Holiday home, guesthouse or hotel
The Seychelles have a reputation for being very expensive. Many people know the exclusive 5 star hotels from films, television or friends' stories. So for a lot of travellers the islands are not the first place that comes to mind when planning a holiday. There is also a feeling that the Seychelles are mainly meant for honeymoons or for a special trip marking a special occasion.
Are you someone who likes to do things your own way? Do you want to spend only as much as necessary on a place to sleep, without having to live in a beach hut with no running water? A holiday home in the Seychelles makes that quite possible. Since 2007, the old rule that only 4 and 5 star hotels were allowed has no longer applied to accommodation. Sadly, word of this still hasn't got through to Europe.
There are some first-class guesthouses in the Seychelles, so it is well worth asking yourself whether a guesthouse might suit your holiday too. They are often better located as well, much more central and closer to where daily life on the islands actually happens.
Comparing the types of accommodation
The tourism authority issues licences in three categories: hotel, guesthouse and self-catering accommodation. Many of the businesses are small places with just a few units, often run by the host in person.
| Type | Board | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Guesthouse | Meals are included, usually breakfast, often dinner as well | Guests who want contact with the hosts and Creole cooking |
| Self-catering (holiday home, apartment) | Own kitchen, meals not included | Families, longer stays, self-caterers |
| Hotel | On-site restaurant, half board available depending on booking | Guests who want service and facilities from a single provider |
What a guesthouse offers
By staying in a guesthouse you get to know the Seychellois personally and experience their outlook, their everyday life and the culinary side of the islands. A guesthouse is also considerably cheaper, and it is much easier to fit your holiday to your budget. Savings on accommodation and local food add up, and you can put that money towards things like visiting more islands or staying longer.
One thing you should be clear about beforehand: a guesthouse in the Seychelles can save you a lot of money, but it is still not a bargain-basement holiday. The aim is to get the most for your money without giving up comfort.
Book directly with the host
Seychellen.com does not arrange accommodation and does not take bookings or enquiries. The accommodation directory at Holidays in the Seychelles lists over 1,100 hotels, guesthouses and self-catering places. For each property you will find an email address, phone number or WhatsApp, and the website. You contact the host directly, and the contract is made solely between you and the host.
The directory can be filtered by island: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. For where to go for dinner, see the restaurants directory.
The advantages of booking directly
What to include in your enquiry
The more precise your first message, the faster you will get a useful offer. Mention:
- Arrival and departure dates
- Number of guests, and the ages of any children
- Room preferences, for example a double bed or two beds, air conditioning, kitchen
- Arrival time and flight number, as many flights land early in the morning or late in the evening
- Special requests, such as breakfast, dinner or help with onward travel
Write to two or three places and compare the replies. How quickly and how carefully a host answers also tells you something about the stay. If you don't know the island yet, the location in relation to the bus, the beach and the supermarket often matters more than the number of stars.
Costs and charges
When looking at room prices, it is worth asking whether VAT (15%) is already included. Where the levy applies, add it to your travel budget: 75 or 100 SCR comes to roughly 4.50 to 6.50 euros per person and night, depending on the exchange rate. The page Money & Banks explains exchange rates, cash and card payments, and the page Tipping covers gratuities.
Entry and arrival
Booking confirmation for entry
So have the confirmation issued before you apply. Ask the host to include the name of the property, the travel dates and all guests. If you change accommodation, for instance from Mahé to Praslin or La Digue, you need a separate confirmation for each stop.
To clarify before booking
Frequently asked questions
Can I book through Seychellen.com?
No. Seychellen.com does not take bookings or act as an agent. The directory under Holidays lists the hosts' contact details, and you book directly with them.
Is booking direct really cheaper?
The host pays no portal commission. Whether they pass the saving on varies, so it is worth comparing prices and asking about a discount or extras. At the very least you get direct contact and clear arrangements.
Is the tourism levy charged for a holiday home?
Not any more since 1 January 2026, as long as the property has 1 to 24 rooms. The levy of 75 or 100 SCR per guest per night only applies from 25 rooms upwards (as of November 2026).
Do I have to cook for myself in a guesthouse?
No. Guesthouses offer meals, whereas self-catering accommodation does not necessarily do so. There you cook in your own kitchen.
When do I need the booking confirmation?
At the latest for the Travel Authorization, which can be applied for no earlier than 30 days before arrival.
Do I need a car if I stay in a guesthouse?
That depends on the location. Central properties are often easy to reach by bus. You will find more under Getting around the Seychelles.
