Whether you're better suited to a homestay or hotel depends on the trip you plan. All the two options above are advantageous in their own way so choosing between any of them depends on your budget and how you feel about sitting next to a stranger etc. The following comparison can help you consider the two alternatives:
1. Homestay:
Advantages:
Local Lifestyle: When you are living in a host family for three weeks, it gives you the chance to experience their culture. Recommendations on where to go, what locals know, and hidden local favorites that sometimes even guidebooks aren´t mentioning.
Touching Moments: With normally a smaller number of guests, homestays offer more personalized services or host memorable homemade family dinners and (useful) tips to explore local culture.
Cost: Often, homestays can be cheaper than hotels – particularly in more tourist hotspots.
Ambiance: Homestays usually give you an ambiance that is very local to the region — rooted in tradition and taste of décor relatively varies from place-to-place.
Home-Cooked Meals: A number of homestays serve homemade food which is typically customized as per your dietary preferences.
Disadvantages:
Limited Privacy: Staying in someone's home might not offer the same level of privacy as a hotel. Pool, Hot tub, BBQ area a shared spaces and possibly with another guest or the host
Less Amenities: Homestays have less amenities compared to hotels, such as room service, swimming pools or fitness centers.
The quality will have a huge range. While some may provide the best of service and a comfortable stay, others might be as basic.
Best For:
Cultural immersion travelers.
Single travelers, couples or even small groups searching to avoid the crowds and with an interest in something less commercial.
Those with modest budgets who prioritize homey living over grandeur.
2. Hotel:
Advantages:
Regular Service: As hotels, especially the chains, run a standard level of service in different branches located across the chill for cleanliness and sufficient comfort with great amenities.
Privacy: With dedicated spaces in hotels and private rooms, it is ideal for those who do not like to mingle with hosts or other guests.
A Range of Amenities: Most hotels provide a variety of amenities, from pools and fitness centers to spas and restaurants—plus most also have room service and daily housekeeping.
Professional Service: It is expected that hotels also offer a lot of in-house services — 24/7 front desk support so you can book tours, staff available to help with transport and dealing with any issue.
Location: Hotels are generally placed in business districts, near significant attractions or transportation hubs which can be beneficial for people traveling.
Disadvantages:
Less Intimate: There is less of a personal and homely feel in hotels. In this commission-based environment the ambiance could possibly be more official particularly in larger resorts.
Cost: Accommodation secret, hotels can tend to be expensive …the mid-range and above specializes.
Local Connection: You will not be able to have as much depth into the culture experience, since most hotel staff members are there for business and preferred experiences in areas may stay within those friendly walls of a shared human mission on hand.
Best For:
Business travelers or tourist who prefer convenience, privacy and comforts.
Families or large groups in need of certain services, amenities or more than one room.
Travelers that like routine and organization.
Which is Better?
Homestay: Opt for this if you want to truly experience the local culture while willing to give up some of the creature comforts in return for a more intimate, homey setting. This is perfect if you want to get in touch with locals, have home cooked meals and discover the place more intimately.
Hotel: If you prefer to be independent and look for privacy, comfort & business level services but of course this requires proper budget. Hotels are the best alternative in case you require omnipresent facilities, access to amenities and willing to bear some additional cost for convenience & luxury.
And, it all boils down to what you want your travel life to be. Homestay: The best if traveling to dive into a new culture. A hotel is the ideal choice if you are traveling, for example, and it will be more comfortable, convenient or work-related.
