to blend into the location, not stand out from it.
13 Stays Travelers Can't Stop Saving
We picked 15 stays from Airbnb's top wishlisted stays. Here they are, plus a wow factor that grabs attention, what guests are raving about in reviews, and takeaways for other Airbnb hosts.
The Earth House
The stay: An earth house—literally built into the landscape—with industrial-futuristic design softened by mid-century modern touches.
Wow factor: It's buried underground.
What guests love: Extremely comfortable beds. "Beautifully designed while still being incredibly comfortable and welcoming." One-of-a-kind structure to explore. "We really enjoyed seeing the architectural plans and flipping through the books about earthen homes. And being able to play in the yard on top of the roof was so much fun!"
Takeaway for hosts: Make your decor work with your build. Industrial earth house + minimal mid-century = cohesive, not chaotic. The whole house tells one design story.
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Hilltop Treehouse & Lavender Farm
Location: Oxford, Iowa
The stay: A treehouse lifted high enough to actually feel like you're sleeping among the branches, overlooking a working lavender farm.
Wow factor: Simple, neutral interiors that let the outdoor lavender farm be the star.
What guests love: Lavender milkshakes and lavender vanilla cold brew from the onsite shop. Rain shower designed for relaxation. On-theme bonus touches like lavender gift bags.
Takeaway for hosts: When the outdoors are the star, use your interiors to frame them, not compete, especially in small spaces like a tiny home.
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Flohom Houseboat
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Location: Baltimore, Maryland
The stay: Even a home by the city can feel immersive. This floating home on the water has floor-to-ceiling windows and a 360-degree rooftop deck—letting you enjoy water views during the day and city lights at night.
Wow factor: Sleeping on the water, with nothing but the lake and sky outside your window.
What guests love: The gentle rocking of the boat. Waking up to sunrise over the water. The feeling of being completely removed from land while you're still minutes from the city. Luxurious beds.
Takeaway for hosts: Nature-forward stays aren't exclusive to remote locations. Water, trees, mountains—use what's around you.
Old Soul Treehouse
Location: Waterloo, South Carolina
The stay: A handcrafted treehouse built with reclaimed wood and vintage doors and windows, nestled in the forest canopy.
Wow factor: A waterfront treehouse packs two cool experiences into one. Vintage charm sets it apart from more modern builds.
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What guests love: The craftsmanship. The sound of rain on the roof. Zero sound pollution. Swimming in the peaceful private lake. "Feels like it's been there for a hundred years".
Takeaway for hosts: Authenticity scales. Guests can tell when something was built with care versus just assembled. Design that tells a story and feels personal makes guests connect more.
Gorgeous Lake Front Home
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Location: Culver Lake, New Jersey
The stay: A spacious, light-filled home on a spring-fed lake with kayaks and paddleboards included.
Wow factor: The lake, and a surprise game room for nights when the weather doesn't cooperate.
What guests love: Perfect 5-star reviews. The views. The clean and well-stocked space. Outdoor games and grill, and a surprise basement game room.
Takeaway for hosts: Sometimes, absolutely nailing the basics of comfort and amenities wins. No crazy bells and whistles, but everything a guest could possibly ask for.
Willow Treehouse
Location: Willow, New York
The stay: A secluded treehouse on 34 acres with no WiFi and no cell service—just a pond, a wood-fired hot tub, and silence.
Wow factor: No emails. And floor-to-ceiling windows to soak in the nature.
What guests love: Zero sound pollution. Swimming in the serene pond. The chance to actually unplug—for real. Close to Woodstock for culture and entertainment when you want it.
Takeaway for hosts: Another stay proving that intentional off-grid design wins. Market the disconnection.
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The Stone Cottage Treehouse in the Woods
Location: Hardwick, Vermont
The stay: A fairytale escape with a hanging bed, a stream running behind the property, a sauna, fire pit, and hammocks.
Wow factor: The stream. Guests mention it in almost every review.
What guests love: "Stepping into a fairytale." Peace, quiet, and nature. Hiking and skiing nearby. And yes—that stream.
Takeaway for hosts: Not all ROI-boosting amenities are expensive. In a dialed-back nature stay like this, the hanging bed and hammocks elevate the experience and give guests a reason to leave 5 stars.
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Frank Lloyd Wright's Eppstein House
Location: Galesburg, Michigan
The stay: A recently restored mid-century modern home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Luxurious interiors let hand-picked artifacts and history shine. Curated with art, collectibles, architecture books, a record player, and a selection of records.
Wow factor: An architecture lover's dream stay. The outside views are great, but inside, it's a museum you can sleep in.
What guests love: "Like stepping into a time machine or film set." The curated record collection. Neutral, warm tones that feel calming and immersive. The home feels like an extension of nature.
Takeaway for hosts: History and curation can be your differentiator. Use your local history and tell the story of your home to make the interior as much of an experience as the exterior. No generic decor. Be intentional about what you pick. Guests notice.
