BidYourStay is revolutionizing hotel bookings with its disruptive real-time bidding platform, rewriting the rules of how travellers find and pay for accommodation. Instead of settling for fixed prices, users bid live for rooms, naming their own rates and engaging directly with hotels and homestay providers. This dynamic, user-first model dismantles the traditional structure by eliminating intermediaries and opaque pricing, thereby creating a fair, transparent, and cost-effective booking ecosystem.
At its core, BidYourStay champions accessibility and fairness. It levels the playing field for both travellers and property owners by fostering a competitive marketplace where demand meets supply in real time. With 100% verified listings across India, the platform assures uncompromising quality. Travelers gain access to meticulously curated stays—from luxurious hotels to intimate homestays—while benefiting from personalized support that tailors options to their preferences and budget.
Crucially, BidYourStay puts control back into the hands of travellers. They no longer passively accept what’s offered; instead, they actively shape their experiences and expenses. In doing so, the platform injects flexibility, empowerment, and agility into the travel journey—qualities long missing from conventional booking systems.
In an exclusive interaction with The Interview World at Startup Mahakumbh, Harshal Gupta, Co-founder of BidYourStay, delves into the platform’s bold vision and its transformative impact on India’s homestay sector. He breaks down the innovative business model, tracks its growth trajectory, and highlights the robust security protocols in place to ensure the integrity of each listed property.
Here are the most compelling insights from his conversation.
Q: Can you walk us through the concept behind BidYourStay and how it is transforming the travel experience for today’s savvy travellers?
A: At the heart of our model lie two powerful mechanisms: forward auctions and reverse auctions. Let’s break them down.
If you’re planning a last-minute trip—say, within the next week—our reverse auction system enables you to secure stays at up to 40–45% off compared to standard rates on other OTAs. Here’s how: when a host sees that their property remains unbooked for the next day or two, they’re naturally more inclined to negotiate. Their priority is maximizing occupancy, not holding out for full price. This opens the door for travellers to benefit from significant discounts in real time.
Now, if you’re booking further in advance—say, a month from now—you can take advantage of our forward auction model. Let’s say a room is listed at ₹8,000. You can place an offer for ₹7,000 directly through our platform. Instantly, the host receives a real-time notification on WhatsApp and can either accept your offer or respond with a counterbid. This direct engagement ensures pricing is flexible, competitive, and transparent—designed entirely with the traveller’s interests in mind.
But we’re not stopping at pricing innovation. We’re also reimagining how travellers discover properties. From immersive 3D walkthroughs to high-quality videos, users can now see exactly what they’re booking—down to the last detail. What you view online is precisely what awaits you upon arrival.
Most importantly, we enforce strict compliance to ensure properties meet customer expectations without deviation. With BidYourStay, there are no surprises—just smarter bookings, better value, and complete clarity from search to check-in.
Q: Where did BidYourStay initially launch its operations, and how do you envision its growth and expansion in the near future?
A: We began our journey in Goa. Today, we have expanded our presence across India, establishing ourselves in every major tourist destination. This remarkable growth reflects our unwavering commitment to serving travellers nationwide.
Q: Does BidYourStay also offer a listing of own properties or manage properties of others?
A: We operate on an asset-light business model, strategically leveraging existing infrastructure. Instead of owning properties, we partner exclusively with homeowners already running homestays. Every listed property on our platform remains under the ownership and management of its respective host. Focused solely on homestays, we curate authentic, local experiences. Acting as a middleware platform, we drive value by optimizing occupancy and enhancing visibility for our partners—without the overhead of property ownership.
Q: What growth potential do you foresee for this model of accommodation in the evolving travel and hospitality landscape?
A: The market is witnessing a sharp and sustained rise. Research clearly indicates a growing shortage of quality homestays. Notably, Airbnb alone recorded $1 billion in revenue in India during the last financial year—a testament to the sector’s explosive potential. This surge is largely driven by Gen Z and millennial travellers, who increasingly favour authentic, immersive experiences over traditional hotel stays. As a result, the homestay segment is not only expanding rapidly but also evolving in the right direction. From every angle, the momentum is undeniable—and it’s only accelerating.
Q: What steps do you take to verify properties and ensure that stays booked through BidYourStay are safe and secure for travellers?
A: We operate exclusively in the premium and luxury segments, focusing on high-end villas and upscale properties. As a result, we’ve encountered virtually no security or maintenance issues. These properties are meticulously maintained, often by vigilant owners who take proactive measures to safeguard them. Most include dedicated caretakers and security personnel on-site, ensuring a seamless experience.
Moreover, our inventory is concentrated in major tourist destinations—areas naturally aligned with our brand ethos. While we maintain a limited presence in Tier 1 cities like Delhi and Mumbai, our core focus remains firmly on leisure-driven locations where demand for luxury stays continues to rise.
