As rural tourism gains popularity across India, more urban travelers are venturing beyond hotel bookings and seeking authentic homestay experiences in villages, forest regions, and tribal areas. But what exactly are first-time rural homestay guests expecting? And how can homestay hosts tailor their offerings to meet those expectations?
We’ve analyzed booking patterns, surveyed hundreds of guests across states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, and interviewed frequent travelers to answer that question with both insight and data.
Table of Contents
Survey Snapshot 📊: What Matters Most to First-Time Guests?
Here’s a quick look at what first-time guests said they considered most important when booking a rural homestay:
| Factor | % of Respondents Who Prioritized It |
|---|---|
| Cleanliness & Hygiene | 87% |
| Home-cooked Meals | 81% |
| Local Experiences (crafts, farms) | 73% |
| Basic Modern Amenities | 68% |
| Nature and Scenic Beauty | 63% |
| Friendly, Communicative Hosts | 59% |
| Cultural Immersion | 52% |
| Mobile Network/Connectivity | 39% |
Insight: While scenic beauty and village life are part of the draw, guests primarily want cleanliness, warm hospitality, and memorable, local experiences.
1. Clean, Comfortable Stay—Not Necessarily Luxurious 🛏️
Many guests clarified they didn’t expect a hotel-like experience. What they did expect, however, was:
- Clean bedsheets and pillows 😴
- Functional toilets 🚽
- Mosquito protection 🦟
- Regularly cleaned rooms 🧹
“I stayed at a beautiful farm stay in Dang. It wasn’t fancy, but it was spotless. That made all the difference.”
— Aarti M., Pune (First-time guest)
2. Authentic, Home-Cooked Meals Are a Huge Win 🍛
One of the most memorable parts of staying at a rural homestay is the local cuisine. Most guests are thrilled to try simple, organic food made with love—think millet rotis, chutneys, sabzi from the host’s farm, and traditional desserts.
📌 Pro Tip for Hosts:
Offer meals as an optional add-on at a reasonable rate. Guests appreciate transparency and value.
3. Guests Want a Story to Take Back 🎨
More than just a place to sleep, homestays are viewed as cultural experiences.
What guests love:
- Painting a wall with Warli art 🎨
- Helping with farming 🌾
- Learning local embroidery or basket weaving 🧺
- Listening to folk music or stories by elders 🎶
“It was my first time outside of the city. I made mud bricks, visited a forest, and even learned to milk a buffalo. I’d never get that in a resort.”
— Raghav J., Bengaluru (First-time guest)
4. Tech Isn’t Mandatory—But Clarity Is 📱
Surprisingly, many first-time guests were okay with:
- Spotty mobile network 📶
- No TV or Wi-Fi 📺🚫
But they weren’t okay with:
- Lack of proper directions
- Last-minute cancellations
- Misleading photos
📌 Solution: Use WhatsApp or simple mobile tools to stay in touch, send location pins, and share real photos/videos.
5. Basic Amenities: Hot Water, Clean Bathrooms, Charging Points 🧼
Even budget-conscious guests expect:
- Working geysers or solar water heaters ♨️
- Soap, buckets, and mugs in bathrooms 🛁
- Clean drinking water 🚰
- Charging points near beds 🔌
Many said they’d trade luxury for simplicity—but not necessities.
🌳 6. Nature and Peace Over Concrete Comforts 🌳
Guests repeatedly mentioned the importance of:
- Scenic views 🌄
- Fresh air 🌬️
- Birdsong in the morning 🐦
- Space to walk, hike, or simply relax 🌿
“The homestay was in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees. I felt more rested than I had in years.”
— Farah D., Mumbai (First-time guest)
📌 Host Tip: Highlight nearby waterfalls, lakes, or hills—even if small. Guests love peaceful retreats.
7. Friendly Hosts Make or Break the Experience 💬
Many guests mentioned that their hosts were the highlight of the stay. Whether it’s:
- Sharing a cup of tea ☕
- Explaining the crops being grown 🌱
- Inviting them to a local wedding 🎉
…it’s human connection that turns a trip into a memory.
“We had dinner with the host family on the floor, talking about their lives. I’ll never forget that night.”
— Neel M., Delhi (First-time guest)
Final Takeaways for Homestay Hosts 👣
To summarize what first-time guests really want:
✅ Clean, safe spaces
✅ Home-style meals
✅ Local interactions and experiences
✅ Honest communication
✅ Basic amenities
✅ Warmth and nature
❌ Fancy decor
❌ Luxurious setups
❌ Misinformation
❌ Urban-style menus
Why This Matters for Your Listing
With more Indians seeking peaceful getaways, first-time rural travelers are your largest untapped audience. Meeting their expectations builds trust, word-of-mouth, and repeat bookings.
“We expected rustic living. What we didn’t expect was how meaningful it would be.”
— Nisha & Arjun, Ahmedabad (Homestay guests via VanGhar)
Looking to attract more first-time travelers to your homestay?
Start by offering them exactly what they’re looking for—and a little more.
Explore more resources, host guides, and marketing tips at VanGhar.