Shelter for the pinched pockets

Homestays

With Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) knocking at our gates, major hotels are almost booked with tourists and literature lovers headed to the city. But fret not if you don't get to lodge in one of the recommended hotels due to lack of rooms.

Several attendees, many of them regulars at the festival, prefer to book home-stays around the Diggi Palace. People had started booking for the JLF around six-eight months back, according to Capt SK Singh, owner of Girisadan Home Stay. The average going rate for home stays is around `1,500-`2,000 per night, while pricier options come with wi-fi and exclusive residency. "We are offering a room and breakfast, free Wi-Fi and other meals on request.

Double occupancy with breakfast is available for `2,999," says Singh whose property is 2km from Diggi Palace.

Repeat and regulars come back each year, claims Rajana Goyal, owner of All Season Homestay, also around 2km from venue. Daughter's Home opens its doors to female tourists while other options include Anand Homestay, Laiba Homestay, Anu Shree Girls Home, etc. The smartphone savvy can book the home stays on Airbnb and Oyo.

—Yukti Sharma

Heritage hotels & hostels

For the adventure-loving solo traveller, who wants to explore the city, here are some hostels and heritage hotels to check out.

Heritage revisited

To experience the rich heritage of the desert state, visitors can stay at properties like Tara Niwas, Arya Niwas and Bissau Palace, all located in the heart of Jaipur. Though Tarun Bansal, GM of Arya Niwas says that all their rooms have been booked out, they're available at the other two.

Easy on the pocket

Zostel Jaipur is already brimming with backpackers as are Moustache, Roadhouse and Doodlerack. Arun Bagga, property manager Zostel shared, "We'll be accommodating over 80 visitors during that time... They can plan to visit the literature festival together."

Exploring local customs

Hostels like Bunkstop and Blue Beds are also offering some tour packages of the city. Owner of Blue Beds Hostel, Mahesh Tekwani, said, "We have curated various events, walks and city night and early morning tours for our in-house guests and other JLF participants."

—Palak Juneja