As someone who values immersive travel, I’ve often noticed travelers confused between choosing homestays or hotels. People tend to assume that Homestays are cheap and affordable, but do not provide enough enough comfort, while hotels are seen as the go-to for luxury. But let me tell you this as a local, in Darjeeling and Sikkim, skipping homestays could mean missing out on some of the most authentic and memorable experiences these places have to offer.
In this article, I’ll share my personal insights and experiences to help you decide whether homestays are better than hotels in Darjeeling and Sikkim.
My First Encounter with Homestays
As someone who lives in Darjeeling, I rarely have a reason to book a hotel or homestay — unless, my friends and I are planning a party. Most tourist follow an itinerary of staying in a hotel, visiting popular spots, and sampling local cuisine at renowned restaurants. While the experience is pleasant, it feels somewhat detached even for me being a local resident. It wasn’t until my subsequent visit, when I opted for a homestay in a quaint village called Bijanbari, near Darjeeling, that I truly felt the essence of the place.
Immediately, you kind of feel like you’re in a better place than a hotel. The homestay was made of bamboos, had a medium sized swimming pool and offered delicious food. It almost felt free, like you are not there as a VIP guest, but just chilling like a normal person.
In a hotel, there’s often a certain pressure to keep up appearances. You’re conscious of how you look, how you act. But at a homestay, that weight lifts. You’re free to just be yourself. If you need help or hospitality, you just ask the homestay owner and they will assist you with whatever you require. After which the day is yours.
Cultural Immersion and Authentic Experiences
Staying in homestays allows you to delve deep into the local culture. In Sikkim, for instance, I had the privilege of learning traditional crafts like Thangka painting and participating in local festivals. Yes, I don’t live in Sikkim which means I am a tourist by default even though I know the language. But you just can’t do such things in a hotel. You either have to find a guide, and then deal with money.
However, when it comes to homestays, hosts and owners are very friendly and sometimes they just give you a free tour just because you had a couple of beers with him in a bar.
In simple words, it’s just easier to talk to a Homestay owner.
These experiences, facilitated by hosts, help us get a genuine connection to the region’s heritage. Hotels, while comfortable, often lack this intimate cultural exchange.
Culinary Delights: Home-Cooked vs. Restaurant Meals
One of the standout features of homestays is the opportunity to eat home-cooked meals. In Darjeeling, there are amazing restaurants where you can find the best of the best food. But nothing compares to those cooked at home by the locals. That’s why homestays are just amazing.
Whichever, homestay you go to, you’ll find true, original taste of Darjeeling or Sikkimese cuisine. Sometimes in some homestays, you eat with the owner and his/her family. Sharing meals with the hosts not only introduces us to authentic flavors but also fosters meaningful conversations. While hotels offer diverse menus, the personal touch and authenticity of homestay meals are unparalleled.
Personalized Hospitality and Safety
The warmth and personalized attention I received in homestays always makes me feel like part of the family. Hosts often went out of their way to ensure my comfort, sharing local insights and even accompanying me on village walks. For solo travelers, this sense of belonging and the added layer of safety can be particularly reassuring.
Cost Comparison
From a financial perspective, homestays are generally more affordable. In Sikkim, for example, homestays range from ₹1,200 to ₹1,400 per person per day, including meals. Hotels, on the other hand, can start from ₹3,500 per night and escalate during peak seasons.
Sometimes if I want to have a party with my friends, I just negotiate with the owner, and most of the time, they agrees to lower the price. I secured a full night stay in one the homestays in Darjeeling for just ₹1500, excluding the meal of course. Besides that, we were a group of 10 guys so sometimes you can come across great deals.
This was during the off-season when most of the hotels and homestays are usually half-booked.
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
Now even though, we’ve spoken great things about homestays and why homestays are better than a hotel, Homestays do have a few drawbacks.
- Amenities: Homestays may lack certain modern amenities found in hotels, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, room service or television.
- Privacy: Sharing spaces with host families might not provide the same level of privacy as hotels. In some homestays, owners pretty much live there so you can’t be noisy even though you have the freedom to do so. You have to respect.
- Language Barriers: Communication can sometimes be a challenge, although many hosts speak basic English or Hindi.
- Luxury: You may not find that level of ideal luxury that you get in a hotel.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my experiences, homestays in Darjeeling and Sikkim have enriched my travels in ways hotels haven’t. The cultural immersion, personalized hospitality, and direct contribution to local communities make them a compelling choice for travelers seeking authenticity. While hotels offer comfort and convenience, the unique experiences provided by homestays have left an indelible mark on my journey. If you’re looking to connect deeply with these Himalayan regions, I wholeheartedly recommend considering a homestay for your stay.
If you don’t know how to choose a homestay, we’ve got you covered! Read our blog on How to choose a homestay in Sikkim or Darjeeling
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