“Success doesn’t come from avoiding failure—it comes from learning through it and refusing to stop.”
In an exclusive chat with Entrepreneurs Today, Sahil Ansari shares how Pine Stays began as a leap of faith, before which he made sure to experiment extensively in his career. It was while working from door to door and stacking shelves that Sahil soon found his calling in hospitality. He shares,
“For the past 10 years, we’ve been building BnB experiences that stretch across India—think cozy, design-forward stays that feel like home, if your home came with a view and housekeeping you don’t have to argue with. Pine Stays is all about warmth, good vibes, and spaces that make you want to extend your trip… indefinitely.”
The journey to building Pine Stays has been full of confusion and curiosity, as he hopped through seventeen jobs. As he recalls,
“Some of the jobs went from the wildly boring to the mildly bizarre. I realized I wasn’t chasing a title, I was chasing purpose. What I loved most was creating experiences, connecting with people, and making them feel at ease. Hospitality felt like the perfect intersection of all that.”
The company was launched with a single small property, a head full of DIY videos on YouTube, and a belief that we could provide more than just a place to stay. We had it in us to set a vibe, story, and memory for the travelers to take home.
Playing it by ear, Sahil has been bootstrapping Pine Stays from the very beginning, eventually turning it into a pan-India network of B&Bs that feel less like rentals and more like retreats.
Only at Pine Stays
Pine Stays stands out because every property tells a story, and is not only focused on ticking off a list of amenities. Guests arrive not to a generic room but to a space shaped by handpicked décor and authentic local accents. It is that touch of personality that turns a night’s stay into an experience.
Pine Stays also strikes a rare balance between comfort and affordability. Each villa is high‑end in design and detail, yet remains accessible on a modest budget. Sahil mentions,
“Our villas are designed with the kind of quality and interiors that could give a 5-star hotel a serious identity crisis—but without the 5-star price tag. Think top-notch aesthetics, plush comfort, and thoughtful details, all while being soft on your wallet.”
A Rewarding Journey
“Passion is great—but passion with patience, learning, and a spreadsheet is even better.”
Sahil’s entrepreneurial path began with Palms Villa, a project that did not take off but taught him a vital lesson about passion.
Today, he believes that every setback is a part of success, and building Pine Stays brought its own set of challenges. There were times when he missed bookings, trusted the wrong people, and invested in ideas that did not pan out. But while each mistake felt like it stung, he made sure to stay strong and consistent for his dreams. Sahil highlights,
“That’s what eventually separates you from the rest. Not luck. Not funding. Just showing up every day and getting better. Trust me on this one, as long as the dice are rolling, your six will come.”
One of the sixes for Sahil is the trusting bonds he builds in businesses. Over ten years, Pine Stays has expanded across India and, last year, launched its first international condo in Patong, Phuket. Along the lines of expansion, he wants to scout additional global destinations to grow both wisely and sustainably. He further adds,
“The real wins are quieter, more personal. Like the guest I hosted seven years ago, who still calls me on my birthday every year just to catch up and send some love. That kind of genuine relationship is rare in business, and to me, it’s priceless.”
While the wins matter a lot to Sahil, and he makes sure to celebrate each one, he is immensely proud of the times when his guests leave as friends, carrying memories they return to again and again.
Looking Ahead
Sahil’s plan is to build the next big thing in the booking platform space. He explains that no one in India, be it a top-tier state, likes paying an additional 5-10% commission fee while booking. He notes,
“It’s like an unspoken surcharge no one wants but everyone ends up paying. So, my big future goal is to fix that problem once and for all. That’s why we’re launching BnB India, a homegrown booking platform with zero commission.”
He looks forward to building ‘India’s very own hosting platform’ that is a no-commission platform designed to bring fairness back to travel. No hidden fees. No middlemen. Just a direct line between hosts and guests, the way it should be.
While Pine Stays continues to scale both across India and globally after their Phuket condo launch, Sahil’s deeper mission is to make travel more accessible and affordable everywhere.
Learning from Life
A crucial lesson Sahil has learned in his journey is to always stay consistent. He believes that while talent and ideas are certainly necessary, one needs to show up every day for success. He says,
“There were moments when quitting seemed easier, but I realised early on that giving up is not an option if you truly believe in what you’re building.”
Lastly, as he signs off, he reminds the budding entrepreneurs,
“Stay patient, stay resilient, and stay hungry. You won’t always see immediate results, but every small step, every late night, and every setback is shaping your future self. Don’t compare your Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20. Build with passion, lead with purpose, and let your journey inspire others.”
