Four years ago, my father’s old house in Manali had been sitting empty for almost a year. It was a modest three-bedroom place, nothing fancy, with cracked paint and a leaky bathroom. Like many people who inherit property, I wasn’t sure what to do with it. Selling it felt too final, and renting it out to long-term tenants seemed uninspiring. I had always been curious about the idea of hosting travelers but assumed it was only worthwhile if you owned a luxurious villa. I quickly learned that wasn’t true. Even simple spaces can be transformed into profitable homestays if you position them well and care about the guest experience.
I began by looking at what the most-booked homestays in my area offered. Almost all of them had two things in common: reliable basics and good photographs. So I decided to tackle the essentials first. I spent about ₹2 lakh on repairs—fixing plumbing, repainting walls, buying sturdy beds and mattresses, and putting in a decent Wi-Fi connection. Instead of decorating it with expensive furnishings, I focused on making everything clean, comfortable, and consistent.
One of the smartest early investments was hiring a professional photographer. Those photos made my listing look bright and inviting, and within the first week, my homestay profile was already getting inquiries.
When I set my rates, I didn’t guess. I compared similar properties on Airbnb and Booking.com, and I looked at their availability calendars. In the beginning, I priced my homestay about 10% lower to attract my first few guests. Once I had collected some positive reviews and built trust, I gradually raised the rates, especially during the summer high season when Manali gets flooded with tourists. Over time, I found a sweet spot that balanced occupancy and profit. Most months, I earned around ₹45,000 to ₹55,000, and during peak periods, it went higher.
Many guests mentioned in reviews that they appreciated little extras—like a homemade breakfast or a basket of local snacks on arrival. These gestures didn’t cost much but made people feel looked after. I also wrote a printed guidebook with recommendations for cafes, trekking routes, and tips for getting around, which guests found helpful. This personal approach kept my reviews high, and high reviews meant my listing stayed at the top of search results.
In the first six months, I learned that responding to guest messages quickly made a big difference. People often book the first host who answers their questions clearly. I also synced my calendars across platforms to avoid double bookings, which can ruin your reputation fast. As my occupancy grew, I hired a part-time caretaker to handle cleaning and check-ins. That freed up my time and kept the homestay running smoothly even when I wasn’t in town.
Seeing steady monthly income changed how I thought about property altogether. I’ve since started helping my cousin set up her farmhouse as a homestay, using the same step-by-step process: fix what’s broken, invest in photos, get your pricing right, and treat guests like old friends.
If you have an empty house or an unused floor, you don’t need to spend a fortune or have luxury interiors. Start with making sure it’s clean, safe, and comfortable. Focus on small details that show you care. Be responsive, build good reviews early, and stay consistent with your standards. Over time, you’ll find that hosting isn’t just about earning extra money—it’s also about creating a place where people feel welcome.
I never imagined that an unused house would become a reliable ₹50,000 per month income stream. But with patience, a bit of research, and a genuine interest in hosting, it absolutely can. And if I could do it with a simple three-bedroom place in Manali, there’s a good chance you can do it wherever you are too.
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