Looking for something unique? 6 odd Michigan vacation rentals to try (2024)

Rachel GrecoLansing State Journal

Bill Thom stumbled upon one of Charlevoix's well-known "mushroom houses" with a for sale sign in the yard in 2001. He bought the "lucky find," and for the last 10 years has been renting it out to others who appreciate the eclectic design.

"I just got lucky," Thom, a Detroit native, said. His family spent their summers in the house for over a decade before Thom began renting the home out to others about a decade ago.

So many guests have told him they paid to stay there not because of its proximity to the city's downtown, but because of the home itself, which is one of about two dozen stone cottages designed by builder Earl Young.

People like to rent homes that are out of the ordinary, said Rob Evina, it's why so many guests have stayed at the geodesichomes he and his business partner Mark Grattafiori built on 75 acres near Traverse City three years ago.

"They just want a different experience," Evina said. "There are thousands of hotel rooms 6, 7 miles away from us on the bay... I've done that many times in my life, but at this point in my life I just want a different type of experience and we give that."

Unique vacation rentals are plentiful in Michigan. You can rent tiny homes, yurts, and homes designed by famous architects. Summer vacations in the Mitten are nearly upon us. Here's a look at six different properties, each offering a one-of-a-kind environment.

A mushroom house in Charlevoix

Young built "Half House," the stone mushroom-like cottage Thom owns, in the late 1940s, and like all the other mushroom houses, it's unique in its own way, Thom said.

"He had a theory that no straight line was a good line," he said. "He built the homes based on the surroundings so look like they sprouted from the earth."

Half House, the property's nickname, was built for Young's daughter beside his own home. The two-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage is approximately 720 square feet and sits on a bluff across from a Lake Michigan beach two blocks from the city's downtown.

The home is heated with a stone fireplace and has no air conditioning. Thom said the stone walls and brisk lake air keep it cool enough. The property is rented throughout the summer and has guests in the winter, too.

Nightly rates vary by season from anywhere between $195 to $695. Learn more about the property online at https://www.vrbo.com/501060?dateless=true.

Geodesic dome homes near Traverse City

The first time he saw a geodesic dome, Evina was captivated by its look and design.

"Geodesic domes should really be in a category all themselves," he said. "They literally pass the same stringent codes as a commercial building."

Beyond their sturdiness, the domes' shape allows for an open, distinctive interior, Evina said. "As soon as I walked inside it just had this magical opulence or ambiance to it," he said.

At Silver Birch Resort in Williamsburg, Evina and Grattafiori have built a dozen luxury dome homes on private land surrounded by trees. The resort is a short drive from Traverse City, but offers plenty of privacy to guests. The approximately 850-square-foot domes have high ceilings, scenic views and lots of modern amenities including an outdoor bathtub that's surrounded by a bamboo fence.

They are available for rent from April to November. Rates vary by month by range from $350 to $500 a night. Learn more online at https://www.vrbo.com/3365259?dateless=true or on the resort's website at www.silverbirchmichigan.com.

Glamp in a yurt in Grand Marais

If you want luxury, but like to camp, you can rent a luxury yurt in the Upper Peninsula's Grand Marais. The property is tucked away in an orchard with a modern toilet and shower located a short distance away in a pole barn. There's an outdoor fire pit, gas grill and picnic table nearby.

The yurt has plenty of amenities, including Wi-Fi, a smart television, a refrigerator, a toaster oven/air fryer, a water cooler with hot water, and a Keurig coffee maker, with coffee and creamer. Paper plates, bowls, cups, and plastic silverware are also provided.

The yurt rents for approximately $200 a night during peak summer periods. Learn more at www.airbnb.com/rooms/688510091435005727.

Hippie retreat in the Upper Peninsula

The "Happy Hippie Shack" in downtown Ramsay, near a local park and pub, is meant for guests "with an open mind, free spirit and great Hippie sense of humor," according to the property's description on Airbnb.

"The Groovy beads, Vibrant colors and Tapestries will make you smile, chill out and enjoy every room," it says.

The two-bedroom home built in 1909 is one of the only single-family homes left in the city's downtown. The home is near Indianhead, Blackjack, Big Powderhorn and Mt. Zion Ski hills.

Learn more online at www.airbnb.com/rooms/50691926.

Hobbit home in Rockford

Fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings" can experience a summer vacation in Bilbo Baggins' shire without leaving the state by booking a stay in an underground "Hobbit Hole" in Rockford.

The custom-built home sits on 10 acres and features "a poplar tree bark ceiling, wavy cedar walls, and a wood cookie wall," according to the property's Airbnb listing. At just 185 square feet, it includes a queen-sized bed and wood stove. The property includes a bench swing, boulder fire pit and outdoor picnic area.

Learn more at www.airbnb.com/rooms/706591064952458895.

Frank Lloyd Wright home in Galesburg

You don't have to be able to afford to buy a famous architect's creation to experience it this summer. In Galesburg, you can book a stay at Frank Lloyd Wright's Meyer House.

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom house featured in Architectural Digest last year was built in the 1950s and has been restored. The furniture, including the built-in banquettes and dining table, are in "perfect condition," according to the property's listing on Airbnb.

