Revealed: the world’s favourite holiday homes
Daniel Coughlin
28 September 2018
TripAdvisor's most popular rentals
On the hunt for the perfect getaway rental? The TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards highlight the crème de la crème of vacation properties and more, as reviewed by tourists across the globe. From cosy homes away from home, to slick city apartments and blissful beachside villas, we reveal the highest-rated rentals for 2018.
The awards
Founded in 2002, the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards are the only travel industry accolades based on millions of reviews penned by the general public. The winners represent the best of the best for quality, service, value for money and customer satisfaction. This year, more than 7,000 vacation rentals bagged a gong. Here are the 10 best mid-range and 10 most popular high-end properties.
10. Mid-range: Ottaviano apartment, Rome, Italy
Boasting scores of glowing 5-star reviews, this bright and breezy two-bedroom apartment in central Rome ticks all the boxes. Located off a leafy courtyard not far from the Vatican, the comfy bolthole is decorated in a homely way and packed with amenities.
10. Mid-range: Ottaviano apartment, Rome, Italy
Reviewers rave about the owner Daniela, who is super-welcoming and helpful, providing everything from limo airport transfers to insider tips on the Eternal City's best cafés, restaurants and places to visit. From £80 ($103) a night.
9. Mid-range: Mediterranea Seaviews, Ghajnsielem, Malta
Sea views don't get a lot more breathtaking than the vistas from this three-bedroom, three-terrace vacation home on the beautiful Maltese island of Gozo. Owner Frank, who has been dubbed a “master of organisation” bends over backwards to make guests feel at home.
9. Mid-range: Mediterranea Seaviews, Ghajnsielem, Malta
Vacationers are treated to free transfers from the ferry port, a welcome food pack, complimentary shopping transfers and more besides, and the house itself is exceptionally well-equipped. From £71 ($92) a night.
8. Mid-range: The Hoblet, Niagara Falls, Canada
Ideally located a short distance from Niagara Falls in a peaceful tree-dotted garden, this one-bedroom cabin has been described as “magical”, “enchanted” and “soul-restoring” by TripAdvisor reviewers. Owner Petra, a former tour guide, has gone all out to make the rental extra-special.
8. Mid-range: The Hoblet, Niagara Falls, Canada
Standout touches include the living roof, sauna and fire pit, and there's even a mini animal rescue retreat on-site, which is home to seven donkeys, a pot-bellied pig called Sheldon, Monty the goat and other adorable animals. From £80 ($103) a night.
7. Mid-range: Llwyn Ynn Cottage, Tal-y-bont, UK
Llwyn Ynn Cottage in Tal-y-bont, North Wales nestles at the edge of a forest in the foothills of the Cambrian mountains in North Wales, not far from the coast. As idyllic locations go, this one takes some beating.
7. Mid-range: Llwyn Ynn Cottage, Tal-y-bont, UK
The one-bedroom stone cottage, which has a hot tub, wood-burning stove and four-poster bed, makes for the ultimate romantic escape according to TripAdvisor reviewers, who enthuse about the property and have nothing but praise for the owner Linda. From £85 ($109) a night.
6. Mid-range: Casa San Giovanni, Florence, Italy
This stylish, minimal one-bedroom apartment is situated in a converted 14th century convent in central Florence, within walking distance of all the major sights, and is equipped with all mod cons imaginable.
6. Mid-range: Casa San Giovanni, Florence, Italy
Owners Paolo and Stefano go out of their way to make guests feel welcome. The brothers even provide vacationers with a unique guide to the city packed with fabulous insider tips. From £77 ($99) a night.
5. Mid-range: Cambalala, Hazyview, South Africa
This gorgeous brick and thatched three-bedroom chalet in the Kruger Park Lodge golf and wildlife resort is called Cambalala, which means 'relax' in Zulu. It's a fitting name for the vacation home, which is located in a serene and secluded part of the resort where impala and other animals roam freely.
