Plum Guide emphasizes a rigorous vetting process and transparent pricing, making it suitable for travelers prioritizing quality assurance and clear costs. AvantStay focuses on providing luxury homes with consistent design and smart home features, appealing to those seeking a high-end, tech-enabled experience. User feedback suggests Plum Guide is reliable in property descriptions and customer service, while AvantStay receives positive feedback on communication and kitchen equipment but faces challenges with property maintenance.
| Attribute | Plum Guide | AvantStay |
|---|---|---|
| Average property size (square footage) | Ranges from 1,700 sq ft (3-bedroom bungalow) to 4,500 sq ft (7-bedroom in NYC) | Not explicitly stated, but AvantStay manages entire homes with 4+ bedrooms. Examples include properties ranging from a two-bedroom pad to an 8,500-square-foot estate. |
| Price range per night | $70 to $3,000, average around $300-$700. One-bedroom: ~$250, 2-4 bedrooms: ~$1,000 | Properties range from $200 per night for a two-bedroom in San Diego to $3,500 per night for an eight-bedroom estate in Coachella Valley. |
| Number of properties available in major cities | Over 1,250 properties in Paris. Good selection in London, Los Angeles, Paris, New York City, Rome, Barcelona, Lisbon, Berlin, Copenhagen, and Tel Aviv | Manages over 350 short-term rental properties across the US & Mexico. Operates in 60+ destinations across the United States. |
| Cleaning fee structure | All fees (cleaning, service) included in the total price displayed on the payment page | There is a one-time cleaning fee. Mid-stay cleaning can be added for longer stays. |
| Guest support availability (hours/day) | 24/7 guest support via phone or WhatsApp | Offers 24/7 customer service. |
| Cancellation policy flexibility | 7 tiers of cancellation policy, ranging from 'relaxed' to 'SuperFirm60' | Cancellation policies vary by property. Generally, cancellations within 24 hours of booking may receive a full refund if the check-in date is at least 21 days away. Full refunds are typically offered for cancellations 60 days or more before check-in. |
| Luxury amenities offered (e.g., private pool, chef service) | High-end kitchen appliances, premium toiletries, comfortable beds, unique design. Specific amenities like private pools, hot tubs, libraries, fireplaces, and pianos may be available | Private pools, hot tubs, chef services, concierge services, game rooms, and fire pits. |
| Quality control process for property selection | Rigorous vetting process with a 150-point checklist. AI review, home critics visit and evaluate. Lists top 3% of properties | Focuses on luxury homes, villas, estates, and high-end condos in prime locations. Properties feature high-quality interior design and upscale amenities with a consistent brand aesthetic. They lease the homes and redesign them for travelers. |
| Minimum stay requirements | One property had a minimum stay policy of 2 days | A minimum stay of 2 to 5 nights may be required. |
| Pet-friendly options | Some properties allow pets. Check 'key info' on the listing | Select properties are pet-friendly. Pet fees and deposits may apply. Service animals are generally welcome. |
| Technology integration (smart home features) | Surge in demand for 'unplugged', tech-light properties with elegant standards and deluxe amenities | Smart home features like digital locks, noise monitors, security cameras, and smart thermostats. Also offers a proprietary booking platform. |
| Interior design style consistency | Internal editorial team reviews every listing to ensure content stays consistent. Uniform voice in descriptions | Aims for a consistent aesthetic across properties with new furnishings, stylish decor, and high-end amenities. |