As a vacation destination, Florida is a state that’s full of possibilities. Do you prefer the Gulf or the Atlantic? Sunrises or sunsets? A posh city or a laid-back beach town? The Sunshine State has it all. But even once you come to the important decision of where to lay your beach towel down, there’s the ever-important follow-up question of where to lay your head down at night.
And if sifting through Florida’s more than 45,000 Airbnbs sounds daunting, maybe you’d prefer to take the word of your fellow travelers and book the stay that thousands have already deemed dream-worthy.
According to The Miami Herald, Airbnb’s most popular listing—based on the number of times it’s been wish-listed—goes to a tiny, charming Spanish-style cottage in Miami’s Biscayne Park neighborhood. Far from the site’s most lavish or expensive Florida listings, the one-bedroom bungalow sits in a quiet residential neighborhood and rents for as little as $85 per night.
Owner Paola Ugolini, who lives in the 1920s main house, told The Miami Herald she originally planned to use the backyard cottage as a guest house for her European relatives to use on Florida visits. But as the cottage sat empty more often than not, she opened it up to Airbnb in 2014. Since then, Ugolini says she's hosted nearly 400 guests from 26 countries. On Airbnb, her cottage has a perfect five star score from the 206 guests who've reviewed it.
Related: This Tiny Floating Home in the Florida Keys Is Our New Dream Rental:
So what’s all the fuss about? For starters, the secluded rental feels like a tropical oasis fitting for a week spent in Florida. The 400-square-foot guest house is cozy, light-filled, and outfitted with a queen bed, television, fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. Terra cotta tiled floors, bamboo shades, and tropical décor give the space the vibes of a quaint casita.
But outside, amidst the South Florida breezes, is where you’ll want to spend the bulk of your time (when not exploring Miami, of course). Included in the reasonable fee is full use of the property’s spacious backyard, which includes a pool, lounge chairs, tropical tiki hut with outdoor furniture, and lush tropical garden offering privacy and ambiance.
And when the ocean does call, as it inevitably does in Florida, Miami’s beaches are just 15 minutes away. Other attractions, including the swanky Bal Harbour Shops and urban Design District, are also nearby.
Ready to book this dream retreat? You might want to act fast, considering many fellow travelers are also eyeing the affordable cottage. Book here, and see 10 more stunning Florida vacation rentals here.
