Question 1

How do I search for pet friendly properties?

Accepted Answer

Finding a pet-friendly vacation rental with Whimstay is a walk in the park! Simply follow the steps below. To find listings that allow pets 1. Enter your destination in Start your search… 2. Click Add Guests and select the Pets option 3. Click Apply 4. Click the Search button to unveil your pet-friendly getaway options Please note, even if a listing states it's pet-friendly, restrictions might still apply. For example, some properties might have limitations on the types or sizes of pets or rules about pets on furniture. So, it's always best to contact us to confirm that your furry friend can tag along on your vacation without a hitch! You can contact our traveler advocates at: support@whimstay.com

Question 2

What are your terms and conditions for promo codes?

Accepted Answer

Before Checkout: To snag the deal, enter your promo code before confirming your booking.
No Time Travel: Sorry, but you can't apply promo codes to past orders.
One at a Time: Each order only gets one promo code. No promo code combos!
Just for You: Promo codes can't be swapped for cash or credit and are not transferable.
Tick-Tock: Promo codes come with an expiration date. Use it before the clock runs out.
Heads Up: We reserve the right to modify or cancel promo codes anytime. Some listings or categories may not be eligible for promotions. Always check the specific terms attached to each promo code.

Question 3

What are Whimstay’s accepted methods of payment?

Accepted Answer

Whimstay accepts the following payment methods:
Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover)
Affirm
Credit or promo code
Please note: The list of available payment methods may vary based on the country you reside in. If your card doesn't work when you think it should, please email us at: support@whimstay.com and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Question 4

What does "pets allowed" mean for Whimstay rentals?

Accepted Answer

When a property indicates "pets allowed," that means it warmly welcomes your
four-legged family members. However, there might still be certain rules in
place. Always read through the property listing details for specifics and contact
our travel advocates for confirmation. They're waiting to assist you at
support@whimstay.com, and they love hearing about your furry friends!

Question 5

Are service animals allowed at properties listed on Whimstay?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! At Whimstay, we understand that service animals are not pets and that they serve an
essential function for their owners. Property managers are required to accept
service animals even if their property does not typically allow pets unless
there are unique health and safety circumstances. If you have any questions
regarding this policy or need to confirm details about a specific property, our
traveler advocacy team is ready to assist. Please reach out to them at
support@whimstay.com.

Question 6

Where does your “was” price come from?

Accepted Answer

Our price comparison is calculated by taking the average rate of the vacation rental in the market and comparing it to Whimstay’s exclusive discounted rates. The savings per night (the one you see on the listing summary that says “save $/night”) is the average dollar amount you will save per night by booking on Whimstay.

Question 7

How do I contact the property manager of the vacation rental I booked?

Accepted Answer

After you make a reservation on Whimstay, you will receive a confirmation email with the property manager’s full contact information listed as well as the address for the property.

Question 8

What makes Whimstay different?

Accepted Answer

Whimstay offers exclusive last-minute deals that can’t be found anywhere else! Our rates will always be lower than the other major vacation rental sites. Find your next escape with ease at unbeatable prices only with Whimstay!

Question 9

How does Whimstay get the best deals?

Accepted Answer

Whimstay negotiates exclusive discounts with professional property management companies to secure the best rates on last-minute bookings, ensuring your spontaneous trips are exciting and affordable!

Question 10

Who manages the properties on Whimstay?

Accepted Answer

Every Whimstay property is managed by seasoned professional property management companies, guaranteeing clean, comfortable, well-maintained, and expertly curated vacation rentals along with supportive customer service throughout your stay.

Question 11

Can I use Affirm to pay for my booking?

Accepted Answer

When booking a stay that's 100 days away or sooner, Affirm becomes an available payment option for you. However, if your booking falls outside this timeframe, Affirm won't be an option. Curious about how Affirm works? Learn more here.

Question 12

What is Whimstay's cancelation policy?

Accepted Answer

For bookings 0-60 days from check-in no cancelations or refunds are permitted. For bookings more than 60 days away from check-in, please email: support@whimstay.com to inquire if the property is eligible for cancelation. All cancelations are subject to a service fee. Please note, if you have purchased travel insurance, these conditions may not apply to your situation. For detailed information on how travel insurance can offer additional flexibility, please refer to our Travel Insurance FAQs.

Question 13

Where can I purchase travel insurance after I've made my reservation?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase travel insurance by visiting this link <insert microsite link>. Please be aware of the terms for purchasing each type of insurance:

For Standard travel insurance, you can purchase it:

At the time of initial booking. 
At any time 30 days or more from the check-in date. 
Within 5 days of booking when less than 30 days from check-in. 
For "Cancel for Any Reason" travel insurance, you can purchase it:

At the time of initial booking. 
Within 14 days of initial booking.  
No purchase is allowed less than 30 days before check-in. 
Remember, these options are designed to offer flexibility and protection for your travel plans.

Question 14

How does the California 24-hour cancelation refund law (SB 644) affect Whimstay's cancelation policy?

