Plum Guide, like Airbnb and VRBO, is a vacation rental website. They serve as a marketplace for property owners and travelers like you and me to book their holiday homes. They all look and operate the same way- how you search, how you communicate, and how you book- are all very similar. But that is where the similarities end.
There are over 15,000,000 vacation homes listed online with Airbnb, VRBO, and others. Even for someone like me who loves to plan holidays, this can be overwhelming. There’s far too much choice and I spend hours, upon hours sifting through properties until I find the right one. It’s not that way with Plum Guide as they represent the top 3% of holiday homes. I can do a search within a matter of minutes and have found some amazing options. Why – they are all of the same caliber of design, ascetic, and amenities.
Also, unlike the other booking sites where property owners leave it up to past guests to rate and review their property, that’s not how it works with Plum Guide. I don’t know about you, but can you ever really trust those ratings or reviews – good or bad? I can’t. That’s where Plum Guide differs as they use actual science. The Plum Test determines what properties make for a perfect stay, and then only those make it onto their website.
71 Comments
Alison
Oh, it is always so great to have another option when searching for the perfect accommodation for a holiday. I like the idea of spending a bit more on a quality and luxurious vetted vacation rental. Bravo to Plum.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, you’ll have to give them a try the next time you are looking for accommodation for your next trip.
Carolin
I’m against Airbnb but am open to hearing about hotel alternatives or even serviced hotel apartments. I like that PLUM has specific criteria and a selection process which guarantees uniformity and high quality of standard every time you choose a rental with them. Like you, I’m a sucker for pretty accommodation that’s stylishly designed and offers that top-notch boutique feeling.
The.Holidaymaker
It sounds like you would love the properties that Plum Guide has to offer. Hope you keep it in mind for your next trip.
Emma
I’m kind of done with Airbnb so it’s really nice and refreshing to hear of a different place to book vacation rentals. I still do love a hotel, but some of these places look so pretty, like Lavender & Rose in Paris. I want to stay there!! And the cowshed in the UK – what a cute looking place. I might have to check out Plum Guide for one of my next trips
The.Holidaymaker
There are some definitely amazing places, that are cozy and charming just like a hotel. So happy to introduce you to them.
Gus Feliciano
Never heard of Plum before but seems pretty awesome, definitely adding it to my travel tool kit to see what I can find!
The.Holidaymaker
Fantastic, so glad to hear that Gus! Thanks for stopping by.
Pam
I’ve never heard of this, but will definitely check it out! I refuse to stay in AirBnB’s after they cancelled some reservations, and superhosts places were absolutely disgusting and they did nothing about it. You’re absolutely right quality > quantity especially for trips!
The.Holidaymaker
Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. So glad you agree that quality will always trump quantity.
Ildi
I’ve been looking for an alternative for Airbnb, and I’ve never heard of Plum GUide before. Thank you
The.Holidaymaker
Happy to pass along this information to you.
Portia Olaughlin
Thanks, I had no idea about the plum guide and it sounds very interesting. I love any help weeding through the reviews to make finding a good place easier.
The.Holidaymaker
They offer superior quality vacation rentals and it’s super easy to use their platform to search for the best ones in the destination you are looking to go to.
Bea Pinnegar
Oh wow, I had no idea about Plum Guide. Indeed sounds like a much better option than Airbnb – would definitely like to explore the platform on my next vacation – thanks so much for this post 🙂
The.Holidaymaker
I’m so happy to introduce them to you!
Billy
Plum Guide looks really interesting. Thanks for sharing this information.
Brittany
Wow, I’ve never heard of Plum Guide, but I’ll definitely be looking into them after reading your post. I’ve been frustrated by AirBnB lately, and now, I almost always stay in a hotel because it’s cheaper/easier. It would be awesome to have another option with Plum Guide!
The.Holidaymaker
Happy to introduce you to them, and hopefully you’ll check them out next time you are looking to travel.
Solano Travel Podcast
Conpetition always bring better options for costumers, I’m happy to know this platform exists and gives us more options to check!
The.Holidaymaker
Oh yes, competition is good for everyone.
