Homestay vs. Staying in a Hotel: A Less Expensive Way to Travel?

When looking for a place to stay for you and your family while on vacation or overnight trips, you may want to consider homestay services, which provide an alternative to hotels, motels, inns and guest houses.

Staying in a homestay will often be a less expensive way to travel than staying in a hotel, but that probably isn’t the only thing you should factor in when choosing an accommodation. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding between a homestay or hotel:

Pros of a homestay:

• Often less expensive
• Could lead to a more “immersive” travel experience (via local hosts, other guests)
• Hosts could become friends

Cons of a homestay:

• Descriptions and pictures of the facility could be deceptive
• Has potential for hidden fees
• Your possessions may not be as secure

Pros of a hotel:

• Room clean-up, room service, front desk services
• Relatively easy process for booking a room
• Your possessions may be more secure

Cons of a hotel:

• Often more expensive
• May not be in an ideal location
• Could be noisy or not kept clean

There’s no definitive answer to whether a homestay or hotel will always be the better and more budget-friendly choice, so it’s important to read reviews, do your own research and make a decision based on you and your family’s needs.