Planning a trip to Portland, Oregon, and wondering where you should stay? Portland is full of unique hotels and darling little Airbnbs so you’ll have endless options to choose from. Most of the hotels are clustered around the downtown area so if you’re looking to stay in a quaint Portland neighborhood with local coffee shops and bars, then you’ll definitely want to opt for an Airbnb.

Being born and raised in Portland, I have explored all of the different neighborhoods around town. I have a few favorites that are pedestrian-friendly and have a great selection of bars and restaurants. And I have hand-selected these 10 awesome Airbnbs based on their location, unique construction, and amenities.

Enjoy my list of the top 10 unique Airbnbs in Portland below!

And don’t forget to read our other Portland articles to prepare for your trip:

• 56 weird & wonderful things to do in Portland
• My favorite things to do in Portland: Tips from a local
• Portland sightseeing: 10 guided tours and day trips

Why Stay in an Airbnb in Portland

As I mentioned earlier, most of the hotels in Portland are clustered around the downtown area. And while there are loads of things to see and do in downtown Portland, we’d recommend staying in one of the many cute neighborhoods in the city. And if you want to stay outside of downtown, you’ll want to look into Airbnb options.

Not only is Airbnb a better choice to explore areas outside of downtown Portland, but they generally have more amenities than a hotel room. You’ll often have access to a stocked kitchen, a washer and dryer, a patio, and even a hot tub if you’re lucky!

Search Portland Hotels and Vacation Rentals:

Where to Stay in Portland

Planning a trip to Portland and wondering in which neighborhood you should stay? Here’s a brief rundown of the various neighborhoods in Portland:

Downtown Portland / Southwest Portland

The Downtown area of Portland is also called Southwest Portland. Here you’ll find lots of hotels, bars, restaurants, malls, and shops but very few, if any, Airbnb rentals. If you stay in SW Portland you’ll be able to easily access public transportation and bike rentals and have lots of unique hotels to choose from.

The downside is that many homeless people choose to sleep on the streets of downtown Portland which may make you feel a bit uncomfortable when walking after dark.

Northwest Portland and The Pearl District

Northwest Portland and the Pearl District (often referred to as “The Pearl”) are just north of downtown. They are both trendy places to frequent and you’ll find plenty of Airbnbs in both areas. The most famous street in NW Portland is NW 23rd Street which is lined with bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and unique boutiques. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon shopping – that is if you can find a parking spot.

And The Pearl was formerly the industrial area of Portland but is now considered more upscale – filled with art galleries and expensive condominiums. “First Thursday” is a monthly event in the Pearl where you can sip wine while scoping out some overpriced artwork.

North and NE Portland

Our favorite area in Portland is right across the river, in North Portland. Here you’ll find the uber-hip neighborhoods around N. Williams Avenue, N. Mississippi Avenue, and NE Alberta Street (although Alberta is technically in NE Portland). These streets are lined with fun bars, delicious restaurants, weed stores, and cute shops. They also host the occasional street fair if you happen to visit at the right time.

We like North Portland because it’s more eclectic than other neighborhoods and also has some nice parks for an afternoon stroll. Plus, you’re right across the river from Downtown!

Southeast Portland

And south of those neighborhoods, you’ll find SE Division Street and SE Hawthorne Avenue which are also popular areas to live and visit. You’ll find a similar scene as North Portland, but with less convenient interstate access. You’ll also be near Mount Tabor Park which is a lovely park right in the center of the city – perfect for a morning run or afternoon stroll.

10 Unique Airbnbs in Portland, Oregon

1. Mallory Tiny House

Tiny houses are all the rage these days because they maximize small spaces in very cute and clever ways. The Mallory Tiny House is a darling little eco-friendly house in a pedestrian-friendly North Portland neighborhood. Located near the Alberta and Mississippi districts, you’ll have plenty of funky bars and delicious restaurants nearby. Be sure to check out Victoria Bar – it’s a lively bar with vegan and gluten-free food along with fun cocktail concoctions.

Built in 2017, this cute vacation rental is stocked with eco-friendly essentials like organic bedding and towels, fair-trade coffee and tea, organic bath products, reclaimed wood shelves, bamboo floors, and solar panels.

The Mallory Tiny House has one bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a kitchenette. Plus a lovely porch overlooking the peaceful garden.

2. Handcrafted Japanese Hideaway

This darling little Japanese-inspired hideaway is ideally located in one of the trendiest parts of North Portland – just off of Mississippi Avenue. This unique vacation rental utilizes Japanese carpentry techniques in its beautiful handmade doors and windows. You’ll love the wood-beamed ceiling and quaint features like the hidden box bedroom that is perfect for kids!

If you enjoy staying in, you’ll certainly appreciate that this kitchen was designed for cooking, while the brightly lit dining nook is the perfect spot to enjoy your morning cup of joe. In the evenings, you can relax in the cozy living room in front of the gas fireplace.

The master bedroom is spacious with a comfortable queen-sized bed and the bathroom is split between two rooms – great if you have multiple people getting ready in the morning. The living room sofa pulls out into a sleeper and, as previously mentioned, there’s an additional Japanese-style box bedroom just off the main living space.

Be sure to check out the nearby Mee-Sen Thai Eatery – it’s one of our favorite restaurants in Portland! And if you’re craving some nightlife, Prost! is a fun German-style pub that’s within easy walking distance.

3. The Sneakaway

Quite possibly the best use of a small space in all of Portland, The Sneakaway is a quaint and cozy vacation rental that you’ll absolutely love spending a few days in.

