Fresno Photographer Ellie Koleen's Top 8 Airbnbs
Airbnbs are my best friend on work trips, and I'm always traveling for my dream job of being a traveling photographer. I often find that Airbnbs are less expensive, and you can get more space and amenities than staying at a hotel. Plus parking is usually free, which can be a big pain at some hotels that charge valet/parking fees. However, if you’re not careful about picking your Airbnb, you might not have a good experience. I always get asked, “Ellie, how do you always find such cool Airbnbs?!” So I'm sharing with you my top 8 Airbnb's! Most of these I've stayed at myself and can vouch for!
If you're looking for a place to go off the grid and recharge, this place is perfect. With a soaking tub in the middle of the desert, and no one around you for miles, the Shack Attack felt so serene. Not to mention, nearly everything inside the house was either vintage or handmade! Not too far of a drive into the main part of Joshua Tree, it's a good hub for exploring the national park or day-tripping to Palm Springs.
The Bodega House in Los Alamos, CA
Los Alamos is a cute, very quaint little town south of San Luis Obispo but north of Santa Barbara. Over the recent years, it has become known as a little escape from LA, and quite the destination for natural wine if you're into that like I am! One of the best places to get a glass is from Bodega in Los Alamos. I swear the design of the place and the greenhouse are straight from my dreams. When I found out they also have an Airbnb on the property, I immediately added it to my list! I haven't stayed there yet but next time I'm in Los Alamos I'm going to have to make it happen!
No Airbnb Guide would be complete without a nod to my hometown of Fresno's best Airbnb! The Tower House is a 4 bedroom restored craftsman style home in the Tower District with major retro flair. The owners did such an amazing job with every detail of the space and if I ever do a staycation in Fresno, I'm for sure staying here! The Tower House is the perfect place to stay with a group, or even an amazing spot to stay and get ready at on your wedding weekend. They also have a Carriage House for rent on the same property!
This Airbnb is so architecturally unique! With tons of natural light and an open concept, I wish I could've stayed and enjoyed it longer but I was only in town for a quick work trip. I do remember the bathtub being amazing and the deck having incredible views of Santa Barbara!
White Pantheon Apt in Rome, IT
During our trip to Rome in 2016 to photograph a wedding, When in Rome (sorry, had to) we had to make a trip out if it obviously! We stayed at this Airbnb that was definitely the best location I could've asked for since it was our first time in Rome. It was so central to everything we wanted to see yet felt safe and serene.
Modern Light Filled Laurelhurst Guesthouse in Portland, OR
Portland is one of my favorite cities, and I've stayed at probably three or four different hotels there, but I have to say, staying on the Eastside at this Airbnb was my favorite. It made me feel like I was a Portland resident just living my best life. The owners have this cute little guesthouse behind their main house but it felt totally private. It was a walking distance to awesome coffee shops and restaurants and the perfect place to spend a couple of nights!
Modern and Luxe Studio 455 in Sonoma, CA
If you're looking to explore Sonoma and Napa and want to say some of your $$ for spending on wine, this place is perfect! It had just the right touches to make me feel comfortable and cozy, like an ultra-comfortable bed and cute patio for sipping coffee (or wine!)
Happy trails friends! You can also see my process for choosing Airbnbs far and wide on my blog! Click here to get up to $55 off your first Airbnb stay!