I spent $290 to sleep in a remote treehouse in Canada. I thought it was nicer than most hotels I've

August 2024 · 5 minute read
2022-08-20T09:31:00Z

About 20 minutes west of Niagara Falls, Canada, is a house built on eight pine trees set 10 feet off the ground.

A peek at the treehouse from the ground. Joey Hadden/Insider

I paid $290 to spend one night in the treehouse, which I found on Airbnb. I was expecting a glamping experience, but was pleasantly surprised to find a space I thought was nicer than most hotels I've booked.

The author enjoys the treehouse porch. Joey Hadden/Insider

Source: Airbnb

Insider paid for the room, per our reporting standards. 

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The treehouse is located in Lincoln, Ontario's wine country. The property is situated on a farm, adjacent to orchards, vineyards, a ravine, and plenty of trees.

An arrow points to the area where the Airbnb is located. Google Maps

I took an Uber from Niagara Falls to reach the remote location. The car dropped me off at the beginning of a long driveway surrounded by a vineyard.

The path leading to the treehouse. Joey Hadden/Insider

I followed signs posted by the host leading to the house hidden in the trees. It would have been easy to miss if I wasn't looking for it.

Arrows point to the hidden home. Joey Hadden/Insider

My host met me at the steps leading up to the house.

The treehouse is hidden by tree branches. Joey Hadden/Insider

She told me that her husband and son built the treehouse together.

The house is 10 feet off the ground. Joey Hadden/Insider

At the top of the steps, a porch stretches around to the back and side of the house.

Views of the home from the porch. Joey Hadden/Insider

I thought it was a peaceful, shady place to sit and work or enjoy the surrounding nature.

A table on the porch seats four. Joey Hadden/Insider

Sitting on the porch amid a forest of trees, I thought this treehouse was the best remote office I've had the pleasure of working in.

The author enjoys views from the porch. Joey Hadden/Insider

The front door opened into one central room that included a kitchenette. It came with a microwave, fridge, coffee maker, and dishes, unlike most hotels I've booked.

The first floor of the treehouse. Joey Hadden/Insider

There was AC to keep me cool, and a beautiful vessel sink for washing dishes.

The sink, coffee maker, and AC unit in the kitchen. Joey Hadden/Insider

Above the cabinets full of dishes, I noticed stacks of board games I would have played had I brought a buddy on my trip.

Boggle and other games rest on top of the cabinets. Joey Hadden/Insider

There was no TV but I thought the multitude of games and puzzles provided offered more forms of entertainment than I'd typically enjoy in a hotel.

3D puzzles and games beneath the cabinets. Joey Hadden/Insider

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I didn't make any food during my stay, but if I had, many seasonings were available that I could have used.

Seasonings, sugars, and teas in the kitchen. Joey Hadden/Insider

The fridge came stocked with condiments and refreshments, which were complimentary.

The contents of the fridge. Joey Hadden/Insider

The house was full of natural light thanks to tall windows and windowed doors. It felt so much brighter than most traditional hotel rooms I've experienced.

Tall windows on the first floor. Joey Hadden/Insider

The bathroom was also on the first floor. The shower was one of the most unique I've ever used. A stone floor massaged my feet as I stood under the rainfall shower head. A skylight above the toilet brought in more light.

The bathroom shower and skylight. Joey Hadden/Insider

Upstairs was a loft bedroom where I slept. Here, the treehouse theme continued with wooden walls and nature-inspired wall art.

Views of the loft upstairs. Joey Hadden/Insider

I thought the queen-sized bed was just as comfortable as one I'd have in a typical hotel room.

A queen bed upstairs. Joey Hadden/Insider

I enjoyed laying down and looking out the window at the vineyard below.

The author relaxes in the treehouse. Joey Hadden/Insider

The bed frame came with easily accessible outlets for charging devices and the treehouse also had Wi-Fi, which was fast enough to stream movies.

The author charges her devices on the bed. Joey Hadden/Insider

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Also on the top floor was a balcony where I sat and enjoyed the view of the forest in front of me.

The author looks out from the balcony. Joey Hadden/Insider

The house's location between the vineyard and the woods made for a stunning variety of views.

A view of the vineyard from the porch. Joey Hadden/Insider

I thought that for $290, this treehouse was nicer than most hotels I've stayed in that were around the same price.

The author walks up the stairs to the bedroom. Joey Hadden/Insider

The treehouse offered one more amenity that most hotels lack — complete isolation. Although it wasn't as convenient as being in an area full of restaurants and things to do, I loved feeling totally alone in this quiet, natural place. Now I want to go back for a few days to completely recharge.

The author savors her time in the treehouse. Joey Hadden/Insider

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Axel Springer, Insider Inc.'s parent company, is an investor in Airbnb.

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