Accepted Answer

Starting July 1, 2024, guests booking California vacation rentals through Whimstay can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, provided the booking is made at least 72 hours before check-in. This law does not apply to reservations made for negotiated rates that are not advertised or made available to the general public.

Question 15

Where can I purchase travel insurance after I've made my reservation?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase travel insurance by visiting this link <insert microsite link>. Please be aware of the terms for purchasing each type of insurance:

Question 16

What if I want to change the dates of my stay and I’m inside the 60-day window?

Accepted Answer

If you're looking to change the dates of your stay and are within 0-60 days from your scheduled check-in, we unfortunately cannot accommodate adjustments to your reservation. Our policy does not allow for cancelations, refunds, or changes to bookings within this time frame. We recommend carefully reviewing your travel plans before finalizing your booking to ensure the dates meet your needs. For bookings more than 60 days away from check-in, please email: support@whimstay.com to inquire if the property is eligible for cancelation.

Question 17

What are the rules for purchasing "Cancel for Any Reason" travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase "Cancel for Any Reason" travel insurance at the following times:

At time of initial booking 
Within 14 days of initial booking 
No purchase allowed less than 30 days before check-in 
To view all the benefits included in the "Cancel for Any Reason” insurance option, click here <insert link>

Question 18

Can I buy travel insurance if my trip is less than a month away?

Accepted Answer

For trips less than 30 days away, you can still purchase Standard travel insurance within 5 days of making your booking, but "Cancel for Any Reason" travel insurance will not be available.

Question 19

Does Whimstay offer travel insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Whimstay offers two types of travel insurance to ensure peace of mind: Standard Travel Insurance and "Cancel for Any Reason" Insurance, both underwritten by Nationwide. These policies are crafted to offer comprehensive protection and flexibility for various booking and travel scenarios. Rules for Purchasing "Standard" Travel Insurance: At the time of initial booking. Any time 30 days or more from the check-in date. Within 5 days of booking when less than 30 days from check-in. Some benefits of purchasing Standard Travel Insurance: 100% coverage for over 30 standard trip cancelation or interruption reasons, including illness, injury, travel delays, and more. Unique coverage reasons such as being required to work or auto accidents. Coverage for trip costs up to $100,000. To view all the benefits included in the Standard Travel insurance option, click here Rules for Purchasing “Cancel for Any Reason” Travel Insurance: At the time of initial booking. Within 14 days of initial booking. No purchase allowed less than 30 days before check-in. Some benefits of purchasing "Cancel for Any Reason" Insurance: 100% coverage for over 30 standard trip cancelation or interruption reasons. 75% coverage for cancelations made for any reason. Coverage for trip costs up to $100,000. To view all the benefits included in the "Cancel for Any Reason” insurance option, click here These insurance options ensure that your travel plans are safeguarded against a wide range of unforeseen circumstances, allowing you to book and travel with confidence.

Question 20

Does it cost anything to use Affirm to pay for my purchase over time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, when you choose to pay for your purchase using Affirm at checkout, there is an additional 5% service fee. This fee is applied to help cover the cost of offering this flexible payment option. It allows you to spread out your payment over time, making your booking more manageable financially. Please consider this extra cost when deciding to use Affirm for your purchase to ensure it fits your budgeting needs.

Question 21

When can I purchase Standard travel insurance for my booking?

Accepted Answer

You can purchase Standard travel insurance at the following times:

At time of initial booking 
At any time 30 Days or more from check in date 
Within 5 days of booking when less than 30 days from check in 
To view all the benefits included in the Standard Travel insurance option, click here <insert link>

Question 22

What is the minimum age requirement to rent a property?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age needed to rent varies from property to property, as each host sets their own requirements. To make sure you meet the age criteria for a specific property, check the details listed on its page. Remember, this age requirement applies to the primary renter—the person making the booking. If you have any questions or if anything's unclear, don't hesitate to contact us at support@whimstay.com. We're always here to help!

Question 23

How does Whimstay ensure the authenticity of reviews?

Accepted Answer

Authenticity is key at Whimstay. We only accept reviews from verified users through trusted partners who ensure that all feedback comes from real experiences. This rigorous process helps maintain the reliability of the information you rely on.

Question 24

What can I do if I disagree with a review about a property?

Accepted Answer

If a review seems off, just reach out to us at support@whimstay.com. While we don’t alter reviews upon request, we do offer a clear process for challenging a review that may violate our guidelines.

Question 25

How often are reviews updated?

Accepted Answer

We keep our reviews up-to-date, continuously incorporating the latest feedback from travelers and updates to properties, ensuring you have the most current information at your fingertips.

Question 26

How does Whimstay handle policy violations in reviews?

Accepted Answer

We’re serious about the credibility of our reviews. Any review that breaches our guidelines is subject to removal, ensuring that you only get the most reliable and honest feedback.

Question 27

What are the standards for published reviews?

Accepted Answer

We hold our reviews to high standards—they must be unbiased, detailed, and comply with our content guidelines. This helps ensure that the insights you read truly enhance your booking decision.

Question 28

Where do Whimstay’s property reviews come from?