Couples will love the king-sized Tempurpedic platform bed and the 2-person soaking tub. The high ceilings keep the space light and bright, and it’s filled with pretty potted plants. You can also take advantage of the stocked kitchen, the washer and dryer, and the cute outdoor patio.

The location of this Airbnb is also amazing. It’s right near Alberta Street and N. Williams Avenue – both pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods packed with shops, restaurants, and bars. Be sure to grab a drink and an appetizer at The Bye and Bye Bar nearby.

With so many fun things to do nearby, you definitely won’t want to leave this unique Portland Airbnb!

4. Juniper House

Juniper House is another unique Portland Airbnb that makes fantastic use of a small space. Located in North Portland, this cute backyard guesthouse is close to the MAX light rail and the trendy Mississippi and Alberta streets. It’s the perfect jumping-off point to explore our favorite neighborhood in Portland!

This loft-style guesthouse has lots of windows making it light, bright, and airy. The queen-sized memory foam mattress and cozy bedding ensure you’ll sleep like a baby. The stocked kitchen is great for cooking if you want to spend a night in, and the cute little outdoor patio is the ideal place to spend a warm summer night with an ice-cold beer.

Juniper House is ideal for both couples and long-term stays. You’ll never want to go home!

5. Division Street Retreat

Couples will especially love the Division Street Retreat because you’ll have access to your own private hot tub! And when you’re not relaxing in the tub you can enjoy a glass of wine by the fire pit on the private patio.

This cute little craftsman bungalow has a comfortable king-sized bed, a big shower with super soft towels, and lots of convenient amenities. This Airbnb doesn’t have a kitchen, but there is a mini-fridge, microwave, instant hot water, and coffeemaking facilities at your disposal.

And if you want to head out, you’ll be in a pedestrian-friendly neighborhood and close to plenty of restaurants along up-and-coming Division Street. You’ll feel right at home in this darling, cozy retreat!

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6. Renovated NW Retreat

If you really want to be in the center of the best things to do in Portland, check out this Renovated NW Retreat Airbnb. You’ll be just two blocks from NW 23rd Street which is a hip, upscale area that is full of cute shops and tasty restaurants. And you’ll also be just a short walk from Washington Park where you can literally smell the roses at the International Rose Test Garden.

This Portland vacation rental has everything you need – a full kitchen, living room, bedroom, office, and bathroom. You’ll have your own private entrance and a private deck with lovely city views. But what you’ll really appreciate about this spot is the location. If you’re coming to Portland to eat, drink, and shop, then this is the perfect place to stay!

7. Saul Zaik Treehouse

The Saul Zaik Treehouse is further outside of town than we would normally recommend. However, it’s truly one of the most unique houses in all of Portland. In fact, Condé Nast Traveler once said it was the ‘Coolest Treehouse in the World‘. And thanks to Airbnb, you can actually book a stay here for an experience that you won’t soon forget!

The lower level of this treehouse was designed as a guest residence and you’ll find it to be quite spacious. There is one bedroom with a comfortable queen-sized bed, a bathroom, a seating area, outdoor decks, and a shared laundry room.

But the real draw of the Saul Zaik Treehouse is the expansive view of Portland that you can enjoy right from your bedroom! You’ll wake up to the sun rising over the city and enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine on your deck. You’ll fall in love with the totally unique Portland Airbnb!

8. Alberta Arts Abode

Alberta Street is one of the most popular areas in Portland because of its quirky shops and yummy restaurants. It’s also home to a weird and wonderful street fair once a month. If that sounds like your kind of neighborhood, then you’ll love the location of this 2 bedroom/1 bathroom Alberta Arts Abode.

This hip Portland Airbnb is furnished with chic, comfortable furniture and quality linens. While it lacks a full kitchen, you will have a sink, mini-fridge, hot plate, and coffee and tea-making facilities. It’s a great space to hang out although you probably won’t spend much time at home with so many awesome bars and restaurants just a short walk away!

Don’t leave town without trying the Grilled Cheese Grill, an innovative Portland food truck just a few blocks away. They have really unique grilled cheese options and you can sit in an old converted school bus while you eat!

9. The Urban Treehouse

Another one of the best Airbnbs in Portland, The Urban Treehouse is located on a quiet street between bustling Hawthorne Avenue and Division Street. From here you’ll be able to walk to shops, restaurants, and even the impressive Mt. Tabor Park. This “treehouse” is aptly named for the views of the towering trees from the overhead skylights.

Space and light are maximized in the Urban Treehouse with a reverse layout so the kitchen and living room are actually on the second floor. Downstairs you’ll find the master bedroom with a cozy king-sized bed. You’ll love the large open living space with lots of natural light and the second-story deck right off the living room.

You’ll absolutely love this vacation rental and the surrounding Southeast Portland neighborhoods.

10. Mount Tabor Hideaway

If you’re going to be visiting Portland with family, you’ll definitely want to check out the Mount Tabor Hideaway! This spacious 2 bedroom/2 bathroom house has a full kitchen that’s stocked with everything you’ll need to stay in and cook dinner. Plus, you’ll be right near bustling SE Division Street and Mount Tabor, a beautiful park for the whole family to enjoy!

The main living area of this lovely vacation rental is light and bright with an open floor plan. The large dining table is perfect for games and puzzles if you find yourself in the middle of Portland’s notorious rainy season. The neighborhood is totally safe and you’ll be within walking distance of several cute local restaurants, including ¿Por Qué No?, one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Portland.

Note that this Airbnb doesn’t have a TV so bring some games and toys to entertain the kids!

We hope you have a wonderful time in your unique Portland Airbnb!

Looking for more Portland travel inspiration? Check out our favorite travel guides and resources!

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