If you’re staying in a guest house for the first time, the experience can be exciting and a little different. Guest houses tend to have a more personal and homely atmosphere than hotels, as you’re often staying in someone’s home and sometimes sharing space with them. It’s a great opportunity to meet and interact with new people, but it can feel a little awkward at first if you’re only used to hotel-style accommodation.
In this article, we’ll cover the important things to keep in mind when staying in a guest house – etiquette, check-in and check-out processes, rules for private and shared spaces, breakfast customs and important FAQs.
Guest house vs hotel – the main difference
The biggest difference between a guest house and a hotel is the ambiance and facilities. Your experience at a hotel is more professional and service-focused, while a guest house offers a homely, comfortable and personal atmosphere.
Hotels may offer facilities like 24×7 room service, restaurants and gyms, but there is less personal interaction.
At a guest house, you can meet the host, understand their culture and habits, and also connect with other travellers.
This means that if you want a homely and budget-friendly experience rather than privacy and luxury, a guest house may be a better option for you.
Check-in process – Timing and flexibility
The check-in process at a guest house is not as formal as at a hotel, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to follow the timings.
Many guest house owners open the door themselves, so you need to inform them about your arrival time in advance.
If you are arriving late, inform them in advance.
ID verification and entering the name in the guest register are also sometimes required.
Keep in mind that guest house owners often take time out of their personal time for you, so being punctual is a basic courtesy.
Private vs Shared Space – Which to Choose?
- Guest houses usually offer two types of spaces – private rooms and shared rooms/dormitories.
- Private rooms – This is a good option if you want more privacy.
- Shared rooms – This is cheaper and gives you a chance to meet other travellers, but you may have to use shared bathrooms and kitchens.
- If you are in a shared space, it is important to maintain cleanliness and respect the privacy of others.
Shared bathroom experience
- Many guest houses have shared bathrooms, especially in the budget category.
- It is your responsibility to leave the bathroom clean after use.
- Carry your own toiletries as there is no free kit like you get in hotels.
- It can be crowded during peak hours (early mornings), so manage your time well.
- The rule here is simple – keep it the same as you do at home.
Benefits and responsibilities of a shared kitchen
- A big advantage of a guest house is a shared kitchen.
- You can cook your own food, which saves money.
- It is important to turn off the gas, wash the dishes and keep the kitchen clean after cooking.
- Do not use other people’s items without asking.
- This facility gives you a homely experience, unlike a hotel.
Breakfast rules
- Many guest houses include continental or homemade breakfast, but there is no buffet setup like in a hotel.
- Breakfast times are often fixed, so it is important to arrive on time.
- If you have any dietary requirements (such as vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free), let them know in advance.
- It is a good habit to interact with the host and other guests during breakfast – it is a great opportunity for cultural exchange.
Behaving with the host
- The heart of a guest house is its host.
- Interact with the host with courtesy and respect.
- Follow their house rules.
- If you have a problem (such as running out of water, Wi-Fi not working), explain it directly and politely.
- A good host will also give you local places to visit, food recommendations and travel tips.
Check-out process
- Check-out at a guesthouse can be different from a hotel.
- You often have to return the keys and leave the room in a clean condition.
- If there is any damage, it is important to be honest.
- Checking out on time also makes it easier for the host to prepare the room for the next guest.
Tipping and payment
- Tipping rules in guesthouses are not as strict as in hotels, but if you liked the service, a small thank-you gift or tip is a nice gesture.
- Payment is often made in cash or by online transfer.
- In some guesthouses, you may have to pay in advance, especially during peak season.
What facilities are essential?
When booking a guest house for the first time, pay attention to the following:
- Location – Transport and other necessary facilities should be nearby.
- Wi-Fi – If you have to work online.
- Kitchen and bathroom – Clean and in good condition.
- Reviews – Read the experiences of previous guests.
- These small things can make your stay experience much better.
Conclusion
Staying in a guest house can be a different and memorable experience, provided you understand the atmosphere and rules. It not only gives you a budget-friendly option, but also gives you a chance to meet new people, explore a different culture and get the comfort of home. If you are open-minded and have some flexibility, then a guest house can become your next favorite place.
