Today, Vrbo® announced the 2026 Vacation Rentals of the Year, a collection of standout homes recognized for exceptional guest reviews, trusted hosts, and sought-after amenities. The list features more than 50 properties across the U.S. and internationally, including family‑friendly homes, large group getaways, luxury retreats, unique architectural escapes, and nature‑forward destinations. 

Program Background and Highlights 

Now in its fifth year, the annual list recognizes properties that exemplify exceptional quality, reliability, and Vrbo’s high standards for stays travelers can trust. In fact, several of the homes have earned more than 100 perfect 10/10 guest ratings, reflecting the positive experiences guests can expect every time they book a Vrbo. 

The 2026 U.S. homes span popular leisure destinations, including Seacrest Beach, Florida; Big Sky, Montana; Palm Desert, California; Charleston, South Carolina; and Hanalei, Hawaii. The broader global collection also features standout properties across Mexico, England, and Germany. 

Travelers can explore previous years’ standout homes and stay updated on future collections by visiting Vrbo’s Vacation Rentals of the Year hub. 

U.S. 2026 Vacation Rentals of the Year  

• Big Sky, Montana — “Happy Trails” is set on 22 acres with sweeping mountain views and a saloon-style party barn. This Premier Host property has earned more than 100 perfect 10/10 guest reviews. 

• Breckenridge, Colorado — “Shock Hill Grand – Perfect” is a mountain retreat offering gondola-in/gondola-out access, front-row ski area views, and a private hot tub — a popular choice for ski and adventure focusedgroup trips. 

• Center Harbor, New Hampshire — “Lakefront Escape on Squam” is a design forward Premier Host lakefront home featuring floorcovering windows, a private dock, and a lakeview hot tub, ideal for families and multigenerational groups seeking scenic, nature-immersive stays. 

• Charleston, South Carolina — “Wortham House” is home to Charleston’s oldest Gothic carriage and gardens recognized by the Smithsonian Archives of American Gardens. This Premier Host and Loved by Guests home has earned more than 70 perfect guest reviews. 

• Gulf Shores, Alabama — “Veranda Laguna” is a six-bedroom Premier Host home offering access to the Gulf Shores Beach, Little Lagoon, and a private pool. It has earned more than 40 perfect 10/10 ratings, well suited for families and groups. 

• Hanalei, Hawaii — “Tiki Home” is a coastal home located just 700 feet from world-famous Hanalei Bay, featuring lava rock details and custom-carved beams. This Premier Host and Loved by Guests property has earned more than 100 perfect 10/10 guest reviews. 

• Osage Beach, Missouri — “The Lighthouse” is a lakeside retreat packed with family-friendly amenities, including a game room, heated pool, movie theater, and its own nine-hole golf course. Accommodating up to 36 guests, it has earned more than 100 perfect guest reviews. 

• Palm Desert, California — “The Perch” is an architectural geodesic dome retreat with sweeping desert views and standout amenities like a hammock garden, pickleball court, and a mini dome designed for stargazing. This Premier Host property offers a one-of-a-kind desert-escape. 

• Park City, Utah — “Deer Valley Home” is a freshly renovated Premier Host mountain lodge near Deer Valley Resort featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, a gourmet kitchen, and a private hot tub ideal for apres-ski relaxation. 

• Rockbridge, Ohio — “Hidden Meadows” is a cozy cabin retreat surrounded by private hiking trails in Hocking Hills, complete with a hot tub and fire pit. This Premier Host property has earned nearly 150 perfect guest reviews, highlighting its appeal as a quiet, nature forward escape. 

• Sag Harbor, New York — “Modern Barn House” is a light-filled Hamptons retreat near a private bay beach, featuring a zero-edge heated pool, spa, and expansive outdoor spaces, suitable for families and groups. 

• Savannah, Georgia — “General Lachlan McIntosh House” is a Premier Host property considered the oldest brick residence in Georgia and once hosted George Washington. The historic home features restored fireplaces dating back to 1764. 

• Seacrest Beach, Florida — “The Sea Shak” is an eight-bedroom coastal retreat steps from the beach, featuring Gulf-view balconies, a rooftop observation deck, and space for up to 24 guests. This home is managed by a longstanding Premier Host known for delivering exceptional guest experiences. 

