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Sleep in a Parked Van for $22 a Night with These Airbnb Listings

By Serena Dai | July 21, 2015 12:38pm | Updated on July 21, 2015 9:23pm
  Host Jonathan has about a half-dozen vans and campers Airbnb around the neighborhood.   
Man Airbnbs Van Parked in Long Island City for $99 a Night
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Some New York hotels can literally move you.

A local man is renting out his parked vans and campers on Airbnb — with rates as low as $22 a night for the four-wheeled suites.

One of the accommodations, parked in Long Island City, can sleep two people comfortably but has room for up to three, according to the post, first spotted by the blog New York Sh---y, via Queens Crap.

It also features an "AMAZING view of the sky line," according to the renter, Jonathan, whose "Beautiful Conversion Sleep Van" already has 10 reviews and a 4.5 star rating on Airbnb.

"Super spacious! All brand new furnishings!!" he boasts in the listing. "Only 3 stops from Times Square, Less than 10 minutes to 50 major attractions."

The listing says the van is parked near The Mill, a coffee shop that's conveniently located near John F. Murray playground's public restrooms.

The van is not the host's only Airbnb posting featuring converted vehicles.

Jonathan, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment, also has a $35 a night "Van Down By the Water" in Long Island City, as well as a $22 "Van with a View" nightly rental lined with turquoise bedding. lt has 17 reviews and a 4.5 star rating on Airbnb.

The host even offers a converted yellow cab van — a $69-per-night rental that's outfitted with taxi-themed bedding.

"It was in service since 2002 driving New Yorkers up and down the busy Manhattan streets!" the listing reads. "Now for the first time it's parked. Don’t worry the meter is not running."

Jonathan has at least six different listings of campers parked around Long Island City.

Most reviews of his quarters seem to be laudatory, commending the host for his hospitality.

But they also warn potential guests of some things to expect while sleeping in a van.

One couple said without showers, they wiped down with baby wipes, while another "had to be creative with a sponge and a bottle of water." Another reminded potential guests that the nearby bathrooms close after 10 p.m.

And in the summer, it can get a little hot without air conditioning, so some guests relied on a battery-powered fan.

Still, many reviewers said it was all worth it — for the experience, and for the views.

"My girlfriend and I decided to book Jonathan's van instead of a hotel because we wanted to try something new, something adventurous," reviewer William wrote. "After our stay, we couldn't be happier that we booked it!!"