Subhashish Roy
Never heard of Plum Guide before but it seems to be fabulous alternative to much talked about Airbnb. Although I have never used Airbnb the concept of top properties only seems great and easier to choose. The ones showcased here all look beautiful places to put up. We are planning a Europe trip to few countries in October and since we haven’t yet booked our accomodation will have a look at Plum Guide before finalizing.
The.Holidaymaker
Happy to introduce you to Plum Guide and hopefully you might experience them firsthand for your next European trip!
Megan
I have never heard of Plum Guide before! It’s almost a relief that they don’t have as many properties, just the top 3%. That will be much easier to sift through. And they all look amazing!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, it’s a huge time saver and the niche appeals to a specific consumer.
A Capone Connection
This is incredible! I never heard of Plum but I’m saving this for later! The concept is perfect. When you know you want quality it’s nice to have a place to go to where you don’t have to sift through all the nonsense. Thanks!
The.Holidaymaker
Happy to hear you are saving for future reference!
Erica
These are beautiful homes that would clearly enhance any trip! Thanks a lot for the information and clarifications about Plum Guide. I also prefer homerentals over hotels and these are fantastic!
The.Holidaymaker
So happy to hear you like this company and might give them a try in the future.
Angela
It’s nice to have a new kid on the block to go to for rentals as AirBnB is not what it used to be. You have picked a lovely variety of properties to highlight in your post – the UK ones look amazing.
The.Holidaymaker
So happy you like the selected properties. You’ll have to give them a try for your next trip.
Leah
I have only just started using Airbnb recently for my travels and I have found all the options extremely overwhelming! So glad there is an alternative, I will definitely be checking out Plum Guide – thanks for sharing.
Manuel se come el mundo
I had never heard of Plum Guide but it sounds very very good. I would like to try it on my next trip.
The.Holidaymaker
So happy to hear you will give them a try for your next trip planning.
Pamela Mukherjee
I have never heard about Plum Guide. I always opted for AirBnB and now after getting through all your reviews and pictures I must say Plum Guide is so niched. I would love to stay at Plum Guide whenever I get chance.
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, Plum Guide is very niched. For those that love to stay in the best spaces at mid to high end budgets.
Sue
This is a great one to know about! I have gone off using Airbnb recently but for special occasions, I will definitely turn to Plum Guide in the future. Those properties are stunning & even better that I live in the UK & it seems to have a good choice. Thanks for highlighting.
The.Holidaymaker
Happy to hear you will give them a try for future travels.
Laureen Lund
thanks for opening my eyes to Plum Guide. I am going to definitely check it out. We practically live in Airbnbs. although we have had very few problems in our 120 Airbnb stays, as you say, it is not like it was in the beginning. Never hurts to branch out and check out the competition. 🙂
The.Holidaymaker
Good to hear you might give Plum Guide a try especially seeing that you are a frequent Airbnb user.
Joanna
I didn’t hear about Plum before but I would like to give it a go. It sounds like a great alternative to Airbnb, especially since what you see is what you pay. I used Airbnb a couple of times and didn’t have a good experience, especially with all the extra fees added on top. Also, one time the shower flooded and one of our group had to stay home and wait for the plumber.
The.Holidaymaker
Sorry, you had some bad experiences with Airbnb, but all the more reason to see who else is on the market.
Maria Veloso
This Plum Guide is fantastic! If you’re searching for the perfect spot to stay, this is the best option. The examples above show how lovely their holiday rental properties are—I absolutely adore them! The next time I need to reserve lodging for a vacation, I’ll definitely be using this platform.
The.Holidaymaker
So glad to hear you might give them a try.
Rhonda
I like the luxury aspect and vetting that Plum guide offers. I too have not always found some of the BnB picks out there not up to scratch. It is refreshing to find a company that does this.
Yakem Viajero
This one looks like a worthy alternative to Airbnb, unfortunately, is likely to take a while to start being useful in Latam, hopefully, it works in Europe and then crosses the pond over here. Very useful information, thanks!!!
The.Holidaymaker
Yes, it’s a huge time saver, isn’t it? The downside of Airbnb is sifting through all of the properties to find the ones most suited.
