How to find the best Airbnbs and rentals for summer vacation 2023, according to experts

This recently renovated two-bedroom cottage offers a relaxing stay in East London, close to local attractions and transport links. The ground floor features an open-plan living and dining area, while the upstairs contains two bedrooms and a full bathroom. The home's modern decor incorporates reclaimed materials, and Stepney Green Tube station is a short 2-minute walk away, providing access to central London. The Regent's Canal towpath and Victoria Park are also easily accessible on foot or bicycle.

Hidden in the Shard's shadow is the “Redroom,” a 1,400-square-foot bohemian retreat for those looking for something a little different. Craving a copper bath beside your bed or a staircase in a dresser? It’s there. The Parisian kitchen hides behind a collection of cupboards and tables. The location is great, too, with Borough Market only a three-minute stroll away. No pets or extra guests, however, and it’s not terrifically child-friendly. “What makes the property so special is what's in its details,” says Hatten. “Dozens of thrifted antiques and handmade artifacts fill up the space, giving it a vibe you won't find anywhere else in the city.”

This luxurious six-bedroom, six-bathroom home is perfect for a large family vacation. The spacious floor plan features two living rooms, a well-equipped kitchen with island seating and a games room with a pool table, air hockey and foosball. Outside you’ll find the private pool and spa with lake views, outdoor seating and a grill. The home is located just 20 to 30 minutes from attractions like Disney World, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

“Luxuriate in your private pool after a day at Disney (14 miles away) in this magazine-spread-ready home in downtown Orlando,” says Spearance. This 1920s Spanish Mission home transports visitors back to a slower-paced era. Nestled in a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by ancient oak trees and lakes, the three-bedroom home — with its king and queen beds, walk-in closet, balconies and two upstairs bathtubs — provides comfort along with its leafy, plant-filled interiors.

Massive floor-to-ceiling plantation windows frame verdant jungle views and an infinity pool, inviting the outside in. The airy, minimalist interior accentuates the natural beauty beyond. Twelve beds provide plenty of options for couples, families and groups. “A visit to Cancun doesn’t have to mean a boisterous all-inclusive resort,” says Spearance. “This lovely home offers a little more tranquil time in paradise with a private pool. For those looking for a little more service with their stay, breakfast delivery and even a chef service are available for an extra fee.”

This upscale condo resort oasis lies in Punta Cana's beating heart. High-design touches and three levels of comfort await you inside this expansive villa. Included are a gourmet kitchen, plush furnishings and four bedrooms. Outside, there's a dramatic infinity pool with waterfall, hot tub and lush tropical gardens. Security cameras, tennis courts and a kids’ pool make it family-friendly as well. And just next door you’ll find world-class shopping, dining and nightlife. “With a private pool and 3,660 square feet of living space, this villa can easily sleep 12 guests,” says Hatton.

Nestled within a Parisian courtyard, this contemporary flat provides a serene retreat in the lively Le Marais district. The calm, tastefully designed living spaces offer all comforts within a 538-square-foot living and dining room and a large main bedroom. A mezzanine overlooks a second small bedroom. A 108-square-foot private terrace invites you to enjoy warm-weather meals alfresco, and double-glazed windows ensure tranquility within. Just steps from medieval streets, chic boutiques, galleries and cafés, the flat's central location provides effortless access to Parisian buzz. “The Marais is one of our all-time favorite Parisian neighborhoods, and this flat is truly a case of living like a local with a private terrace perfect for lounging with a book, glass of red and a snack of baguette and Brie,” says Spearance.

“I mean, if you're going to do Paris, do Paris with a cathedral-ceiling Airbnb as your home base,” says Spurrell. “This rental is right near the Louvre, but it's a work of art in its own right, with robin’s egg cabinets reaching to the ceiling, gorgeous red tiles in the shower and a tiny but effective little kitchen with even more of those dark wood beams overhead.”

This posh Vegas home is just 10 minutes from the Strip. With a crisp modern palette and open-plan flow, the three-bedroom, 2.5-bath retreat features a chef's kitchen, dining for 10, AC and keyless entry. Outdoors, you can lounge by the new six-person hot tub and LED cascading waterfall. It sleeps eight in king and queen beds, but it’s strictly a no-smoking and definitely no parties kind of place. Sometimes, what happens in Vegas does not stay in Vegas.

Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the Vegas show directly inside this huge corner suite, offering views that can’t be beat. No claustrophobic high-rise hallways here — just space, sunlight and unobstructed eyelines to the soak-and-sparkle Bellagio fountains, Paris's Eiffel Tower replica, the High Roller Observation Wheel and all the festive glitter of the Strip. “This condo in the city’s Vdara development is a fav because you’re in the heart of the Strip with amazing views without the hubbub of being in one of Sin City’s mega hotel resorts,” Spearance says.

“The point of being in Seattle, to me, is to embrace that there is a cool, cultural center in the midst of such dramatic nature,” says Spurrell. “Right off Capitol Hill, aka the neighborhood that perhaps best blends culture and the city's innate lushness, this Airbnb has a nice porch surrounded by trees, a quaint little greenery-filled patio (a perfect reason to get takeout for dinner one night of the trip) and a sun-porch-like kitchen that blurs the line between outdoors and indoors.”

This secluded Seattle treehouse is the perfect urban retreat. Nestled in a forested ravine just 10 minutes from downtown, the contemporary design blends perfectly with nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame towering cedars and maples while high ceilings give an airy feel. Simple in design yet fully equipped, this hidden treehouse provides all the comforts of home for unwinding after busy days of sightseeing. “This property is surrounded by towering maple and cedar trees despite being 15 minutes from the center of the city,” says Hatton. “There's even a heart-shaped hot tub, and a wooden bridge serves as the entrance.”

This luxurious two-bedroom and two-bath condo in a Philippe Starck-designed Brickell complex offers stunning waterfront views and all the W Hotel’s luxury amenities — an Olympic pool, jacuzzi, spa and gym. Stroll a mere block to the Brickell City Centre, bursting with restaurants, shops and nightlife. Yet the historic Miami Circle park and flowing Miami River lie on this pad’s doorstep, beckoning with lush greenery, jogging paths and kayaking. “Brickell is very new Miami (and where Maya from “Selling Sunset” thrives with listings, so how can we not recommend?),” says Spearance. “And it increasingly is home to the trendiest restaurants, hotels and nightlife.”

Perched directly across from Miami Beach, this oceanfront condo guarantees relaxation from the moment you step onto the vast ocean-view terrace. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms offer ample space for a family vacation, with easy access to the soft sand of the beach literally just steps away. “The home is artfully designed with a number of paintings and murals,” Hatton says. “You'll be walking distance from the beach and tons of restaurants, and the hosts also provide an umbrella and beach chairs.”

Enjoy an intimate Topanga retreat among water features, gardens and lush jungle decor. The guesthouse sleeps two and features a cozy kitchenette, comfortable and thoughtfully designed living space, hot tub and sauna, plus tranquility just outside your door. Your hosts go the extra mile to provide several extras to make your stay memorable, from fire pit and waterfall access to guidance on local surf breaks and photo shoots. “A Pirates of the Caribbean-themed retreat outside of L.A., this Airbnb is a dream come true, and undoubtedly better than any hotel in the county,” Hatton enthuses. “The many eccentric details will make you feel like you're in some sort of theme park retreat rather than a residential home.”

Soak up Hollywood glamor in this sleek, modern four-bedroom pad located just two minutes from the best of Los Angeles. Celebrity neighbors stroll past this private, gated single-story home nestled among palm trees and million-dollar estates. But step inside to serene open spaces for large groups, with a chef's kitchen, lounge seating indoors and out, and ultra-high-def TV. And though Hollywood Boulevard lies just seven minutes away, this haven transports you to a tranquil California lifestyle. Sunbathe or read on the deck amid lush landscaping, hike Griffith Park's trails and then return to the lap of luxury. “Some trips call for picture-perfect views,” says Spearance. “In Los Angeles, that better include the Hollywood sign like this home.”

Fort Lauderdale’s cozy coastal retreat is a three-bedroom home within reach of the beach and local hot spots. King or twin beds sleep up to 10 crewmembers throughout the homey abode. “Just a few miles from the famous Fort Lauderdale Beach, you'll find this fantastic Airbnb home set in a quiet residential neighborhood,” says Hatton. “What really makes this property stand out in a sea of accomodation options is its one-of-a-kind pirate theme that will make you feel like you're actually aboard a ship.”

Two-level ocean views surround you in this stylish two-bedroom condo high atop the iconic W Hotel. Soak in privacy and space yet enjoy hotel perks like pools, spa, beach access, dining and valet. Plush king beds with luxe linens, a chef's kitchen and a wrap-around terrace make you feel like royalty. “Party like a rock star at this condo in west Ft. Lauderdale,” Spearance says. “But seriously… So many celebs stay here.”