The new-build bungalow
Photograph: Airbnb | The new-build bungalow
Photograph: Airbnb

The 12 best Airbnbs in Houston right now

Whether you’re in town for the museums, shops, galleries or green spaces, find your stay right here

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If there’s one word for Houston, it’s big. Big city, big personality, and a food scene that could easily keep you busy for the entire trip. As the fourth-largest city in the US and one of the country’s most ethnically diverse metropolitan areas, Houston is a brilliant place to eat your way around the world without leaving city limits.

There’s plenty to do between meals, too. Houston is packed with museums, galleries, green spaces and shops, from the sprawling Galleria to the leafy trails around Buffalo Bayou. Whether you’re here for the food, the culture, the nightlife or simply a change of scenery, you won’t be short of things to fill your days. So, we’ve rounded up some of the best Airbnbs in Houston, Texas, from cosy hideaways for two to seriously fun houses made for groups.

Updated September 2026: We’ve revamped this list, and added lots of new places including a perfectly pink megahouse for the girlies and an artist's library with a private pool. 

The best Airbnbs in Houston, at a glance: 

Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on top reviews, hosts, and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Frequently asked questions about staying in Houston

Should I stay in an Airbnb or a hotel when visiting Houston?

Choose an Airbnb if you need multi-bedroom layouts for large groups, private pool amenities to beat the Texas heat, or want to stay in foodie-heavy residential hubs like Montrose or EaDo. Hotels are better suited if you want traditional concierge services or short stays in Center City/Downtown business corridors.

What is the best neighborhood to stay in Houston for first-timers?

Montrose and Midtown are top choices for first-time visitors. Montrose is walkable, artistic, and packed with world-class restaurants, coffee shops, and independent boutiques. Midtown provides a vibrant nightlife scene while keeping you centrally located between Downtown and the Museum District.

How do I choose between staying in Downtown/Midtown vs. Montrose or EaDo?

Choose Downtown or Midtown for high-rise city views, quick access to sporting venues (like Toyota Center or Minute Maid Park), and easy transit links. Pick Montrose for a laid-back, food-and-arts-focused neighborhood vibe. Opt for EaDo (East Downtown) if you want proximity to live music venues, breweries, and stadium events.

Is a car necessary when staying at an Airbnb in Houston?

Because Houston is geographically massive and highway-centric, having a car or budgeting for rideshares is highly recommended. However, if you anchor yourself in a walkable neighborhood like Montrose or stay along the METRORail line in Midtown/Downtown, you can comfortably navigate central attractions without driving everywhere.

Best Houston Airbnbs

1. Best for big group getaways: The boho pad

Neighborhood: Montrose

Gather the whole gang, because this four-bedroom Houston Airbnb has room for up to 12 guests, and not a single boring bedroom in sight. Bohème Haus is a designer dream, decked out in colourful wallpaper, boho furnishings and statement pieces that make every floor feel like its own little world. There’s a cloud-like sectional for group lounging, a fully decked-out kitchen for whipping up a feast, and private terraces overlooking the city. With an elevator connecting all four levels, even your laziest mate is sorted. Basically, it’s a big-group stay where nobody has to draw straws for the good room.

Time Out tip: The Menil Collection and Cy Twombly Gallery are both around a 10-minute walk away, while Montrose’s restaurants, bars and local eateries are close by.

Sleeps: 12 guests.

Perks: City skyline views, private balconies, elevator, kitchen, washer/dryer, dedicated workspace, TVs, WiFi, free garage parking for two cars, free street parking.

Price: From $1,200 for a night.

2. Best for cozy cottage-core stays: The charming bungalow

Neighborhood: First Ward

Fancy a little slice of cottage-core without giving up your city break? This renovated 1930s duplex has been given a thoroughly modern makeover, but still has plenty of old-school charm. The one-bedroom space is full of thoughtful touches, from the warm wood accents and sunny windows to the fully equipped kitchen and comfy living room. There’s even a queen sofa bed for extra guests, so you can bring a pal along without sacrificing your precious bedroom. Cute, cozy and very handy for exploring Houston.

Time Out tip: You’re just six minutes from Downtown and Minute Maid Park, with a Metro Rail stop around a 10-minute walk away. The Heights, White Oak Music Hall and plenty of bars and restaurants are also within easy reach.

Sleeps: 3 guests.

Perks: Full kitchen, washer/dryer, aircon, WiFi, dedicated workspace, TV, private parking, free street parking.

Price: From $330 for two nights. 