5. Mid-range: Cambalala, Hazyview, South Africa
A real home away from home, the safari chalet is big on amenities, plus a team of staff are on hand to cater to guests' every whim and help make their stay as relaxing as possible. From £117 ($150) a night.
4. Mid-range: Marsh Hollow Pinewood Cabin, Laurelville, Ohio, USA
TripAdvisor reviewers just can't get enough of this lovely one-bedroom log cabin, which is located in its very own 34-acre woodland retreat in the wilds of Ohio, complete with hiking trails, a creek for swimming, and more.
4. Mid-range: Marsh Hollow Pinewood Cabin, Laurelville, Ohio, USA
Owner Mary, who guests applaud for her warmth and kindness, hasn't scrimped on amenities – the cosy cabin is very well-equipped with more than its fair share of luxuries, which include a soothing hot tub, outdoor speaker system and high quality linens. From £82 ($105) a night.
3. Mid-range: Plankbridge Shepherd's Hut, Eyam, UK
Quirky and bohemian, this delightful shepherd's hut in the historic Peak District village of Eyam is simply captivating. Sleeping two, the romantic accommodation packs in a double bed, vintage chairs, a sidetable and toasty wood-burning stove.
3. Mid-range: Plankbridge Shepherd's Hut, Eyam, UK
Guests are spoiled silly by the owner Rachel, who lavishes them with delicious breakfast hampers and surprise treats like bottles of bubbly, as well as copious cups of tea. There's also a separate shower and utility room guests can use. From £85 ($109) a night.
2. Mid-range: Hopetoun Garden Apartment, Edinburgh, UK
Located in a handsome townhouse in Edinburgh's elegant Hopetoun Crescent, this two-bedroom apartment gets a big thumbs-up from TripAdvisor reviewers, who wax lyrical about its enviable city-centre location, plentiful amenities and free underground parking.
2. Mid-range: Hopetoun Garden Apartment, Edinburgh, UK
Fresh and modern, the spacious interiors are nicely decorated and impeccably clean, while the owner Fiona is, according to guests, warm, obliging and exceedingly hospitable. From £82 ($105) a night.
1. Mid-range: Kapaa Oceanfront Condo, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
The number one mid-range vacation rental in the world for 2018, Kapaa Oceanfront Condo in Hawaii has it all. Reviewers are bowled over by its perfect location on Kauai island, the decor, service and 5-star amenities.
1. Mid-range: Kapaa Oceanfront Condo, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Owner Brad has thought of literally everything to make guests' stay as perfect as possible, providing extras like lightening fast internet, boogie boards, a rice cooker and more on top of the usual basics. From £116 ($149) a night.
10. High-end: Snowdon House, Llanberis, UK
The 10th best high-end vacation home on TripAdvisor, Snowdon House is situated in the heart of Snowdonia near the highest mountain in Wales. As you'd expect given its location, the views from the five-bedroom property are nothing short of spectacular.
10. High-end: Snowdon House, Llanberis, UK
On top of offering awe-inspiring vistas, the house is snug and inviting, and features a wood-burning stove, sauna and hot tub. Owners Jim and Anne are extra-friendly and welcoming, and guests want for nothing. From £200 ($257) a night.
9. High-end: VillaCasa-7, Marbella, Spain
Heaven for a large family or group of friends, this swish eight-bedroom whitewashed villa in Marbella offers three swimming pools, landscaped gardens and a separate club complex with a gym, games room and chill-out TV space.
9. High-end: VillaCasa-7, Marbella, Spain
Dripping in fine marble, the interiors of the villa are slick and contemporary and loaded with deluxe amenities, plus owner Carmen is a marvellous host by all accounts. From £806 ($1,033) a night.
8. High-end: Little Upton Bridge Threshing Barn, Long Sutton, UK
Little Upton Bridge Threshing Barn consists of two stunning barn conversions in the picture-perfect Somerset village of Long Sutton. Featuring a total of six bedrooms, five bathrooms, two kitchens and several vast living spaces, the barns are ideal for a big family or group.
