Plumguide US promo codes and deals

Hosts set their own nightly prices, so there is no standard rate. Once you enter dates and guests, the total shown includes taxes and fees. Extras such as housekeeping, fridge fills, pool heating or a pet fee can be added on top, and the listing's "home truths" section says when they apply.

Plum Guide's terms say its guest service fee is up to 22% of the accommodation charges plus sales tax. The help center describes two host setups: one where the guest pays 12%, and one where the host pays the whole fee and the guest pays nothing. You can't tell which one a home uses before you see the checkout total. Paying in a currency other than the listing's can add a conversion fee of 0 to 5%.

Hosts can't charge an end-of-stay cleaning fee as a separate extra. Most homes show a security deposit, but the help center says it usually isn't collected. It sets the most a host can claim for damage, and a few hosts take it at check-in.

There is usually no code to enter. Host discounts for longer stays, early bookings, last-minute dates or non-refundable rates show up in the price after you add your dates. You must be 18 or older to create an account.

Instant Book homes charge you straight away. Request-to-book homes put a hold on your card and charge it when the host confirms. If your booking is at least £250 (or the equivalent), on a refundable rate, and more than 14 days before the cancellation deadline, checkout may offer a 50% or 10% deposit. The balance is charged automatically two weeks before the cancellation deadline. If that charge fails and you don't pay within 72 hours, the booking is cancelled. Instalments can't be paid with PayPal.

Check the cancellation policy before you pay. It is set per home and ranges from a full refund up to 24 hours before check-in (Relaxed) to no refund at all (Non-refundable). The terms say the service fee is non-refundable outside the policy's refund window.

Plum Guide's own pages show no fixed sale calendar. Discounts are set by individual hosts. The tools Plum Guide gives hosts are Early Bird pricing for stays booked 90 or more days ahead, Last Minute pricing for stays starting within 5 days, weekly rates for 7 or more nights, monthly rates for 28 or more nights, and custom date-range discounts.

The most predictable saving is the non-refundable rate: a flat 10% off on homes that offer it, shown only for stays within the next 60 days. The help center also says hosts may come down another 10 to 20% on stays longer than about three months.

Plum Guide suits travelers who want a pre-screened private home and are willing to pay for less guesswork. Every listing is a whole private home, the photos and descriptions are written by Plum Guide rather than the host, and the drawbacks are listed up front. If a host cancels, Plum Guide says it will try to rehouse you in a home costing up to 20% more, or up to 50% more within 5 days of check-in. If it can't find one, you get a full refund.

It suits bargain hunters less. The selection is much smaller than the big rental platforms, many homes are high-end, the service fee can be as high as 22%, and many homes carry firm cancellation terms. Compare the total at checkout and read the cancellation tier before you book.