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Oda Hus Modern A-Frame Cabin on Private Nature Lake
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Location: Hackensack, Minnesota
The stay: A modern A-frame on a secluded 12-acre peninsula with floor-to-ceiling windows, a cedar barrel sauna, and direct lake access.
Wow factor: Surrounded by trees and near a serene lake. Like camping in luxury.
What guests love: Gorgeous minimalist wooden interiors. Peaceful and quiet. Easy walk to the lake. Wildlife spotting—owls, birds, loons. Heated bathroom floors—small touches that feel luxurious.
Takeaway for hosts: Small touches matter. Heated floors and a sauna turn a cabin into an unforgettable one.
Grey Houz
Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
The stay: A dark, boxy modern farmhouse on 5 acres of prairie with stunning day and night views of the hills and the city of Bismarck.
Wow factor: The outside is dramatic. The inside is warm and inviting.
What guests love: Big windows, great views, a charming kids' room with a fairytale-themed design. Unique and bold architecture meets peaceful prairie getaway.
Takeaway for hosts: Contrast can work. A dark, tall build against a delicate prairie setting stands out.
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Elkview Lodge
Location: Hermosa, South Dakota
The stay: A glamping hut that feels like stepping into The Shire—cozy king bed, private outdoor space with twinkle lights and fire pits, and stunning hill views.
Wow factor: You can see the hills right from your doorstep.
What guests love: "Staying here felt like stepping straight into the Shire." White-tailed deer and rabbits in the morning. The hut is even more charming in person. Views are stunning at every time of day.
Takeaway for hosts: You don't need a private bathroom to be wishlist-worthy. Be honest about what you offer and nail the experience.
The Lens Lodge
Location: Ellijay, Georgia
The stay: An OMG! Fund-winning camera-themed stay where you sleep in the lens of a giant camera, 15 feet above ground, with a full circular window overlooking the North Georgia mountains.
Wow factor: Sleeping inside a circular camera lens with uninterrupted views of the mountains. The "gimmick" is nature-functional.
What guests love: Hot tub overlooking the view. Shower with glass walls to enjoy woodland views. On-theme polaroids provided to document your stay. "It was so peaceful and tranquil—a truly unique experience from start to finish."
Takeaway for hosts: Themed stays still win, especially when they're paired with immersion in nature. Every detail matters, from the polaroids to the structure itself.
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Zion A-Frame
Location: Hildale, Utah
The stay: Voted Airbnb's #1 Most Liked Listing of 2021. An A-frame cabin with a floor-to-ceiling window wall that fully opens to a private deck overlooking Zion Canyon.
Wow factor: The window wall disappears, blurring the line between cabin and red rock.
What guests love: Private hot tub under the stars. Direct BLM trail access from the property—no crowds, no trailhead drive. The 8-person cedar sauna (shared, but guests don't mind). No WiFi, but strong cell service. "Unplug without the panic."
Takeaway for hosts: Location adjacency matters, but direct access matters more. Being 45 minutes from Zion is good. Having BLM trails step off your porch is unforgettable.
Robert Bruno Steel House
Location: Ransom Canyon, Texas
The stay: An architectural marvel—a steel sculpture you can actually sleep inside. Built over decades by artist Robert Bruno, this organic, futuristic structure looks like something from another planet.
Wow factor: It's not a house shaped like art. It's art you live inside.
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What guests love: The curves. The windows. The feeling of being inside a living sculpture. "There's nothing else like it on earth."
Takeaway for hosts: Art can be architecture. You don't have to be a famous artist to have fun with shapes and bend the rules on design and materials.
Tucson Bottle House
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Location: Tucson, Arizona
The stay: A main house built from thousands of glass bottles, creating walls that filter light into kaleidoscopic patterns. 3 bedrooms, sleeps 10.
Wow factor: Light pours through in colors you've never seen indoors.
What guests love: 5.0 stars, 63 reviews. "It's magical." The way sunlight changes throughout the day. The craftsmanship. It's a 5.0 property because it delivers something no hotel can.
Takeaway for hosts: Even building materials can be your differentiator. Bottle walls. Reclaimed wood. Glass. Steel. What's ordinary for you might be extraordinary for a guest. It's all about creating that unique experience.
What Hosts Can Steal From These Properties
- Choose locations with natural features that help you stand out.
- Nature immersion > fancy interiors and expensive amenities. Luxury now centers around comfort, peace, and connection to the outdoors—not marble countertops.
- Unconventional structures win. If your property has unique bones, lean into them hard.
- Off-grid is a feature, not a limitation.
- Comfort is non-negotiable. Every property on this list gets rave reviews for comfortable beds, cozy spaces, and thoughtful amenities. Guests won't sacrifice comfort for aesthetics.
Want Your Property on Someone's Wishlist?
The Host Camp community helps hosts build scroll-stopping, experience-driven stays. Want help building your own wishlist-worthy glampsite or stay? Book a free strategy call with our coaches here.
👉 Read Airbnb's full list of Most Wishlisted Stays here.
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