Urban homestays: A "breath of fresh air" in accommodation services in Nghe An.
While tourists staying in the old Vinh city area previously mainly chose hotels and guesthouses, in recent years, homestays have become a popular option. These include renovated houses in residential areas, apartment buildings, and even newly constructed facilities. Notably, the majority of owners are young people who are quick to adapt to experiential tourism trends and modern accommodation needs.
Accommodation spaces with a unique character.
On a weekend afternoon, in the cool, green surroundings of a homestay in Mai Loc block, Vinh Hung ward, many tourists relax under the shade of trees, while some families prepare for an outdoor BBQ party.
Unlike the familiar image of high-rise hotels or guesthouses lining the city center streets, this place gives the feeling of a miniature resort garden in the heart of the city.
Located near the Mai Loc neighborhood cultural center on Nguyen Hien Street, this establishment has approximately 40 rooms with consistent design. The space is designed in a rustic style, combining wood materials, greenery, and modern amenities.
According to Ms. Le Vu Quynh Giang (born in 1996), the owner of the establishment, current customer needs extend beyond just a place to sleep and rest; they also require a space for relaxation, work, and experiences. Therefore, in addition to accommodation rooms, the homestay also features a garden cafe, BBQ area, free laundry service, and other amenities to support long-term stays.
"Guests here come from various backgrounds: some are on business trips, some are visiting their hometowns, or simply want to find a quiet place to relax. We try to create a warm, home-like atmosphere while ensuring all necessary amenities are provided," Ms. Giang shared.
Also taking a unique approach, the homestay at alley 80 Doi Cung, Thanh Vinh ward, exploits a small-scale model within a residential area. The house has been renovated into a modern accommodation space with full amenities to serve short-term guests.
According to Phan Hong Hai Vinh (born in 2002), the owner of the homestay, the property currently has 3 rooms and an average occupancy rate of over 20 days per month. The main clientele consists of couples, groups of young friends, or business travelers. "Young travelers today prefer places that feel like home, where they can cook their own meals and live comfortably. They also care a lot about beautiful spaces for relaxation or meeting friends," Vinh said.
From the two models with different scales and approaches, it can be seen that urban homestays in the Vinh area are gradually developing their own unique characteristics. Beyond simply offering room rentals, many establishments aim to create personalized, intimate, and more flexible accommodation experiences compared to traditional types.
New accommodation trends and opportunities for young people.
In fact, the homestay model is no longer unfamiliar in major cities and tourist centers across the country. In localities with strong tourism development such as Da Nang, Da Lat, Nha Trang, and Hoi An, homestays have become a popular type of accommodation, meeting the needs of tourists for experiences and relaxation. The increasing number of these accommodations in the Vinh area shows that modern accommodation trends are gradually catching up with dynamic tourist cities nationwide.
According to reports, there are currently dozens of homestays operating in the former Vinh City area, varying in size and type. The common rental price ranges from approximately 300,000 to 800,000 VND per night, depending on the type, location, and amenities. Compared to hotels in the same segment, homestays offer advantages in terms of privacy, flexibility, and a more intimate, home-like atmosphere.
Unlike hotels, which operate according to standardized procedures, homestays often focus on creating a unique atmosphere, architecture, and experience. Some establishments repurpose existing homes into accommodations; some utilize modernly designed apartments; and some homestays are built from scratch with a professional business strategy.
Notably, the workforce in this sector is predominantly young. They not only quickly grasp the trend of experiential tourism but are also flexible in applying technology to promote and manage their businesses. Online booking platforms, social media, and travel experience sharing apps are becoming effective channels for reaching customers. As a result, many homestays, even those newly opened, can quickly access the market and build a stable customer base.
Besides its business value, homestay also contributes to diversifying the accommodation options in the area, meeting the increasingly diverse needs of tourists and locals. Many customers who have used homestay services appreciate the flexibility of this type of accommodation, especially for large families.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai, currently living in Hanoi, said that during her recent trip to Nghe An for a relative's wedding, her family of eight chose to rent an entire homestay instead of booking multiple hotel rooms as they had done before.
"Our family includes elderly people and young children, so staying in a hotel would require renting multiple separate rooms, which is quite inconvenient. Renting an entire house saves costs, provides shared living space, a kitchen for cooking, and allows everyone to gather together like at home. For families returning to their hometowns for a few days for work, this is a very suitable option," shared Ms. Mai.
However, along with rapid development, this model also places demands on service quality, management, and ensuring compliance with regulations for accommodation businesses. For sustainable development, establishments need to focus on investing in infrastructure, improving service quality, ensuring security and safety for guests, and fully complying with relevant regulations.
Homestays are becoming a supplementary accommodation product, contributing to the diversification of tourism services and providing more options for tourists visiting Nghe An. Along with the development of this type of accommodation, the tourism industry is reviewing and compiling statistics on operating establishments in the area to understand the current situation, serving management purposes and guiding appropriate development in the coming period.
Mr. Tran Xuan Cuong - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Nghe An Province
With advantages in flexibility, creativity, and relatively low investment costs, urban homestays are opening up entrepreneurial opportunities for many young people. From renovated houses in residential areas to well-invested facilities, this model not only contributes to enriching the accommodation market but also creates new experiences for tourists visiting the central urban area of Nghe An.
Amidst the increasingly diverse demands for short-term travel, business trips, and leisure stays, homestays are expected to continue developing, becoming an important component alongside traditional hotels and guesthouses, contributing to the diversification of service products and revitalizing the accommodation market in the area.
