Are Guest Houses Safe? [Traveler’s Guide]

Guest Houses
Written By Taz Zaidi

Are Guest Houses Safe?

Guest houses are generally safe to stay in.

But while they allow you to experience local culture in an unparalleled way (compared to other types of accommodation), guest houses differ from hotels in a few key ways - which intimidates some travelers.

In this guide, we’ll explore the topic of guest house safety.

We’ll cover how to protect your personal belongings and choose the right neighborhood, smart booking practices, and helpful safety tips. For a complete step-by-step guide showing you how to find/book a guest house, use our Guest House Booking Guide.

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.

How Safe Are Guest Houses?

Guest house safety varies by property/host.

I’ve stayed in guest houses around the world, but have never been the victim of theft or violence in one. Nor have I met anyone who has (that I know of). Still, a typical guest house generally will not be as secure as mid to upper-tier hotels, because they often lack overnight staff and on-site security cameras. To learn more about guest houses versus hotels, click here.

The most important action you can take to ensure a safe guest house stay is to research guest houses prior to booking (which we’ll cover how). On Agoda.com, you can browse their photos, compare prices and see a property’s amenities and features. You’ll get a feel for the atmosphere and the host’s professionalism (or lack of) from reading their past guests’ reviews.

Many guest houses were initially built as residential family homes, and then later modified to host guests. Hosts often live inside or nearby the same property as their guests. Shared spaces lead to more interactions, but can make some guests feel uneasy if they’re used to a greater level of privacy when traveling. However, this factor is also what makes guest houses unique.

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.

Protect Your Personal Belongings

Guest houses are often family-run and operated.

Rather than hiring staff (like hotels do), guest house hosts often split duties amongst family members. This informal setting allows you to experience local culture in an authentic way, but this also means guest houses often lack an overnight staff - which can make some guests feel vulnerable. If you’re concerned about this, consider booking a guest house with 24/7 staff. To filter on Agoda.com, select “Guesthouse/bed and breakfast” under the “Property types” tab.

Then, select the “Front desk [24-hour]” filter below the “Property facilities” tab.

*For the 5 things you should bring to a guest house stay, click here.

Choose The Right Neighborhood

Not all popular destinations are completely safe.

Touristic cities often attract unscrupulous characters (such as pickpockets and scammers). Whether you’re in a major city like Berlin or New York, or off-the-beaten-path in Mongolia or Paraguay, research local neighborhoods prior to booking. This provides a feel for the area(s) you’d like to stay near and/or avoid.

After you decide on the neighborhood or general part of town you want to stay in, use Agoda.com's map to find guest houses in that particular area. Simply click “Search on Map” below the search bar.

You’ll see prices pinned on the interactive map. Click on a price to get more details about a given property, or scroll the list of properties displayed on the left.

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.

Smart Guest Houses Booking Practices

By following a few smart booking practices, you can reduce the risk of negative occurrences during a stay. Use the tips below when finding and booking a guest house. For a complete step-by-step guide to booking guest houses, use our Guest House Booking Guide.

When searching for a listing:

  • Establish your budget prior to searching

  • Use search filters to narrow results based on your own criteria

Only consider listings with:

  • Recent, positive reviews from guests

  • Clear photos showing room and property

Selecting a room and finalizing your booking:

  • Some guest houses are remotely located. Try to book near where you’ll spend time after arriving (use Agoda’s map).

  • Read the full listing description. Verify the amenities fit what you need, whether that’s breakfast, laundry, tours, etc.

  • Read your host’s cancellation policy and double-check the price prior to booking.

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.

More Guest House Safety Tips!

Before Arriving

  • Learn a bit about local customs in your destination, particularly if visiting a place where the culture is different than home.

  • Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes theft protection. Even if nothing happens during your trip, this can help to provide you with more peace of mind.

  • Many guest houses do not provide 24/7 reception. If you’ll arrive late for check-in (after 8 pm), notify the host beforehand.

  • Traveling with a non-flashy backpack or bags helps avoid unnecessary attention.

At The Guest House

  • Some guest houses, such as those with an on-site bar/restaurant, allow non-guests to enter their bar/restaurant but prohibit them from entering the guest-only areas.

  • Many guest houses let guests store bags after checkout (for pickup later that day).

  • Read Guest House Etiquette Guide and all about the 8 Types Of Guest Houses.

General Travel Tips

  • Regardless of accommodation, it’s smart to split your money between yourself and luggage (take what you need for the day). This way, you’ll have back-up if anything happens to either. Always keep a digital copy of your passport ID page on you.

  • Avoid aimlessly wandering at night (especially if you’re traveling solo).

  • Avoid flashing expensive belongings (including cell phones in some places).

  • Dress conservatively in such areas.

*Agoda.com sells quality, discounted guest house rooms (UP TO $50 OFF!). To see today’s deals on guest houses in any destination, click here.

Conclusion

Hopefully you found this guide helpful.

Safety is always an important aspect to consider when visiting a foreign destination. Follow the tips, employ common sense and enjoy your stay! To learn more about guest houses, explore our other guides below.

Enjoy your travels!

How To Find Great Deals On Guest Houses

Agoda.com is a great place to book a guest house online. You’ll find properties for groups, solo travelers, couples and families. For today’s deals on guest houses in your destination, click here. If you’ve never stayed in a guest house before and just prefer a step-by-step guide showing you how to find and book your ideal stay, follow our Guest House Booking Guide.

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Taz Zaidi [Author]
Taz Zaidi [Author]

Taz Zaidi is an American travel writer and the founder/creator of TRVLGUIDES.com. Connect with him on Instagram (@tazzaidi) or on his personal website, at tazzaidi.com.

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Taz Zaidi
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