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Michigan’s Most Hospitable Airbnb Is A Cabin Hideout

Airbnb offers travelers a unique stay. With many hosts and homes to choose from, you’ll discover personalized experiences. From cozy cottages to modern lofts, each property reflects its host’s distinct…

The Au Sable River In Northern Michigan (Michigan’s Most Hospitable Airbnb Is A Cabin Hideout)
ehrlif/ Getty Images

Airbnb offers travelers a unique stay. With many hosts and homes to choose from, you'll discover personalized experiences. From cozy cottages to modern lofts, each property reflects its host's distinct character and style.

Recently, Airbnb unveiled its most hospitable Michigan host for 2023. Airbnb recognizes that host hospitality comes in various forms, from immaculate listings to prompt responses to guest needs, effortless check-ins and a strong commitment to health and safety. With these qualities in focus, they set out to identify the ultimate hosts who exemplify hospitality in the 50 states across the United States.

In their quest to find the most hospitable hosts in the United States, Airbnb established specific criteria. Hosts were required to maintain a flawless record of 100% 5-star ratings in Cleanliness, Check-in, and Communication categories. Additionally, a minimum of 100 reviews was set to ensure credibility. Numerous states have multiple hosts who achieved this remarkable standard in all three categories. To determine the ultimate "most hospitable" host among those states, the tiebreaker was based on the host with the highest number of reviews.

During their search, Airbnb made some interesting findings. Collectively, the most hospitable hosts of 2023 garnered a total of over 10,000 5-star reviews across the three categories. It was revealed that 70% of these exceptional hosts reside on the property where they welcome guests. Additionally, 20% of the hosts chose to host in urban areas, while 80% preferred the charm of rural settings.

Michigan's most hospitable Airbnb host

In the latest annual report, Michigan's "Holy Waters Hideout," a log home on the Au Sable River owned by Jeanne and Chad, claimed the top spot. The home located near Grayling has nearly 200 reviews and has an overall rating of 4.97 out of 5.

According to Airbnb, the homeowners, who were both full-time nurses prior to their retirement, always dreamed of having a cabin on a river. They used the income earned from Airbnb to help pay off their mortgage.

The house showcases its location along the renowned "Holy Waters" portion of the Au Sable River, an area designated for fly fishing. This 9-mile stretch is famous for its crystal-clear water that can be easily navigated on foot.

Take a look at some of the other most hospitable Airbnb hosts in the U.S. here.

6 Michigan Islands To Explore Other Than Mackinac

You don’t have to travel far for an island getaway when you live in Michigan. Tucked away in the waters of Michigan’s Great Lakes are some of the most beautiful islands you’ll ever see.

If you're familiar with Michigan or even if you've never set foot in the Great Lakes State, chances are you've heard of Mackinac Island. This tiny 4.35 square mile paradise is home to around 500 residents, but its annual visitors exceed one million. However, Michigan is not limited to just Mackinac Island. If you're itching to discover other islands in the state, we've got a few recommendations for you to explore.

These islands are simply gorgeous.

People absolutely love the islands in Michigan, and it's not hard to see why. These islands are simply gorgeous. The natural beauty found there is off the charts. From pristine beaches and lush forests to sparkling waters and stunning views, the scenery is straight out of a postcard. But it's not just about the looks. These islands offer an escape from the daily grind. You can leave behind the honking horns and crowded streets and embrace a more relaxed pace of life. And some of these islands don't even allow cars.

Whether you're into hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, or even off-roading, you'll find your fix here. Of course, you can’t forget the amount of history each island holds. They've witnessed the passage of time, seen settlers come and go, and have their own unique cultures. You can dive into the past by visiting historical sites, checking out museums, or chatting with the locals.

One of the best things about these islands is the chance to have one-of-a-kind experiences. Where you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride like you're in a fairytale. Or spot majestic gray wolves in their natural habitat.

In Michigan, there are islands waiting to be discovered. Here are five islands you should check out.

Isle Royale

Isle Royale, one of Michigan's five national parks, attracts around 17,000 visitors annually. This little island nestled in the heart of Lake Superior offers wildlife and outdoor fun. Despite its national park status, it remains uncrowded. In fact, Isle Royale is one of the least-visited national parks in the entire country according to Michigan.org. But that’s due to its lack of accessibility. Most adventurers reach the island by taking a five-hour boat ride from the Upper Peninsula.

Beaver Island

Beaver Island, the biggest island in Lake Michigan, is a nature lover's paradise with plenty of activities to enjoy. The year-round population has around 600, and a significant portion of the islanders proudly trace their roots back to Ireland.

Les Cheneaux Islands

Les Cheneaux Islands is a cluster of 36 small islands in Lake Huron, Michigan's Upper Peninsula. These islands are a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The Les Cheneaux Islands are located just a few miles northeast of Michigan’s famed Mackinac Bridge, which connects the state’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

Drummond Islands

Drummond Island, the second largest freshwater island in the United States, is home to 1,058 people. This island stands out for its closed-loop trail system, offering off-road adventures. Drummond Island has a diverse range of ecosystems. With over 13 distinct ecosystems, including six forest types, five swamp-marsh types, inland lakes and rivers, and cobble beaches, the island is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking to explore the richness and variety of its natural landscapes.

North & South Manitou Islands

North and South Manitou Islands are two islands situated within an island chain that stretches northward towards the Straits of Mackinac. South Manitou, located approximately 16 miles west of Leland, covers a land area of 8.277 square miles. On the other hand, North Manitou Island lies to the north, about 12 miles from Leland, and has a larger land area of 22.346 square miles.

Belle Isle

Located in the international waters of the Detroit River, Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park known as the "Jewel of Detroit." With its stunning natural landscapes and historic landmarks like the Belle Isle Aquarium and Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, it offers a perfect urban oasis and cultural retreat for visitors to enjoy.

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.