Staying in a treehouse isn’t like other accommodations. It’s not like camping out, where you bring everything in to the camp site and then take everything out with you. It’s not like a hotel, with room service and restaurants close by. It’s more of a hybrid situation – you’re in the woods with some amenities, but some you need to bring with you. Peter Bahouth is the owner of the most wished-for airbnb in the world, a three-level treehouse. Although they can walk to restaurants, his guests don’t want to miss a minute in his treehouse, so he suggests they order food delivered to their nest in the woods. Here are more five tips for staying in a treehouse.
1. Book early
Many of these treehouses are really popular and book up fast. If you see one you look, book it as soon as you can find dates that work for you. Some owners will put you on a list for cancellations. And because many of them are only open seasonally, that decreases the number of days available to rent them. As always, you have a better chance if you can go on a weekday as there is generally more availability
2. Find out what the treehouse has. And what it doesn’t.
Think about what all your needs are for your stay. Do you need electricity, internet, a coffeee maker, a climate-controlled environment? Those may or may not be included in your stay. If it’s not clear from the listing, ask. Some treehouses have bathrooms or compost toilets in them; some provide facilities in the owners’ home nearby. Many treehouses do have minifridges, microwaves and coffee makers, while others don’t have any of these things.
I have to have coffee when I wake up, so when we’ve stayed in treehouses I’ve made sure it’s available. So far, all the treehouses we’ve stayed in have had it, whether it was a fancy Keurig or a slow pourover version.
3. Find out what’s close by.
Can you walk or drive to places to eat? Are you going to want to go out to eat? If coffee is included in the mornings, you may want to bring along yogurt and granola bars to relax without heading out first thing in the morning. If there’s no minifridge or you have more than can fit, bring a cooler to keep your items cold.
When we stayed in Candelight Forest in North Georgia, we knew there were some restaurants a short drive away. But it was a rainy Sunday and we also knew we would be so cozy in the treehouse, we wouldn’t want to leave. We had checked out the kitchen and saw it had a small microwave so we packed a dinner we could heat up and enjoy there.
When we stayed in the Dove Men+Care Elements treehouse, we knew we wanted to drive to Chattanooga and check out some restaurants there, so we didn’t bother with a lot of supplies.
4. Remember you’re in the woods and pack accordingly.
Unless you’re sightseeing nearby, you don’t need a lot of clothes and fancy shoes. If you’re climbing bridges to get into your treehouse you’ll want closed-toe shoes. Also think about bringing bug spray, sunscreen, bottled water and flashlights for navigating the woods at night. If you’re going to be doing any hiking, bring those hiking boots. Shampoo, soap and conditioner may be supplied, but possibly not. Pack your own just in case – that is if you have a shower. And bring a shower cap if you use one! They are becoming scarcer and scarcer, even in the nicest hotels.
You may want to bring books to read, a journal to write in or maybe a board game to play while you’re enjoying being unplugged.
5. Remember it’s not about luxury. It’s about unplugging and enjoying your stay in the treehouse.
If you are the kind of person who thrives on room service and spacious living quarters, staying in a treehouse may not be for you. Accommodations are generally on the smaller side with minimal services. But what you may not have in amenities, you’ll make up for with charm, coziness and a new experience.
