Far from just offering a place to crash, Airbnb recently launched some special experiences where the accommodation is a destination in itself. Rose Dykins reports
As its customers continue to seek out unusual, unique places to stay, Airbnb has added some exciting new accommodation options themed around popular TV shows, films and cultural phenomenons. This is aligned with the introduction of Airbnb Categories, to help users search for extraordinary places to stay that they never knew existed.
For example, Airbnb recently made it possible for guests to stay inside Paris’s iconic Moulin Rouge windmill. As part of a one-off collaboration with Airbnb, the Moulin Rouge unlocked a secret room inside its landmark red windmill that’s designed to bring the magic of the Belle Epoque era to life.
Upon their arrival at the windmill, Airbnb guests are treated to a special evening programmed to embrace the Moulin Rouge’s cabaret culture. This includes a meet-and-greet with Van Den Bergh in her dressing room, photos on stage with the Moulin Rouge cast, and a private tour of the landmark venue’s backstage area to meet with its costume makers and to learn about its history.
They are also served an apéritif on the windmill’s rooftop terrace, followed by a three-course dinner prepared by Moulin Rouge’s resident chef (and they’ll be served breakfast in the morning). Finally, they will have the best seats in the house for a performance of Moulin Rouge show Feerie.
The opulent boudoir is furnished with art nouveau touches, including a glamourous dressing are with nods to the Belle Epoque vibe, such as vintage costumes, fragrant perfumes and “effusive love letters from admirers.” Meanwhile, the private rooftop terrace is adorned with an ornate pagoda and garden furniture characteristic of the era.
Situated in California’s Palm Desert, Berk’s cliff-side property is named Casa Tierra (“house of the earth” in Spanish). It was available to Airbnb guests on specific dates in May and June for just US$22 for a two-night stay as an introductory offer – and continues to be bookable via Airbnb. Berk also captured the process of renovating Casa Tierra and becoming an Airbnb host on his social media channels.
“Having visited Airbnb homes all over the world, I know exactly what I want as a guest,” says Berk. “With this in mind, I was able to lean into my passion for design and renovation to transform my Palm Desert home in a way that future guests will be excited about.”
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the live-action Scooby Doo film, Airbnb is leasing the Mystery Machine for one-night overnight road trips from Southern California – with actor Mathew Lillard (who famously played Shaggy in the film) as the Airbnb host for the experience.
During their stay, guests will receive a virtual greeting from Lillard, all-you-can eat snacks (including hot dogs and eggplant burgers, Scooby and Shaggy’s favourites) mystery games to partake in, a late-night screening of Scooby-Doo with popcorn and candy, and an outdoor set-up with lounge seating and hammock space