San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Airbnb’s Icon series opens doors to imagination
Pixar fans can take flight with the latest listing on Airbnb: a floating house inspired by the movie “Up.”
On the heels of the success of last year’s real-life version of Barbie’s Malibu Dream House, the San Francisco vacation rental company has introduced a new category on its listings page called Icons, offering guests a free chance to stay in places inspired by music, film, television, art and sports, including the house from the 2002 Pixar film, about a widower who attaches thousands of helium balloons to his home to fulfill a lifelong dream to travel to South America.
“Icons take you inside worlds that only existed in your imagination — until now,” Brian Chesky, Airbnb cofounder and chief executive officer, said in a statement. “As life becomes increasingly digital, we’re focused on bringing more magic into the real world.”
Unlike Airbnb’s previous promotions, which were limited to a handful of winners, the company says thousands of people will have the opportunity to win stays at the new properties across various dates, free of charge. Entry details are available on Airbnb’s website.
Along with the “Up” house, the first batch of 12 listings on the Icons page includes Riley’s Headquarters from the forthcoming Pixar sequel “Inside Out 2,” the mansion from the Marvel Studio animated series “X-Men ’97,” the house where Prince’s character lived in the 1984 musical film “Purple Rain” and more.
The “Up” house replica was specifically constructed for Airbnb Icons in the desert of Abiquiu, N.M. It features a bedroom and a living room, and some 8,000 balloons tied on top of the home. Once
guests check in, a crane will suspend the house in midair, Chesky said.
The property description, written in the voice of “Up” star Carl Fredricksen (the late Ed Asner voiced the character in the film), reads, “It’s far away from the big city, so hopefully you’ll get some peace and quiet, and maybe I’ll be able to leave my hearing aid on for once. It’s going to be a great setting to explore nature, and who knows, you might even see a ‘Snipe.’ Please enjoy your stay, but don’t blame me if the house lifts off and floats to Paradise Falls. If that happens, you’re on your own!”
The fully functional “Up” house is available to book through mid-September, with guests randomly selected after submitting a booking request via the app before May 13.
Airbnb’s Icons listings
Drift off in the ‘Up’ house:
“Sleep inside one of Disney and Pixar’s most iconic homes—and yes, it floats. You’ll explore Carl’s world in this detailed re-creation of his home, complete with more than 8,000 balloons, and located in the scenic red rocks of Abiquiu, New Mexico.”
Make core memories with ‘Inside Out 2’: “In anticipation of the June 14 release of Disney and Pixar’s new movie Inside Out 2, you’re invited to an overnight stay at Headquarters, the control center of Riley’s emotions. Your host, Joy, will welcome you into her vibrant world to witness the emotions in action and help keep things in balance.”
Stay in Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ house:
“Prince purchased the Minneapolis, Minnesota home featured in the legendary film Purple Rain, but it’s never been available to the public until now. Explore the home and go crazy for rare
and special tracks from Prince’s world in an exclusive studio session.”
Spend the night in the Ferrari Museum:
“Immerse yourself in the world of racing with a stay at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy. You’ll sleep on a bed crafted from the same leather as Ferrari seats, take a lap with Scuderia Ferrari ambassador driver Marc Gené, and head to Emilia-Romagna’s premier race as a VIP.”
Step into ‘X-Men ’97’: “Live like the X-Men as you stay in a 2D animated re-creation of Marvel Animation’s X-Mansion in Westchester, New York. You’ll discover your mutant abilities and even train in the Danger Room.”
Go VIP with Kevin Hart:
“Kevin Hart is taking you inside his members-only Coramino Live Lounge for an A-list evening. You’ll join Kevin and his friends in this secret speakeasy, where they’ll treat you to a tequila tasting and live standup by the best comedians in the game.”
Wake up in the Musée d’Orsay:
“Stay in the Paris art museum’s iconic clock room, which has been transformed into a luxurious bedroom by Mathieu Lehanneur, designer of the Paris 2024 Games torch and cauldron. From the terrace, you’ll witness the historic Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games along the River Seine.”
Live like Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor:
“Janhvi Kapoor is inviting you into the legendary, never-before-seen Kapoor family home in Chennai, India. From learning her Bollywood beauty secrets to tasting her favorite southern Indian dishes, Janhvi will host you personally on this ultimate overnight stay.”
Join a living room session with Doja Cat:
“Fresh off a tour performing on the world’s biggest stages, Doja is hosting you for a much more intimate experience. You’ll enjoy an unforgettable living room performance from the Grammywinning artist, including her favorite songs and tracks from her latest album.”
Game with Khaby Lame:
“TikTok sensation Khaby Lame invites you to his hometown of Milan, Italy for an epic, overnight gaming experience. You’ll stay in a one-of-a-kind gaming loft that Khaby designed himself, where you’ll #learnfromkhaby and face off with him in a Fortnite Battle Royale.”
Go on tour with Feid: “Join the reggaeton superstar on his FERXXOCALIPSIS World Tour for an entire week. You’ll join the crew for rehearsals, ride along on the tour bus, and get backstage access for every show.”