"The mahogany accents have been meticulously restored and the gardens are in full bloom throughout the spring and summer," it says.

Learn more at www.airbnb.com/rooms/11851061.

READ MORE:

KPOT arrives, longtime retailer closes: What we know about Lansing-area openings, closings in May

Lansing-area banquet center owner adds new winery, vineyard to property

Contact Reporter Rachel Greco at rgreco@lsj.com.Follow her on X @GrecoatLSJ .

Looking for something unique? 6 odd Michigan vacation rentals to try (2024)

FAQs

What is the most popular vacation rental company? ›

Airbnb. Airbnb is not only the most popular and trusted vacation home rental website, but it's also the fastest growing. The company has over 6 million vacation rental listings worldwide in more than 220 countries and regions.

How do you know if a vacation rental will be profitable? ›

8 Steps for smart vacation rental investment analysis
  1. Determine your buying power. ...
  2. Analyze the market. ...
  3. Review the local law and regulations. ...
  4. Estimate associated expenses. ...
  5. Use tools to estimate ROI, CoC, and cap rate. ...
  6. Consider how quickly you can rent it. ...
  7. Get a property investment consultant. ...
  8. Buy your STR property.

How many vacation rental properties are there in the US? ›

However, in 2021, it was estimated that there were approximately 1.3 million vacation rental homes in the US, with 1,985,280 professionally managed short-term rental properties across the country. By 2022, the number of vacation rental listings in America had increased to around 1.5 million.

Who is Airbnb's biggest competitor? ›

Airbnb business competitors include websites like Vrbo, Booking.com, Expedia, MakeMyTrip, Marriott, Top Villas, TravelStaytion, HomeToGo, Plum Guide, and Google. Not all of them are vacation rental marketplaces.

Are hotels cheaper than Vrbo? ›

scanned the globe and found hotels were cheaper than Airbnb or Vrbo rentals in 38 of 50 international destinations including New York and San Francisco.

What is the average return on vacation rental property? ›

Rates of return vary depending on factors such as location, property type, and market conditions. However, vacation rental owners usually aim for a return on investment (ROI) of at least 8% to 10%.

How much income to expect on a vacation rental? ›

Most vacation rental owners strive for a profit margin of 10% to 20%. This range is vast since rental properties and market conditions vary greatly.

Do vacation rental properties make money? ›

Vacation rental platforms (like Airbnb or VRBO) are a great way to generate income from a short-term lease, and if your property is in high demand, you will see even greater profits. The tax benefits associated with vacation rentals are also available to take advantage of.

What is the income potential for VRBO? ›

Homeowners who offer short-term rentals through VRBO earn an average of $33,000 per year. Of course, those earnings aren't guaranteed. Factors like location, property size, and occupancy rate influence how much you can earn on VRBO.

How much profit should you make on a vacation rental property? ›

A 10-20% return on investment from your vacation rental property is considered a good profit margin. Here's how you can calculate the ROI for your property: Calculate the annual rental income by multiplying the average monthly income by 12 or the weekly income by 52.

What is the income potential for Airbnb? ›

Airbnb host income potential

While there's no single answer, estimates suggest the average annual earnings for U.S. hosts are around $14,000 based on recent data. However, earnings can vary dramatically depending on a number of elements such as location, property type, expenses, and more.

Which state has the most vacation rentals? ›

Florida. Ah, the Sunshine State! With its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and world-renowned attractions, Florida reigns supreme in the realm of vacation rentals. According to Florida Rental By Owners, the state boasts an impressive array of rental properties, catering to every taste and budget.

Is inflation hurting vacation rentals? ›

Increased operating costs: Rising inflation leads to higher prices for goods and services. This can result in increased utility costs, maintenance expenses, and property taxes, ultimately affecting the profitability of your vacation rental business.

What is the future of the vacation rental industry? ›

The Vacation Rentals market in the United States is projected to generate a revenue of US$20.27bn by 2024. This revenue is expected to have an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2029) of 4.10%, resulting in a projected market volume of US$24.78bn by 2029.

What is more popular Airbnb or Vrbo? ›

Winner: Airbnb

This one is really no contest. Airbnb boasts 7.7 million active listings as of May 2024 compared to Vrbo's over 2 million properties listed as of 2023.

Who is the competitor to Vrbo? ›

See how VRBO compares to similar products. VRBO's top competitors include Travala.com, Sonder, and Airbnb. Travala.com operates as an online travel agency. The company connects travelers with places to stay, including hotels, apartments, villas, hostels, and more.

Is Vrbo or expedia better? ›

In the Reservation And Online Booking market, Expedia has a 7.21% market share in comparison to VRBO's 0.93%. Since it has a better market share coverage, Expedia holds the 3rd spot in 6sense's Market Share Ranking Index for the Reservation And Online Booking category, while VRBO holds the 9th spot.

What is the best site to use for vacation rentals? ›

The Best Vacation Rental Sites
  • Airbnb.
  • Booking.com.
  • Expedia.
  • HometoGo.
  • Hotels.com.
  • Tripadvisor.
  • Tripping.
  • Vrbo.
Feb 15, 2024

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