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The 11 most unique Airbnbs in Los Angeles

From castles and train cars to mountain escapes, these are the most unique Airbnbs across L.A.

Michael Juliano
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L.A. The place of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and all those snazzy jazzy places. Why would you settle for anything less than a super cool and unique Airbnb? From boho hideaways in the mountains to bright and colorful hilltop villas giving you Old Hollywood star vibes, there are plenty of quirky places to stay compared to your standard (even luxury) hotels. 

L.A. is an architectural playground, with gorgeous homes nestled in the canyons, steps from the ocean, or in the heart of the action. Below, you'll find our selection of the most unique Airbnbs in L.A. for your next trip, whether they're just crazy quirky, stunning, or impossibly located, there's something you'll love here. 

RECOMMENDED: 
🌴Check out the best Airbnbs in L.A.
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👙Or head to these Airbnbs in Palm Springs

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, hotel amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Unique L.A. Airbnbs

1. A treehouse cabin in Elysian Heights

Nestled in the heart of Elysian Heights, this dreamy treehouse cabin in the hills provides a magical retreat with a secret stairway to Echo Park. Entering through a tropical garden, this cabin offers calming views, modern amenities, and serene atmosphere secluded from the rest of the city. The cozy spot comes complete with a crystal quartz jungle shower and a private patio with a hammock, alongside a collection of eclectic decor. You'll have easy access to local favourites Canyon Coffee, Cookbook, Valerie Cafe, Crossroads vintage, Bar Flores, Bacetti, Sage Bistro, Offe Market, and more! Perfect for those looking to unplug and unwind. Whether you're soaking up the peaceful vibes, enjoying a night out on Sunset Blvd, or heading out to explore the nearby hiking trails of beautiful Elysian Park, this Airbnb will give you a truly unique California experience.

What’s the budget range? It may seem a bit pricey, but if you’re looking for a secluded stay in vibrant Echo Park, it’s more than worth it.

What’s it like to stay here? Like sleeping in a whimsical treehouse complete with witchy rainforest shower.

Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2.

2. A legit castle in the Hollywood Hills

Turrets, stained glass, high ceilings, chandeliers, details reliefs—yep, this is a castle, alright. But there’s nothing medieval about this stunning Hollywood Hills home; you’ll find fancy appliances, a bathroom with more showerheads than we could count, an outdoor fire pit and a pool and spa. Everything modern royalty could need. The castle itself is unique too (not many of them in Los Angeles is there) it's an example of something called 'Filmic Storybook Architecture' which had a moment in the 1920s and early 30s. This one's a 1931 building. 

What’s the budget range? A little hefty, but we all deserve a few nights in luxury, right!?

What’s it like to stay here? Like a fairytale in the hills. It's incredibly spacious, archaic, and just plain magic. 

Rooms: 2 beds, 1 bath. Sleeps 3. 

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3. A designer doodle studio in Glendale

Okay, we know at first glance that it's A LOT but this unique Airbnb in Glendale is so worth the visit. Coined the doodle studio – as it's fully clad in doodle art by world-famous artist @prettydone – this property is ideal for a couple of pals looking for somewhere unique to call home for a few days. Located near Hollywood, this is luxury artsy living at its best. Oh, and if you need a moment's respite from the craziness, head to the bathroom where wall art is at a minimum. 

What’s the budget range? A budget-friendly steal for solo adventurers or couples who want to be close to Downtown L.A.

What’s it like to stay here? We call the artist's wonderland.

Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2. 

4. The medieval themed guesthouse near Universal Studios

This medieval-themed Airbnb in L.A. - known as the red Drake Inn - is certainly unique. Differing from the typical luxe Airbnbs, with clean-cut, modern interiors, this Airbnb is definitely a different experience. Sleeping up to three guests in one queen-sized bed and a single bed, it's perfect for small families or a couple's getaway. The medieval charm runs throughout the Airbnb but don't worry, it still provides you with the modern conveniences you'll need for a comfortable stay. A bit like a fantasy inn set in Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter, the studio Airbnb includes a bathroom, Wi-Fi, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a stone fireplace for ultimate cozy vibes. Open the double doors into the private yard space where you'll find a courtyard patio with fire pit and gas grill, ideal for dining in the L.A. heat.

What’s the budget range? An absolute steal for Glendale –know for its thriving entainment district. 

What’s it like to stay here? No detail has been spared to turn this place into a fantastical realm.

Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 3. 

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5. The architectural wonder in West Hollywood

If the views don't sell it to ya, then we don't know what will. This stunning architectural wonder Airbnb in West Hollywood, L.A. is worth staying at for the views alone of the spectacular Sunset Strip. Gather your best buds, the Airbnb sleeps five guests and is packed full of things to make your stay comfortable and memorable. The rustic wooden vibe gives a cozy, homely atmosphere, with the modern touches ensuring you're perfectly comfortable. From the luxurious bathroom to the outdoor deck, you'll be blown away. 

What’s the budget range? A luxury weekend for a decent price - ideal for a group of friends or families. 

