CoolStays - Unique Accommodation Newsletter

CoolStays is a curated online collection of unique and unusual holiday accommodation, founded in 2012 with the aim of making it easy to discover extraordinary places to stay. Rather than offering generic listings, every property on the platform is hand-picked for its character, setting, or a distinctive quirk. The collection spans more than 3,000 properties across the UK, Europe, and selected worldwide destinations, catering to travellers who want something more memorable than a standard hotel room. CoolStays works directly with independent hosts and small property owners, championing local and family-run businesses over large corporate chains.

A Curated Collection of Extraordinary Places

CoolStays built its reputation on the quality and variety of its hand-picked portfolio. Accommodation ranges from romantic shepherd's huts and glamping pods in the British countryside to treehouse villas in Thailand, lighthouse hotels on rugged coastlines, and clifftop villas in Greece. Cool conversions feature prominently, including repurposed churches, windmills, vintage buses, and beachside huts. The platform is particularly strong in the UK, with a broad selection across England, Scotland, and Wales, alongside a growing European collection covering France, Spain, Italy, and the Alps.

Types of Unique Stays on Offer

The CoolStays portfolio is deliberately broad, covering a wide spectrum of accommodation styles and budgets:

• Glamping – yurts, tipis, bell tents, shepherd's huts, and cabin retreats
• Treehouses and elevated lodges in woodland settings
• Coastal and lakeside villas and cottages
• Boutique hotels and design-led guesthouses
• Unusual conversions: windmills, lighthouses, barns, and historic buildings
• Spa and wellness retreats in destinations including Lanzarote and Tuscany
• Adventure and off-grid hideaways for those seeking something truly remote

How CoolStays Works

CoolStays connects travellers directly with property owners, making it straightforward to browse, enquire, and book without dealing with large intermediary booking platforms. The company offers a Safe Payment Guarantee and has placed a strong emphasis on supporting sustainable and eco-friendly properties. CoolStays has also partnered with environmental initiatives including Green The UK, reflecting a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint associated with leisure travel. The newsletter, which Catalink previously featured, kept subscribers updated with new additions to the collection and seasonal offers from independent hosts.

Destinations and Who CoolStays Suits

CoolStays is particularly well suited to couples seeking a romantic getaway, families looking for a genuinely different holiday, and groups wanting a memorable shared retreat. The platform covers short breaks in the UK countryside as well as longer holidays in Europe and further afield. Highlights from the collection have included romantic boltholes in the Cotswolds, adventure stays in the Scottish Highlands, beachfront villas on the Greek islands, and cool city apartments in major European destinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CoolStays still operating?

Yes, CoolStays (coolstays.com) continues to operate as of 2026, offering a curated collection of unique holiday properties across the UK, Europe, and worldwide destinations. The company has been running since 2012.

Does CoolStays charge booking fees?

CoolStays positions itself as a direct-booking platform connecting travellers with independent property owners. The company has emphasised that travellers can access the best available prices through the platform, and it provides a Safe Payment Guarantee for bookings made through the site.

What types of accommodation does CoolStays feature?

The collection includes glamping sites, treehouses, lighthouse hotels, coastal villas, barn conversions, boutique guesthouses, spa retreats, and unusual conversions such as windmills and historic churches. Properties are hand-picked for character, originality, and setting.

Where in the world does CoolStays cover?

CoolStays has its strongest coverage in the UK, including England, Scotland, and Wales. European destinations covered include France, Spain, Italy, Greece, and the Alps. The platform also features selected properties in long-haul destinations such as Thailand.

How does CoolStays differ from mainstream booking sites?

Unlike large generic booking platforms, CoolStays hand-picks every listing for its individual character and style. The focus is on independent, owner-managed properties rather than hotel chains or standardised rentals, and the company has a stated commitment to supporting sustainable and eco-conscious accommodation.

What happened to the CoolStays newsletter on Catalink?

CoolStays was featured on Catalink as a newsletter subscription, allowing members to receive updates on new and unusual properties added to the collection. The Catalink listing is now archived, but CoolStays continues to promote its collection through its own website and direct communications.

This newsletter listing is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes CoolStays. For current details, visit the company's official website.