In the battle between homestays and hotels, personalisation wins

Until a few years ago, it was instinctive for me to book a luxury hotel on a holiday. Homestays and boutique properties were secondary options, often picked by those who wanted to ‘travel on a budget’. 

Those days are long gone. Today, holiday homes and homestays seem to have gained the ‘hot property’ status, with their seamless blend of luxury and comfort, enhanced with an element of personalisation. 

The first time I warmed up to the idea of living in a ‘home away from home’ was during the pandemic. As the world opened up and revenge travel was at its peak, my fatigued body (and soul) was aching to head out, but with caution. On a whim, I escaped to the hills of Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand and spent time with a senior couple and their dogs, who ensured I was treated like family. 

From having fresh flowers sent to my room every morning to being served some of the most delicious homestyle Indian and Chinese food, I was pampered every day. I still can't forget the aroma of fresh brownies wafting through the space each afternoon, preparing me for the gooey goodness that I was to bite into.  

This personal touch changed my perception of homestays, quelling my curiosity to explore more options in the future. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to book a homestay or a vacation rental until my recent trip to Goa in April. 

This time around, I consciously ditched the idea of a typical five-star hotel and booked myself a stay at BAIA Villas by Tellado in the quaint village of Mandrem in North Goa. Fortunately, it wasn't too far from the bustling pockets of Assagao and Vagator, yet offered respite from the madding crowds.

While the salmon-pink façade with blue arched windows and striking architectural elements like the lyrical roof and fluted walls caught my attention almost instantly, it was the personalisation and attention to detail that stayed with me long after I checked out of the property. 

A taste of local living 

While hotels have long been known to offer luxury through their modern amenities and gourmet food offerings, homestays attract guests for their warmth and cosy vibes, besides local experiences that enrich the stay. They are also more cost-effective with average prices ranging anywhere between Rs 5,000 to 15,000 per night with additional charges for meals. 

Priti Unniyal, a Content Manager from Mumbai, who calls herself an avid traveller, is grateful that her job offers enough flexibility for her to take off to different destinations every few months. 

In the last few years, she has traversed the length and breadth of the country, signing up for experiences that give her a taste of the local life. 

“When I was in Darjeeling, I stayed in a homestay that organised tea-tasting sessions within their space. When in Coorg, I went to spice plantations and also learnt the art of chocolate making. The last time I headed to Mukteshwar, my Airbnb host planned a cheese-making workshop. I think I always come back with so many stories and learnings,” says the 34-year-old.  

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A weekend getaway in the unexplored Sindhudurg, experiencing rustic luxury in Coco Shambhala

However, at amã Stays & Trails by IHCL, the idea is to go beyond the typical homestay experience. For instance, their villas in Goa have dedicated caretakers who live on-site, ensuring personalised attention. Moreover, there's a thoughtful curation of experiences handpicked for the guest based on their preferences. 

“Imagine going on a guided trek curated just for you, say a berry picking trail in a quaint village called Bastira when you stay at Hacienda de Bastora, Goa,” says Dr Anmol Ahluwalia, Area Director—Operations, IHCL Goa. 

Similarly, at BAIA, the experience was punctuated with everything that defines the Goan susegad life. I was treated to a homestyle Goan thali with surmai fish coated in rava, spicy prawn curry, rice, and bebinca. There was a dedicated chef assigned to take care of my meal preferences who went an extra mile to ensure I was served everything I craved. 

During my two days at the villa, I also sampled urrak, a traditional Goan beverage which is the first distillation from cashew apple juice; it is then fermented into feni. It was a little too strong for my liking, but I am glad I got a chance to taste it. 

“Each guest is special for us and everyone has a unique idea of a vacation. We recognise this and go out of our way to organise everything from fun dining experiences to workshops for cocktail making, to arranging a Sufi singer if someone has a request,” shares Rahul Agarwal, Managing Director, Tellado.

This thought also drives the success of SaffronStays, a leading provider of luxury villas, holiday homes, and rentals across some of India's most breathtaking locations like Karjat, Alibaug, Coonoor, Panchgani, and more. 

The company believes that travellers’ varied needs can’t be fulfilled with a one-size-fits-all approach. 

“Some guests require pet-friendly accommodations, while others look for villas with expansive lawns for their children to play. Additionally, many seek properties where special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, and even small and intimate weddings can be celebrated with ease and personal touches,” says Tejas Parulekar, Founder of SaffronStays. 

“Homestays and vacation villas offer this level of customisation. Imagine having an entire estate to yourself—that privacy is completely missing in cookie-cutter hotels and resorts,” she adds. 

In the case of villas or boutique cottages, the average price falls anywhere between Rs 20,000-50,000 per night since the entire space is let out for larger groups or families. 

The verdict 

While there's an increasing population that's looking for more homely options, there continue to be travellers who enjoy the comfort of a hotel, and want to have all the amenities available to them round the clock. 

“One can't have room service in the wee hours of the night in a homestay. Everything has a specific timing and you have to adhere to so many rules because you are living in someone's house. Staying in a hotel gives you so much freedom,” says Parikshit Mehta, an event manager from Chennai.

Parulekar believes the tilt is clear towards discerning travellers preferring personalised accommodation options. However, it's important to present to them options that aren't mediocre or substandard. 

“Most of them are looking for experiences to make their holidays unforgettable with activities like kayaking, barbecues, wood-fired pizza making, farm tours, planting or plucking vegetables and more,” she says. 

“This trend highlights the desire for not just a place to stay, but an immersive experience that adds value to their travel journey.” 

Between homestays and hotels, what do you prefer? Let us know.