The best new Airbnb categories – from hanoks to the top of the world

The six new categories added to Airbnb will allow users to navigate the website with an insane degree of specificity. For example, one category only includes homes that are 10,000 feet above sea level, so customers can get the best views possible. Another category, when selected, lists only traditional Korean houses built with natural materials.

This is just part of Airbnb’s winter release, which includes a host of changes to the platform, including easier listing processes (so you can put your home on the spot with less hassle), increased financial protection for Hosts, and these fun new categories. But let’s break them down for you.

New

“New” is the category that does what it says on the tin: it lists homes added to Airbnb in the last 10 weeks, so you have the freshest of the site’s fresh picks.

Take this property (photo above) from the New category, for example: A “hidden refugein Cape Town, South Africa, added less than ten weeks ago. The Airbnb is well and truly business in the front (modern, open exterior with pool and sea views) and party in the back (Table Mountain is literally right behind it). If that’s what’s new on Airbnb, count me in.

The roof of the world

Perhaps the most exciting of the new categories is “Top of the world,” displaying homes around 10,000 feet above sea level, “often with stunning views,” according to Airbnb. Judging by one of the top picks in the category, they weren’t lying. A stay at this Stardome complex places you 10,489 feet above sea level, and there’s very little between you and the view – this glass-domed property will let you gaze down the hills from Ollantaytambo to Cusco, Peru. And with traditional Peruvian decor and breakfast in the resort’s restaurant overlooking the mountain range, you’ll truly feel on top of the world.

Tendency

The trending category is for higher-rated homes that received more listing views that week than the previous week (to indicate increased interest, basically). If something really happens on Airbnb – remember when everyone realized you could stay at Normal People’s Italian villa? — you will find out via this category. One of the top trending picks right now is this one stay in the trees in Perryville, Missouri, which may be trending as it has been featured on Architectural Digest and in GQ for the past few years. True to Airbnb’s high trending category rating requirement, this stay is also managed by Superhosts.

Adapted

Adapted is a category that shows houses specially adapted for wheelchair access, with verified paths without steps in the house, bedroom and bathroom. For instance, this barrier-free home in Nova Scotia is as beautiful inside as it is innovative: the property is entirely on one level, and its open living space has a 13-foot window, so you can sip your morning coffee and gaze out over the northern highlands. Grand Etang lake. Her bathrooms have grab bars and the shower includes a nice slotted wooden bench, for ease of use. In addition, there are two free parking spaces, so coming and going from the property is also accessible.

To play

And for those looking to have fun, there’s the Gaming category. This is a section dedicated to homes with basketball courts, game rooms, miniature golf, water slides, and more distinctly playful things for kids (or adult children). The first properties you’ll see on display in the Play category include bowling alleys, bedroom climbing walls, homes with UV-lit mini-golf courses, and baseball diamonds.

Take this Elegant McMansion in Florida – it may look like a multi-level stay perfect for relaxing on the East Coast, but there’s actually a full last-minute class inside, a 13-seat home theater, and a karaoke room. The game room also includes two basketball shooters, two skeeball machines, two arcade racing games, tabletop Ms Pac-Man, Golden Tee, Buck Hunter, Air Hockey, Shuffleboard, pool table, Bubble Hockey, table tennis, foosball, darts, and most importantly, the life-size Connect Four.

Hanok

The last category, Hanoks, follows its namesake: it shows only traditional Korean houses built with natural materials. This hanok is 105 years old but has been renovated to give a modern twist to its traditional walls, from Dyson hair dryers to Aesop shampoo. Hanok by name, but not by nature.

This category is a great way to filter classic houses if you want to travel to South Korea and want to stay in a hanok. Prices range from budget stays around £250 per night to lovely newly refurbished whole houses from £2,000.