The Rise of Alternative Accommodation
Hotels are no longer the default choice for a growing number of Indian travellers. The 'How India Travels 2026: The Homes Edit' report from Booking.com highlights a significant pivot towards alternative accommodations like homestays, villas, guesthouses,
and farm stays. This isn't just a niche trend; it's a mainstream movement. The report, created with VIDEC Consultants, shows that 62% of travellers actively compared alternative options with traditional hotels for their last trip. These stays are particularly popular for family holidays, trips with friends, and even business travel. In fact, the alternative accommodation market in India is projected to reach a Gross Booking Value of ₹415 billion by the 2029 financial year, signalling a fundamental change in the travel landscape.
The Stay is Now the Destination
For many, the holiday begins and ends with the property itself. According to recent research, a remarkable 80% of Indian travellers plan to spend most of their vacation time at their accommodation, a figure that far surpasses the global average of 51%. This shift transforms the role of a stay from a simple base for exploration into the main attraction. Travellers are actively seeking unique and curated experiences within the property. This has led to properties offering everything from wellness retreats to art pop-ups to capture the imagination of guests who want their accommodation to be memorable and experiential. The data shows 87% of travellers feel these alternative stays help create more meaningful holiday memories.
Driven by Experience and Connection
What’s fuelling this change? A desire for authenticity and local connection. Travellers are looking beyond conventional stays for experiences that link them to local culture and food. Around 85% of those surveyed associate alternative accommodations with more authentic local experiences. This trend is opening up new, lesser-known destinations across the country, helping to distribute tourism more evenly away from overcrowded hotspots. The appeal is broad, catering to young families, groups of friends, and professionals. Since the pandemic, travellers want more than just a break; they seek uniqueness and a sense of local culture that alternative stays are often well-positioned to provide.
Practical Needs for a Modern Traveller
While unique experiences are a major draw, practical features remain crucial. Even business travellers are embracing this trend, with 19% of alternative stay bookings in FY26 made for work trips. Key drivers for this group include having additional living space, a separate workspace, and the ability to accommodate family or colleagues. For leisure travellers, comfort and convenience are paramount. Previous reports have shown that amenities like an on-site restaurant, 24-hour check-in, reliable air conditioning, and included breakfast are highly valued. More fundamentally, features like free Wi-Fi and power outlets near the bed are considered non-negotiable in today's connected world.
Value, Space, and Flexibility
The definition of 'value' is also expanding. While price is always a factor, travellers are looking at the bigger picture. For 83% of travellers, alternative stays represent good value for money, which often includes the benefits of more space and privacy. This is especially true for families and groups, who find that villas or large apartments offer a more comfortable and communal environment. The rise of 'work-from-anywhere' culture has also put a premium on properties that offer more than just a bed, but a functional space to live and work for short or extended periods. This shift suggests travellers are making more considered choices, weighing the overall experience and amenities against the cost.
