How It Works

Each listing shows the booking options available for that property.

A message or call is an enquiry. Your stay is booked once you receive confirmation and meet the property's agreed booking requirements.

Booking directly can reduce your total through better property rates, the verified-guest benefit and, at eligible properties, differences in GST treatment.

More room for better rates

OpenStays does not charge the property a booking fee. Lower distribution costs give properties more room to offer you a better direct price. Check the rate shown for instant bookings, or ask your host for their direct rate when enquiring by WhatsApp or phone.

10% off for verified guests (coming soon)

At properties that offer instant booking, verified OpenStays guests receive 10% off the property's published standard rate. Provide your ID for verification and give separate consent to sharing with the property for each booking.

This discount is available only at properties offering instant booking. Review your discount, taxes and any additional charges in the booking summary before paying.

GST can make a difference

Some smaller properties are below the applicable GST registration threshold and are neither registered nor required to register. An eligible direct booking with such a property may have no accommodation GST. For covered bookings through an online travel agency acting as an e-commerce operator, the operator is responsible for paying the GST under the applicable rules.

Where taxable, hotel accommodation generally attracts 5% GST up to ₹7,500 per unit per day and 18% above ₹7,500. An eligible direct booking may avoid that tax charge. These rates apply to the taxable accommodation value; they are not percentages off the final bill.

Direct booking does not automatically remove GST. Ask the property to confirm its GST status and the total payable for your booking.

Savings from lower distribution costs may already be reflected in the price or fund the guest discount. These savings are not automatically added together.

Get 10% off the property's published standard rate at properties offering instant booking by becoming a verified OpenStays guest.

1. Provide your ID for verification

Submit your ID through the OpenStays verification process to become a verified guest.

2. Choose whether to share for this booking

Give separate consent to sharing with the selected property for each booking. This applies even if you've stayed at that property before.

3. Receive your verified-guest benefit

Check that your 10% discount appears in the booking summary before you pay.

Consent for one booking does not authorise sharing for another. If you do not consent to sharing, the verified-guest discount does not apply to that booking.

For properties that confirm bookings by WhatsApp or phone instead of offering instant booking, agree on these details before paying:

• Confirm your dates, room type, number of guests and what the price includes.
• Ask for the final total, including applicable taxes and additional charges.
• Check cancellation, refund and no-show terms.
• Ask whether the property will accept a small token advance, with the balance paid at check-in. Negotiate the minimum amount it needs to confirm your stay.
• Get the advance amount, whether it is refundable, the balance due and your booking confirmation in writing.
• Where accepted, consider paying by credit card so you can request a chargeback for an eligible dispute. A refund is subject to review and is not guaranteed.

Payment arrangements vary by property. Keep your confirmation and payment receipts handy for check-in. If the property offers instant booking, follow the price, terms and payment requirements shown in its booking flow.

Help guests discover your property and book directly with you. Use OpenStays to offer online booking where enabled, or connect with guests over WhatsApp and phone.

OpenStays does not charge you a booking fee. You set your rates and booking terms, receive guest payments directly and handle your guests' stay.

We welcome travel agents, tour operators, AI apps, corporates, platforms, distribution networks and influencer networks as partners.

A 10% partner discount or referral fee (coming soon)

Partners can arrange a 10% discount or a 10% referral fee directly with the property. A discount reduces the agreed booking price. A referral fee rewards the partner for bringing guests to the property through its audience, recommendations or booking services.

The partner and property agree on eligibility, how the benefit is calculated and when payments are due. This is a separate partner programme from the verified-guest discount.

OpenStays provides booking attribution and transaction details. The property is responsible for all payments under the partner arrangement, including referral fees. Partners should contact the property directly about payment amounts, timing or outstanding balances.