Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about booking hotels by the hour on StayByHours.
What is StayByHours?
StayByHours is India's first hourly hotel booking platform. We let you book premium hotel rooms by the hour — pay only for the time you need, starting from just 2 hours. Perfect for business meetings, airport layovers, day use, and short stays.
How does hourly hotel booking work on StayByHours?
It's simple: (1) Search for hotels in your city, (2) Select check-in time and duration (2-24 hours), (3) Book and pay online. You get instant confirmation with the hotel address and check-in details. No full-night rates — you only pay for your hours.
Which cities does StayByHours operate in?
StayByHours currently operates in 40+ cities across India including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Jaipur, Goa, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Kochi, Coimbatore, and many more. We are expanding rapidly to cover Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
What is the minimum booking duration?
The minimum booking duration on StayByHours is 2 hours. You can book for 2, 3, 4, or up to 24 hours depending on your need. Hourly rates are calculated as a percentage of the full-day tariff, so shorter stays are significantly cheaper.
How much does an hourly hotel room cost?
Prices vary by hotel and city. A 2-4 hour stay typically costs 12% of the full-day rate, and 5-10 hours costs about 20% of the full-day rate. For example, if a hotel charges ₹3,000/day, a 3-hour stay would cost just ₹360 + taxes.
Is StayByHours safe and trustworthy?
Yes. All hotels on StayByHours are verified properties. We use secure payment processing via Razorpay, your personal data is encrypted with AES-256 encryption, and we comply with DPDPA 2023 (India's data protection law). We are a registered Indian company.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 2 hours before your check-in time. After that, cancellation charges may apply depending on the hotel's policy. You can cancel directly from your booking confirmation page or by contacting our support.
Do I need to pay the full-day rate?
No! That's the whole point of StayByHours. You only pay for the hours you use. A 3-hour stay costs a fraction of the full-day rate. We calculate hourly rates automatically based on the duration you select.
How do I check in?
After booking, you receive an instant confirmation with the hotel name, address, and check-in time. Simply arrive at the hotel at your selected check-in time, show your booking confirmation (SMS or email), and check in. It's that easy.
Is StayByHours available for couples?
Yes, StayByHours offers couple-friendly hotels in all major cities. All our partner hotels welcome couples with valid ID proof. Search for hotels in your city and book with confidence.
How is StayByHours different from OYO, MakeMyTrip, or Booking.com?
Unlike traditional booking platforms that charge for a full night, StayByHours lets you book by the hour. This means you can save up to 75% for short stays. We specialize in flexible, time-based hotel bookings — perfect for business travelers, transit passengers, and anyone who doesn't need a full overnight stay.
Can hotels list their properties on StayByHours?
Yes! Hotel owners can sign up on our IMS (Inventory Management System) portal at staybyhours.com/ims/signup. The onboarding process is simple: register, submit your property details, and our team will review and approve your listing. It's free to list.