What’s it like to stay here? You'll feel like a 'Hollywood star' in this beautiful home. 

Rooms: 2 beds, 2 baths. Sleeps 5.

6. A modern sanctuary in Hollywood Hills

Okay but say you want to go all out. You want Kardashian-style gaff. Maybe even more elaborate than Kardashian, more, king of the Silicone Valley-style accommodation but on the Hollywood Hills? Well, it has to be this place. Sleeping a dozen across six rooms means the cost can become sort of tangible. The good stuff. Look at it, truly modern, whites and glasses in fun shapes. 6,500 sq ft, cost 7 million dollars to build. The six bedrooms have en suites of course, and there's also a jetted hot tub on the roof, a pool table in the second living room, and multiple balconies with great views of downtown LA and Santa Monica's beaches. All the water is filtered, even the toilet... because why not. We could go on. Selling sunset vibes guaranteed: either way.  

What’s the budget range? A pocket-friendly vacation for a bachelor or bachelorette party.

What’s it like to stay here? Gawdropping glamour, dah! It's the ideal spot for those who want a taste of L.A. nightlife.  

Rooms: 6 beds, 5.5 baths. Sleeps 12.

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7. The 1909 craftsman home in Silver Lake

This place is so unique it was a worldwide finalist for the ‘Most Unique Listing’ award at the Airbnb Open in Paris 2015. On paper, it’s a 1909 California craftsman home high up in the Silver Lake Hills with some rather good views of downtown LA. In practice it’s… hmmm… an incredible one-of-a-kind gothicky-Germanicky-artisticky surrealist dreampalace. Everywhere you look, new treasures and details greet you, whether it’s a surprise floral mural on a bedroom wall or a brilliantly decadent sleeping space crafted to look like a temple. Extra points for that weird-but-wonderful bath layout and the sheer volume of strange artworks and furnishings. This won’t be to everyone’s taste, which is exactly what makes it great.

What’s the budget range? Quite spenny but it does sleep six.

What’s it like to stay here? Hard to explain. There really is nowhere else quite like it.

Rooms: 5 beds in 4 bedrooms, 2 baths. Sleeps 6.

8. An indoor-outdoor craftsman in Venice

This Venice guest cottage feels like it’s distilled every aesthetic of the California dream into a single structure: raw wood and industrial-chic surfaces meet clean, cushy furniture and a vine-covered outdoor bathroom, all wrapped up in an airy Craftsman-inspired space. Beautiful, simple, elegant and quintessentially L.A. Adjective-evocation aside, the place is situated in a beautiful garden right by Venice Beach, so if you're looking to keep the outdoor vibes when you go and unwind somewhere a little more private, well this is sure the place for you.

What’s the budget range? It's a pricey 30-night minimum – ideal for the digital nomad who wants to skip town for a while. 

What’s it like to stay here? Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, yet just moments from the beach and all the best restaurants and bars. 

Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 3. 

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9. A colorful caboose with mountain views in Cornell

Yes, this studio is inside a train car. And as you'd expect, combines rustic charm with some lavish-looking touches. Outside, you can climb on top the caboose to find a patio with views of the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains which is highly recommended. Do note that there’s a metalworking studio on the property that’s active on weekdays—but the resident peacocks, parrots and hummingbirds should hopefully balance that out with some more pleasant noise. Besides, you're near Malibu, so you'll probably be out exploring for the most part, won't you?

What’s the budget range? An affordable couple's trip with a great selection of wineries and restaurants nearby.

What’s it like to stay here? Odd is the new charming when it comes to this quirky home tucked away in Agoura Hills.

Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2. 

10. A studio cottage in North East Los Angeles

This unique studio cottage is self-described as 'craftsman-esque in style' and we see what they're saying. It's like someone saw the place and truly put their stamp on it. A great example is the partially open ceiling and skylight, perfect for those of you who love architecture. This is also a great pool to stay in during the summer. Want to know why? It has a great non-heated pool that you can use to cool down in the hot Los Angeles summer months. There is one bedroom and one bathroom so it's perfect for solo travellers or couples looking for a serene getaway.

What’s the budget range? A cheap and humble abode.  

What’s it like to stay here? The marvelous landscaping and the proximity to the Gold Line make this place a real gem.

Rooms: 1 bed, 1 bath. Sleeps 2. 

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11. An entertainment pad in Inglewood

It's rare to find an Airbnb with THIS much going on in the backyard: the whole space is an open-air entertainment area, with a wall-mounted TV facing a comfy couch, a retro arcade game, a BBQ, electric fire pit and lawn games from mini golf to cornhole. And when you've worked up an appetite after all that fun, step inside to prep a meal in the state-of-the-art kitchen. The interiors are modern from head to toe, with a clean-cut monochrome design made cozy with the addition of rugs and a brown leather sofa.

What’s the budget range? A great price for a whole multi-bedroom house. 

What’s it like to stay here? Endless fun with the family and enough amenities to make you feel like you're at home. 

Rooms: 2 beds. 1 bath. Sleeps 5. 

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