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3. Best for chic group stays: The Downtown beauty with skyline views

Neighborhood: Near Downtown Houston

Rooftop views, a backyard mini-golf course and a home that looks like it was made for a very good group photo? We’re sold. This spacious four-bedroom has a boutique-hotel feel, with elegant interiors, a fully equipped kitchen, cosy fireplace and plenty of room to spread out. Then there’s the rooftop terrace overlooking the Houston skyline, plus a backyard complete with a hammock, fire pit and mini-golf course. It’s the kind of place that makes a weekend away feel like an occasion.

Time Out tip: You’re around five minutes from Downtown and Toyota Center, with Daikin Park about six minutes away. The Museum District and Texas Medical Center are also roughly 10 minutes by car, so there’s plenty to explore nearby.

Sleeps: 10 guests.

Perks: Rooftop terrace with skyline views, mini-golf, hammock, fire pit, kitchen, coffee bar, fireplace, fitness equipment, washer/dryer, smart TVs, streaming services, fast WiFi, dedicated workspace, free garage parking.

Price: From $940 for two nights.

4. Best for solo retreats and spa stays: The pool house

Neighborhood: Montrose

Houston heat getting a bit much? A pool and hot tub should sort that out. This cosy guesthouse loft overlooks a landscaped backyard with a shared pool and spa, giving the whole place a very easygoing, holiday-without-leaving-the-city feel. Inside, it’s compact but has everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a kitchen, Nespresso coffee and even a complimentary cocktail and beer bar. Let your biggest decision of the day be pool or hot tub.

Time Out tip: You’re right in the heart of Montrose, on a quiet street within walking distance of restaurants, bars, coffee shops and galleries. The Menil Collection is also nearby, making it easy to squeeze in a little culture between swims.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Shared pool, shared hot tub, kitchen, Nespresso coffee, complimentary cocktail and beer bar, WiFi, air conditioning, TV, patio, landscaped backyard, free street parking.

Price: From $260 for a night.

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5. Best for shopping getaways: The Galleria hideout

Neighborhood: Uptown

If your ideal Houston itinerary involves a little retail therapy (and then some), this studio puts you practically on the doorstep of the Galleria. The private apartment is a peaceful little escape from the shopping frenzy, with a full kitchen, queen bed and plenty of private outdoor space to enjoy when you’re not filling your bags. There’s also a shared seasonal pool for cooling off, plus free parking if you’ve arrived with a car, although with the mall, restaurants and shops within walking distance, you might not need it much.

Time Out tip: The Galleria is just across the intersection, with Saks Fifth Avenue and hundreds of shops nearby. You’ll also find restaurants, Walgreens and public transport within walking distance, so stocking up on holiday essentials is refreshingly easy.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Full kitchen, shared seasonal pool, large backyard, free parking, WiFi, dedicated workspace, HDTV, washer/dryer, pets allowed.

Price: From $450 for four nights.

6. Best for rooftop BBQ hangouts: The four-storey townhouse

Neighborhood: Washington Avenue Corridor

This is the sort of Houston base that makes staying in feel like part of the holiday. The interiors are warm and inviting, with a huge kitchen, dining table for ten and plenty of space to spread out, but the real star is upstairs. The private rooftop has comfy seating, a BBQ, wet bar and partial skyline views, ideal for dinner and drinks as the sun goes down. There’s also a fitness and yoga area if you fancy earning that second round of margaritas.

Time Out tip: You’re in the Washington Avenue Corridor, with Truth BBQ and West End Park just a short walk away. Buffalo Bayou Park, Downtown and Montrose are all within a few miles, so it’s a handy spot for getting out and about without being miles from the action.

Sleeps: 10 guests.

Perks: Private rooftop, BBQ grill, partial skyline views, fitness/yoga area, kitchen, TV, WiFi, dedicated workspace, washer/dryer, two-car garage, pets allowed.

Price: From $1,100 for two nights.

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7. Best for walkable, affordable stays: The garage apartment

Neighborhood: Montrose

A garage apartment might not sound like the most glamorous Houston stay, but this one makes a pretty convincing case for it. The newly renovated space has a bright open-plan layout, a proper king-size bed, fully equipped kitchen and a separate living room with a sofa bed. There’s also a private deck off the bedroom,  ideal for morning coffee or a nightcap, while the location puts Montrose’s restaurants, bars, shops and cafés practically on your doorstep. And yes, the freshly baked goods at Common Bond next door are every bit as dangerous as they sound.

Time Out tip: You’re about five minutes from Downtown by car, with the Museum District, River Oaks and Galleria all within closeby.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Private deck, full kitchen, WiFi, TV, dedicated workspace, air conditioning, free parking, pets allowed.

Price: From $260 for a night.

