Road Affair is reader-supported and may earn commission from purchases made through links in this article.
There’s never been more options for vacation rentals in America as the Internet makes travel ever more accessible. But that massive volume of accommodation can make finding superior rentals, especially vacation homes, a time-consuming and uncertain experience. Enter Plum Guide, an elite platform purposefully created to help travelers discover the very best luxury vacation homes.
With Plum Guide it’s easy to discover your next luxury home away from home and book it with confidence. Only the top 3% of the world’s best homes are able to measure up against Plum Guide’s strict set of 150 criteria, proving that the platform is committed to the mindset of quality over quantity. Their high standards extend to the platform as well, with Plum Guide’s concierge team available to help seven days a week.
From big cities like New York and L.A. to Nashville and the ski fields of Colorado, here are the best vacation rentals in the US found on Plum Guide.
Contents
Merchant House High Desert
In Morongo Valley, California
Those seeking a cool getaway to the desert will fall head over heels with this home’s Moroccan-inspired decor. Located in the Morongo Valley of California, near both Joshua tree and Palm Springs, it offers guests a great escape from L.A. Perfect if you’re in need of solitude and enjoy rugged surroundings.
With three bedrooms and two bathrooms which sleep up to five people, this home is well-suited to a family or a small group trip. And even with that many people, you’re unlikely to feel cramped thanks to the ample indoor and outdoor spaces. Inside you’ll have a relaxed living area focused around a cozy fireplace, a nice dining area, and a full kitchen, ensuring you can prepare your own meals.
Then there’s all the incredible outdoor spots, beginning with an open-air living room with a distinct Mission-Revival feel to it. There’s an additional patio area with an outdoor dining table, sun lounges, and hammocks to chill out on. Don’t forget the outdoor bathtub and plunge pool that will help you cool off in summer, all the while enjoying the stark, yet beautiful landscape.
Check Price & Availability
High Desert Mirage
In San Bernardino County, California
Boasting a sleek modern design, this is a vacation rental by owners who know how to cleverly use the surrounding desert to their advantage. Situated just outside the town of Joshua Tree among the region’s trademark landscape, it’s a good thing that this gorgeous home isn’t actually just a mirage.
When staying here at this US vacation rental, there’s no escaping the influence of its setting. Huge glass windows peer out at and reflect the endless arid environment, while some bedrooms feature painted walls with a desert theme. And yet, this house also manages to give off a modern, chic feel to it that makes it easy to be at home. Speaking of relaxing, it will be especially easy with the private outdoor swimming pool and recreation area you’ll have just steps away.
This rental can accommodate up to six guests with its three bedrooms and two bathrooms, making it ideal for families or a trip with friends or couples. While there’s the pool and spacious living room for hanging out, this house also has a fire pit and modern comforts like Wi-Fi to keep you entertained. Food won’t be a problem either thanks to the state of the art kitchen.
Check Price & Availability
Spring Creek
In Aspen, Colorado
For people after somewhere that can handle a big ski trip, look no further than this fantastic and huge home. Found in the ski resort town of Aspen, among Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, you’re perfectly positioned to hit the slopes each day. What’s nice is that you’re also just a short walk from all the bars and restaurants in town.
There’s simply no overstating just how large this contemporary home is. Capable of fitting up to ten people across three bedrooms and a den, it should have no problem hosting families and get-togethers. You can even bring pets with you, ensuring no one is left out on your vacation. The home has been clearly designed for this with its four bathrooms, den, living room, and kitchen/dining room.
It’s worth mentioning as well just how inviting this rental is. Each room and space brings with it lots of natural light and a tasteful design aesthetic that makes the whole home especially welcoming. Throw in comforts like indoor fireplaces and TVs, and you have somewhere you’ll be glad to come back to after a fun day of skiing.
Check Price & Availability
Abstractionist
In Joshua Tree, California
While it can be nice to stay out in the middle of nowhere, it’s also nice to rent a home for a vacation that provides quick access to the comforts of civilization like this one does. Located in the town of Joshua Tree, it’s extremely easy to reach the center of town to hit up the local eateries and coffee shops.
One look at this unique home and you’ll have no trouble seeing why it’s earned such a particular name. Bold colors, an eclectic array of furniture, and decorations like photography books are scattered throughout the large open spaces of this home. But there’s a reason behind this seemingly random decor, it’s all meant to help spark the creativity of guests. It even has a studio with art supplies, a blackboard, and an art rail to help you create.
This two bedroom home is a bit of a work of art itself, especially thanks to the one-of-a-kind nest chair you’ll find by the hot tub and fire pit. But the house is also quite practical, with two full bathrooms and a large gourmet kitchen at your disposal. That’s to say nothing of its modern amenities like Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and laundry facilities.
Check Price & Availability
The Graham Residence
In Yucca Valley, California
With little but desert around, this home is a great contender if all you want to see is boulders and stars. Situated a little north of the town of Yucca Valley, you have the entire plot of land to yourself to explore. That said, you won’t have to drive too far to reach restaurants, supermarkets, and the like.
