Airbnb has a listing for a $89-a-night van in New York City

'I have a bridge to sell the people staying in this'

You can rent a van in NYC on Airbnb (Stock) (Getty Images)

New York City may be full of enviable apartments and luxury hotels, but some Airbnb listings are promising a more authentic, down-to-Earth experience - by sleeping in a van.

In one such listing, for $89 (£73) a night, guests can rent a vintage “custom” van parked on a New York City street, complete with a sofa bed and a small table, however, not everyone is convinced such listings are worth the money.

The van, which sleeps two people, is “perfect for international travellers, backpackers and the vintage #VanLife experience,” according to the Airbnb description.

While the van does not have a bathroom, the host states that there are “many restrooms nearby”.

The listing also includes free guest passes to a nearby gym with a pool, where renters can shower.

View On AirbnbVintage Custom Van

“Van-life is for laid-back, easygoing, fun-loving, adventurers who embrace new experiences, keep an open mind, and have no problem roughing it,” the description reads. “Ideal guests approach van-life with an open mind and a sense of humour.”

But on Reddit, people are questioning why anyone would shell out so much money on an Airbnb van rental in NYC, especially one that does not come with a bathroom.

"This is like a masochism field trip," one person wrote.

Another said: "Wonder if any tenants have ever woken up to the sound of a tow truck."

"I wonder if it's a social experiment designed to highlight how ridiculous people can be," someone else hypothesised.

Despite not offering internet accessibility, air conditioning, or a bathroom, the van has a five-star rating on Airbnb, where guests have praised the rental and its host, called Meng.

“I’ll admit we were a little hesitant about staying in van parked in NY for the night, but it exceeded expectations. The bed was comfortable, the pillows were soft, and the area was safe,” one person wrote.

Another said: “When I woke up this morning I was highly disappointed I wasn’t waking up in Meng’s van anymore! We spent 3 nights and it was everything we needed to get some safe shelter and cosy sleep after exploring the city all day.”

The popularity of van rentals is also likely due to Instagram, where #VanLife has been tagged more than 5.8m times.

You can view the van listing here.