Advertisement
Living

Best vacation rental websites

From a loft in Montmartre, Paris, to Frank Sinatra's opulent Palm Springs villa, vacation rentals give you the insider travel experience, whatever your budget
Rustic homestead in Joshua Tree, California Cabin in Joshua Tree, California

Why we love it: It's a bit like the social media of vacation sites, because you message the host directly from the start, and you both review each other afterwards. You can choose to stay by yourself or take a spare room in a shared home, and there's always a photo of your host (usually a smiling couple).

Good for: Solo travellers looking to meet new people; some operate like B&Bs, with owners on site.

Score right now: A rustic-chic, homestead cabin in the deserts of Joshua Tree, California—featured in the New York Times—for $90 a night.

Why we love them: Two of the earliest worldwide vacation rental sites, operating under the same umbrella, these are trustworthy and easy to use. You can browse more design-savvy featured listings by interactive map; we've used them to book a finca in Spain and a tree house in Hawaii.

Advertisement

Good for: Couples or families looking for unique hideaways in the countryside or rural villages; newbies, thanks to the helpful interactive forums; and landlords because of the comprehensive advice section.

Score right now: A secluded four-bedroom ranch house on an eco-preserve in Oaxaca, Mexico, for $285 a night.

Apartment in Notting Hill Apartment in Notting Hill

Why we love it: Just in time for Olympic fans, this new London site gives you the keys to some hidden gems in England's capital. Just visiting the site delivers a hit of Brit humour, like the description of a Mayfair pied-à-terre as "just far enough from Shepherd's Market to fob off your mother-in-law." Search tabs zoom in on the details: free wifi, antique furniture or an interesting owner.

Advertisement

Good for: Anyone visiting London who fancies an original experience but not hiked hotel prices. Score right now: A charming one-bedroom apartment with lots of sun in prestigious Notting Hill, with a shared garden, for $172 a night.

GET CHATELAINE IN YOUR INBOX!

Subscribe to our newsletters for our very best stories, recipes, style and shopping tips, horoscopes and special offers.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Advertisement
Advertisement