8. Best for a girls’ weekend: The Barbie dream house

Neighborhood: Near Downtown Houston

If Barbie and the Plastics ever decided to open a Houston Airbnb, we imagine it would look something like this. It goes all in on the theme, with three bedrooms inspired by Barbie, Mean Girls and Juicy Couture, plus a zebra-print room thrown in for good measure. There’s an indoor pink skating rink with skates (so fetch), arcade games, photo props everywhere and a rooftop terrace with fire pit and skyline views. If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a birthday, organise a girls’ trip or simply take an unreasonable number of photos, you’ve found it.

Time Out tip: You’re only around five minutes from Toyota Center, with Daikin Park about six minutes away and the Museum District roughly 10 minutes by car. There are three flights of stairs in the house, though, so keep that in mind when packing your pink suitcase.

Sleeps: 12 guests.

Perks: Indoor pink skating rink, arcade games, rooftop terrace, fire pit, skyline views, Barbie and Mean Girls themes, photo props, TVs, kitchen, washer/dryer, WiFi, free parking.

Price: From $710 for a night.

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9. Best for a romantic city escape: The new-build bungalow

Neighborhood: Houston Heights

Need a quiet little base for two that still puts you close to the action? This newly built bungalow in Houston Heights ticks the boxes, with a king-size bed, multiple outdoor spaces and a seriously lovely bathroom. The star of the show might just be the soaking tub, set beside huge windows overlooking a private patio: basically, an excellent excuse to cancel your plans for an evening. Everything is fresh and comfortable, while the quiet residential setting makes it easy to switch off after a day exploring Houston.

Time Out tip: You’re close to 19th Street, where you’ll find plenty of cafés, boutiques and local restaurants, while Downtown Houston is only around five minutes away by car. Montrose and the Galleria are also roughly 15 minutes away.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Soaking tub, private patio, multiple outdoor spaces, full kitchen, WiFi, air conditioning, TV, washer/dryer, free on-street parking.

Price: From $240 for a night.

10. Best for art lovers: The artist’s library with a private pool

Neighborhood: River Oaks

Part art studio, part book-filled hideaway, part private pool retreat, this is not your average Houston guest suite. The cosy space is packed with paintings, antique furniture, oriental rugs and enough books to happily lose an afternoon to, while the private fenced patio and pool give you your own little oasis outside. There’s also a fireplace and a comfy bed, plus an extra airbed if needed. And if you’re feeling inspired, your host Nancy is a professional artist who can arrange painting lessons during your stay.

Time Out tip: The suite is in a very walkable part of River Oaks, with restaurants, shops and Whole Foods nearby. You'realso right next to Memorial Park for peaceful walks and biking trails. 

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Private swimming pool, private patio, artist's studio, book collection, fireplace, air conditioning, WiFi, TV, dedicated workspace, free parking.

Price: From $520 for two nights.

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11. Best for a leafy city escape: The light, bright Heights loft

Neighborhood: Houston Heights

Big windows, loads of plants and a king-size bed you’ll probably struggle to leave? This bright little loft is a dreamy base for two, with a spiral staircase leading up to a cozy bedroom and workspace overlooking the city. Downstairs, there’s a private balcony, leafy landscaping, a fire pit and a local artist’s mural, while the whole place has a relaxed, homey feel. It’s also just a mile from Downtown, so you can have your quiet retreat without disappearing from the action entirely.

Time Out tip: Woodland Park is right outside, while White Oak Park and White Oak Music Hall are both within walking distance. The Heights is packed with restaurants, coffee shops, bars and independent stores, and the Buffalo Bayou hike-and-bike trail is just across the street.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Private balcony, city views, fire pit, TV, WiFi, dedicated workspace, free carport parking, EV charger, air conditioning.

Price: From $250 for a night.

12. Best for old-school charm: The Hamptons-style cottage

Neighborhood: Museum District

Who says you need to head to the Hamptons for a cute cottage? This freestanding brick number brings a little East Coast charm to Houston, with shingle details, a cosy fireplace and a pretty patio for lingering over coffee. It boasts a full kitchen, a comfy living room and two bedrooms, including a generous loft with a king bed that can be split into two singles. It’s got a slightly old-school feeling, only with a massive shower, air conditioning and your own parking spot.

Time Out tip: You’re just a five-minute stroll from the Cullen Sculpture Garden, with the Museum District, Hermann Park and Rice University all nearby. There’s also a Red Line stop close by, so you can hop on and head towards Downtown or NRG without faffing around with parking.

Sleeps: 4 guests.

Perks: Fireplace, private patio, kitchen, washer/dryer, WiFi, dedicated workspace, TV, air conditioning, free parking, pets allowed.

Price: From $2,000 for three nights.

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