New York is a year-round destination. Winter is a magical wonderland for skiing and outdoor sports, spring and summer are breaths of fresh air with ample hiking, kayaking, and swimming; while fall attracts visitors who come to savor the fall foliage and crisp climate.

For those looking to travel following the novel coronavirus, Upstate New York offers wide-open spaces that make it easy to practice social distancing while spending time outdoors.

And if you’re wondering if travel is safe, experts consider private vacation homes, such as those on Airbnb, as one of the safer places to stay, especially when compared to hotels. This is because you are often booking an entire home protected from interaction with others.

Airbnb also announced rigorous new procedures including the Enhanced Cleaning Protocol, which includes guidelines on personal protective equipment for hosts or cleaners, as well as only using disinfectants approved by regulatory authorities. These listings maintain a 24-waiting period after a guest checks out before entering to clean, followed by another 24-hour waiting period before guests check-in. As an alternative measure, hosts may opt into Booking Buffer, which enforces a 72-hour vacancy period between stays. Or, hosts can choose to do neither, in which case, it's important to remember that cleaning practices vary, where everything from kitchen utensils to bed linens were used by previous guests.

No matter the policy, it's worth taking extra preventative measures such as running dishware through the dishwasher and using a disinfecting wipe over all flat surfaces and high-touch areas.

Of course, without a vaccine, there is no firm guarantee with regard to safety. It's crucial to follow guidelines and advice from organizations such as the CDC and WHO, and practice safety measures including wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining social distancing. Additionally, consider your own level of risk, and whether you're traveling from or to a hotspot, so as not to increase the rate of infection.

Yet Airbnb homes do still offer an attractive, private getaway. These rentals fit many budgets and are less than three hours from New York City. To ensure homes are the highest level of hygge, we set the following search parameters:

  1. Airbnb listings are for the entire home (no tip-toeing past your host to the bathroom in PJs).
  2. The home is priced between $93 and $364 per night to start.
  3. All are highly rated Airbnb listings in Upstate New York with a review score of 4.7 or higher, and either explicitly list new COVID cleaning policies, or have rave reviews for cleanliness.
  4. Properties are unique and encourage coziness with fireplaces in lodgings such as cabins, cottages, chalets, and more.

Most will require a car. However, if you're that kind of New Yorker who doesn't own one, or never puts their license to use, don't let that come between you and a crackling fireplace. Car rental deals are always available, and experts also advise that renting one in a pandemic is largely safe. For further guidance, we rounded up the best car rental companies here.

It's worth noting that cleaning and service fees vary widely from one Airbnb to another, especially post-pandemic, and many homes are also enacting minimum night stays and strict cancellation policies.

Once you're "home," all properties are close to charming towns, hiking, leaf-peeping, antiquing, and farm-to-fork fare. Though with affordable Airbnbs this adorable, we won't be surprised if you choose to hole up all weekend instead.

Looking for more East Coast Airbnbs? Click below to jump directly to related coverage.

Keep reading to book any of these cozy Airbnbs for every price point, sorted by price from low to high.

Slanted cabin in Hudson, $93

Foto: Interiors are as unique as this one-of-a-kind frame. Source: Airbnb

Book this slanted cabin starting at $85 per night

While the outside is certainly eye-catching, this woodsy tiny home is special on the inside, too. The design is minimal, with a wood stove and lofted sleeping area.

Set on 20 acres, the location is rife with hiking trails, Catskills views, and is about 15 minutes from lovely Hudson, NY, known for high-end antiques and innovative food and drink. But when you return to the cabin, expect to be entirely off the grid. There is no electricity or running water, and the bathroom is actually an outhouse.

Availability to book opens in early September.

Rating: 4.94 Drive from NYC: 2:40

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is an Airbnb Superhost and recent reviews rave of the experience and clean accommodations.

Octagon house in Hunter, $153

Foto: This cute home makes for a romantic getaway. Source: Airbnb

Book the octagon house starting at $153 per night

Situated on Papillon Lake, this octagon-shaped house is located near skiing in the winter, swimming and kayaking in the summer, and is flanked by sure-to-impress fall foliage. The private deck with Adirondack chairs makes for an impressive perch overlooking the lake.

While the design feels like a traditional mountain lodge with wood, stone, and timber-infused decor, modern updates include a large Italian-style rain shower, colorful tribal print accents, a kitchen equipped with a French press coffee, plus a smart TV.

Booking is widely available starting in November.

Rating: 4.96 Drive from NYC: 2:30

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is a Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.

Cabin in Preston-Potter Hollow, $158

Foto: Private home with a private dock over a private lake. Source: Airbnb

Book this cabin home starting at $158 per night

This two-bedroom ranch home oozes rustic charm. Ther outside is incredibly scenic, made up of seven rolling green acres with a dock perched over a koi pond. There's even a small golf area.

