Photo: Mark Winfrey (Shutterstock)
Vrbo just release its first-ever list of “Vacation Homes of the Year” that recognizes ten best-in-class vacation homes across the U.S. According to Vrbo, the year’s best vacation homes “are all located in popular vacation destinations and met required selection criteria, including a combination of 5-star ratings, guest reviews, number of bookings, Premier Host status, and family-friendly amenities available.” Here’s a sampling of Vrbo’s top vacation rental homes in the country, with track records of excellent ratings, and hosts who go the extra mile for their guests.
Mountain lodge in Big Sky, Mont.
Located on 20 acres in the mountains on Beaver Creek, this private, three-level, four-bedroom four-and-a-half-bath offers expansive mountain views and amazing hiking, fishing, and skiing access. Just a ten minute drive to Big Sky ski resort, and 45 minutes to the wildlife and natural thermal features of Yellowstone National Park, it also offers fishing right in the home’s vast backyard, located in the Gallatin National Forest.
While it has beds to officially accommodate 8 guests, with 4,500 square feet to work with, there’s more than enough room for little ones to camp out on air mattresses. At an average of $1,000/night, it’s too much for one family—but if three or more families stayed together, it’s potentially workable. According to one five-star review, “Sunrise and sunsets left us speechless!” And did we mention the hot tub, for incomparable Big Sky stargazing?
Family reunion cabin in Broken Bow, Okla.
If you need accommodations for a large group, we like this brand new, elegantly designed StarFire cabin that sleeps 18. Located on 1.5 acres of forest, the pet-friendly cabin is perfect for large family gatherings. While parents can enjoy the privacy in one of three master bedrooms (equipped with king-sized beds and ensuite bathrooms), kids can live their best sleepover lives in a game room equipped with 12 bunk beds.
Chill on the oversized deck, or enjoy the shuffle board, pool table, poker table, and video arcade. Or take it outside to enjoy the hot tub, kid’s play set, and large, covered patio with with a grill, gas fireplace, and flat screen TV. At an average of $650/night, it’s extremely affordable when split by a large group. Nearby activities include Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow Lake, and a petting zoo.
Eclectic Palm Springs, Calif. retreat
This remodeled home in the Little Tuscany neighborhood of Palm Springs features “designer art and furnishings, an open floor plan and moving walls of glass that blur the lines between indoor-outdoor living.” The three-bedroom, three-bath property located on a quiet, residential street sleeps six. Minutes from Palm Canyon Drive, fine dining, art galleries, and boutiques, the mid-century modern interior design is complemented by a private, walled yard with pool, outdoor dining area, built-in BBQ and bar, fire pit, bocce ball, and horseshoes game. It also has a gym in the garage with a Peloton bike and a punching bag for guests to use. While a vacation to Palm Springs seems inadvisable in August, when temps can soar to 107 degrees, a week in November came to $592/night.
Modern Lake Michigan getaway
This new construction home is just a short walk or bike ride to Warren Dunes State Park Beach, on the shores of Lake Michigan. The three-bedroom, four-bath is decorated in a modern style and sleeps 11. Guests love the TVs in every bedroom, proximity to wine tours, deck, front porch sitting area, outdoor dining, hot tub, fire pit, and lounge area. Reviews also mentioned “the house is beautifully decorated, modern and clean” and is “stocked with pretty much anything you could think of.” An early September stay averages $1,039/night (but remember, that’s for 11 people).
Smoky Mountain chalet
This three-bedroom, three-bath premium cabin in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee’s Arts and Crafts District is, according to one five-star review, “Just outside of the busy town but close enough that you are there in minutes.” Described as being “immaculately clean” with beds that are “super fluffy and cozy,” this affordable retreat is close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Dollywood. Decked out with plush UGG brand bath towels, a game room with PacMan, pool table, and pinball machines, it also offers a spa jacuzzi, outdoor rocking chairs and lawn games. A week in August is $529/night, and the cabin sleeps 10.
This Hilton Head luxury beachfront property, Telluride mountain lodge, Florida gulf coast home, Hawaii oceanfront retreat, and contemporary East Hampton farmhouse also made the list. (All pricier.)