8. High-end: Little Upton Bridge Threshing Barn, Long Sutton, UK
Reviewers gush about the owner Gill and love the property for its picturesque location, size and amenities, which include wood-burning stoves, a games room, sauna, hot tub and heated swimming pool. From £250 ($321) a night.
7. High-end: Trenanthia Cottage, Gravenhurst, Canada
Another vacation home that has it all, Trenanthia Cottage in Ontario features five huge bedrooms, large living areas, a hot tub, lakeside sauna, fire pit, games room and even its own private sandy beach.
7. High-end: Trenanthia Cottage, Gravenhurst, Canada
Owner Laura has been described as “amazing” and “super-friendly” by TripAdvisor reviewers, who have almost unanimously heaped compliment upon compliment on the property. From £91 ($117) a night.
6. High-end: Palazzo Di P, Zakynthos, Greece
A villa with the wow factor, Palazzo Di P is as swish as they come. Situated in a vineyard on the Ionian island of Zakynthos, the sumptuous five-bedroom property is the last word in laid-back luxury.
6. High-end: Palazzo Di P, Zakynthos, Greece
Guests can kick back in the swanky pool area, which has a hot tub, day beds and a premium barbecue, or unwind in the villa's immaculate interiors, which have been decorated with impeccable taste by the courteous and hospitable owner Nikos. From £405 ($519) a night.
5. High-end: Casa Cielo Volcano View Retreat, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica
This three-bedroom retreat in Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano National Park is a cut above with cool midcentury furnishings and plenty of upscale amenities and services on offer, from a private pool, wood-burning pizza oven and premium kitchen to personalised chef and spa services.
5. High-end: Casa Cielo Volcano View Retreat, La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica
Warm and inviting, owners Paul and Rosie do their utmost to make their guests feel special, and double as chefs, cooking some of the most mouth-watering dishes in the area say reviewers. From £297 ($380) a night.
4. High-end: Serendipity at Indian Creek, Florida, USA
The most incredible family-friendly vacation home, Serendipity at Indian Creek in Orlando is paradise for kids and adults alike. Located near all the major theme parks, the fun, Disney-fied five-bedroom home has a fantastic pool, hot tub and outdoor grill area.
4. High-end: Serendipity at Indian Creek, Florida, USA
Other USPs include a Frozen-themed games room and living area with a 70-inch HD TV. Owners Sarah and Ken pride themselves on providing guests with their ultimate wish-list of amenities and have left no stone unturned – they even have a Tesla vehicle charger. From £301 ($385) a night.
3. High-end: Villa La Ruga, Argegno, Italy
Commanding a prime position on Lake Como, Villa La Ruga seriously impresses with ravishing 180-degree views. The three-bedroom property has gardens, terraces, a bocce court and boathouse to boot.
3. High-end: Villa La Ruga, Argegno, Italy
The interiors are stylish and roomy with every conceivable amenity covered, be it a wine cellar, espresso machine or table tennis table, and the owner Francesco is exceptionally kind and caring according to reviewers. From £497 ($637) a night.
2. High-end: St Michael's, Whitstable, UK
This massive five-bedroom house in Kent garners the sort of reviews other property owners could only dream of. Jam-packed with amenities, St Michael's is ideal for large get-togethers of family or friends.
2. High-end: St Michael's, Whitstable, UK
Highlights of the pristine property include a barrel sauna, extra-large hot tub and sprawling cinema and games room, and the owners Tatiana and David treat guests like royalty. From £573 ($736) a night.
1. High-end: Pura Vida House, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Pura Vida House in Costa Rica is TripAdvisor's best of the best vacation home for 2018, and it's not hard to see why. The contemporary four-bedroom villa within top beachside resort Hacienda Pinilla is sheer perfection, from the furnishings to the private pool.
1. High-end: Pura Vida House, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Owners Jorge and Stephanie offer a personalised concierge service 24/7. Plus guests get to enjoy the main beach club with its stunning pool, bars and restaurants, as well as the golf course and tennis courts. From £319 ($410) a night.
Comments
Be the first to comment
Do you want to comment on this article? You need to be signed in for this feature