Inside, a wood-burning stove is surrounded with timber wood walls, mounted antlers, and alpine-inspired decor. There's also a full kitchen, two spacious decks with a grill, and provided binoculars to watch for wildlife or take in leaf peeping in fall.

Availability in September includes just a few stray days, however, October onwards are fully open.

Rating: 4.97 Drive from NYC: 2:30

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, check-in is contactless, and past ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.

One-room schoolhouse in Forestburgh, $166

Foto: This former schoolhouse on Airbnb earns an A+ for originality. Source: Airbnb

Book this former schoolhouse starting at $166 per night

A one-room schoolhouse from 1837 was restored with painstaking care while paying homage to historic roots. Those chalkboards aren't kitsch, they're actually originals.

Other atmospheric elements were updated to feel modern and chic, such as mason jar light fixtures, farmhouse kitchen, lofted sleep area, and a subway-tiled shower. Restaurants, antiques, and hiking are all minutes away, but if you really need to recharge, the hosts can book in-home massages.

This listing is widely available starting in early September.

Rating: 5.0 Drive from NYC: 2:30

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is a Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.

Victorian townhome in Coxsackie, $177

Foto: This sleek Victorian home looks straight out of the pages of a glossy magazine. Source: Airbnb

Book this Victorian home starting at $177 per night

Beautifully restored, this 1880s Queen Ann Victorian is a great option for those who'd prefer to be closer to town. It's 20 minutes to Hudson - convenient for those arriving by train.

Bright and light, the minimalist palette features an Art Deco-era kitchen and hints of mint green. The superior look isn't accidental; this listing is an Airbnb Plus verified home, which means the hosts are pros at taking extra care to provide a well-kept space. With two bedrooms, there's plenty of space to relax, namely the porch rocker, fenced-in garden, or in the living and dining areas next to the piano and gas-burning stove.

Availability is wide open starting in late September.

Rating: 4.9 Drive from NYC: 3 hours

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is an Airbnb Plus Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.

Streamside cabin in Phoenicia, $179

Foto: Clean, mod, and minimal, the design is stunning. Source: Airbnb

Book this streamside cabin starting at $179 per night

This chic cabin is a dreamy oasis set alongside a tranquil stream that can be heard from inside the home. It's certainly alluring based on the scenery alone, which includes a riverfront deck, outdoor fire-pit with Adirondack chairs, a BBQ grill, and an indoor gas fireplace, but we love the clean, minimal interiors that look plucked from a magazine. Highlights include a subway-tiled spa-like bathroom, a serene living room with a record player and leafy plants, a queen-sized bedroom, and a farmhouse-inspired full kitchen.

Availability is scattered until November when it opens up significantly.

Rating: 5 Drive from NYC: 2:15

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Cottage in Kerhonkson, $207

Foto: Who's up for corn hole? Source: Airbnb

Book this cottage starting at $207 per night

Here's a gem for groups that want to safely gather, away from crowds. There are three bedrooms, though the standout is the room with an adjoining tranquil terrace. Though, rest assured there's plenty of other prime real estate, such as the open-plan living room with wood stove and rocking chair, farmhouse kitchen, and impressive deck. One of several five-star reviews shares, "The house is a wonderfully relaxing place to stay. At night, it was peaceful and quiet and dark - no streetlights, just stars!"

Availability is open for fall, though there is a 6-night minimum.

Rating: 4.91 Drive from NYC: 2:30

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is Superhost and past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.

Modern mountain home in Halcottsville, $220

Foto: This home is cool looking, even before considering the name, 'SPACECRAFTX 1.' Source: Airbnb

Book this mountain home starting at $220 per night

Nestled into a private road surrounded by 10 lush acres is the so-called SPACECRAFTX 1, a single-wide trailer transformed into a stunning home lined with walls of glass sliders framed by forest trees and mountain views.

The decor is luxe, akin to a stylish boutique hotel, and an expansive deck is flanked by a Japanese rock garden, flower beds, and outdoor seating. With one queen bed and one double, the space is great for a couple or small family and is even pet-friendly.

Availability is scattered in the fall, but opens up for winter, beginning in December.

Rating: 4.96 Drive from NYC: 2:40

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

The 'Cubhouse' in Bearsville, $239

Foto: Welcome to the 'Cubhouse.' Source: Airbnb

Book the 'Cubhouse' starting at $239 per night

Adorably named the 'Cubhouse,' this mountain cottage near Woodstock dates back to 1909 and was originally owned by a medicine woman in the early 1900s.

Enchanting details include an arched wooden door, a stone fireplace, and one bedroom under a vaulted ceiling. Witness wildlife visitors come to drink from a small pond, fire up the outdoor propane grill, or grab a provided yoga mat in the 500-square-foot screenhouse (open May-October) before sinking into the hanging egg chair to gaze at the mountains

There is full availability starting in mid-September.

