Frequently Asked Questions

For Hosts…

How can I list my Homestay with HOI?
Leave the details of your homestay at https://www.homestaysofindia.com/list-my-homestay/ and send 20-25 horizontally clicked high resolution pictures to listing@homestaysofindia.com.

How much time will it take for my homestay to go live after I have filled the form?
It usually takes 2-3 weeks to publish the homestay after we have received all the information and pictures from you.

Does HOI charge to list a homestay?
There is no fees to list your homestay with HOI. 

What are the benefits to list with HOI?
– Regular business
– Homestay literate guests
– Professional support
– Industry updates

What are the minimum requirements to list my home with HOI?
– You and/or your family should be staying there
– Must have atleast 2 extra rooms in your house
– Clean and hygienic washrooms
– Kitchen to provide homemade food to the guests

How will I know when my homestay is listed on HOI website?
You will get a mail from us with the link to your published homestay profile and other important links.

How do I maintain my availability calendar for HOI bookings?
Our booking team will check the availability with you on WhatsApp. Only after you confirm the availability, we send the booking confirmation to the guest and take the advance payment. 

How do I know when the booking is confirmed?
You need to block the rooms only after you get the guest details with the receipt of advance payment from HOI. 

How do I get paid for a booking?
The advance payment is made to you by HOI immediately after a booking is confirmed by the guest and he pays to HOI. The balance payment needs to be collected by the guest at check-in. 

Can HOI manage my full fledged marketing with some monthly charges?
Yes, HOI can manage your marketing across platforms on a nominal monthly charges. 

 

For Guests…

How can I book a homestay?
You need to leave a booking request for the homestay you want to book. You will find the form on the homestay profile page. 

How much time does it take to get a reply on a booking request?
It takes 1-2 hrs to get a reply on booking request. 

Do I have to make full payment in advance?
You need to make 50% advance payment to block the rooms.

What is your cancellation policy?
You can check HOI cancellation policy at https://www.homestaysofindia.com/cancellation-policy/

Do I get any booking confirmation?
Yes, after you have made the payment, you will receive a confirmation voucher with host details over the mail.

What is the difference in a Homestay and a Second Home?
In a homestay, the host himself stays in the premises. Where a second home, as the name suggest is a second home to the host family. It is managed by him but there is a care taker at the premises to take care of the day to day needs of the guests.

What is workation?
It is a homestay or a second home where you can stay for long and work. You will get the facilities like uninterrupted internet connection, a working table, homely meals etc.

What are the benefits of workation as compared to a short term stay?
You get a long stay discount in workation. 

Can HOI also provide services like transport, guide, local experiences etc?
Yes, HOI also provides services like transportation, guide and local experiences. In case you need them, you must ask for these while leaving a booking request.

How are HOI Trips different from trips organised by agents?
Our team works extensively to plan HOI trips. Our first hand knowledge of the place is unmatched and hence these trips provide you unique experiences, genuine cultural exchange and real exploration. Responsible travel practices drive the majority of our decision making while planning . So when you book one of our trips you’re supporting true sustainability in the protection of local communities and the natural environment.