12 unique vacation rentals you can book with points

Hotel chains are increasingly incorporating boutique properties, nature lodges and other accommodations that go beyond the cookie-cutter expectations — without sacrificing the valuable benefits of loyalty programs. But what if you need more space to spread out while on vacation, or even want a full kitchen?

Thankfully, some of our favorite hotel programs and credit card travel portals include vacation rentals — including some really interesting ones. From a historic airplane to a fairytale-worthy castle, here are 12 highly rated, undeniably cool vacation rentals where you can earn and burn points on a truly unique stay.

Related: How to use points to book vacation home rentals

Dolly Parton dream house in Nashville

Celebrate the Queen of Country with this fabulous Dolly Parton-inspired house, complete with pink guitar art, a "Nashville" marquee photo spot and a Grand Ole Opry-inspired karaoke stage. Dolly fanatics may never want to leave the building, but in case you do, it's within easy walking distance of Centennial Park and the Parthenon.

This four-bedroom dream house is a member of Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, so you (and up to 11 friends) can earn and burn points here. Nightly rates start around $525 or 105,000 Bonvoy points.

Eco-friendly stay in Costa Rica

For travelers seeking a relaxing retreat — and trying to reduce their environmental impact — you can't beat this eco-conscious villa in the popular beach town of Tamarindo. It filters its own water to prevent the need for plastic bottles, recycles all wastewater and composts organic waste to feed the lush native garden surrounding it.

With six bedrooms and five baths, up to 14 guests can stay here for a relaxing retreat. You can book a stay from $1,165 or 233,000 Marriott points per night.

Wine retreat in Fredericksburg, Texas

Oenophiles will love this sprawling estate, built in the 1880s and now part of Hyatt Homes & Hideaways. The fully stocked underground wine cellar is a highlight, but the drinks don't end there. Guests will find themselves blocks away from the shops, restaurants and wineries of downtown Fredericksburg, the heart of Texas Hill Country's celebrated wine scene.

The Homestead is bookable through World of Hyatt, starting around $1,200 or 100,000 Hyatt points per night. It sleeps up to 18 guests across 11 bedrooms.

Authentic Italian stone hut

If you've ever dreamed of staying inside a trullo — a conical-roofed stone hut found in Italy's Puglia region — this is your chance to do it with points.

Select Chase cardholders can redeem points through Chase Travel to book vacation rentals, including Oak & Trulli, a Plum Guide property in the Itria Valley. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you meander through stone archways and dine al fresco on the private terrace.

This two-bed, two-bath property can accommodate up to five guests and one dog. Prices start around $300 or 30,000 Ultimate Rewards points per night.

Repurposed treehouse in Michigan

For a true nature getaway, look no further than this cozy treehouse built from shipping containers on 55 acres of Michigan woodland.

You can't drive all the way to the treehouse; you must walk about 100 steps up a mulched path from the parking spot (don't worry, snowshoes are provided in winter). With room for just two guests, it makes a perfect getaway for outdoorsy couples or solo travelers.

You can book a stay starting from $430 or 86,000 Marriott points per night; there's a two-night minimum stay.

Fairytale castle in North Carolina

Step into your very own fairytale at this one-of-a-kind property in Banner Elk, North Carolina. From the antique church doors and 24-foot foyer ceiling to paneling imported from England and a real suit of armor, The Castle at Valle Cruces feels royal inside and out.

That doesn't mean you'll experience medieval-level comfort, however. The castle is filled with modern amenities like a hot tub, workout area, game room, theater room and five fireplaces — all spread over 10,000-plus square feet of space.

Nightly rates at this six-bedroom stunner start around $1,550 or 310,000 Marriott points.

Converted airplane in Wisconsin

Aviation junkies can sleep in a piece of history in this 1941 WWII Douglas DC-3 Airliner, which has been converted into a one-bedroom, one-bath accommodation for up to four guests. The cockpit has been transformed into a fitness facility, with the control panel still intact, and the kitchen is illuminated by the original square portholes. Plus, a deck has been added over the wing so you can grill your dinner while enjoying the sights and sounds of the surrounding forest.

This fascinating property in Deerbrook, Wisconsin is bookable on Vrbo, which is part of Expedia Group's One Key loyalty program. Rates start around $400 per night, or you can pay for part or all of your stay with OneKeyCash.

Traditional townhouse in Japan

A trip to the Land of the Rising Sun wouldn't be complete without a stay at a ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn. If you're traveling with a large group (up to 16), you can get a similar experience while staying close together in this villa inspired by the machiya, or traditional Japanese townhouse.

You'll find Japanese touches throughout, from the low beds and dining set to a Japanese-style sauna, semi-open-air bath and outdoor garden. Beverages, including local sake, are all included in your stay.

The villa is located in Nara, a popular tourist town near Kyoto and Osaka. Rates start around $1,075 or 215,000 Marriott points per night; there is a two-night minimum.

Disney-themed stay in Kissimmee

If you're planning a family or friends trip to Disneyworld Orlando, why not go all-out at this on-theme vacation rental? It's just a half-hour drive from the parks, and several of its 10 bedrooms have fun themes such as Encanto, Star Wars and Harry Potter. And with a pool, video games and arcade games, guests will find no shortage of family fun.

This World of Hyatt property has a four-night minimum stay, with rates starting from $515 or 43,000 points per night.

Australian alpaca farm

For a uniquely rugged stay, look no further than this sun-drenched tiny house on a working alpaca farm in Windeyer, New South Wales. Guests can enjoy bushwalks, mountain biking and feeding the animals on the farm's 300 acres, or venture further out for wineries and hot air ballooning.

Though you can expect full bathroom facilities, some — like the waterless compost toilet — are on the more rugged (and eco-friendly) side.

Each tiny house can accommodate up to four guests, but there are multiple units on the property, so you could potentially plan a larger group stay or family reunion. Nightly rates start at just $140 or 27,500 Marriott points.

Sports lover's paradise in Scottsdale

Since Capital One Travel offers vacation rentals as part of its Premier and Lifestyle collections, eligible cardholders can access elitelike perks while enjoying more space and a full kitchen.

Fairway Oasis by Avant Stay has plenty of room and endless entertainment for up to 17 guests (and pets, too). There's a speakeasy game room and sports bar, but the real highlight is the "ultimate backyard," which features everything from a hot tub and fire pit to life-sized cup pong and pickleball. You can even fine-tune your golf game at the practice cage and putting green before you head to one of Scottsdale's famous courses.

Rates start around $1,000 (and you'll earn bonus points on your purchase) or 100,000 miles per night.

Hobbit house in Tennessee

Lord of the Rings fans and bookcationers will swoon at this cozy, points-friendly hobbit hole in Cosby, Tennessee. Beyond the unmistakable round doors and windows, every detail is carefully designed to fit the theme. That means decorative mushrooms and hidden gnomes out on the deck and Middle Earth-inspired bedspreads, wall art, board games and more inside.

Will you find the One Ring hidden somewhere on the property? There's only one way to find out.

You can book your two-night minimum stay from around $300 or 60,000 Marriott points per night.

Bottom line

Vacation rentals don't have to be dull; in some cases, the property alone is worth the trip. And since these 12 unforgettable properties are bookable through popular hotel programs and credit card platforms, you can redeem points for a stay or earn bonus points on a paid stay.

On the other hand, if you find your dream stay isn't bookable through one of these avenues, don't forget you can still maximize your earnings on vacation rentals with the right credit card.