Booking Hotels & Homestays in Uttarakhand: Tips for Travelers

Finding the right place to stay in Uttarakhand can make or break a trip. I’ve stayed in everything—from fancy resorts overlooking Naini Lake to small family-run homes in remote villages. Each type has its own charm, but also a few things you only learn the hard way. Here are some tips from my own experience.

Decide What You Want Out of the Stay

This sounds simple, but it changes everything. If I’m heading to Mussoorie for a short break, I usually go for a hotel near Mall Road. It’s convenient, you can step out for food or shopping, and you don’t worry about long walks at night. But when I visited a village near Almora, I preferred a homestay. It was quieter, meals were homemade, and the family told me stories about the region.

So first ask yourself—do you want comfort and quick access, or do you want peace and local flavor?

Check the Location Properly

One mistake I made once was booking a “lake view” hotel in Bhimtal. Turned out the lake was visible only if you leaned out of a tiny window and stretched your neck. Photos online can be misleading. Now, I always cross-check on Google Maps. It tells you how far the place really is from the main market, the lake, or the trek starting point.

Also, in the hills, distance isn’t just about kilometers. A hotel 2 km away on a steep uphill road feels much farther than one 5 km away on flat ground.

Read Reviews, but With a Pinch of Salt

Reviews help, but I don’t trust the glowing ones blindly. If I see multiple travelers complain about the same thing—like “water supply was irregular” or “food was overpriced”—I take it seriously. But if one person says “the bed was too hard,” I don’t mind. We all have different preferences.

What I look for in reviews: cleanliness, staff behavior, and food quality. These three things matter the most in the hills.

Think About Food

Hotels near popular spots usually have restaurants, but homestays often serve simple local food. I’ve enjoyed both. In one homestay near Bageshwar, I had fresh mandua roti with homegrown vegetables—it was one of the best meals of my trip. But I’ve also been stuck at a homestay where dinner meant only dal and rice, with no option of stepping out to eat.

So, if you’re someone who likes choices, pick a place closer to the market. If you don’t mind eating what the family cooks, homestays give you a more personal experience.

Book Early During Peak Season

Summers and long weekends in Uttarakhand get crowded fast. Once in May, I reached Nainital without booking, thinking I’d find something on arrival. Big mistake. Everything was full, and the few rooms left were overpriced. Since then, I always book in advance for May–June and also for December (New Year rush).

Off-season is easier. You can sometimes bargain directly with the property if you call instead of booking online.

Don’t Ignore the Small Details

• Ask if there’s parking, especially if you’re driving. Not all places in the hills have space.

• Check if hot water is available all day or only at fixed hours.

• Power cuts happen often; a backup generator or inverter makes life easier.

• If you’re sensitive to noise, avoid stays right on Mall Roads or main markets.

My Take

Hotels give you comfort and ease, while homestays connect you with people and stories. I’ve come to enjoy a mix. If I’m traveling with family, I usually book a hotel. If I’m traveling solo or with close friends, a homestay feels warmer.

In the end, it’s not just about the room you book—it’s about how you want to feel on that trip. In Uttarakhand, both hotels and homestays can give you great memories if you choose them with a little thought.

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