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There are enough Airbnb locations in Los Angeles that out-of-towners and staycationers alike should be able to find a temporary home away from home with ease. Most of them seem to be spare rooms or guest houses, but perhaps you'd like something a little less traditional. Sure, you could crash in someone's spare room or on the futon in their den, or you could sleep in a yurt. The choice is yours.
A yurt in Silver LakeNear Sunset Junction, this yurt appears to be in the backyard of its hosts, Amanda and Matthieu. They say you'll be surrounded by "chirping birds, blue skies and the smells of blooming jasmine" while relaxing in the colorful, wicker-furniture filled yurt of your zen-infused dreams. What's most interesting about this Airbnb listing is the outdoor bathroom, which appears to have all the modern conveniences of your standard indoor bathroom. (There's also another yurt on an organic farm in Malibu for a bit more.)
$128/night, plus fees.
An indoor treehouse downtownIt's sort of like a treehouse, except it happens to be inside of someone's loft. Located in the Brewery Arts Complex, you'll be able to poke around the largest live/work arts complex in the world without having to worry about driving home at night. The entire complex is 23 acres with over 300 spaces, plus its own restaurant and bar. What better way to explore it than to crash with a well-connected artist? Treehouse guests have access to several common areas, including a bathroom, laundry room, kitchenette and patio.
$46/night, plus fees.
A van down by the oceanConsiderably classier than the van down by the river, this Venice offering still is exactly that: a van. It's also, as a means of playing by Airbnb's rules, immobile. The van's name is Cassie, it sleeps two adults and your host Khiel will throw in camping supplies (which includes an '80s boombox and an acoustic guitar) as needed. In his FAQ, he answers the age-old question 'is it safe to sleep in a van?' with, "Just hide valuables, and lock the doors—like if you were in a Wal-Mart parking lot!" Noted. You can also sleep in this guy's car for $25.
$59/night, plus fees.
An RV in VeniceThis 1966 Silver Queen RV is five blocks away from the beach. The property contains a large outdoor area for some classic American lounging and an outdoor bathroom (much like the yurt). This particular RV only sleeps one adult, but hosts Ro and Tao have other options, including a larger Airstream.
$99/night, plus fees.
A caboose in Agoura HillsHosts Diane and Douglas say they've been told there is a "romantic quality" to their brilliantly re-purposed caboose. Tranquil, quiet and surrounded by woodland creatures, the caboose has regal furniture, a California King bed and is outfitted with modern plumbing. The caboose is about a half hour away from the Malibu beaches and a number of state parks.
$228/night, plus fees.
Cabin in the woodsNormally, I assume any group staying in a cabin in a wooded area is about to be pecked off one by one by some kind of deranged killer, but David's series of handcrafted cabins have great reviews from still living adults. This particular one is described as a "fairytale cabin" and is a comfy, cozy little respite in the woods of Topanga. It also has wireless Internet, marble bathtub and a tankless water heater for a guarantee of endless hot water. And despite being on 12 acres of nature, you're still quite close to the village of Topanga.
$110/night, plus fees.
The William Hearts Suite in HollywoodInside of the Los Altos Apartments, that big, Spanish colonial-style building you see every time you cruise down Wilshire Blvd., there is a $5000/night Airbnb suite. Built in 1925, stars like Clara Bow and Bette Davis used to call this place home. (It's also, as far as the exterior is concerned, where Angel lived after splitting off from Buffy the Vampire Slayer into his own show.) It is said that William Randolph Hearst designed this four-bedroom apartment for his mistress, Marion Davies. It's full of lavish furniture and ornate touches, and has a dining room table suitable for a real-life game of Clue (not advised).
$5000/night, plus fees.
A yacht in San PedroUnsurprisingly, there are quite a few boats you can stay on in the Los Angeles area. This particular 40-foot yacht is one of the more affordable options, and is located in Port O Call Village. It features a galley, bathroom, staterooms that can sleep up to six and a wetbar. And probably better than renting a motel room at the Harvard House to use their water bed...probably. Several reviewers claimed to see sea lions in the area. Reminder: just because a lodging option listed on Airbnb is technically mobile, it doesn't mean you can move it around.
$99, plus fees.
A fancy hammock in Mission ViejoAt first, you might ask yourself why you'd pay money to sleep in a floating bed in someone's backyard. But then look at how majestic it seems and realize they have a saltwater jacuzzi you can use. Plus, your hostess Celeste loves to cook and her husband loves making cocktails, so who needs friends? A beautiful backyard and patio, plus access to the home's bathroom and kitchen, make this entry an affordable getaway.
$65/night, plus fees
A meditation trailer in the middle of nowhereAre you tired of being told you're just a few engrams away from a Thetan, but feel like you actually are a more evolved being? Then you should go stay in this trailer in the middle of nowhere. The Pyramid Center in Mountain Pass is a nonprofit for those who want to "transcend into their Higher Self, by alignment of the Mind, Body and Spirit through meditation, yoga and esoteric education including new age, ancient religions and spiritual customs and traditions." There's really no better place to do mushrooms find yourself than in 230 acres of forest.
$99/night, plus fees.
