In 2022, Airbnb officially launched its Adapted Category, which helps users find listings with verified accessibility features, including step-free home access and displayed doorway widths to ensure everyone can enjoy their vacation to the fullest. According to Airbnb, the category has been searched more than 5 million times since its launch — and it is only growing more popular by the day.
“Browsing this new category isn’t just about the access features for me. Rather, it’s the fact that access is a given and that so many of the homes are beautiful and fun,” Suzanne Edwards, Airbnb’s Head of Accessibility Hosting Standards, shared in a blog post. “When I travel, I need to know if a listing meets my needs so I can feel more confident when booking. Since it launched, I’ve had some incredible experiences traveling using the Adapted Category, including a recent trip to Carlsbad, California, where I stayed in a home that was functional for my needs, but also had incredible ocean views. I was able to stay with my friends and enjoy the sunset every evening whilst we cooked dinner. ”
To celebrate the category’s success, Airbnb also shared some of the most coveted homes in the Adapted Category, which offer both fun for all and a “design-savvy and unique travel experience.” Check out three of the most wish-listed properties around the globe below.
Cedar Peak: Grand Étang, Canada
Find gorgeous natural spaces punctuated by an equally stunning home in Canada at the home known as Cedar Peak. The two-bedroom home, which comes with step-free access, boasts 13-foot windows so guests can look out into the glorious vistas, which they have all to themselves. The home includes a full chef’s kitchen and home theater, so travelers can get cozy for as long as they’d like.
Mountain Top Cozy Log Cabin: North Carolina, United States
Find more solitude at this drop-dead gorgeous log cabin in the middle of the forest in North Carolina. The home boasts two beds and two baths with an additional loft space, making it great for family getaways. There is also an expansive deck to drink in the views and an easy-to-use ramp for entry and exit.
Courtesy of the Airbnb Community
Pure View Villa: Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Make your way to Travel + Leisure’s 2024 Destination of the Year to stay at this extra special villa in Costa Rica. The newly built villa includes more than 2,500 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, two baths, and fantastic outdoor areas like a massive deck with a sitting area, BBQ, and infinity pool. The home also includes walk-in showers and step-free access.
Courtesy of the Airbnb Community
Still unclear on how to make the most of the category for your accessible travel needs? Edwards noted that travelers are ensured that each home in the category has received a “detailed 3D scan to confirm its accessibility features and display key details like doorway widths.” Additionally, she suggested travelers use the photos in each listing to judge if it’s the right spot for them, as “hosts are required to upload a photo of each accessibility feature they have indicated on their listing” and “Airbnb agents manually review photos of every accessibility feature submitted by Hosts before the feature is viewable to guests.”
Finally, Edwards said that when in doubt, just reach out to the host or check the reviews. “Hosts have uploaded photos of their home’s accessibility features because they want to make it easier for people to understand if their home suits their needs,” she said. “Guests can now search for keywords within reviews. Searching for reviews from other guests with accessibility needs can be a great way to understand how the space worked for them and any highlights from their stay.”
See all the top accessible listings at airbnb.com.