The largest city in North Carolina, a trip to Charlotte is well worth your time. With world-class museums like the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Levine Museum of the New South, it’s packed with cultural attractions. However, there’s more to Charlotte than skyscraper-studded Uptown. Head outside of the city for jaw-dropping countryside and incredible places to stay!
Vacation rentals in Charlotte are a great way to make the most of your time in or around the city. Not only do they offer great value money for money, but they’re bursting with individuality and character too. The area around Charlotte has some of the coolest accommodation offerings in the US!
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of 15 of the coolest Airbnbs in Charlotte. Not only that, but we’ve thrown in a few Airbnb Experiences too. Let’s jump straight in and explore North Carolina’s largest metropolis!
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Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Charlotte
Plaza Midwood place with parking pass
- > $$
- > 4 Guests
- > Central location
- > Free parking
Be my guest in Charlotte
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Use of kitchen and living room
- > Work area in loft
Relaxing retreat with private beach
- > $$$$$$$$$$$$
- > 8 Guests
- > Private beach on Lake Norman
- > Gourmet kitchen
Comfort minutes from everything
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Free parking
- > Access to communal areas
Eco-living in the heart of No-Da
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Dedicated workspace
- > Kitchenette and bathroom
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Charlotte
Charlotte has a whole lot of Airbnbs in and around the city, and you’re in for a tough time picking your favourite. That’s no bad thing, though; it’s lots of fun to look through tiny houses, cabins, and even treehouses!
What you get completely depends on your budget. It’s one of the few places where Downtown (or in Charlotte’s case, Uptown) has the cheaper properties. Larger and more expensive properties can be found outside of the city limits. Cabins and treehouses are common in areas such as Concord and Lake Norman.
While some of the smaller properties such as flats and private rooms have a local feel, many properties in Charlotte are professionally run by companies. Let’s take a look at the different types of unique accommodation in Charlotte.
Lakes Norman and Wylie are two of the closest bodies of water to Charlotte, and they both boast a range of cabins for different types of travel. You can have anything from a couples’ waterfront escape to a huge log cabin with enough room for an entire family or group of friends. Those are the ideal homes if you need a stopover on your USA road trip.
Everyone loves a tiny house, and it’s not hard to find one in Charlotte. They can be anything from a converted shed or an old boathouse to a purpose-built house that’s been magically shrunk!
Treehouses, unsurprisingly, aren’t anywhere near Uptown Charlotte. No, they’re in the woods and forest surrounding the city! Treehouses are uber-cool but can be quite expensive, but that’s to be expected from such an unusual property.
The Top 15 Airbnbs in Charlotte
Now that you know what’s on offer and why you should stay in an Airbnb in Charlotte, let’s get to the part you’ve been waiting for. Here are the 15 best Airbnbs in Charlotte, selected with you in mind.
Plaza Midwood place with parking pass | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Charlotte
This central Charlotte Airbnb is perfect if you’re planning a short break in the city. It’s just a block away from the bars, restaurants, and entertainment of Plaza Midwood – one of the coolest neighbourhoods in town. You’ve got a car parking pass too, so if you want to get out into the surrounding countryside, there’s no need to worry about paying extra to store your vehicle. The listing is for four people, but we’d suggest it’s best for a couple.
Be my guest in Charlotte | Best Budget Airbnb in Charlotte
As well as a comfortable bedroom with a queen bed, you’ve got access to the living room and kitchen in this delightful budget Airbnb. Set in a residential neighbourhood, you’re just moments away from UNC Charlotte. It’s ideal for students and digital nomads: not only is it cheap, but there is a work area in the loft, and you have Wi-Fi!
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View on Osprey View on REIRelaxing retreat with private beach | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Charlotte
The journey outside of the city limits is well worth it to have your very own private beach. Not only that, there’s a huge deck out from the house where you can enjoy a meal prepared in the fully equipped gourmet kitchen! Time it right, and you can enjoy a spectacular sunset here before warming up the night in the hot tub. There are family and game rooms, so this is perfect for a family vacation.
Comfort minutes from everything | Perfect Airbnb for Solo Travellers
A homestay is a great way to keep your costs down and have a local experience – and a comfy room in a home beats a sweaty and smelly dorm in a hostel any day! In this residential neighbourhood in South Charlotte, you’ve got access to your host’s kitchen, dining room, and living room. Your host does have a dog, so if you’re allergic, perhaps there are better options.
Eco-living in the heart of No-Da | Perfect Airbnb for Digital Nomads
Not only do you have a dedicated workspace and fast Wi-Fi, but there’s also a kitchenette and bathroom in this funky property in the No-Da neighbourhood. It is a shared property, and you have access to the kitchen, living room, or backyard patio along with other guests. There are even goats grazing outside! The perfect place to blend socialising with work.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Charlotte
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Charlotte!
Queen studio with rooftop lounge | Best Short Term Rental for Couples
South End is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Charlotte, and it’s ideal for a romantic break – especially if you pick this cool studio with a rooftop sky lounge! From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the city skyline with your morning coffee. Back in the privacy of your apartment, there’s a queen bed and a fully equipped kitchen.
