Arts & Culture Business Development Community Community Commentary Featured Travel, Shopping & Leisure Fara Illich March 18, 2016

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The pool area and courtyard at Lulu’s Getaway (Photo: Airbnb)


Dozens of downtowners have opened up their guest houses, studios and extra bedrooms to Airbnb guests, creating a network of urban rental options ranging in price, location and amenities.
From funky to sophisticated, the hosts vary as much as the rooms for rent, reflecting a fun, eclectic and diverse Downtown Phoenix community. If we didn’t live here, we would definitely want to stay here.
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Funky, urban art fills the outdoor space at Super Shipping Container (Photo: Airbnb)


Super Shipping Container / Garfield Historic District / $99
Host: Cindi And Derrick
What’s to love:
The owners converted a 20-foot shipping container into a rad studio apartment with an actual bike repair shop (Hoodride Bicycle) on the premises. Complete with a cactus garden, chickens, bike art and murals — this place truly embodies the funky Garfield vibe. The communal outdoor space has a kitchen and grilling area, plenty of seating, a fireplace, and there’s even free loaner bikes to get around downtown.
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The pool area and skyline view from Downtown Loft. (Photo: Airbnb)


Downtown Loft / Downtown Core / $120
Host: Cruz
What’s to love:
This upscale, private apartment at CityScape Residences is an urban dreamboat: open and airy with modern, minimalist touches. Perfect for business or pleasure, it’s located just blocks from the Orpheum Theater, Comerica Theatre, Talking Stick Resort Arena, Chase Field, the Phoenix Convention Center and fabulous downtown bars and restaurants. The amenities are top-notch, including lounge access, a conference room, business center, two pools and a gym.
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The shabby chic décor at Lulu’s Getaway (Photo: Airbnb)


Lulu’s Getaway / F.Q. Story Historic District / $85
Hosts: Jason And Christine
What’s to love:
This adorable 500-square-foot detached studio apartment is located in the beautiful F.Q. Story neighborhood on a palm tree-lined street. Just minutes from downtown and the Roosevelt Row Arts District, the studio is larger than a standard hotel room with kitchenette, full bathroom and living-room area, including Direct TV and free Wi-Fi. Private access with an entrance from the street makes coming and going a snap. But the best part may be the patio, pool and hot tub (including towel service), which is just sublime.
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An updated kitchen, washer and dryer, and sleek furnishings make Historic Urban Loft a sensible upscale choice. (Photo: Airbnb)


Historic Urban Downtown Loft / Downtown Core / $199
Host: Daniel
What’s to love:
Exposed brick, concrete and high, open ceilings give this condo a decisively industrial, warehouse-chic feel. Located at the Orpheum Lofts, a downtown gem with gorgeous art deco architecture, the space features modern furniture, an electric fireplace, updated kitchen and new appliances. A great choice for someone with distinctive taste. Common areas include a lounge, conference room, business center, pool, hot tub, steam room, sauna, gym and courtyard.
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The outdoor living area at Garden Apartment is the highlight of this historic gem. (Photo: Airbnb)


Garden Apartment / Roosevelt Row Arts District / $75
Host: Kenny
What’s to love:
A community garden, flowers, shade trees and an outdoor gathering space surround this historic 1920s bungalow, known as the Growhouse. Perfect for the green-thumbed, creative traveler, it’s located in the heart of the Roosevelt Row Arts District. You can easily walk to eclectic galleries, coffee shops, restaurants and locally-owned boutiques. The apartment is approximately 350 square feet with kitchen access and a private bath. It’s a mixed-use space, so a small vintage clothing shop occupies part of the bungalow.