India: Hotels vs. Lodging – Find the right vacation rental.
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Today’s guest post is about a country that I am dying to visit – India!
For an easy going and hassle free retreat in the vibrant country of India, it is imperative that you select the best accommodation and transport options that the country has to offer. Whether you are looking for hotel deals, beach lodges or all inclusive resorts etc. preparing and booking accommodation before taking off for this sacred country will save you from those last minute compromises that otherwise you would not need to make.
Photo by jcandeli via Flickr.
If you are like me and you desire to find comfortable and clean vacation rentals in India, you must be set to spend a lot of time and energy in researching (because there is a lot out there).
For expediency of my fellow travelers, here are a few tips and tricks that I’ve compiled together, that can be useful for choosing vacation rentals in India.
Location based accommodations
India is a massive country with sweltering topical climates of the coasts, the icy colds winds off the mountains, and everything in between. If you are choosing a famous hotel or resort, you can be sure of getting the best facilities wherever you are, but when you choose a budget hotel or a vacation rental home, you need to make sure that they will provide all the necessary facilities that you may need there.
Photo by Archer10 (Dennis) via Flickr.
Vacation homes and rentals
India has a variety of cultures, ethnicities and traditions that are unique to each of its states. A vacation homestays is a perfect choice of accommodation in India if you prefer to experience its diverse culture. To get the best experience of its traditions and culture, stay at the vacation homes or homestays that are managed and run by families of a particular region.
Among the various different kinds of homestays listed on the internet, I found my beautiful homestay, which is located amidst the breathtaking mountains and valleys of the Western Ghats in south India. The websites also give you details about accommodation, pictures of the place, the activities to do and places to visit along with their prices in US dollars and in Euros.
No matter which part of the country you are visiting, remember to research and verify the accommodation and tour packages offered by native homestays to be safe from the fake sites and tour operators who may cheat you of your valuable money.
Photo by Archer10 (Dennis) via Flickr.
India’s hotels
The main cities of India like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bangalore etc have diverse categories of hotel including those with world-class facilities and modest ones for a budget traveler. Even in lesser known tourist hubs and smaller towns, you can find decent hotels at relatively lower prices, if all you need are the basic amenities. You can find accommodation within any budget, but check if they meet the minimum standards (basic standards here are lower than the west), and are hygienic and safe.
The best way to pick a hotel that’s best for you is to choose them through a reliable travel site that has the details along with pictures of the hotel. I found a number of websites that give out a detailed listing of the hotels along with their reviews, rating and prices. Based on my true-life experience in India, I’d suggest you choose hotels over vacation homes or lodgings when you plan to stay in big cities and when your trip is a short one.
Author Bio: Nikki Selwyn has been traveling the globe constantly since the beginning of 2008 visiting as many countries as her budget will allow.
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(4) awesome folk have had something to say...
MarkG -
August 28, 2011 at 9:21 am
I spent a month in Kerala a few years ago and stayed in homestays all but 3 nights. I found it a very rewarding experience. My hosts were very friendly and informative. The accommodation and facilities were always acceptable. It was great to spend time with Indians in their homes rather than a hotel. The home-cooked food was great and their suggestions for day trips were never disappointing. You felt that you were in very safe hands but not cosseted.
On my first hotel stay on arrival at Cochin/Kochi the brilliant guy at reception kept in touch with me throughout my trip and suggested various homestays along the way. It seems that there is a hidden network of homestays that will recommend you forward to your next destination. Much like the casa particulares network in Cuba. Is this unique to communist countries or just good hospitality?
I highly recommend the homestay accommodation, where available, as it will put you in touch with the local people in a very friendly environment. If you want a nice hotel with TV and constant hot water, replenished mini-bar, room service, etc. then you should not really be there.
Tune in to the country and maximise your time with the locals!
Bethany -
August 30, 2011 at 12:32 pm
Thanks for the great comment Mark! I definitely agree. 🙂 @MarkG,
Tours of the Vatican -
August 29, 2011 at 12:04 pm
I’d love to visit India, too! Thanks for the advice on where to stay, I had no idea there were so many different options but this will definitely help when I do decide to make my trip. Bookmarking!! 🙂
~Heidi
Bethany -
August 30, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Hi Heidi – i’m glad it helped. 🙂 @Tours of the Vatican,