From modern reinventions of camping classics to space-age pods providing a comfortable place to rest, travelers today have more options than ever when it comes to booking their next getaway. As the global leader in connecting travelers with the most diverse range of unique places to stay, Booking.com offers access to alternative accommodations all around the world.
LUXURY TENT
For some, camping instills fond childhood memories and presents an opportunity to embrace the great outdoors. For others, it means the dread of an outdoor toilet and a rough night’s sleep. Driven by the desire to make camping a more enjoyable experience for everyone, recent years have seen a significant increase in interest for glamourous camping, with almost a third of Indian travelers (27%) stating that they prefer unique and quirky accommodations while on vacation, such as luxury tents. Indeed luxury tents are amongst the fastest rising in relative popularity of accommodation types on Booking.com, connecting travelers with the great outdoors without having to give up modern luxuries.
Where to stay: Sujan Jawai nestled between the mountains in Bisalpur. These luxury tents offer the perfect balance of opulence and outdoors, they offer picturesque view with beautiful sunsets and scenery. The camp features a restaurant, a terrace and an outdoor pool overlooking the mountains among other amenities.
VILLAS
While traveling is often about branching out and seeing new places, some of us still look for a few home comforts. For many travelers a holiday home offers the best of both worlds and the opportunity truly embrace their chosen destination. 37% of Indian travelers will be looking for a holiday home or villa for their 2019 getaway, both of which are amongst the fastest rising in relative popularity of accommodation types on Booking.com.
Where to stay: They say home is where the heart is, but when you’re journeying away from yours on your travels, why not head to Alibaug, one of the most popular beach destinations in Maharashtra. Baan Thai by Vista Rooms an opulent villa, equipped with an outdoor swimming pool offers comfort and luxury under one roof. Surprise your family with this fancy weekend getaway and catch up on all those outdoor games you missed playing in the bustling city life.
HOMESTAYS
A homestay provides tourists with a place to experience the authentic Indian tradition. The warm homely feeling in a place away from home is always a welcomed relief. 65% of Indian travelers assert that staying in a home-type accommodation enables them to see parts of a city or country that they wouldn’t explore otherwise.
Where to stay: Abiyal Mountain Stay is a beautiful homestay in Madikeri that not only offers scenic views but also the comfort of home cooked meals. The property has spacious room and an open garden where you can explore outdoor sport with your family. The homestay is just 11 kms away from Madikeri Fort and Raja Seat.
CAPSULE HOTELS
From one small stay to another, capsule hotels offer perfectly formed accommodation options for budget-conscious travelers. These extremely small “rooms” are often found in more casual accommodation offerings and are stacked high, side-by-side with steps for access.
Where to stay: Capsule hotels first appeared as a low-budget option in Japan, however it beginning to catch steam among budget conscious travellers and India too is now offering increasingly chic and high-tech pod options for travellers. Urbanpod Hotel offers the perfect experience in Mumbai. All capsules come fully equipped, with a television, USB port and a locker for their guests.
FARMSTAYS
The growing popularity of homestays in India, have also propelled farmstays (essentially a home like stay on a farm) as an alternate accommodation. Farmstays are known to provide an authentic and interactive experience of rural farm life, in a refreshing country atmosphere. Perfect for children and adults alike, they offer an opportunity to learn a thing or two about farming and rural style of living while keeping you nestled in the laps of nature.
Where to stay: Yangsum Heritage Farm, situated in Rinchingpong, the accommodation offers beautiful view of the mountains with access to a garden and the plantations surrounding the farm house. With traditional elegant wooden furniture and flooring this farmhouse accentuates the authenticity of the farm live. Put on your hat and those rocking cowboy boots that you’ve been dying to wear and get ready for your next vacation on the farm.
TREE HOUSES
Tree houses which have been usually associated with the play areas/stations for children is now one of the growing alternate accommodations preferred by many tourists. Living space nestled between trees and branches of ageing trees offer a refreshing nature’s retreat away from the hustling and bustling of the city life.
Where to stay: The Machan is located in Lonavala, just 30 minutes’ drive from the railway station. It offers unique tree houses overlooking the valley. Fall asleep in the lap of nature and wake up to beautiful sunrise hues in the sky. Enjoy the silent chirping of nature as you relax and unwind with the people you love. You can also explore an array of activities on the site and in the surroundings, including cycling and hiking.
HOUSE BOATS
While staying off-shore may not be a new travel trend, accommodation options that are permanently moored offer visitors a unique place to stay while taking in their chosen destination.
Where to stay: Xandari Riverscapes along the Vembanad Lake and in the backwaters of Alleppey is perfect for a peaceful getaway. The traditional houseboats, called "kettuvallams" have wood harvested from local jackfruit tree plantations, hand-stitched by local craftsmen with coconut fiber rope. You can enjoy the magnificent views of the waters and scenery from the viewing deck, as well as your bedroom's picture window and relish a delectable meal of classic Kerala cuisine cooked on board.
APARTMENTS
Apartments prove to be cost-effective accommodations for travelers travelling on business or leisure. It gives them the privacy they need for their trip and comfort of necessary amenities and proximity. 21% of Indian travelers favor apartments as an accommodation while travelling.
Where to stay: Sunset View 2BHK Dona Paula, is situated in Marmagao. The apartment is 6 kms from Panji and 28 kms from the Goa International Airport.