Is Whimstay the New Airbnb? For Last Minute Vacationers, It Could Be.

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Whimstay condo bedroom
Quirky Whimstay Bedroom. Photo credit: Mary Beth Skylis

Whimstay is a newcomer to the vacation rentals industry, focused on discounted last-minute bookings for travelers who plan on the fly.

Highlights

  • Specializes in last-minute bookings (up to 30 days in advance)
  • Simple, Airbnb-like booking and check-in process
  • Homey properties with full amenities

The writer was hosted.

Whimstay: The Newest Private Rentals App

Airbnb has been the king of lodging since its emergence in 2008. But now there’s a new player in the arena. Whimstay is a vacation rental platform that specializes in last-minute bookings. The idea is that the company can provide discounted rentals for those who aren’t the best at planning or who have to pivot to accommodate their plans.

I booked a staycation with Whimstay this summer for the first time, and found the rates to be reasonable. The property I booked was clean, centrally located, and it felt like I was stepping into a home away from home.

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How Does Whimstay Work?

Whimstay condo living room
The Living Room. Photo credit: Mary Beth Skylis

Up to a month in advance of your stay, Whimstay properties become available to book. Like any hotel booking, you simply head to the Whimstay website, search for a property in your desired location, and book directly through the website.

Bookers can filter listings based on guest rating, price, and best value to find the option that best fits their needs.

What’s the Check-In Process Like?

The check-in process varies from property to property, but prior to arriving at my stay, I received an email with two entry codes. One of the codes allowed me to gain entrance into the building. The second was a key code that permitted me to get into the condo I had rented.

The whole process was intuitive, natural, and felt just like a standard Airbnb rental experience.

What Are Whimstay Properties Like?

Whimstay master bedroom
Master Bedroom. Photo credit: Mary Beth Skylis

The property I booked was located in RINO, Denver’s art district. The area is known for its industrial roots, food scene and creativity. The condo I rented was clean, spacious and conveniently located within walking distance to a variety of businesses.

The master bedroom was spacious and overlooked the city below. It was attached to a full-sized bathroom and it had all of the basic soap amenities one might need.

Additional Condo Amenities

Whimstay porch
The Porch. Photo credit: Mary Beth Skylis

The condo also came with a spacious kitchen, a generous living room, and a porch, which made it really easy to spread out and enjoy the space.

Unlike a traditional hotel room, this space was like a home away from home, providing me with all of the pots and pans, soaps, and dish towels that were necessary to make it feel like I was borrowing someone’s home for a spell.

Conclusion

In the world of travel, it’s always comforting to find lodging options that make you feel at home. While traditional hotels have their place in the world, sometimes all the heart desires is a place that feels like home.

Whimstay is a great option for those who don’t plan far in advance (like me) or those who need to pivot at the last minute.

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Mary Beth Skylis is a freelance journalist who specializes in adventure content and travel. She currently works as a columnist for Backpacker Magazine. She also has by-lines in Women’s Health, Outside Magazines, Trail Runner, Climbing, SELF, Yellow Scene, REI, and Alaska Magazine. When she isn’t writing, she can typically be found in the Rocky Mountains.Follow her on Instagram: @h1kertrash
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