Plum Guide Vacation Rentals That'll Make You Say Airbnb Who?

If you're not yet familiar with Plum Guide, let us be the first to introduce you. It's a lot like Vrbo and Airbnb, but it vets its properties extensively using home critics, a list of 150 criteria, and more. It aims to be to vacation rentals what the Michelin Guide is to restaurants. Plum Guide launched in 2016 and now has properties in 17 countries around the world, including around 4,000 here in the U.S. Here are some of our favorites. 

Rates and availability are subject to change.

Related: The Most Luxurious Airbnbs Around the World

Ojai, California | Sleeps 8
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Who knew a 1950s ranch could be this adorable? In addition to its cool boho-chic vibe, this property offers mountain views, a screened porch, and proximity to both beaches and hiking trails. With four bedrooms and two baths, this home can accommodate a couple of families, and the hosts provide bikes and games including cornhole, ping pong, and board games. 

Related: The Most Remote Vacation Rentals Around the World

Cascade Locks, Oregon | Sleeps 6
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Located just off the Columbia River, this 5-acre rental property offers a gourmet kitchen, hiking trails right outside the door, and a lovely outdoor space with a fire pit and Adirondack chairs. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms.

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Park City, Utah | Sleeps 12
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If a break from soaring summer temps in Park City sounds like your idea of a great vacation, grab a couple of families to accompany you to this six-bedroom and five-bath property that Plum Guide chose in part for its "alpine charm." Amenities here include a sauna, hot tub, and racquetball court. When you're done relaxing, you can relax some more in front of the outdoor fireplace with incredible views all around you.

Related: Vacation Rentals for Large Groups & Family Reunions

Destin, Florida | Sleeps 15
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It can be tough to find a rental that's not a condominium in sunny Destin, which is why we love this handsome six-bedroom, four-bath rental that's just a few blocks off the beach. It offers a communal pool, private terrace, and is within walking distance of the open-air Destin Commons mall.

Related: 23 Amazing Gulf Coast Beach Houses to Rent

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina | Sleeps 8
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Hilton Head is one of those locations that Plum Guide goes all in on — it has dozens of rentals in the area. We love this option for its beachy charm and embrace of color. It also has cool features like a wraparound porch, pool, and ping pong table, and guests won't have to go far to get to the beach, boardwalk, or nearby restaurants.

Related: Best Vacation Rentals With Indoor Pools

Southampton, New York | Sleeps 6
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Hamptons rentals don't typically come cheap, but this white-picket-fence option is pretty reasonable, all things considered. It's within walking distance of Sag Harbor's Main Street and Havens Beach, or just relax in the backyard and enjoy the chill neighborhood vibes. (Also, props for that killer bar cart.)

Related: 34 Amazing East Coast Beach Houses to Rent

Cave Creek, Arizona | Sleeps 12
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Located about 45 minutes north of Phoenix, Cave Creek is a funky little community filled with cool restaurants and bars and surrounded by gorgeous desert mountains and plenty of outdoor adventure. This six-bedroom, four-bath property can be your home base; it offers amenities like a swimming pool, wraparound deck, and a private tennis court.

Related: Spectacular Caves You Can Rent

Sharon, Connecticut | Sleeps 6
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Get your New England jam on with this historic property offering charm surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. There's a huge yard perfect for kids and pets to run around in, and the house is close enough for day trips to beautiful New Haven.

Related: Beautiful Barns and Farmhouses You Can Rent Across America

Provincetown, Massachusetts | Sleeps 6
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If you've always wanted to tour Cape Cod, this doesn't seem like a bad place to do it from. With three bedrooms, three baths, and a warm and cozy interior, this property is close to beaches and other tourist attractions, or just relax in the home's courtyard with a cocktail or coffee.

West Hollywood, California | Sleeps 6
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This three-bedroom, four-bathroom property offers a private oasis for anyone traveling to the L.A. area. It's within easy access to some of Los Angeles' most popular neighborhoods and includes amenities like a saltwater pool, outdoor shower, and indoor gym (with Peloton bike). It was also designed by WHY Architecture, which has helped create inspired spaces all over the world.

West Palm Beach, Florida | Sleeps 2
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Plum Guide calls this studio space "utterly Instagrammable," and we have to agree. From the dramatic platform bed to the sumptuous furniture, this rental — which even has its own tiny but functional kitchen — will make you the envy of your non-vacationing friends. Amenities include beach proximity, an outdoor dining space, and even a vintage Wurlitzer for musically-inclined guests.

Nashville | Sleeps 10
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Split between a few couples or a couple of families, this four-bedroom, three-bath rental becomes entirely affordable while providing a great home base for exploring the Athens of the South. It's located in Germantown, a neighborhood that's a short jaunt from downtown. Or stay closer to home and visit the area's restaurants, farmers market, and beer halls.

Charleston | Sleeps 11
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Plum Guide notes that this home has "character in abundance and cool, rustic style." With five bedrooms and three baths, it can accommodate a fairly large group and is surrounded by an outdoor space that includes massive oak trees, a fire pit, ambient lighting, and more. It's just a few blocks off the Copper River and is close to beaches, hiking trails, downtown, and more.

Greenwood Lake, New York | Sleeps 8
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Located about an hour and a half north of NYC, this three-bedroom, two-bath house gives city dwellers a respite from the hustle or provides tourists with fairly easy access to the city. It's about five minutes from scenic Greenwood Lake. Take in the surrounding nature from the large deck or hop onto one of the adjacent hiking trails to explore the area.

Related: 40 Free or Cheap Things to Do in New York City

Mountain Village, Colorado | Sleeps 8
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Located in the San Juan Mountains east of Telluride, this off-the-beaten-path vacation rental is a three-bedroom, three-bath cabin surrounded by hills and mountains with a stream and pond right by it. Relax in the hot tub while you soak up views of the surrounding peaks, in front of the fire, or while taking in a movie in the media room.

Washington, D.C. | Sleeps 2
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There are dozens of one-bedroom rentals available on Plum Guide in the nation's capital — we like this one for its chic and colorful furnishings, its proximity to nightlife, eateries, and more, and its rooftop terrace views of the city.

Chicago | Sleeps 6
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If the thought of touring the Windy City from your own urban apartment sounds like your idea of heaven, there are tons available through Plum Guide. We like the city skyline views, exposed brick, and open concept that this three-bedroom, two-bath option offers.