The 7 best Airbnbs in Austin for a one-of-a-kind vacation

Weirdly close to Austin. Well, no, basically in Austin – some of the best coffee in the city is a five-minute walk away (Fleet Coffee) and yet, this place is very ambient and spacious and calming. This is, in part, thanks to the private pool and patio with outdoor furniture. It is also due to the neutral soft interiors, natural light and materials throughout and I guess having this bubble of luxe so close to the city is unusual, so that makes it all the more special. It sleeps eight. 

Rooms? Three. Sleeps eight guests.
Mood? Bohemian dream.
Location perks? Walking distance from coffee shops, bars and restaurants. 
Budget range? On the pricey side.

This is a custom-designed, very sophisticated-looking tree house/wooden apartment/retreat thing in an acre of forested parkland. There's an outdoor decking area with a grill, lovely interiors, a beautiful garden, trees all around, a full kitchen, a guitar, and a piano. And you are still very much in Austin. How's that for a bit of solace in the city? 

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Rustic retreat. 
Location perks? Literally minutes away from the CBD – despite the nature surrounding you.
Budget range? Well priced. 

For downtown convenience AND serious countryside evocation  (there are animals and all sorts), you sure need a night or two in this charming vintage airstream in East Austin. Hidden in a lush backyard with Adirondack chairs to relax in, the trailer offers a claw-foot bathtub, hardwood floors, and an AC for those hot summer nights. A remodeled garden oasis makes you feel like you're far from the city — even though you're only 3.5 miles from downtown. And breathe.

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Camping chic.
Location perks? As you're on a living farm, we say embrace your surroundings! 
Budget range? An absolute steal. 

So say you want to be reaaalllly calm on the getaway, like horizontal levels of laid back, full corpse pose at any time that you aren't exploring the city? Well, then there's this 'private wellness oasis in Austin'. It's five minutes from all the city's talking points, but it is an impossible chill place with a private spa, wood everywhere, steam rooms, outdoor showers, soaking tubs (hot and cold), a sauna, and lovely robes. More. And that's not all, there are complimentary spa rituals, snacks, bikes, and yoga. Yes. 

Rooms? One. Sleeps two guests.
Mood? Zen den.
Location perks? In the heart of East Austin – nestled among the trees. 
Budget range? Spenny AF.

Okay, this isn't the cheapest, but in theory, you can sleep eight guests here, and it is completely stunning. Situated on a hilltop, above a lake, just off the Colorado River, this place is entirely yours (though there is a 24/7 support team you can call and even a tech-enabled concierge who can book you private chefs, fridge stockings, and mid-stay cleanings). There's a hot tub, a Baja shelf pool, a huge screen on the patio (perfect for watching the Football), and fire pits a'plenty. If you leave the pad at all, you'll notice you're in the super scenic area just on the outskirts of Austin, where nature reserves, canyons, and the Colorado River are all within reach.

Rooms? Three. Sleeps eight guests.
Mood? Bespoke innovation. 
Location perks? Surrounding lake views and the best sunsets around. Enjoy. 
Budget range? As pricey as you'd expect.

This restored 1909 house is a bachelor or bachelorette party's dream come true (also a murder mystery gang's dream come true to be honest). Five bedrooms, a BBQ fire pit, and a formal dining room allow for large groups to share the huge house in bliss. But for when you want to bring the noise, this is less than a mile from Austin's rowdy 6th Street District. Beauty, history, party. Here we go.

Rooms? Five. Sleeps 10 guests.
Mood? Historic charm.  
Location perks? In the heart of the artistic East End community. 
Budget range? Spenny, but works out well with a large group.

So this one's interesting. What you have is a luxury 700 sq ft apartment complete with panoramic views of the city, a beautiful modern kitchen, and access to a rooftop with both fire pits and a big pool, a gym, and it's... Very reasonably priced. We needn't say more, really. 

Rooms? Three. Sleeps six guests.
Mood? Modern living. 
Location perks? In the center of Downtown – with an array of entertainment on your doorstep. 
Budget range? Surprisingly affordable.