My name is Carmen Hontvet, I've been a host on Airbnb and VRBO since 2017.
It's my passion to create a space where guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and at home away from home. The little details in communicating with guests throughout the booking, checking in, and checking out process, preparing the property for the guest, and making sure that there isn't anything missed for the guest to have a five-star experience brings me much joy.
A guest once said, "We felt like we were welcomed with a warm hug from the host when arriving." Achieving this feeling without tangibly being there at check in was a huge compliment, and quite frankly a goal met.
I have met many guests throughout the years and hope to continue meeting many more in the years to come! I am available as much or as little as you need. I'm here to make your stay as enjoyable as it can be! Many people have arrived as guests, and left as friends. For this I'm very blessed!
Meet Carmen
The Etta’s Bin Story
From a Sketch to a Stay:
Grandma Etta builds her home
Carmen’s grandma, Etta, builds her first home on this land—a space known for its warmth, intention, and impeccable care. Clean, organized, and full of love.
1973
The vision takes shape
At Carmen’s dining table, a napkin sketch comes to life with builder Joe—her trusted partner on every project. The idea for Etta’s Bin is born.
Fall 2021
Carmen buys the property
After years of inspiration from her grandmother’s legacy, Carmen purchases the land, holding onto the dream of one day creating something special here.
2014
Click Here
A space filled with intention
Each night, Carmen sits inside the bin on a bucket, praying the right people find this space. Every detail— from cabinetry, fabrics, colors, and textures-is crafted with love.
Summer 2022
Construction begins
The dirt is moved, cement poured with in-floor heat, and the grain bin is erected. Joe cuts the first door and the full build begins.
June 2022
Everything you might be wondering before booking your stay at Etta’s Bin.
F AQ
The bin is heated with in-floor heat to keep you cozy during the cooler MN months along with a propane fireplace. Air conditioning keeps it cool in the warmer months with ceiling fans to circulate, keeping the space at a perfect temperature.
The kitchen is stocked with everything you would need to cook meals as if you were in your own kitchen. From baking dishes, pots, pans, all utensils, air fryer, crock pot, single serve coffee pot, multi cup coffee pot, espresso machine, spices, salt, pepper, olive oil, flour and sugar.
The hot tub is available 12 months out of the year. The perfect place to catch snowflakes on your tongue, watch the Northern Lights Dance, and experience some of the most beautiful Northern MN sunsets. The perfect way to end your day, and just relax!
10 guests comfortably. 1 king, 1 queen, 4 twins, queen pull out couch or 2 cots.
What a perfect weekend!
Had my daughter’s bachelorette party here. Carmen was so accommodating for us. Would highly recommend staying here. The coolest place! Thanks so much for a fun weekend!
- Lori & Girls
Absolutely gorgeous remodeled grain bin!!
Sooo comfortable, cozy and relaxing and extremely clean and well kept! Our hostess, Carmen, was amazing! She has truly thought through every detail of what one would need or want during a relaxing stay! This place and its hostess is such a gem…special memories were made by our family…we will definitely be back!!! Highly Recommended!!
- Krista
Great place for our Lake of the Woods annual fishing trip.
First time in this Airbnb and must say it was AWESOME! Everyone in our party was impressed with how cool this place is. Very nicely equipped, nice cozy in-floor heat, and everything you could need for a stay. Carmen (Host) is very responsible and answered all our questions/concerns. Again…great place! Very unique and definitely worth a stay!
-Aaron
We had so much fun at Etta’s Bin.
We were in town for a hockey tournament and it was the perfect place to stay. Everything was as it was listed and so beautiful and comfortable. We enjoyed our little home away from home so much. We will definitely be back!!! It had everything you didn’t even realize you would need. Very well done!!!
-Jaci
It’s not too often a house is more beautiful than the pictures!!
Fully stocked house and I mean everything!! This will now be my new favorite getaway!! I will 100% be returning annually:) Clean, responsive host, private, AWESOME, comfy beds. I’ve used Airbnb HomeAway and VRBO for years and have stayed at over 50 places and some pretty fancy places and this is definitely in my top 3!! Thank you Carmen!
-Samantha
This place is almost magical.
It’s such a neat atmosphere and Carmen has thought of everything. We will definitely stay again, I can’t say enough good things about it!
-Emma
