Home Stays – Business models, sharing my experiences

Starting a home stay in Kerala

Starting a home stay can be a rewarding experience, particularly in a beautiful location like Kerala. Here are some business models you can consider, along with some insights from my experiences.

1. Traditional Home Stay Model

This is the most common model where you rent out spare rooms in your home. Guests enjoy a more personal experience, often interacting with the host and learning about local culture.

• Pros: Personal touch, cultural exchange, homely atmosphere.
• Cons: Limited capacity, reliance on host availability.

2. Boutique Home Stay

Focused on luxury and exceptional service, boutique home stays cater to high-end clients who are looking for a unique experience.

• Pros: Higher profit margins, ability to create a niche market.
• Cons: Higher initial investment, need for superior service standards.

3. Themed Home Stay

Creating a theme (like eco-friendly, adventure, or cultural immersion) can attract specific groups of travelers.

• Pros: Differentiation in a crowded market, strong appeal to niche audiences.
• Cons: Marketing efforts need to be more targeted, may limit broad appeal.

4. Collaborative Home Stay

Partnering with local businesses like restaurants or tour companies can enhance guest experiences and create income-sharing opportunities.

• Pros: Increased guest satisfaction, additional revenue streams.
• Cons: Requires strong partnerships, may complicate operations.

Personal Experience

During my journey of operating a home stay in Kerala, I learned the importance of providing a local experience. Guests value authentic interactions over luxury alone. I incorporated local cuisine and collaborated with nearby artisans, which not only enriched the guest experience but also supported the community.

Recently I got some land in Wayanad, intention was to relocate from Mysore as we gave off the Food forest in Mysore (KFF) for some avoidable reasons which I will discuss in a later post. For people who are searching or planning to buy farm lands in Karnataka, please check this vlog.

Conclusion

Whichever model you choose, success in the home stay business in Kerala depends on understanding guest expectations, offering unique experiences, and engaging with the local culture. Sharing my story, I believe that the heart of a great home stay is genuine hospitality and the warmth of a welcoming environment.