Accepted Answer

Our reviews are gathered from diverse sources, including property managers’ websites, integrated systems, and trusted online travel platforms, ensuring a wide range of honest opinions and transparent information.

Question 29

Why does Whimstay display reviews?

Accepted Answer

At Whimstay, we believe in building a community of trust. That’s why we share reviews — to ensure all feedback is authentic, honest, and helpful, guiding our users to make informed decisions.

Question 30

Can I cancel my booking close to the check-in date?

Accepted Answer

For bookings within 0-60 days of your check-in date, we are unable to offer cancelations or refunds.  For bookings more than 60 days away from check-in, please email: support@whimstay.com to inquire if the property is eligible for cancelation. Please be certain of your plans when booking close to your travel dates. If you're looking for more flexibility, consider choosing one of our awesome travel insurance options, which can provide additional peace of mind for your trip. All cancelations are subject to a service fee.

Question 31

Where do I find my check-in information?

Accepted Answer

After booking,
you'll receive a confirmation email from Whimstay with your host's details.
Your host will send your check-in information before your arrival. Timing
varies, so keep an eye out! If you haven't received it, contact your host
directly. For some bookings, like those hosted by Booking.com, check-in details
are included in your confirmation email under "Important
Information."

Question 32

Does Whimstay offer same-day bookings?

Accepted Answer

Not every host who lists their properties on Whimstay allows for same-day bookings – though some do! The good news is every listing on our site can be booked instantly (versus having to wait for the host to confirm your reservation request), which makes it easy to secure a stay as soon as tomorrow!
If the particular property you're interested in doesn't allow you to book a stay with a check-in date for today, we'd be more than happy to assist you with looking for alternate rentals, if available.

Question 33

How do you choose the vacation rentals you list on Whimstay?

Accepted Answer

Whimstay only works with professional property managers. This ensures that the properties listed on our platform are clean, consistent with descriptions, and managed with expertise and the highest service standards.

Question 34

Where are your properties located?

Accepted Answer

Whimstay currently has properties located across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Question 35

Where do the reviews and ratings for Whimstay properties come from?

Accepted Answer

Our property ratings are sourced directly from professional property management companies listing their vacation rentals on Whimstay. These stars come from real feedback by travelers just like you, ensuring that the reviews and ratings on our site accurately reflect genuine guest experiences. Our aim is to provide transparent and reliable information, helping you make well-informed decisions about your accommodations.

Question 36

Can I book beyond the 30-day booking window?

Accepted Answer

At Whimstay, we're your go-to for the best last-minute deals within the next 30 days! But guess what? For those who love a good plan, you can snag fabulous rates on vacation rentals up to 330 days in advance. Whether it’s a spontaneous getaway or a well-planned journey, we’ve got your stay covered!

Question 37

Is my credit card information secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we encrypt all credit card information and are PCI compliant. Our payment system abides by the strictest anti-fraud protection requirements.

Question 38

Where can I find the most accurate rates for each listing?

Accepted Answer

The initial pricing you see on the listings when searching by city is an average nightly rate over the next three-weeks. To find the most accurate pricing, please click on a property, select your desired dates, and click “Book Now”. This page will include the most accurate nightly rate, taxes, and fees.

Question 39

Where does your price comparison come from?

Accepted Answer

Our price comparison is calculated by taking the average rate of the vacation rental in the market and comparing it to Whimstay’s exclusive discounted rates. The savings per night is the average dollar amount you will save per night by booking on Whimstay.

Question 40

How do I report damage in the property I have rented?

Accepted Answer

Please report any damage directly to the property manager. Property manager contact information is provided in the booking confirmation page and in the booking confirmation email.

Question 41

If I give Whimstay my credit card to pay for my reservation, why is a credit card sometimes required at check-in by the property manager?

Accepted Answer

Whimstay collects full payment for your reservation at the time of booking. The funds for your booking are then transferred directly to the property manager to cover your stay. We never store or send your credit card information to the property manager, so a credit card might be required at check-in by the property manager to cover any incidentals.
If you ever have questions or concerns about anyone contacting you to verify your credit card, or inquire about further information regarding your stay, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance.

Question 42

What is your privacy policy?

Accepted Answer

You can review Whimstay’s privacy policy.

Question 43

How do I contact Whimstay customer support?

Accepted Answer

Please email us at support@whimstay.com

Question 44

What are your terms and conditions?

Accepted Answer

You can review all of Whimstay’s terms and conditions.

Question 45

I need to change the phone number on my account. How do I change this?

Accepted Answer

Please contact Whimstay Customer Support at support@whimstay.com to update the phone number associated with your account.

Question 46

How do I edit my account information?

Accepted Answer

Go to Settings then click Profile. Once you are in your profile, click edit and update your information.

Question 47

What is the relationship between Whimstay and Booking.com?

Accepted Answer

Some properties on
Whimstay are listed through our partnership with Booking.com. These properties
offer the same level of support as all Whimstay listings. If you have questions
about a specific property, please reach out to us at support@whimstay.com.

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