Established in 2019 by hospitality veterans Ananya Rao and Vikram Desai, VacationStay was founded on a singular vision: to elevate holiday accommodation in India by marrying rigorous quality standards with personalized local insights. Recognizing a gap between the impersonal feel of large hotel chains and the uncertainty of unvetted rentals, Ananya and Vikram assembled a team of seasoned travel curators, property managers, and local cultural liaisons. Their goal: to create a network of distinctive stays—ranging from restored colonial bungalows in Kolkata to eco‑friendly teepees in Rajasthan—that promise authenticity, comfort, and reliability.
At VacationStay, every property undergoes a stringent 50‑point inspection covering cleanliness, safety, amenities, and accuracy of listing descriptions. Our in‑house photography studio captures each home’s unique character, while 360° virtual tours allow guests to explore layouts and vistas before booking. We partner exclusively with owners who share our commitment to hospitality excellence—providing 24/7 professional management, dedicated housekeeping teams, and preventive maintenance schedules that keep every space pristine and guest‑ready.
Beyond bricks and mortar, VacationStay places a premium on cultural immersion. Each booking includes a bespoke “Local Living Guide,” compiled by resident experts, offering off‑track recommendations for dining, shopping, and sightseeing. Guests can arrange curated experiences—morning yoga by the Ganges, village cooking classes in Kerala, or private boat safaris in Sundarbans—seamlessly through our concierge desk. For families, we provide child‑safety kits, high‑chair rentals, and tailored activity plans that make multi‑generational travel stress‑free and memorable.
Sustainability threads through every aspect of our operation. We enlist eco‑certified properties, promote plastic‑free practices, and reinvest a portion of our booking fees into community conservation projects—from beach cleanups in Andaman to school supplies for children in Himachal villages. Our “GreenStay” badge highlights properties with solar power, rainwater harvesting, and organic kitchen gardens, empowering eco‑minded travelers to make conscious choices.
Since launch, VacationStay has hosted over 10,000 guests, maintaining a 4.8‑star average rating on major travel platforms. Guest feedback applauds our attention to detail—from pillow‑menu options and in‑room spice racks stocked with regional specialties to contactless check‑in and emergency veterinary support for traveling pets. We attribute our rapid growth to a relentless focus on service quality, transparent communication, and fostering genuine connections between travelers and hosts.
Looking ahead to 2025, VacationStay plans to expand into the Northeast’s tea‑garden homestays and South India’s riverboat lodges, further diversifying our portfolio. We’re also developing a proprietary mobile app featuring AI‑driven itinerary suggestions, real‑time translation services, and smart‑home controls for connected properties. Regardless of where your journey takes you—sun‑baked deserts, misty mountains, or tropical shores—VacationStay remains committed to crafting accommodations that not only shelter your travels but enrich your understanding of India’s rich tapestry of cultures and landscapes.