‘They are treating it like another hotel room’: Himachal Homestay owner shares video of alleged damage to guests | Today’s news
A homestay owner in Himachal Pradesh has sparked a debate on social media after she shared a video showing the alleged aftermath of a guest’s stay at her heritage property. The clip, posted on Instagram, features damaged decor, stained furniture and trash strewn throughout the grounds, highlighting the challenges of maintaining historic homes that are accessible to travelers.
The video was shared by Tarana Chauhan, who runs Nirvana Homes Rarta, a heritage home in the Himalayas. In the film, Reel walks the audience through various parts of the property, pointing out broken decorative items and other signs of damage she says were left by guests.
According to Chauhan, the family home is a century-old family home that she converted into a hospitality business after quitting her 9-to-5 job. She said the property represents years of effort and restoration work, with every nook and cranny carefully designed and maintained.
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The footage shows dirt smeared on the bed, damaged decorative pieces and empty alcohol bottles left around the property. Through the video, Chauhan said she wanted to highlight a side of homestay management that guests often don’t see.
In the caption accompanying the post, she reflected on the emotional investment associated with preserving a historic building.
“You spend hours choosing the right decor, preserving old details, thoughtfully furnishing every corner, and keeping a place that means something to you alive. And then, sometimes, guests walk in and treat it like another hotel room,” she wrote.
Chauhan expressed disappointment at the alleged damage while acknowledging that most guests are respectful and considerate.
“Most guests are wonderful, respectful and leave the place better than they found it. But the few who don’t can leave behind more than just a mess. They leave behind disappointment,” she said.
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She went on to describe the property as “a 100-year-old historic house that has survived generations, storms and time itself.”
The video quickly gained popularity online, with many users sharing their views on the responsibilities of both hosts and guests.
One user suggested that hosts avoid keeping valuable or sentimental decor in rental properties, writing: “First rule of hosting. Only use easily replaceable decorations. No sentimentality. You probably got it all from different places with different values, but it’s all available on Amazon.”
Another commenter suggested a visitor review system, saying, “We should definitely have a host review section.”
Some users have pointed out that hosting platforms already offer tools to deal with such situations. Not only can an Airbnb host leave a review for guests, but they can also file a claim for any damages caused during their stay! one person commented.
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Several hosts also weighed in on their own experiences. One user wrote: “To be completely honest, this is one of the biggest challenges of hosting. I’ve been a host for the past four years and one thing I’ve learned is to keep less fragile or expensive items on the property.”
As the discussion continues, Chauhan’s contribution has brought renewed attention to the realities of running a homestay and the importance of treating heritage sites with care and respect.
