Homestay vs. Hotel in Darjeeling: Which Accommodation is Right for You?

Travelling is fun but without proper planning and thoughtful decisions, it can get a little problematic and prickly sometimes, especially when visiting a new destination for the first time. All these “venture into the unknown” and “nomadic” styles of travel have a different fanbase, I understand, but such styles of travel are not suitable if you are travelling with your family. In this blog, we will delve into a common dilemma faced by travelers planning a visit to the stunning hill station of Darjeeling.

Darjeeling is a popular destination for travelers seeking a mix of natural beauty, culture and adventure. When considering accommodation in Darjeeling, travelers often find themselves torn between homestays and hotels. Each option has distinct advantages and disadvantages, which we will explore to help you make an informed choice. Let’s take homestays first.

Homestays in Darjeeling

The growth of homestays in Darjeeling has been significant over the past decade, driven by increasing tourism and desire for authentic, immersive experiences. Credit must go to digital platforms, cultural exchange and government initiatives. Let’s look at some of the pros of choosing a homestay in Darjeeling.

Immersive Experience The idea of living with a local family and experiencing Darjeeling’s culture firsthand sounds beautiful. How often do you get a chance to learn about other’s culture and their customs so closely? Don’t hesitate to book a homestay for you & your family if you love to explore the culture and blend in.

Home-Cooked Meal Who doesn’t like a proper home cooked meal? Especially when you are away from home. Most of the homestays don’t hire a professional cook as the whole idea is to serve the guests fresh home cooked food and who knows the way around the home kitchen better than the hosts themselves. So, savor the traditional cuisine. Some hosts might even invite you inside the kitchen for some Momo making lessons.

Personalized service  Homestays are known for their warm hospitality and personalized attention from the host family. The whole idea is to make you feel at home. You might get similar attention at hotels but then you would feel that they are doing this out of compulsion and strict rules.

Their warm and genuine hospitality will surely touch your heart, and you will cherish this moment all your life. As the host family starts treating you as one of their own, you might want to consider postponing your flight and spending a few days more with them.

Cost effective  A very important aspect of the trip. Although one wants to keep budget management at bay while having a good time with the family, a limited balance can sometimes ruin your whole trip. Homestays are comparatively cheaper than the hotels and come with 3 meals a day along with evening snacks. So next time if your wallet feels a bit lighter but still wants some good time with your family, then go ahead and book yourself a homestay.

Cons of Homestays

The only drawbacks or cons that some feel about homestays are apparently the things that make them homestays in the first place. Homestays are not meant for people who want easy accessibility to fancy restaurants, pubs and movie theatres. They are usually located away from the hustle and bustle of city life. If you prefer modern amenities and vibrant surroundings, a hotel might be the better choice. Afterall, this is your journey, and you have every right to select the ideal accommodations for yourself and your family. Let’s explore hotel options now.

Hotels in Darjeeling

Hotels, on the other hand, are not a new concept. I wouldn’t trust even google to count the number of hotels in Darjeeling, as the town area is packed with hotels and resorts of different categories. Over the past few decades, the growth of hotels in Darjeeling has been significant, largely driven by increasing tourism and infrastructure development. Darjeeling offers a wide range of hotels to suit different budgets and preferences, from luxurious resorts to cozy budget stay, you will find them all. Let’s look at some of the pros of choosing a hotel in Darjeeling.

Luxurious amenities Depending on the tariff, most hotels nowadays provide their guests with all the modern amenities like free wi-fi, spa, gym, 24 hrs. room service. You cannot expect such amenities from a homestay. With new hotels coming up on every corner of the town, the competition level is so high amongst them that they will not leave no stone unturned in their services.

Location:  Often centrally located, hotels can provide you with easy accessibility to all main attraction points. You can explore the whole town on foot if you don’t mind a little sweat. Mall Road, Chowrasta is the main tourist hub in Darjeeling, and if your hotel is anywhere near this place then you will not miss out on any of the best restaurants, bars, shopping centers and street foods of Darjeeling.

Cons of Hotels

While hotels offer numerous benefits, they may lack the personal touch that homestays provide. The service can sometimes feel impersonal compared to the warmth of a homestay experience.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between a homestay and a hotel depends on your travel priorities. If you value cultural experiences and personalized service, a homestay may be the right fit for you. Conversely, if you prefer luxury amenities and central locations, consider booking a hotel.

Regardless of your choice, both options promise a memorable experience in Darjeeling—one of India’s most enchanting hill stations.

Author: Saugaat Subba

Saugaat Subba is a travel writer and food lover based in Darjeeling, passionate about exploring India’s diverse cuisines. With a special fondness for Darjeeling, he uncovers hidden culinary gems and shares local stories to inspire others to embark on their own adventures. When not writing, you can find him enjoying street food or planning the next trip.

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