When it comes to booking a homestay, people always focus on the room — but the host can make or break your experience. Here’s how to tell if you’ve found a good one

1 Fast Response Time
A host who replies within minutes instead of hours — that’s gold. It shows they’re responsible and care about your stay.

2 Clear Check-In Instructions
Good hosts make check-in smooth: detailed directions, lockbox codes, even photos of the door or lift area. No one wants to drag luggage while guessing where to go.

3 Proactive Communication
The best hosts don’t wait for problems to happen — they check in (“Is everything okay with your stay?”) and solve issues quickly.

4 Cleanliness Standards
If the host pays attention to cleanliness, it’s a strong sign they take their business seriously. A clean homestay = a trustworthy one.

5 Local Recommendations
Bonus points if your host shares where to eat or what to do nearby — that personal touch makes a stay memorable.

Bottom line: A good host doesn’t just give you a place to sleep — they make you feel at home.