Exactly this. I'd add that homestays allow me to pay for just what I need - a comfortable/safe/private room to stay in. A lot of the extras you're paying for at

Exactly this. I'd add that homestays allow me to pay for just what I need - a comfortable/safe/private room to stay in. A lot of the extras you're paying for at a hotel are totally unnecessary for me: -someone making the bed + tidying the room -fancy buffet -facilities like gym/spa/TV -general feeling of 'luxury' Obviously there are some people who do care about these things, but as I don't I'd rather not pay for them.