Insider’s reporter glamped in dome outside of Toronto, Ontario, in the rain, and thought it was cozy. Joey Hadden/Insider I booked a 400-square-foot dome on Airbnb outside of Toronto, Canada. Located next to a large home and the woods, it cost $250 for one night.
Since it rained the whole time, I expected to be uncomfortable glamping. But I was wrong. About 45 minutes north of Toronto, Canada, is a woodsy glamping site on a private property with geodesic domes scattered throughout the grounds.
A view of the glamping property. Joey Hadden/InsiderI paid $250 to stay in one of these domes, which I found on Airbnb. I was surprised by how comfortable it was even though it rained during my stay.
The author lounges in the dome. Joey Hadden/InsiderSource: AirbnbThe Airbnb was located on a residential property in King City, Ontario, full of trees, where hosts live and manage multiple domes. An arrow points to the area where the Airbnb was located.
Joey Hadden/InsiderI’ve seen domes popularized as photogenic places to stay and after glamping in a treehouse and a lifeguard tower, I wanted to try out a dome to see if it would make me feel more connected to nature with its grand views through a massive window. The author inside the dome. Joey Hadden/InsiderRead more: I spent $290 to sleep in a remote treehouse in Canada.
I thought it was nicer than most hotels I’ve stayed in. I took an Uber from Toronto to get to the dome. It was already raining when I left the city, and I was worried how the weather might hinder my glamping stay.
Toronto on a rainy day. Joey Hadden/InsiderWhen I arrived, I spotted my dome easily from the driveway as it was the closest dome to the large home on the property where my hosts lived. The author’s Airbnb from the outside.
Joey Hadden/InsiderI knew based on the listing’s description that the dome had a winter theme, with holiday decor out front year-round. Right away, I spotted whimsical lights and signage. Winter decor around the dome.
Joey Hadden/InsiderOutside of the dome, I had a private patio to grill food, make a fire, and sit. It would be nice to utilize this spot on a sunnier day, I thought. A patio outside of the dome.
Joey Hadden/InsiderThe dome had a massive window on one side, opening up to a wide view of the outdoors. Curtains were provided to cover the window for privacy. A peak through the window of the dome.
Joey Hadden/InsiderOnce inside, I thought the 400-square-foot dome felt much bigger than it looked on the outside. It was larger than most hotel rooms I’ve been in. A couch inside the dome.
Joey Hadden/InsiderThe room included a couch, some lamps, storage furniture, and a king-sized bed. The bed was situated behind the couch. Joey Hadden/InsiderThe second I hopped on the bed, I noticed how comfortable it was compared to other glamping experiences I’d had, where the beds felt pretty standard.
This one was firm yet soft, and more comfortable than even my bed at home. The author works on the comfy bed. Joey Hadden/InsiderRead more: I tried glamping for the first time after years of off-grid camping.
Here are 9 things that surprised me. Above the bed, I noticed a skylight where I could relax and watch the rain fall. I thought it was peaceful.
The author looks out the skylight. Joey Hadden/InsiderOn one side of the bed, there was a record player with holiday music. Next to it were games from chess to cards.
Storage furniture holds music and games. Joey Hadden/InsiderI’d never seen a record player in a glamping accommodation before, so I was excited to listen to some tunes. The record play in use.
Joey Hadden/InsiderAnother bedside comfort in the dome was an essential oil diffuser to make my room smell nice. Since good smells always calm me, I thought it was a nice touch. An oil diffuser on the bedside table.
Joey Hadden/InsiderOn the other side of the bed, there was a water cooler, mini fridge, microwave, and some snacks. Amenities on the other side of the bed. Joey Hadden/InsiderThe Airbnb came with two soda cans in the fridge as well as complimentary chips and marshmallows.
Refreshments inside the dome. Joey Hadden/InsiderInside the cabinets, I found cooking supplies. If I was staying for more than one night and planned to grill, I would have used them, I thought.
Cooking supplies inside the dome’s cabinets. Joey Hadden/InsiderI also appreciated that there were extension chords and outlets all over the dome, so I was able to charge all my devices at the same time. Outlets and extension cords in the dome.
Joey Hadden/InsiderI thought the great big window in the dome framed stellar views of the property without getting wet from the rain. I didn’t notice any leaks. A view of the window of the dome.
Joey Hadden/InsiderI was able to use a private bathroom, but it wasn’t inside the dome. It was only a few steps from my door and I thought it was clean. The entrance to the bathroom (L) and a look inside (R).
Joey Hadden/InsiderI fell asleep to the patter of the rain on top of my dome while looking at the stars between the trees out the skylight window. The dome from the outside at night. Joey Hadden/InsiderWhen I had to use the restroom in the middle of the night, I was thankful for the lights in the trees around the property.
The property lit up at night. Joey Hadden/InsiderWhile I initially worried that the weather would spoil my stay, I think it only added to the nature-filled experience. I woke up feeling refreshed from the cozy bed, the comforting amenities, and the sound of gentle rain.
The author takes a selfie before leaving the Airbnb. Joey Hadden/InsiderBut my favorite part were the dramatic windows that made me feel totally immersed in nature. It was unlike any other glamping experience or hotel I’ve stayed in, and I thought my first stay in a dome was unique, memorable, and worth the hype.
Looking out through the windows. Joey Hadden/InsiderRead the original article on Insider.
From: insider
URL: https://www.insider.com/glamping-geodesic-dome-airbnb-review-canada-photos-2022-10