Travelling is no longer just about exploring new places and using a hotel room to sleep. Stays have now become a big part of the travel experience. Travellers are looking beyond traditional hotels and choosing holiday homes, apartments and homestays. A new report by Booking.com and VIDEC Consultants highlights how these stays are gaining popularity across India. Read on to learn more!
How Are Alternative Stays In India Gaining Popularity?
Booking.com, in collaboration with travel advisory and research firm VIDEC Consultants, has released the fourth edition of its research report, How India Travels™ 2026 – The Homes Edit. According to the report, people are increasingly booking holiday homes, apartments and homestays, and the total value of these bookings could reach ₹415 crore by FY29.
The number of holiday homes, apartments and homestays listed online increased from 102,200 in FY23 to 215,000 in FY26. The total value of bookings for these stays is expected to grow by 21.2% annually until FY29. Currently, these stays account for around 13% of the total booking value of accommodation in India.
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Travellers Prefer Stays With Local Experiences
According to the report, travellers are looking for stays that offer more than just a place to sleep. Around 87% want to create meaningful memories, while 85% want to have local experiences. Also, 83% said these stays are perfect for families and groups, and the same percentage felt they offer good value for money.
Alternative stays are also becoming popular among business travellers. Their share of bookings is expected to grow from 19% in FY26 to 21% by FY27. These travellers prefer such properties because they offer more space, separate bedrooms and workspaces. Meanwhile, alternative accommodation is growing beyond major cities and popular holiday destinations. Between June 2025 and June 2026, the number of listings more than doubled in Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Indore and Ayodhya.
What do you prefer when planning a trip? Tell us in the comments below!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ PIKSEL (Representative Image)
FAQs
Are homestays cheaper than hotels in India?
Yes, homestays are cheaper than hotels in India.