While
a lot of people (we included) have been talking about homestays being the
preferred choice these days amongst travelers of every kind, many of us may
face the dilemma of “how” to go about choosing the right homestay.
The
word of mouth reference from friends seems like the best way to ensure a
delightful and safe stay, there may be times when we have to make choices on
our own in a new place.
As
travelers, for us, the choice of homestays is ever increasing in the Indian market.
We decided to give you a heads up to 10 things you must look at while zeroing
down to any homestay.
1.
Conveniently located
The location of the homestay has to be
convenient. Easily accessible from public transport, market areas and the city.
Unless you are specifically looking for being away from the city, the location
must be a place where local commutation is easy.
(Picture Courtesy - www.photopin.com)
2.
Reviews are available
online with reference checks
(picture courtesy - www.photopin.com, www.airbnb.com)
The homestay must have reviews
available for you to check online. A Tripadvisor rating always holds good in
short listing the places you are looking at. You may want to read reviews from
the likes of tripadvisor, lonely planet and other popular Online Travel Agents
(OTAs)
3.
Warm and easily
accessible hosts
The hosts of the homestay generally live
in the property. This is a benchmark to decide a good place for yourself. Hosts
should be warm and easy to approach. At the very outset, while shortlisting,
you could check how early they respond to your mail, how easily are they
available telephonically and are they able to provide you with relevant answers
to your queries.
4.
First hand local
information
The place must have people who live or
work there providing you with information about the place, culture, commute,
places to visit and everything “local” about the city that you are visiting.
Travel tips, guides and quick trivia should be part of the conversation you
have with the hosts or the staff.
5. Homestay must have a soul of its own.
The home in any city reflects local
culture and flavor. The homestay should must have a “feel” and “sense” of being
part of the city. The décor, aesthetics and interiors must make you feel “at
home” and a “part” of the city.
6.
Comfortable rooms of
3 * hotel standards
The rooms must be well ventilated,
clean, hygienic and like a 3 * property if not better. The rooms should be
comfortable with basic amenities and should give you a very “homey” feeling.
7.
Breakfast and home
made meals
The concept is that of a bed and breakfast
so check the kind of breakfast menu being served. Is there a flexibility of
having the meal you prefer or is there a set menu that you have to go by. Check
if there is an option of the other meals of the day. If so, are home made meals
being served or meals are ordered in.
8.
Flexibility of using
amenities
Check the amenities within the
homestay. There could be availability of parking, play area, a meeting room,
wifi. There are some places that even provide you with local transport etc.
Have a look at what is being offered and check the usage fee.
9.
Crowd friendly but
not crowded
The homestay should be friendly towards
its guests and should use discretion with regards to the choice of guests it is
hosting. Thereby, ensuring safety of other guests. It should not be utterly
crowded that you do not feel comfortable.
10.
Privacy but not
Private
The homestay for all reasons is a house
open to visitors. However, it should ensure your privacy amongst all the other
guests. In the meanwhile, it should also not be too private that you are just a
guest and don’t get an opportunity to be part of the family hosting you.
Armed
with these basic tips, homestays are a great choice for vacationers, business
travelers, students, solo travelers, women travelers. With the statistics all
in favor of this growing segment in the hospitality industry, you can be
assured that homestays are here to “stay”!
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