Choosing A Hotel Tips & Know About Paradigm Shift from Hotels to Homestays?

1. About

In this article, we will read about choosing a hotel tips or choosing a homestay tips. We will also read about the paradigm shift from hotels to homestays and how it is transforming the travel and hospitality industry.

Over the past decade, there has been a significant paradigm shift in the travel and hospitality industry. Traditional hotels, which have long been the go-to option for travelers, are facing increasing competition from homestays, also known as vacation rentals or short-term rentals.

Homestays refer to the practice of renting out a private residence or part of it to travelers for short stays, often facilitated through online platforms such as Go Ibibo, Airbnb, HomeAway, Booking.com and VRBO.

This shift in travel accommodation preferences has been driven by changing consumer preferences, evolving travel behaviors, and advancements in technology.

The Pandemic has further added to this paradigm shift as there are more tourists looking for Homestays than Hotels. So it’s basically Health Tourism which is picking up in Hill states like Himachal Pradesh, and Uttaranchal more than ever before. What pushes this demand further is the requirement “work-from-home “!!

The requirement is for Homestays somewhere in the valley or on the mountain range with Wi-Fi connectivity for 4-5 weeks and accommodation for a full family or group of families.

[Wi-Fi in the valley of the mountain range could be practically difficult to achieve. Ultimately, it’s only your mobile phone HOT SPOT that you can rely upon provided signals strength is fair]

2. My Observation

I had taken some screenshots of the requirements, you can see them in the succeeding paragraph. All these requirements clearly indicate that it’s an arrangement for isolation and at the same time remaining fully functional and connected to the rest of the world.

What scares tourists the most nowadays is their inability to remain in touch with the rest of the world through social media.

3.Merits of Homestay Over A Hotel

In my opinion, the following merits would ease you out and drive you toward the Homestays –

3.1 Following protocols is not mandatory

Having stayed in Homestays, the merit I see is that one doesn’t have to follow a protocol. You won’t be reminded that the buffet for complimentary breakfast is closing shortly so hurry up and be available in the restaurant!!

3.2 Kitchen Available/Food Guaranteed

There is a kitchen cabinet available having all the groceries stored. You can get out of bed any time, prepare a fluffy omelet, and enjoy it with herbal tea. Sit outside on a sunny deck to enjoy your breakfast. How interesting this illustration is? More interesting is going to be your experience.

3.3 Dishwashing? Not on vacation !!

Are you worried about the dishwashing part?  Well, you don’t have to be, most of the Homestays have maids arranged to do so. They would come at a specific time and clean your rooms & do dishwashing as well.

3.4 Nature Walks

You can take walk around the Homestay, their organic fields & pick up their produce. The homestay team will have something traditional to offer like local entertainment groups. This freedom and a clean environment are definitely going to bring your stress levels down.

3.5 Interaction & Friendship

Mostly the Homestays have the owners also staying in the same property and you can interact with them to know more about the culture, place & traditions. Sometimes this interaction ends up in making lifelong friends.

While I am writing this, Sehnaz Treasurywala an Indian actress, TV host, writer, and travel vlogger & Rocky-Myur of “High Way On my Plate” fame are doing the same i.e visiting valleys & Hills, staying in Homestays, enjoying local Food !!

4. Reasons for Paradigm Shift

4.1 Changing Consumer Preferences

One of the main drivers of the shift from hotels to homestays is changing consumer preferences. Today’s travelers, especially millennials and Gen Z, seek unique and personalized experiences when they travel, and they often prioritize authenticity and immersion in local culture over traditional hotel amenities.

Homestays provide travelers with the opportunity to stay in local neighborhoods, interact with local hosts, and experience the destination as a local, which is highly appealing to this generation of travelers.

Moreover, homestays often offer more space, flexibility, and privacy compared to hotels, which are especially attractive to families, groups of friends, and business travelers who may need a home-like environment for an extended stay.

4.2 Evolving Travel Behaviors

Travel behaviors have also evolved, contributing to the paradigm shift from hotels to homestays. Today’s travelers are increasingly looking for unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences, and they are more likely to choose accommodations that align with their travel interests and preferences.

Homestays offer a wide variety of accommodation options, from cozy cottages in the woods to chic city lofts, from beachside bungalows to countryside farmhouses, and everything in between.

