While we love a classic hotel experience — turn down service and breakfast delivered to the door always sounds good — short-term rentals in NC have changed the game. When you need more room, extra privacy, a full kitchen, or perhaps simply want to experience a place more like a local can, then you are looking for the coolest Airbnb in NC. From cabins to cottages, beachfront to forested, here are twenty-two short-term rentals that provide something truly unique. Expect beautiful design, excellent access, sweeping views, thoughtful amenities, or enough space for your whole family. Here are 19 of our favorites. Let us know if you think any of them are a clear cut winner in the search for the best Airbnb in North Carolina.
Charlotte Treehouse – The Best Airbnb In North Carolina For Urban Relaxation
One of the most unique short-term rentals in NC, located right in the city, is the Charlotte Treehouse. This ideal one bedroom, one bathroom stay is great for a solo trip or a couples retreat. Overlooking a lake and surrounded by pine trees, you will feel one with the nature around you.
App A Frame Airbnb – The Best Airbnb In North Carolina For Cozy Mountain Getaways
This one is super cute! Our editor Sunny’s pick for the best Airbnb in North Carolina, The App A Frame is a three-bedroom, 2-and-a-half bath retreat. It is able to fit up to eight guests for a fun family or friends weekend. Located in Sugar Grove, North Carolina, just outside of downtown Boone, the App A frame is extremely spacious and comes equipped with a hot tub, a grill, and classic arcade games to keep everyone entertained.
Glamping Unplugged – The Best Airbnb In North Carolina For Off The Grid
Located in Deep Gap, North Carolina, the Glamping Unplugged dome can host up to four guests, making it a fun and unique spot for family vacation or a getaway with friends. Unplug for the weekend and book this getaway to take a dip in the stream and explore the outdoors.
Old Fort Treehouse
Searching for the coolest Airbnb in NC? The Old Fort Treehouse certainly comes to mind. It is a contemporary treehouse, located in Old Fort, NC, with one bed and one bathroom. This cozy home has everything you need for a weekend in the woods. Plus, a swinging bridge takes you straight up to the cozy home and into your luxurious getaway. This one is a clear competitor for best Airbnb in North Carolina. Take a look at the photos!!!
Getaway Cabins of NC
Take a getaway to Dobson in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains with any one of the large cabins available for rent. Capacities range from 18-22 guests. These houses are the perfect investment for a family reunion or holiday escape. Relax and enjoy the views, or head to one of the many nearby vineyards and wineries.
Shiloh Chalet
Just ten minutes from downtown Boone, this two-bedroom Scandinavian-style cabin holds up to four people and features a stunning view of Grandfather Mountain. It also offers a jacuzzi, fire pit, and custom stained glass. Cookout on the back deck overlooking the Blue Ridge or enjoy breakfast in the courtyard. Certainly one of the coolest short-term rentals in NC!
Saltwood Cottage – The Best Airbnb In North Carolina For A Laid Back Ocean Retreat
Looking for a cozy beach getaway for two? Check out one of the coolest Airbnb in NC, this tiny Saltwood Cottage on the Outer Banks. Just minutes from the beach, this beautifully decorated guest house is the perfect home away from home for a romantic escape with that special someone, or a peaceful beach weekend.
Queen Bee Boutique RV
This is a tranquil one bedroom escape right outside of one of North Carolina’s most diverse cities, Asheville. The renovated RV is now the perfect place to unwind after a day of breweries and thrift shopping downtown. Stay in and enjoy the peaceful stream nearby or head to one of Asheville’s gorgeous hiking destinations.
Luxury Stone and Timber Treehouse
Just north of Charlotte in Concord is one of the nicest short-term rentals in NC. This one-bedroom house that will excite your inner child. Check out this treehouse for a staycation from the city. Nestled in the woods with countless elegant decorative touches, this home is the perfect place to slow down and escape, all on a 20-acre farm.
The Starling in Swannanoa
Few homes are as uniquely beautiful as this cozy one bedroom A-frame in Swannanoa. With breathtaking views from the back porch year round, this small cottage will make you feel like you are sleeping under the stars. Book for yourself and enjoy a secluded getaway or the home’s convenient proximity to Asheville and Black Mountain.
Lakeside Retreat – The Best Airbnb In North Carolina For By The Water
A beautiful waterfront home on Lake Norman, the Lakeside Retreat is the perfect spot for a social or family gathering. It boasts six bedrooms, able to fit up to 15 guests. This luxurious home, one of Lake Norman’s best short-term rentals offers pontoon boat rentals, a fire pit, and kayaks for the perfect weekend getaway at the lake.
Chalet Laurel
Located in Boone, North Carolina, one of the coolest Airbnb in NC is this perfect getaway on the golf course. Able to host up to nine guests, this chalet is perfect for a group looking to explore downtown Boone and go hiking at one of the many locations nearby.
French Inspired Cabin
Enjoy a weekend in Paris from the comfort of the French-inspired Airbnb in Boone, North Carolina. Beyond the Parisian decor, this chic cabin is the perfect weekend of solitude filled with fun outdoor activities and seasonal gardens to explore.
Fairytale Cabin
A beautiful cabin in Sugar Grove, North Carolina makes all of your vacation dreams come true with amenities varying from streams, ponds, hiking trails, swings and even your own petting zoo. Able to host up to six people, this cabin gives you access to over 15 acres of land to explore and enjoy your mountain experience.
The Hillside House
The Hillside House, in Seven Devils outside of Grandfather Mountain, is a cozy, small cabin ideal for a couples’ getaway or solo escape. Spend your day taking in the view of Grandfather Mountain from the backyard or enjoy an afternoon glass of wine while relaxing in the hot tub.
The Bohemian Bungalow
Get away to this restful, nature-inspired bungalow in Rumbling Bald Resort. Enjoy resort beach access and amenities of the resort, including an on-site restaurant. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Boho Bungalow is ideally located for kayaking and boating on Lake Lure or visiting Chimney Rock and Asheville.
Heart of Noda
For an immersive experience of NoDa, this private three-story treehouse can put you right on the path of the light rail to explore everything that there is to love about this Charlotte enclave. With a beautiful art deco design, the home offers private patios and cozy bedrooms for you to enjoy after your day roaming around NoDa.
Appalachian Container Cabin – The Best Airbnb In North Carolina For Containers
Deep in Nantahala National Forest, this rental can host up to four and has one of the most remarkable views of the Smoky Mountains. Beyond its epic location and cozy decor, its most notable feature is that it is built entirely out of shipping containers. See an architectural feat and stunning mountain views all in one trip.
Firehouse Suite
For a truly immersive experience in Wilmington’s downtown arts district, stay on the second floor of this beautiful historic firehouse. Hosting up to six, this unique and spacious apartment features 14-foot ceilings and pieces of art from local artists. It’s the perfect home base for exploring all Wilmington has to offer.