Renata - www.byemyself.com
The comparison between plum guide and AirBnB on trust pilot made me laugh out loud – if that’s not loud and clear, I don’t know what is. I actually never liked AirBnB for the destruction of the housing market in cities where people have it difficult enough to find affordable housing. Actually, I like both – sometimes I prefer a full service hotel and sometimes I prefer my personal freedom and rent an apartment or studio.
The.Holidaymaker
I hope you give them a try in the future.
Bedabrata Chakraborty
I am off to San Francisco next week. Your post could not have been better timed. I wonder whether there is any Plum Guide accommodation in that area. Kind of bored of Airbnb.
The.Holidaymaker
San Fransisco is one of the few select cities in the US that Plum Guide does offer property rentals. Hope you give them a try.
Josy A
Oooh thanks for this! had not heard of Plum Guide (and we have not had the best experiences with AirBnB, so it is good to hear about an option with fab properties that are actually vetted!) Super useful!
The.Holidaymaker
So happy to hear you like the alternative choice.
Agnes
Now you surprised me because I hadn’t heard of Plum Guide before! Great article. I travel a lot and book accommodation frequently. So far, usually via booking or Airbnb, I am now trying Plum Guide. Mainly as you write, the key is quality because I was disappointed several times using Airbnb. Great to know that the locations are in the UK and Paris, Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. As I would love to visit Portugal soon.
The.Holidaymaker
Fantastic, I’m so happy to introduce you to a new choice other than booking dot com and Airbnb. I’m sure you’ll love some of the places that Portugal has to offer.
Sharyn McCullum
I hadn’t heard of Plum Guide before. I’m going to check them out, particularly the London suggestions as I will be there soon! Thanks.
The.Holidaymaker
How timely, I’m sure you’ll be able to find something for your upcoming London trip.
Linda (LD Holland)
I am definitely going to have to look at Plum Guide. We too have become disillusioned with Airbnb over our past few stays. And you know we do like a touch of luxury! Great to know they use such a long criteria list to pick properties. I will keep this in mind for fall travel planning.
The.Holidaymaker
Glad to hear it Linda! As a luxury traveller, I know you will be impressed.
Danielle
Quality over quantity, I love that! Yes, I love Airbnb but it’s definitely tedious to search through so many properties and I’ve had it happen to me more than once that I arrived and the place was nothing compared to the expectations. I’m glad I can now find a curated list with only the best = saves time and disappointment!
The.Holidaymaker
You’re exactly right- saves time and disappointment. Hope you get to experience them sometime soon.
Chelsea
I haven’t heard of Plum Guide but you really did the research and shared some great insights! I can see why it’s a better option than Airbnb. I have always been put off by the fees and negative reviews so it’s nice that there’s other options like this. I’ll definitely be considering it after reading about your experience.
The.Holidaymaker
Fantastic, so happy to hear you will consider them in future.
Natascha
I have to admit this is the first time I have heard about Plum Guide. The accomdation options look great, also a bit pricey. However I can see that this is a perfect alternative for people who want to spend a bit more and get much more in return.
The.Holidaymaker
Happy to introduce you to them.
Donnamarie
I am a huge Airbnb fan because I like the unique qualities the stays offer rather than standard hotels. I haven’t heard of Plum Guide before. I can’t wait to check it out.
The.Holidaymaker
I too was a big fan of Airbnb, and use them when Plum Guide isn’t in the destination I’m going to. Glad you’re curious to check them out.
Barry
The adverse comments re Airbnb have always put me off using them. Even well-known bloggers have put negative reviews about accommodation they booked via airbnb. This Plum Guide organization sounds much better and a quick perusal on their site shows that the accommodation is of a much higher quality and style. However I would rather use this site and maybe pay a bit extra and know that I will get a fabulous place and service. Many of the houses/flats look exactly like what would chose for comfort and atmosphere. I’ll certainly be keeping them n mind when I look at booking an apartment rather than a hotel room.
The.Holidaymaker
So happy to hear you will keep them in mind for future booking.
Alice Mola
I think Plum Guide is exactly like how you put it – it’s a luxury home expierence and you know you’re getting a well vetted and high quality experience. As someone who has had a big range of experiences with Airbnb, this could be a really great up and coming alternative for those with a larger budget.
The.Holidaymaker
You’re so right Alice. I feel like they are going to surpass in popularity very soon in the mid-to-high budget range.