It’s hard to believe that around 13 or 14 years ago a co-worker had to explain to me what an AirBnb was. I had never heard of the concept and found it a bit odd. The thought of staying in someone else’s home seemed odd to me. Fast forward to 2024 and I have now stayed in 35 of them. I find it kind of hard to wrap my head around that fact, kind of like it is hard to wrap my head around my own age. You wonder how it went so quickly! (All birthdays are good, by the way!). I now enjoy staying in AirBnbs and often look for them for my lodging when I travel.

I have stayed in some absolutely jaw-dropping AirBnbs in all price ranges. I stayed in a mountain chalet in Switzerland in a tiny town with an unbelievable view and rode the bus into Interlaken in the morning with school kids. The view (four famous snow-capped mountains surrounding a huge lake), the fresh mountain breeze blowing through the house, and the cowbells tinkling at night are something I will never forget. I almost cried when it was time to leave. For real… I have played with baby goats, played ping-pong and meditated in award-winning flower gardens, and been two doors down from the most adorable little indie bookstore/coffee shop as well as the city’s best affordable and fun restaurant. I’ve climbed up a nearby sand dune to discover Lake Superior spread out in front of me, woke before dawn to watch the sunrise over the ocean, and been serenaded by hosts of church bells from historic churches. I do not mention this to sound pompous, but to let you know that experiences such as these are possible if you book ahead and do the research.

That being said, not all AirBnbs are created equal. Some are definitely better than others. I personally have experienced cleanliness issues, bugs of various types indoors (in some cases multiples), difficulty finding the AirBnb, and last-minute cancelled stays due to owners getting out of the short-term rental business or renovations not completed on time. On the other hand, I’ve also experienced many similar things when I’ve stayed in hotels. 🤷‍♀️ Treat everything as an adventure and you will be fine! 😉 Here are a few tips I use when researching an AirBnb or rental home of any kind.

Always read reviews - every one of them for the most recent 2-3 years. If you see anyone mention any negatives, do a keyword search for that item and see if others mention it. Take what the reviews say seriously. If someone took the time to mention an issue, it may still be an issue or was subsequently addressed by the owner. Ideally, you want to book something that many folks have given a 5.0 rating.

Decide what is most important to you - price, location, cleanliness, decor, cancellation flexibility, amenities? Everyone will answer that question differently, given what they need from their lodging. Book accordingly.

Make sure you are aware of the policies and terms, in particular - cancellation policies. Some home rentals have stringent cancellation policies, a long list of things to do before you check out, and extra fees. Hotels can also have extra fees, stringent cancellation policies, etc… Just be sure to read the rules and policies and understand them before booking. When in doubt with possibly needing to cancel any lodging, buy travel insurance.

I would highly discourage booking an AirBnb that someone otherwise uses as their actual living space most of the time. What I mean by that is the owners go live with a friend or relative when you stay at their home. Not only is it awkward and feels like you are invading someone else’s home, chances are it may not be as clean as you were expecting. I could throw in a few funny stories here, but I’ll just sum it up by saying one of my children may still be traumatized by finding someone else’s toenail clippings in their bed. 🥴 Of course, I have walked into hotel rooms occupied by other people too (no fault of mine). Can you say AWKWARD??? 😳 Again, life is always an adventure!

Never, ever book a rental home or hotel to have a party, wild or tame. Don’t take home “souvenirs.” You are in someone else’s home and it should be treated with respect, in many cases even more than your own. Communicate well with hosts. If something is damaged or is not working let them know immediately. Getting good reviews will lead to being able to book rentals in the future.

Now rest assured, the top Midwest AirBnbs I’m sharing with you are top-notch! You should not have any awkward situations at these places.

The Milk House at Lucky Star Farms (near Iowa City, Iowa)

I have stayed in this AirBnb three times in three years and I just adore this place. This AirBnb is located in a renovated Milk House on a farm about 15 minutes’ drive outside of Iowa City, Iowa. The place is always clean, cozy, and adorable. There is a queen-size bed, small living area (seats 4), dining area, kitchen, and bathroom on the main floor of the Milk House. Upstairs is a loft with a queen size bed and children’s books and toys. There are lots of books and games downstairs for all ages, many of them with a farm-related theme. And, yes, it has ceiling fans, air conditioning and heat.

The best part, though, is the farm! Wake up to the rooster crowing and llamas munching their breakfast mere feet from your window! Watch goats play, ducks comically glide across the yard in groups of 4 (so funny), friendly cats to pet, chickens and young turkeys to watch, and llamas to entertain you. There is a small pond with a large deck where I like to watch the birds flit around, the turtles swim, and if it is deep enough (depends on the rains that year) - my kids swim, kayak, and paddleboard on. They loved it. I even saw a large heron across the pond once.

There are yard games to play, a fire pit to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, and a small outdoor patio to enjoy a meal or drink outside. WiFi and a TV are available as well, but you may just feel the urge to unplug and live life more simply for a few days. There is a trail around the farm to enjoy a little nature or meditation walk. Depending on whether the hens are laying, there may even be farm fresh eggs available to make a delicious breakfast or omelette. The hosts, Susan and Rich, are some of the most hard-working and nicest folks you will ever meet. They love to answer questions about the farm and will even introduce you to their two beautiful dogs if you ask.

The rates, in my opinion, are quite reasonable for all the wonderful amenities. In addition, for a moderate fee, one or both of them will give you a personal tour of the farm and let you meet and greet the animals, including the llamas and baby goats. I’ve had baby goats climb on my lap and head butt me, taken the whole goat herd for a stroll around the pond, fed chickens, observed baby and teenage turkeys eating breakfast, petted llamas and laughed time and again over the antics of the ducks.

This is a very special place which gets exceptional reviews and is hosted by an amazing couple. Just be aware that this is not a place to bring your own pets. Please contact the hosts BEFORE booking regarding their policies, as this is a working farm with its own equilibrium. This IS a place for animal-lovers and folks who want to relax in a peaceful and beautiful setting and perhaps even revisit a piece of their childhood growing up on a farm. Below is their AirBnb listing. Book ahead, particularly on weekends and in the summer!

https://www.airbnb.com/slink/ZTWJtHPG

And if you wish to do a little sight-seeing while you stay on the farm, you are within an hour’s drive of the following places with a BUNCH to see and do and unique restaurants to try:

Kalona
The Amanas
Iowa City
Cedar Rapids
West Branch (Hoover Presidential Library)
Muscatine

You could easily stay a week and have ample sightseeing to do every day! For all ages! Art, museums, state parks, shopping, historical sights, children’s museums, a tour of an Amish town with stops at an unbelievable Amish bakery and/or general store, and awesome restaurants galore!) Staycation, anyone? 😉 (Yes, I’m stretching the definition of a staycation a bit, but it would make a great family or grandparent/grandchildren vacation for a week).

And the best part? You can come back and spend beautiful evenings at Lucky Star Farm! 🦙🐐🐓🪵🐈🐥🧩🃏🎣🏄‍♂️🚣‍♂️🏊‍♀️📚🧸🎲🏃🌅🌻🍳😴