This diversity in accommodation types allows travelers to find a homestay that fits their specific travel needs and desires, making their trip more memorable and fulfilling.

Additionally, homestays are often located in local neighborhoods away from touristy areas, offering travelers a chance to explore and discover hidden gems that may not be easily accessible when staying in a hotel.

4.3 Advancements in Technology

Advancements in technology have also played a significant role in the paradigm shift from hotels to homestays. Online platforms such as Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO have disrupted the traditional hotel industry by providing a user-friendly and convenient way for travelers to book homestays directly from hosts.

These platforms offer a wide range of homestay options, with detailed descriptions, reviews, and photos, allowing travelers to make informed decisions based on their preferences and budget.

Moreover, the seamless online booking process, secure payment systems, and customer support offered by these platforms have built trust and confidence among travelers, making homestays a viable and reliable alternative to hotels.

Technology has also empowered homeowners to become hosts by providing them with the tools and resources to list, manage, and promote their homestays, creating a vast and diverse inventory of accommodations around the world.

4.4 Impacts on the Travel and Hospitality Industry

The paradigm shift from hotels to homestays has had significant impacts on the travel and hospitality industry. Traditional hotels have had to adapt and innovate to stay relevant in the face of competition from homestays.

Many hotels have started incorporating homestay-like features such as boutique hotels with unique designs, local experiences, and personalized services to attract travelers who are seeking authentic and immersive experiences.

4.5 Do we have STAR properties in Homestays?

The answer is “Yes”. Some aficionados have raised their standards so much that the properties qualify as STAR properties. These Homestays exceed the pre-requisites set for a Homestay by the regulatory authorities.

Some hotels have also partnered with homestay platforms or launched their own homestay divisions to capture a share of the growing market.

5. Choosing A Hotel Tips

Choosing the right hotel can make a big difference in the quality of your trip. Here are some tips to help you choose the best hotel:

5.1 Set a budget

Decide on a budget before you start looking for hotels. This will help you narrow down your options and avoid overspending.

5.2 Location

Consider the location of the hotel and choose one that is convenient for your travel needs. If you’re traveling for business, you may want to stay near the convention center or other business district. If you’re on vacation, you may want to stay near popular tourist attractions.

5.3 Amenities

Look for hotels that offer the amenities you need, such as a fitness center, pool, or complimentary breakfast. Check if there are any additional fees for these amenities.

5.4 Reviews

Read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of the hotel’s quality and customer service. Check multiple sources to get a balanced view.

5.5 Accessibility

Consider the accessibility of the hotel for those with disabilities, including wheelchair accessibility and special accommodations.

5.6 Reputation

Choose a hotel with a good reputation in the industry. You can do research online or ask for recommendations from friends and family.

5.7 Safety

Check the safety features of the hotel, including fire exits, security cameras, and on-site security personnel.

5.8 Brand loyalty

Consider staying at a hotel brand that you are familiar with and trust. Many hotel chains offer loyalty programs that provide benefits to frequent guests.

5.9 Value

Finally, consider the value you are getting for your money. Compare prices and amenities to get the best deal possible.

6. Choosing A Homestay Tips

Choosing the right homestay can greatly enhance your travel experience. Here are some tips to help you choose the best homestay:

6.1 Research

Do your research and look for homestays in the area you want to stay. Check online reviews and ratings from previous guests.

6.2 Location

Consider the location of the homestay and choose one that is convenient for your travel needs. If you’re on vacation, you may want to stay near popular tourist attractions. If you’re traveling for business, you may want to stay near the business district.

6.3 Amenities

Look for homestays that offer the amenities you need, such as Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a kitchen. Check if there are any additional fees for these amenities.

6.4 Host

Consider the personality of the host and their availability to help you during your stay. You can ask questions before booking to get a sense of their personality and how helpful they are.

6.5 House Rules

Check the house rules before booking to ensure that they align with your preferences. Some homestays may have restrictions on smoking, pets, or alcohol.

6.6 Cultural Experience

Homestays can provide a unique cultural experience, so consider the opportunity to learn more about the local culture from your host.

6.7 Safety

Check the safety features of the homestay, including locks on doors and windows, fire extinguishers, and smoke detectors.

6.8 Value

Finally, consider the value you are getting for your money. Compare prices and amenities to get the best deal possible.

By following these tips, you can choose a homestay that provides a comfortable and enjoyable stay during your travels.