Rating: 4.86 Drive from NYC: 2 hours

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Cottage estate in Croton-on-Hudson, $243

Foto: Reviewers say this one bedroom home feels "magical." Source: Airbnb

Book this cottage estate starting at $243 per night

This cottage from 1885 is pricier, but for good reason. It's close to New York City in coveted Croton-on-Hudson, and other towns you'll want to visit, like Beacon and Cold Spring. It also feels like a remote yet regal fairy tale with twinkling chandeliers, vintage touches, and dark wood.

"You really feel far away from the city even though it's so close by," writes one reviewer. "The cottage had everything we needed ... It has been an incredible getaway from the city."

Set on 26 acres, so much private land makes it easy to practice social distancing.

Availability is open but mixed for most of September and October, with greater options beginning in November.

Rating: 4.93 Drive from NYC: 1:30

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.

Cabin in Saugerties, $250

Foto: A prime perch to peep fall foliage. Source: Airbnb

Book this cabin starting at $250 per night

Saugerties is a Hudson Valley haven for those seeking quaint towns as a base. This cottage boasts four beds and reviews are near-perfect. Writes one, "Perfect location close to the villages of Woodstock and Saugerties, and just a short drive to ski areas. The home has spacious common areas and one bedroom with huge windows on three walls looking out into your private woods."

Set on three quiet acres, you'll be surrounded by mountains to the west, pond views to the east, before retreating to a great room lit by natural light through high ceilings and skylights. There's also an indulgent sunken tub in the master bath. At night, stargaze by the fireplace or the fenced-in yard.

Booking is open starting in October.

Rating: 4.98 Drive from NYC: 2:30

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, past reviews and ratings comment on how clean and tidy the home is.

Barn in Middletown, $250

Foto: Just 90 minutes from NYC, this barn is an idyllic escape that's easy to reach, too. Source: Airbnb

Book this barn starting at $250 per night

This former barn was reimagined as a stunning enclave that can easily fit six people for a fun group getaway, or a relaxing family vacation. The look is dramatic, with rich wooden beams and a large stone fireplace lit by natural light that pours in through ample windows or by contemporary light fixtures. With three bedrooms, it's a nice spot for a serene getaway and there is only one neighbor to share the adjacent lake. Indeed, when not in use, the host uses it as a quiet painting studio.

One Airbnb user writes, "Rustic beauty, inside and out. A home that will invite you to relax and entices comfort, which will not be denied. The drive alone, along the country roads, kept my eyes darting from side to side at the beauty that surrounds."

Availability is limited in fall, but opens up in winter.

Self check-in limits interaction and booking is widely available for fall.

Rating: 4.77 Drive from NYC: 1:30

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the owner is a Superhost.

Converted container home in Saugerties, $269

Foto: Sleep nearly in the forest. Source: Airbnb

Book this container home starting at $269 per night

With dark moody walls, a wood-burning stove, a string-light-lit deck, and a queen bed pushed right up to full picture windows, this is the exact kind of place you're likely envisioning to get away from it all. The acoustic guitar reader to be strummed only adds to the appeal.

Fashioned out of a converted 40-foot container, this mod cabin is set next to a stream and 20 acres of wilderness. There's also a deck, grill, fire ring, yoga platform, and hammock or read in the hammock. The cabin is pet-friendly, and while accommodations seem largely deluxe, a few features tend toward rustic with a compost toilet, gravity-feed water, and additional outdoor kitchen. Hike the Catskills out the back door. Availability is quite limited at the time of publishing but check back often as it is subject to change.

Rating: Only one review, but very positive Drive from NYC: 2:30

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: No specific COVID policies are mentioned, and this home does not participate in the Enhanced Clean program, however, the listing states that the cabin is cleaned after every stay using CDC disinfecting standards and cleaning supplies are also left for guests to wipe down surfaces and bag linens before leaving.

Chalet in Windham, $364

Foto: With three bedrooms and five beds, this is a great home base for groups. Source: Airbnb

Book this chalet starting at $364 per night

For a mountain getaway, this Catskills retreat sleeps 10 under rustic beamed ceilings. Your host even provides firewood and kindling; all you need to do is BYOS: bring your own s'mores.

The decor is midcentury modern meets rugged ski lodge with plenty of stone, wood, and brick accents. The farmhouse kitchen, spacious dining area, and King-sized master (one of three bedrooms) make this home highly livable.

Located near Windham and Hunter mountains, this lodge is usually booked solid in busy winter ski months; visiting in fall offers a great way to snag an otherwise elusive booking.

Availability is open for early fall but there is a seven-night minimum.

Rating: 4.92 Drive from NYC: 2:40

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: This home participates in Airbnb's Enhanced Clean program, meaning the host is committed to a rigorous cleaning protocol developed with leading health and hospitality experts.