Although it isn’t particularly small, this two bedroom house is intended for smaller groups. Able to fit up to four people and with just one bathroom, it’s probably best suited to families or two couples. Beyond the bedrooms you have an open plan common area that features a wall of windows so you can look out past the deck to the sparse landscape around you. Here you have a living area with a TV, a dining table, and a kitchen with a breakfast bar.
Fully equipped with all the usual amenities, there should be no problem preparing meals in this modern kitchen. Other amenities more meant for relaxation include the hot tub and fire pit outside, as well as Wi-Fi, board games, and Netflix inside.
Check Price & Availability
Country Roads
In Copake Lake, Copake
If your idea of the perfect vacation is to stay in a log cabin with just nature around you, then this home should be perfect for you. Located conveniently between the Hudson Valley and the Berkshires in upstate New York, you’re spoiled for choice in terms of places to visit during the day. Closer to home there’s Copake Lake, a serene lake surrounded by lush woods that is a real beauty come fall.
Inside the giant cabin there are three bedrooms that can host up to six guests, each with plenty of space. The main level of the cabin enjoys an open concept layout with a big living room centered around the fireplace, a big dining table, and the full kitchen with a breakfast bar. That probably sounds like plenty of space already, but there’s also a den with a giant sofa and TV, as well as the ample seating space out on the wrap-around deck.
While there are plenty of water sports to be enjoyed down on the lake, a closer alternative is the heated outdoor pool over by the fire pit. Add in amenities like Wi-Fi, a BBQ grill, and air-conditioning, and you really are set for a memorable vacation.
Check Price & Availability
Fauvism
In Yucca Valley, California
Sometimes what you want from a vacation home is a place that has everything you could need so you never have to leave. That’s effectively what you get with this wonderful home in the town of Yucca Valley. While it is close to the popular desert destination of Joshua Tree National Park, that would mean leaving the total comfort of this relaxed rental.
With this combined cottage and casita it’s hard to decide whether the indoor or outdoor space is the bigger selling point. Outside you’ll have a private, enclosed yard that boasts a hot tub, swing chair, outdoor tables, and a massive BBQ grill. There’s also plenty of shade to be found so you can spend hours in the dry desert heat and not have to worry about getting burnt.
Step inside and you’re treated to a gentle space full of mid-century art and design. Besides its three bathrooms and bedrooms that sleep up to six guests, there is also a sprawling living area, formal dining area and fully-equipped kitchen. As for entertainment and relaxation, there’s a small library of books, board games, Netflix, and high-speed Wi-Fi, which sounds like plenty.
Check Price & Availability
Turquoise Waters
In Cathedral City, California
A nice option if you’re looking for somewhere small in the California desert is this colorful guest house. Situated in Cathedral City near Palm Springs, you’ll be just a short drive from the coffee shops, bars, and restaurants along E. Palm Canyon Drive.
Designed for just two guests, this casita is ideally suited to couples that want a romantic getaway in a fun environment. It features an open concept layout that feels a little like a studio apartment, but is also shaped in a way that provides clear boundaries between the sleeping, living, and dining areas. What’s consistent throughout this guesthouse is the little pops of color that fit so perfectly with its mid-century modern design.
One thing to make clear is that this casita is not really intended for long stays. That should be obvious by its kitchenette that’s not meant for proper cooking, and the fact that many of its outdoor spaces are shared with hosts John and Tim. Not that you’ll mind having access to the garden, swimming pool, hot tub, and bocce ball court, on top of your own private patio space.
Check Price & Availability
Alpine Apex
In Snowmass Village, Colorado
Want an entire ski chalet to yourselves? Then you need to stay at this phenomenal hillside property. Found among the ski fields of Snowmass Village not far from Aspen in Colorado, this makes a superb base for group ski trips. Pets are even welcome, meaning you can really bring everyone with you.
Even when looking at this massive home, it’s hard to fathom just how large this rental property is. The home is able to fit up to twelve people and comes with six bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, plus two communal bathrooms. Then there’s the cavernous common area with high ceilings and walls of windows that look out to the woods and snow around you.
This chalet-like home doesn’t skimp on facilities either. Along with a large dining table and fully equipped kitchen, it has the kind of great long bar you’d expect at an actual bar. Let’s not forget the elevated outdoor viewing platform, hot tub, and indoor heated pool, all of which are purely for you and your fellow guests.
Check Price & Availability
The Cove
In Cathedral City, California
You won’t have any problems taking it easy at this casual, vintage home. Located on a quiet street in Cathedral City, this home is an idyllic desert oasis that seems purpose-built for a chilled out getaway. While it is in a residential area, you can reach the area’s bars, restaurants, and supermarkets easily enough.
With three bedrooms and the option for an extra bed in the study, this home can comfortably host up to seven people. It helps that the house has a spacious garden area surrounded by high hedges that creates a private space to hang out. There you’ll find a swimming pool, cabana, lawn area, and outdoor table.
Not that this property is lacking inside. A vintage mid-century design flavors everything, from the living room around the TV to the dining table and nearby kitchen. There’s even a home bar tucked away which you can use to make cocktails, as well as a long list of amenities including Wi-Fi, Nintendo Wii, and a DVD collection.
Check Price & Availability
There you have it, ten of the best vacation rentals you could possibly encounter in the United States. We’re sure you’ll find them just as tempting for your next getaway as we did.