10 stylish homestays that you have to stay in
With so many homestay hosts worldwide, we have a wonderful mix of homes for you to stay in. Our hosts are passionate about their homes and many have gone to great lengths to decorate and restore their properties so staying in a homestay can give you slice of history or a look a modern design, depending on your preference. From modern chic design in city destinations to antique luxury complete with chandeliers to rustic retreats in the country, there's a homestay for you whatever your tastes Here are some of our favourite homestays with beautiful interiors that will make you want to book your next getaway sooner rather than later.
1. Havana, Cuba
Stay with Tatiana in her incredible colonial style home built in 1920. She restored it back in 2013 while maintaining as much of the original architecture as possible such as the traditional ceiling finishes, intricate tiled floors, antique chandeliers, marble columns and stained glass windows. Located in the heart of Havana, the homestay is very close to the Malecón, Havana Vieja, Capitolio and Barrio Chino so you’ll have plenty to see and lots of neighbourhoods to explore during your visit.
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2. Anais, Portugal
Enjoy a stay with Ana in her rustic country home with its luscious green surroundings and ample grounds to explore. Enjoy a swim in her brand new swimming pool, discover the hiking trails or relax on the porch, taking in the view. Ana renovated this home, originally built in the 1950’s, with her family over the last year. They restored and retained as many of the original features as they could while adapting it for modern, comfortable living.
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3. Tangier, Morocco
Carlos' colourful home and is nearly three hundred years old and is the ideal location for the bohemian-spirited traveller. The owner is author Carlos who has been hosting guests for fifteen years. His enchanting Kasbah home has a spectacular rooftop terrace (main image, above) with incredible views of the city and the coastline. The homestay is a feast for the eyes, showcasing the vibrancy of Moroccan design and it's clear there was incredible attention to detail given to the finishing touches in this home.
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4. Paris, France
Meet Conti, our Parisian host who is a designer by profession. Her luxurious period home is right off the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and features grand marble fireplaces, stained glass and floor to ceiling windows that flood the entire home with light. Take in her extensive art collection or wander through one of the best neighbourhoods in Paris. Want to take in the tourist sights? Then you truly are in one of the best spots, with the Eiffel Tower just a short journey away.
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5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ivana and Fabio are a creative couple whose artistic flair can be seen throughout their unique loft home. They renovated their homestay transforming it from an old 1960’s tenement building into a spacious, colourful home while preserving the important parts of the original design such as the colonial-style courtyard. The neighbourhood has a bohemian feel to it and is filled with bars, antiques shops, street markets, street performers, the biggest night clubs and many universities and language schools.
Book a homestay with Ivana and Fabio.
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6. Provence, France
After a decade of travelling the world, hosts Axelle and Ian found themselves smitten by the charm of a historic stone house in southern France. Their home, Vieil Hopital, was originally built in the sixteenth-century as a resting place for travellers journeying through Europe. After being lovingly restored with the help of friends and family, this homestay with a 500 year history is now back to its former glory. Enjoy a candlelight dinner in the stone walled terrace, read a book in the library or watch a film in the communal artist's workshop area.
Book a homestay with Axelle and Ian.
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7. Syracuse, Italy
Giuliana’s contemporary home is located in the centre of Syracuse which means you can discover this beautiful city by foot. Enjoy the luxury of the modern bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms complete with luxury rainfall showers. Each room also has its own private balcony overlooking the harbour of Syracuse for you to take in the picturesque views. Giuliana has been running her homestay, Skenè House, for three years now and loves sharing her favourite spots in Syracuse and Sicily with her guests.
Book a homestay with Giuliana.
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8. London, England
Located just next to the trendy London Fields area of Hackney in East London, Roy James’ home is a stylish penthouse apartment that reflects his own interests in art, culture and creativity. He has hosted guests from all over the world in the past five years since he began hosting. As a native Londoner he’s more than happy to gently point people in the right direction of places that are not on the normal tourist trail. Choose between the Tented Woodland Bedroom and the Penthouse Bedroom which opens out onto a balcony with great views of London.
Book a homestay with Roy James.
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9. Barcelona, Spain
Arola’s chic homestay is a perfect blend of the old and the new. Her home is in the popular El Born neighbourhood of the Ciutat Vella (Catalan for Old City) area of Barcelona which is known for its charming stone courtyards and Juliet balconies. Enjoy a stay in her tastefully decorated room with intricate wood-coffered ceilings and relax in your private Mediterranean style patio area.
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10. Boracay Island, the Philippines
Mitcheline’s homestay is located along one of the white sanded beaches of Boracay Island. This colourful home is inspired by Asian architecture and centrally located with everything you need within walking distance. The home is filled with lots of beautiful ornate details. Mitcheline always sends guests to the best spots on the island and her favourite places for going out. She thinks the sunset on her local beach is second to none.
Book a homestay with Mitcheline.
Written by Michelle O'Beirne
Michelle has loved travel since childhood, when her Mum joined an airline & she travelled with her everywhere from Bordeaux to Barbados.
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