My personal checklist for Airbnbs and VRBOs isn’t crazy, but the ONE thing that never fails to sell me immediately on a stay is a stellar view. I booked our entire stay in Montenegro based off of the balcony shots I saw in the listing (it was as dreamy as it looked!), and some, I never even expected.
In no particular order, here are seven that took my breath away, while also feeling well equipped for our family of four, including a toddler and baby.
1. Chamonix, France
The sweeping French Alp views in this backyard were better than I could have imagined. Framed with native flowers and located alongside a grazing field, al fresco dining became the norm during our two-week stay in this three-bedroom chalet. It’s located a five-minute drive or 25-minute walk along the river to town.
2. Venice, Italy
This cozy, ground-floor apartment is tucked into a quiet corner of the city, but still easily accessible to everything—a dream come true. The original listing photos didn’t actually show the bedroom canal views that were mentioned, so we were blown away (the kiddos, in particular), when we found these perfectly perchable windowsills on which they spent hours watching gondolas float by.
Inside, you’ll find two bedrooms, a spacious bath, petite kitchen and sitting area. We appreciated the intimate setting, but mostly, spent our time wandering Venice’s narrow streets and lively plazas.
3. Seville, Spain
A private penthouse terrace (the highest downtown!) overlooking the Seville Cathedral would be enough, but a cold dipping pool, outdoor kitchen and massive lounge area knocked this place out of the park. We scored a great rate booking it for just one night, last minute, but it turned out to be one of our most memorable stays yet.
Besides the epic views, you’re within easy access to most everything. AND the room offers a free parking space a few-minute walk away. It also offers a teeny-tiny elevator up the top floor, which comes in handy if you’re lugging suitcases.
4. Kotor, Montenegro
It’s true. I booked this Airbnb because I needed to drink wine on its balcony—and the best part is that it’s the only reason we found our way to Montenegro. With two small bedrooms, this seaside renovated home made up for its tri-level awkwardness with the prettiest views I’ve ever seen. Out the window, you can see the historic Old Town and the rugged wall that stretches to a fortress above, twinkling with lights at night.
You could walk into Kotor if you wanted, but with little kids, driving the narrow roadway felt safer. We wandered town, watched cruise ships port most days, and even dipped in the bay on the warmest days to cool off.
5. Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland
From the kitchen window, you could gaze at the steady rush of water falling from one of the valley’s 72 waterfalls. But the views off the back patio, which look out into the valley and the magnificent peaks above, are better yet, and only heightened when a paraglider gently lands within eyeshot. Sleeping five, this comfortable condo is an easy walk to and from town and the train, and worked perfectly to home both our family and a guest.
You can find several condos like this one in the same residential block, but you’ll want to book the units at the back of the property for these gorgeous, unobstructed views.
6. Pienza, Italy
A watchtower-turned-farmhouse-turned-Airbnb, this gorgeous escape is as historic as it is perfectly placed. The patio overlooks an olive grove and Tuscany’s rolling hills, resident cats curl up in the sun near the front door, and the living room boasts a massive, roaring fireplace. Plus, it’s a short hike to Old Town where a playground, shops and cafes are available.
What I thought might be a travel disaster (small kids in one of Europe’s most romantic and vino-centric regions) turned out to be a dream. We strolled the towns, ate our weight in gelato, played in parks and simply soaked up these stunning views.
7. Orta San Guilio, Italy
Positioned just above the town square and overlooking the lake and legendary island, this modern, two-bedroom retreat in a pedestrian-only downtown offers the sweetest views, with water taxis just a few, short steps away. An added bonus was that for a reasonable fee, the owners offer up their grassy lakefront lot for private day use, too!
Just less than two-hour’s drive from Lake Como, we adored Orta San Guilio’s less-touristy charm and local authenticity. Whether exploring the tiny island, hiking up the nearby hills, grabbing pizza or lounging lakeside, our short stint in this small town wasn’t nearly long enough.
8. Porto, Portugal
We stayed in the Penthouse Apartment in this selection of city suites. It’s a studio layout, with one bed and a pull-out sofa, but the narrow balcony offering those stunning views was enough to woo us all. Inside, you’ll find a single bathroom, equipped kitchenette, pleasant living space and two narrow balconies, perfect for morning coffee or an evening cocktail.
There’s air conditioning, but no elevator, so prepare to carry your suitcase up a few flights of steps. (I promise, it’s worth it!) From this convenient location, you’ll have proximity to all that the city center offers – delicious tapas cafes, wine bars and even the world’s loveliest bookstore.