• Wilmington, North Carolina — “Historic Firehouse” is a renovated 1915 firehouse loft with exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and a stylish open layout in the heart of the city’s arts district. 

• Yarmouth, Massachusetts — “Our Oceanview” is a charming Cape Cod home just steps from Nantucket Sound, featuring ocean-view decks and thoughtful touches like handmade welcome baskets from its Premier Host. 

International 2026 Vacation Rentals of the Year  

This year’s global honorees also include exceptional homes across England, Germany, Canada, France, Australia, and New Zealand, ranging from beachfront villas and lakefront escapes to countryside retreats, architectural standouts, and nature forward stays near coastlines, forests, and iconic outdoor attractions.

What Vrbo Says About This Year’s Collection 

“The Vacation Rentals of the Year showcase the finest vacation rentals on Vrbo. New this year, every property on the list has earned the ‘Loved by Guests’ badge — a recognition reserved only for the top 10% of homes in a destination based on real guest reviews,” said Larry Plawsky, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Vrbo. “This list should inspire travelers to take their next group getaway and demonstrates how easy it is to find a trusted, high-quality vacation rental every time they plan a trip.” 

“This year’s list reflects just how far traveler expectations have evolved and how our partners continue to rise to the occasion,” said Tim Rosolio, Vice President of Vacation Rental Partnerships at Vrbo. “From unique design and standout amenities to the small, thoughtful touches that build trust, these homes deliver the kind of exceptional experiences that today’s travelers don’t just appreciate, they expect. We’reproud to celebrate hosts who are setting a new standard for quality and helping shape the future of vacation rentals.” 

Vrbo’s Vacation Rental of the Year Selection Criteria  

• Loved by Guests: Homes recognized within the top 10% of properties in a destination based on verified guest reviews  

• Premier Host Quality: Properties managed by reliable hosts with a proven record of great hospitality, including a 99% booking acceptance rate and zero host cancellations 

• Exceptional Ratings & Reviews: Minimum of 15 exceptional guest ratings and verified positive reviews 

• Desirable Locations: Properties in highly searched leisure — often steps from oceans, lakes, or mountains 

• Great for Groups: Spacious layouts with private pools, hot tubs, large kitchens, game rooms, and multiple gathering areas ideal for families and multi‑generational groups 

• Distinctive “Wow” Factor: Properties offering memorable features or standout design 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Vrbo’s Vacation Rentals of the Year? 

Vacation Rentals of the Year is Vrbo’s annual list highlighting top-rated vacation homes known for exceptional reviews, reliable hosts, and amenities that make them ideal for families, groups, and memorable getaways. 

What’s the difference between Premier Host and Loved by Guests? 

• Premier Host: Highlights hosts with a strong record of reliability, including: 
  • Consistently high booking acceptance rates 
  • No host‑initiated cancellations 
  • 9.2 or above overall guest rating 

• Loved by Guests: Recognizes homes that deliver exceptional guest experiences, based on: 
  • Ranking in the top 10% of properties within their destination 
  • 9.4 or above overall guest rating. 

How are the homes selected?

Homes are chosen based on verified guest ratings, host reliability, standout amenities, suitability for families and groups, and locations in popular leisure destinations. 

What types of amenities do these homes offer? 

Popular features include private pools, hot tubs, game rooms, spacious kitchens, outdoor living spaces, direct beach or lake access, mountain or ski proximity, and unique architectural elements. 

Where are the 2026 Vacation Rentals of the Year located? 

The 2026 list includes standout homes across the United States in destinations such as Montana, Florida, Hawaii, South Carolina, and California, along with international homes across Mexico, England, Germany, Canada, France, Australia, and New Zealand. 

The 2026 list includes standout homes across the United States and internationally. 

United States highlights: 

• Montana 

• Florida 

• Hawaii 

• South Carolina 

• California 

International highlights: 

• Mexico 

• England 

• Germany 

• Canada 

• France 

• Australia 

• New Zealand 

Are these homes good for family or group travel? 

Yes. Many homes offer multibedroom layouts, multiple gathering spaces and amenities ideal for families, multigenerational trips, and group getaways. 

How can travelers book these homes? 

All Vacation Rentals of the Year properties can be viewed and booked directly on Vrbo. Check out the full list here.