Guesthouse or Homestay: What to choose?

In the world of travel and accommodation, we often hear the terms guesthouse And homestay. But what is it exactly? How to choose between these two types of accommodation during your stays in the city or in the great outdoors? In this article, we will guide you through these two concepts, present their respective advantages and help you make the right choice according to your needs and aspirations.

What is a Guesthouse?

The guesthouse, or guest house in French, is a type of establishment that offers guest rooms to travelers. Unlike a hotel, a guesthouse is generally a house or villa transformed into a place ofaccommodation, run by hosts who are often the owners themselves.

In a guesthouse, you have the possibility to rent one or more rooms for the duration of your stay. Prices vary depending on geographic location, comfort rooms, services offered and the reputation of the establishment.

The major advantage of a guesthouse is its warm and family atmosphere. Hosts are generally very welcoming, ready to share their knowledge of the city or region, to give advice on sites to visit or restaurants to try.

What is a Homestay?

L’homestay, or homestay in French, is another very popular accommodation option among travelers seeking authenticity. In a homestay, you stay in the home of a local resident who welcomes you as a guest.

It’s a very different experience from staying in a hotel or guesthouse. You share your host’s daily life, participate in their activities, discover their culture and traditions from the inside. The prices of a homestay depend on the accommodation conditions, location and activities offered by the host.

The biggest advantage of a homestay is the cultural immersion it offers. You have the opportunity to live like a local, learn their language and customs, taste their home cooking and meet enriching people.

How to choose between Guesthouse and Homestay?

The choice between a guesthouse and a homestay depends above all on your personal preferences, your expectations and your budget.

If you are looking for a family atmosphere, a personalized welcome and services more or less similar to those of a hotel, the guesthouse is a very good option. It’s also a great choice if you’re traveling with family or a group, as you can rent multiple rooms in the same house.

On the other hand, if you want to live an authentic experience, discover a culture from the inside and share the daily life of a local resident, the homestay is for you. It allows you to get off the beaten track, experience unique moments and create bonds of friendship with your host.

The selection criteria to take into account

There are several criteria to take into account when choosing between a guesthouse and a homestay:

  • There location : depending on whether you prefer to be in the center of the city to enjoy the tourist attractions, or in a quieter place to recharge your batteries, the choice of establishment may vary.
  • THE price : It is essential to compare the prices of different accommodation options to make the best choice according to your budget.
  • THE comfort : depending on your needs and your expectations in terms of comfort, some accommodation will be more suitable than others.
  • THE services : some establishments offer additional services such as breakfast, laundry, wifi, etc. It is therefore important to check which services are included in the room price.

Alternatives to Guesthouses and Homestays

If neither the guesthouse nor the homestay meets your expectations, know that there are other accommodation alternatives. For example, you can opt for a classic hotel, which offers a wide range of services and amenities.

Hostels are also an economical solution for travelers on a budget. And for those looking for self-catering accommodation, vacation rentals or furnished apartments can be a good solution.

In conclusion, the choice between a guesthouse and a homestay depends entirely on you, your preferences and your expectations. Whatever the case, the important thing is to research carefully before making your choice, and to always check the comments and ratings of other travelers to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Staying in a Guesthouse or Homestay: The experience according to travelers

It may be interesting to look at the experience of travelers who have stayed in a guesthouse or homestay. Travel sites such as TripAdvisor LLC provide a platform where people can share their reviews and experiences.

Reviews from travelers who have stayed in guesthouses are generally positive. They appreciate the warm welcome from the hosts, the opportunity to chat with them and receive personalized advice on places to visit. Many also mention the comfort of the rooms, the calm and the proximity to the city center. Please note that each opinion on TripAdvisor is subjective and depends on the member who wrote the review.

Homestay experiences also receive praise. Travelers appreciate cultural immersion, the possibility of living at the rhythm of the locals and discovering their traditions. Destinations like Muong Hoa in Lao Cai or Ninh Binh are often cited for the richness of their culture and the welcome of their inhabitants. However, it is important to remember that each review is a subjective opinion of the TripAdvisor member who made the stay.

It is therefore recommended to consult TripAdvisor reviews and other checks before making your choice. Remember to check the date of stay to ensure that the review is recent and relevant.

Tips for a good stay in a Guesthouse or Homestay

Once you have decided between a guesthouse and a homestay, there are a few tips to follow to ensure a pleasant stay.

First, clearly communicate your expectations to your hosts. Whether you prefer a more formal approach like in a Bed & Breakfast, or a more informal welcome like in a homestay, it is important to let your hosts know.

Second, respect the house rules. Whether in a guesthouse or a homestay, there are always rules to follow. This could be quiet time, use of the kitchen or cleaning.

Finally, don’t forget to leave a review after your stay. Your experience can help other travelers choose their accommodation. Whether you leave your review on TripAdvisor LLC, or directly with your hosts, your opinion matters.

Conclusion

In short, choosing between a guesthouse and a homestay depends largely on your personal expectations, your budget and your desire for cultural immersion.

Guesthouses offer a warm welcome, a certain proximity to the city center and a certain level of comfort, while homestays allow a deeper immersion in the local culture. Do not hesitate to consult traveler reviews on TripAdvisor LLC and take into account the different criteria to make the best possible choice.

Whatever your choice, remember that the important thing is to enjoy your trip, discover new horizons and create beautiful memories. Have a good trip !