Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
From a repurposed school bus to a love letter to the 90s, we’re exploring 10 of the strangest Airbnbs in Texas.
When you go to a hotel, you typically know what to expect. Sure, the amenities may vary a bit, but the standard layouts are all similar enough that there shouldn’t be any surprises. That’s not the case with Airbnbs, which offer a variety of weird options, from treehouses to wagons to tiny homes that can barely fit a single guest.
The Lone Star State is full of these oddities that make for wildly unique stays. Grab your suitcase and toiletries—here are 10 of the most bizarre Airbnbs in Texas.
1. The Most Interesting House in Texas
I’m not being hyperbolic; this Pearland home is called “The Most Interesting House in Texas.” The 5-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom space was originally built for an escape room and music videos. Meanwhile, my band Burning Years shot this music video in a home with 1.5 bathrooms like peasants. In any case, the house has several motifs that are full of character and hidden decor. The luxury jail cell is the highlight, with other themes including China, India, Italy, Versailles, Greece, Egypt, Africa, and Easter Island. Alas, you can’t professionally shoot video while renting this home, so that music video ain’t happening. Check it out here.
2. Haunted Magnolia Hotel Bed and Breakfast
Supernatural fans, this one’s for you. The Magnolia Hotel was built in 1850 and has formerly served as a hotel, saloon, restaurant, stagecoach shop, and brothel. Today, you can rent the entire second floor and get a continental breakfast, to boot. The only catch? You’ll probably be haunted by ghosts. The hotel has been featured on shows like “Ghost Adventures,” “Paranormal Caught on Camera,” and “The Daytripper.” The part you’ll stay in is a converted five-room suite, while the other 11 rooms are unrestored, dusty, spooky, and full of friendly spirits—and totally open for you to explore. Check it out here.
3. The Bloomhouse by Lodgewell
Dubbed a “Fairy Tale Escape,” The Bloomhouse in Austin is unlike any house you’ve ever seen. It’s part seashell, part unicorn, and entirely whimsical. The whole home is a bounty of curves, squiggles, and unique angles. It sort of feels like staying in a well-lit cave without the fear of bats. Parts of the architecture look like what you’d find walking along the beach, though you won’t get sand all over you. The home is colorful, majestic, and invigorating. Like The Bloomhouse says: “Do it for the ‘gram, but also for your soul.” Check it out here.
4. Conestoga Glamping Wagons
Get a taste of life on the Oregon Trail from the comfort of Fredericksburg. These authentic Conestoga Wagon Co. luxury wagons are a delightfully quaint way to spend a night or two in a gorgeous environment. The wagons don’t have bathrooms—those are in a shared area nearby—but they do house a picnic table and fire ring. Should you prefer more modern amenities, a pool, jacuzzi, gym, disc golf, and volleyball courts are just a short walk away. Or, head into town, grab a bottle or two from any Fredericksburg winery, and have yourself a terrific evening. Check it out here.
5. YeeHaw Container
Houston’s Eastwood neighborhood is home to the YeeHaw Container, a 20-foot shipping container apartment. Even with a tight squeeze, there’s access to a full kitchen and dining area, a queen-sized bed, and a 55-inch TV. The backyard is the highlight, with an eye-catching, colorful mural, a tub swimming pool, and charming donut and flamingo floats. This Airbnb is also an affordable spot for sports fans since it’s only 15 minutes from NRG Stadium (home of the Texans and the Texas Rodeo) and two miles from Minute Maid Park and the Toyota Center for Astros and Rockets games, respectively. Check it out here.
6. The Castle at Lake Livingston
Inspired by the German Medieval-Gothic castles of ancient Europe, this Lake Livingston castle offers a similar feel in Texas. There’s an armored knight keeping guard by the bedroom, a Bavarian-style guesthouse, and a small spiral staircase, which always just feels more luxurious than a standard one. Sadly, the castle doesn’t come with a moat or court jesters, but with the lake nearby, you can keep yourself plenty entertained. Check it out here.
7. Terlingua Belle Glamping Tent
While venturing to Big Bend or checking out the ghost town Terlingua, you can have a real night under the stars with this glamping tent. You’ll get a spacious 13 feet inside, though the tent still manages air conditioning for the hot summer days, heating for the chilly evenings, and a private bathhouse. After a tiring day of hiking, cozy up on the chairs outside and watch the sun set along the Chisos Mountains while roasting some s’mores over an open flame. You might even luck out and meet the three dogs on the property! Check it out here.
8. The WanderBus
Perhaps you have fond memories of watching “The Magic School Bus” as a child. Or maybe your main bus memories center around leaping out the back door to practice fire escapes (hey, I lived across the street from my elementary school; I rarely had to take a bus!). What neither of us has (probably) done is spend the night in a bus, but The WanderBus in Dripping Springs is a boho chic décor way to make that happen. The property is a renovated 1973 bus with copper ceilings, a record player (with records included), and one of the best views to catch a sunrise. Check it out here.
9. Hobbit Treehouse
If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? Luckily, you won’t have to ponder that classic dilemma at the Hobbit Treehouse in Forestburg, which overlooks Bingham Creek. Though the treehouse only supports two beds, the owners of this location run several different small homes, including Bigfoot’s Treehouse and Tumbleweed Tiny House, so you can still have a good time with larger groups. The area includes multiple swings, a fire pit, and a scavenger hunt to become a hobbit master. It will probably take you less time to complete than watching a single “Lord of the Rings” movie. Check it out here.
10. The McFly and The Slater
You likely have a fondness for the decade you grew up in—after all, many things look better with nostalgic glasses. With The McFly and The Slater, the two locations within a Lower Greenville duplex, you’ll get a delicious dose of the 80s and 90s, respectively. The McFly features a working NES and Ninja Turtles arcade machine, a breakfast cereal buffet, and totally rad backsplashes and bedspreads to feel like you’ve been dropped into your favorite 80s sitcom. The Slater has the same vibe but leans even more into its decade’s theme. Laze across a beanbag chair, gaze at the “Friends “and heartthrob posters adorning the wall, watch a VHS in the comfy living room, and indulge in sugary breakfast cereal options (hey, cereal is fantastic in any decade). The Slater’s dining room is styled after The Max, the local hangout in “Saved by the Bell.” And unlike Zach Morris, these Airbnbs are not trash. Check The Slater out here. Check The McFly out here.
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