Family getaway with pool and arcades | Best Airbnb in Charlotte for Families
Perfect for families of all ages, there’s no way any of your party will get bored at this huge Charlotte home. There’s something for everyone, with a swimming pool, hot tub, and lots of communal spaces. The renovated man cave boasts an arcade and pool table! This place is perfect for a big group gathering – and it’s just ten miles from Downtown Charlotte.
Lakefront Charming Cozy Cabin | Best Cabin in Charlotte
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to cabins in Charlotte. And you’re even more spoiled when it comes to this enormous property on the shores of Lake Norman. Chill with your friends around the fire pit with a sunset view of the lake after a day of kayaking or paddleboarding. The property is in Lake Norman State Park, so you can also enjoy hikes and biking in the area.
Welcome to the Svartkub! | Best Tiny House in Charlotte
What this tiny house lacks in size, it makes up for in colour and character. The Svartkub – or black cube, in English – is in the Plaza Midwood neighbourhood and is designed by a local architect. The tiny house is surrounded by trees and nature – and it really lets you get close to that. There’s a hammock out back, while the home welcomes lots of natural light. An awesome and quirky option for a couple or solo traveller!
The Carolina Treehouse | Best Treehouse in Charlotte
The only treehouse in Charlotte’s city limits, this is one of the most spectacular Airbnbs in North Carolina. Designed to be relaxing and peaceful, there’s a swing bed overlooking a private pond where you might just spend the entire day if you’re not careful. The treehouse is lavishly furnished inside and out, and there’s a fire pit right by the lakeside for toasting marshmallows with a friend or your other half in the evening.
Tiny house – the Boathouse! | Most Unique Airbnb in Charlotte
Want a fun and budget-friendly Airbnb in Charlotte? Look no further than the Boathouse tiny house. It’ll feel like you’re all at sea, with bottle bottom glass walls and porthole windows. Fans of glamping will love this quirky and unique accommodation – but it has some cool mod cons too. You’ve got Egyptian cotton sheets to keep you warm and a Keurig coffee maker to wake you up in the morning.
Upscale Uptown Retreat | Best Airbnb Plus in Charlotte
Some would say Airbnb Plus properties are the best the platform has to offer. They’re certainly a cut above the rest – with high review scores, attentive hosts, and a seal of approval from Airbnb itself. This pet-friendly apartment has a private back patio and lounge area and is perfectly suited to a small group. It’s in the family-friendly First Ward neighbourhood, just a stone’s through from Uptown Charlotte.
Luxury Stone and Timber Treehouse | Stunning Airbnb for Honeymooners in Charlotte
If you’re just married, you need to stay somewhere truly special to mark the occasion. That’s where this jaw-dropping treehouse comes in. The luxury stone and timber building is on a farm in nearby Concord; it’s the perfect way to sweep your other half off their feet and wind down with some privacy after the wedding. There’s a hot tub, pool, and fire pit you can make use of during your stay too.
Lake Norman Guest House with Amazing Views | Best Airbnb with a Pool in Charlotte
Love swimming? Well, at this cool guest house, you have the choice of doing it in the pool or in Lake Norman. The pool is a safer and warmer bet! As well as a refreshing pool, the guest house offers a ping pong table, covered patio, fire pit, and kayaks for rent. And that’s just naming a few things! The room is set up for five guests, so it would suit a small family or group of friends.
Cherry Treesort “Big Nick” | Best Airbnb in Charlotte for a Group of Friends
Let’s round off our list with another treehouse, and this one is a real stunner. Located in nearby China Grove, there’s space for up to eight guests, making it ideal for a group of friends. It may not be one if you have a fear of heights though, as it’s located 25 feet off the ground! There’s a terrace with rocking chairs where you can spend time together taking in the peace and quiet of your surroundings.
Airbnb Experiences
Do you fancy a day trip to go with that nice little apartment?!
Airbnb Experiences is a feature offered by Airbnb that allows hosts to offer unique, curated activities to guests – or to anyone who’s interested in, even if they’re not staying at an Airbnb property. These experiences can range from cooking classes and guided tours to art workshops, outdoor adventures, and more.
Airbnb Experiences was created to offer travellers a deeper connection with a destination by offering truly unique experiences, all led by locals who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their city.
Some personal highlights of my Airbnb Experiences include a tapas bar-crawl in Granada, a Samurai workshop in Kyoto, and a graffiti spotting bike ride around Bogota.
What To Pack For Charlotte
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Charlotte Travel Insurance
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Charlotte Airbnbs
So there you have it. Those are the 15 best Airbnbs in Charlotte, with some of the coolest Airbnb Experiences. Whether you want to stay in a city centre condo, a treehouse out in the woods, or a friendly local homestay, there’s an Airbnb in Charlotte for you.
If you still can’t make your mind up where to stay, keep it simple. Scroll back up and go for our overall best value Airbnb in Charlotte. That’s the Plaza Midwood place with a parking pass. It benefits from a central location, and it’s pretty stylish!
We hope that wherever you choose to stay in Charlotte, you have a fantastic vacation. To make sure that you and your valuables stay safe for the length of your trip, check out World Nomads for a travel insurance policy.
- Check out our Backpacking USA guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in the USA too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of the USA.
- A great way to see the country is by taking an epic road trip around USA.
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