Plum Guide review

Plum Guide takes the opposite approach to Airbnb: instead of listing every home, it picks a small number in each destination. Its help center says every home must have thoughtful design with at least one remarkable element, be impeccably clean and well maintained, and be run by responsive hosts. It also lists what it expects inside, from quality beds and reliable hot water to a functional kitchen and strong Wi-Fi, and a home must meet at least 75% of those criteria. Where a home falls short, Plum Guide says it will note this in a Home Truths section on the listing, which is more candid than most sites. The trade-offs are inventory and price. The collection is far smaller than any marketplace here, it leans toward cities such as London and Paris, and the site showed prices in British pounds from our location, so we could not confirm US dollar pricing.

Who it is for

Travelers who care more about design and comfort than price and want a short, vetted list.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Every home must show thoughtful design with at least one remarkable element
• Homes must meet at least 75% of criteria for beds, hot water, kitchen, essentials and Wi-Fi
• Home Truths section lists where a home falls short
• Hosts expected to keep listings accurate and reply promptly
• Strong focus on city apartments and homes with pools

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Published quality standards for every home
• Strength: Honest Home Truths notes on each listing
• Strength: Short list saves time compared with open marketplaces
• Weakness: Much smaller inventory than any marketplace here
• Weakness: Prices showed in GBP from our location, so the USD check is pending
• Weakness: Premium homes mean higher nightly rates

Key facts

• Selection standard: At least 75% of home criteria met
• Disclosure of shortfalls: Home Truths section on listings
• Design rule: At least one remarkable element per home
• Pets: Can be added at search; an extra fee may apply
• Price display: GBP shown from our location

Where it ranks

Plum Guide is No. 10 in our Best Vacation Rental Websites verdict.