Question 1

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 sent to you by Whimstay. If you’re missing check-in information and still aren’t sure where to find it, feel free to reach out to us at support@whimstay.com

Question 2

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 3

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.

Question 4

Why does Whimstay display reviews?

Accepted Answer

At Whimstay, we are dedicated to fostering trust between our hosts and travelers. Displaying reviews helps ensure that all feedback is authentic, honest, and useful for our users, aiding them in making informed decisions.

Question 5

Where do Whimstay’s property reviews come from?

Accepted Answer

We source reviews from a variety of channels to maintain transparency and provide a broad perspective. These include property managers’ websites, integrated property management systems, and established online travel agencies.

Question 6

What are the standards for published reviews?

Accepted Answer

To maintain integrity, published reviews must be unbiased, packed with relevant details, and adhere to our content policy detailed in our terms and conditions. Reviews should add value and assist other users in understanding what to expect.

Question 7

How does Whimstay handle policy violations in reviews?

Accepted Answer

We take the integrity of our reviews seriously. Reviews that do not comply with our policy may be removed. This action includes erasing any related ratings and content. Removal is a measure of last resort, undertaken only when there is a definitive breach of our guidelines.

Question 8

How often are reviews updated?

Accepted Answer

Our reviews are updated continuously to ensure that the latest feedback from travelers and any changes to properties are accurately reflected.

Question 9

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

Accepted Answer

If you disagree with a review or believe it to be inaccurate, you can contact us directly at: support@whimstay.com. While we do not change reviews based on a request, there are processes in place for disputing a review that you believe violates our guidelines.

Question 10

How does Whimstay ensure the authenticity of reviews?

Accepted Answer

Whimstay relies on trusted property managers, integrated property management systems, and established online travel agencies to source reviews. We work closely with these partners to ensure that all reviews come from verified users who have actually used the services or stayed at the listings. Our partners employ strict verification processes during the review collection phase to maintain the authenticity and reliability of the feedback provided.

Question 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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 19

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 20

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 21

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 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

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 26

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 27

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 28

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 29

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 30

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 31

Where are your properties located?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 32

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 33

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 34

Why does Whimstay require ID verification for some bookings?

Accepted Answer

Whimstay partners with Stripe to securely verify ID for certain bookings. If ID verification is required for your reservation, you'll be prompted to complete the process after checkout. Additionally, you'll receive notifications via text message and email if your booking requires ID verification to confirm your reservation. This step helps ensure a safe and secure experience for all our travelers and hosts.

Question 35

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 36

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 37

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 38

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 39

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 40

What is your privacy policy?

Accepted Answer

You can review Whimstay’s privacy policy.

Question 41

How do I contact Whimstay customer support?

Accepted Answer

Please email us at support@whimstay.com

Question 42

What are your terms and conditions?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 43

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 44

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 45

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 46

What is Whimstay’s cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

What is Whimstay’s cancellation policy? 
Whimstay offers cancellation options to help ensure your stay fits your needs best! The specific policy for your booking will be displayed on the property details page and during checkout. Here are the possible options: 
 
Flexible-Plus (7 Days): Eligible for a 50% refund, less the cancellation fee, up to 7 days before check-in. 
Flexible (14 Days): Eligible for a full refund, less the cancellation fee, up to 14 days before check-in. 
Moderate (30 Days): Eligible for a full refund, less the cancellation fee, up to 30 days before check-in. 
Strict (60 Days): Eligible for a full refund, less the cancellation fee, up to 60 days before check-in. 
 
Please be sure to note the cancellation policy for the property you choose before finalizing your booking.

Question 47

How can I cancel my booking?

Accepted Answer

1. Confirm Your Cancellation Eligibility
Check your confirmation email or view your booking details in the Bookings tab on our website or mobile app to see if your reservation is within the cancellation period.
2. Contact Customer Service
Contact customer service at help.whimstay.com. Our team is happy to help with cancellation and next steps based on your booking’s cancellation policy.

Question 48

What is the cancellation fee?

Accepted Answer

All bookings canceled after 24 hours of the reservation confirmation (and are eligible for cancellation) are subject to a cancellation fee in the amount of the service fee on your booking. 
 
If you cancel within 24 hours of booking (for bookings made at least 72 hours in advance of check-in), no cancellation fee applies, and you will receive a full refund.

Question 49

How long will it take to receive a refund?

Accepted Answer

Refunds are sent right away by Whimstay, but it can take up to 10 days for your bank or credit card issues to process the refund and reflect it in your account. The exact timing depends on your financial institution’s policies.

Question 50

Can I see the cancellation policy before booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The cancellation policy is displayed on the property detail page and during checkout, ensuring you can review the policy before making payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Searching for your stay

How do I search for pet friendly properties?

What does "pets allowed" mean for Whimstay rentals?

Are service animals allowed at properties listed on Whimstay?

What makes Whimstay different?

Who manages the properties on Whimstay?

Does Whimstay offer same-day bookings?

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

Where are your properties located?

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

Can I book beyond the 30-day booking window?

Booking and reservations

Where do I find my check-in information?

What is the relationship between Whimstay and Booking.com?

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

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

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

Does Whimstay offer travel insurance?

When can I purchase Standard travel insurance for my booking?

What is the minimum age requirement to rent a property?

Why does Whimstay require ID verification for some bookings?

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

What is Whimstay’s cancellation policy?

How can I cancel my booking?

What is the cancellation fee?

How long will it take to receive a refund?

Can I see the cancellation policy before booking?

Payments and pricing

What are Whimstay’s accepted methods of payment?

Where does your “was” price come from?

How does Whimstay get the best deals?

Can I use Affirm to pay for my booking?

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

Is my credit card information secure?

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

Where does your price comparison come from?

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

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?

Reviews

Why does Whimstay display reviews?

Where do Whimstay’s property reviews come from?

What are the standards for published reviews?

How does Whimstay handle policy violations in reviews?

How often are reviews updated?

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

How does Whimstay ensure the authenticity of reviews?

Your account

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

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

What is your privacy policy?

How do I contact Whimstay customer support?

What are your terms and conditions?

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

How do I edit my account information?

Promo Code

What are your terms and conditions for promo codes?

What guests are saying

Explore

Top Destinations