Industry

What is Plum Guide?

Updated 2026-05-28

Plum Guide is an online booking platform that lists a handpicked selection of the world's best vacation rentals. Unlike mass-market OTAs, it focuses on quality over quantity by employing an extensive vetting system known as the 'Plum Test.' This process ensures that every property listed meets high standards for design, amenities, hospitality, and overall guest experience.

The platform aims to eliminate the inconsistency of rental quality by offering a trusted collection of homes.

Join the Lodgify newsletter

Once a month, get free templates, expert tips for hosts, industry news, webinar invitations, and more.

How it works

Property owners or managers apply to have their home considered for inclusion on Plum Guide. The platform's team then conducts a multi-step review, starting with data analysis and a remote interview with the host.

If the property shows potential, an in-person 'Home Criticism' is scheduled, where a trained expert evaluates the property against more than 150 criteria, including Wi-Fi speed, water pressure, and aesthetic details. Only the small percentage of homes that pass this comprehensive test earn the 'Plum Award' and are accepted onto the platform for guests to book.

Why it matters

Plum Guide represents the luxury, high-end segment of the vacation rental industry, providing a trusted benchmark for travelers who prioritize quality and are willing to pay a premium. Its rigorous selection process mitigates the risk and uncertainty often associated with booking a rental online.

For hosts and property managers, achieving a listing on Plum Guide serves as a prestigious credential that validates their property's quality, justifies higher nightly rates, and attracts a specific clientele.

Examples

  • A family planning a significant celebration trip to Rome uses Plum Guide to book their accommodation, trusting its vetting process to guarantee a flawless and high-quality stay.
  • The owner of a design-focused chalet in the Alps applies to Plum Guide. After passing the 150-point 'Home Criticism,' the property is listed and commands a higher price than similar homes on other platforms.
  • A property manager with a portfolio of urban apartments uses their successful Plum Guide listings as a key selling point in their marketing, citing the 'Plum Award' to signify exceptional quality to potential guests and owners.
  • A traveler disappointed by past experiences with inconsistent rental quality decides to book their next vacation exclusively through Plum Guide to ensure the home matches the listing's promises.

Frequently asked questions

What is the 'Plum Test'?+
The Plum Test is Plum Guide's proprietary, multi-stage vetting process. It involves a preliminary review of host data, a remote interview, and a final, in-person 'Home Criticism' where a professional assesses the property against over 150 objective criteria, from core amenities to design details.
Is Plum Guide an OTA like Airbnb or Vrbo?+
Yes, Plum Guide is an online travel agency (OTA), but it serves a specific niche. Unlike broad, open marketplaces such as Airbnb or Vrbo, Plum Guide is a closed, curated platform that lists only the top fraction of properties that meet its strict quality standards.
How do property managers list multiple properties on Plum Guide?+
Property managers can submit their entire portfolio for review, though each property is evaluated individually against Plum Guide's standards. To manage listings on a premium channel like Plum Guide alongside others, managers often use a central platform. Property management software such as Lodgify can include a channel manager to synchronize availability and rates across all channels, preventing double bookings.
How does Plum Guide make money?+
Plum Guide operates on a commission model. It charges a service fee to the guest, which is added to the total booking cost. It also takes a commission from the host's payout for each successful booking made through its platform.
Keep reading

Related terms

Stay in the loop

Join the Lodgify newsletter.

Once a month, get free templates, expert tips for hosts, industry news, webinar invitations, and more — straight to your inbox.

One email a month. Unsubscribe anytime.