Disclosure– Some of my posts include affiliate links, but you probably won’t notice because it doesn’t affect the blog or my opinions on here.
When you are an airbnb host, you will quickly realize that you write the same messages over and over, and answer the same questions over and over. Airbnb has a nifty feature where you can save messages, and then just insert them in responses. Having all of these messages personalized and saved for your home makes replying and messaging with guests must quicker and easier! It has been a lifesaver. Here are a few sample ones that you may want to save and use!
Greeting/Right after a booking
Typically we do not like to send check-in instructions to guest until the week of, for security reasons. When a guest first books or we have to approve a booking (depending on whether or not you have instant-book enabled), I like to send a quick message:
Hello! Thanks for booking. I’ll send more details when the date gets closer. Please reach out if you have any questions or would like recommendations in the meantime.
Sometimes a guest will not include why they are coming to our city to visit, and this is information we like to ask for. We have had guests that are not up-front about why they are staying in our home or what brings them to Minneapolis, which makes us a bit uncomfortable. Plus we like to give recommendations and have an idea of if they are going to staying around the house the majority of the time or trying to host a party or if they are going to be out at a wedding, theatre, etc. If they did not include this information in their initial message, we will usually add, “what brings you to Minneapolis?” or other clarifying questions if needed.
Week-of Details
A few days before the planned check in date, I like to reach out with some questions and instructions. Typically we like to be at the house to meet the guest. If they respond that it will be late at night when they check in or a time when we aren’t around, I will follow up with check in instructions.
Hey (insert name)!
Do you have an ETA for (insert day)? We’d love to try to meet you at the house to show you around.
Just a few details for your trip this week:
– We use a keyless lock. This will allow you to come in the home at any time. Do you have a four digit code you would like us to program for you? If not, I can just use the last four digits of your phone number.
Please just lock it behind you. If it’s too dark to read the numbers on the keypad, you can just hit the logo button and it will illuminate the numbers. When leaving, you just hit the logo button to lock the door behind you.
– (Parking information) There is free street parking anywhere in the neighborhood.
– Please let us know if you have any questions or if you need suggestions/recommendations while you’re here.
You may also want to include:
- Check-in time (i.e. Just a reminder that our check in hours are between 4pm and 11pm.)
- Pet information (i.e. Please do not let the cat in your bedroom)
- Other parts of the house they can/cannot use (i.e. You are welcome to use the top shelf in the fridge; Please do not enter the main floor bedrooms)
- Where guests can find towels or toiletries if provided
- Best way to reach you if necessary
- If any parking restrictions are in place or how much parking costs. This winter with all of the snow the parking rules and restrictions were constantly changing, so we kept our guests in the loop.
Check-in Instructions
Some hosts only offer self check-in or are not able to be at the Airbnb when the guests arrives. If that is the case, you’ll want to offer detailed instructions for checking in and then finding their room.
Hey! We are headed out for a nightcap, so we won’t be home when you arrive. Feel free to let yourself in with your code. We left the lights on, including the porch light. Your code should be all set (let me know if you have any issues with that). You can hit the little Schlage icon on the keypad and it illuminates the numbers. Once inside you’ll go in towards the back of the house, and then up the stairs. Your room is on the second floor, on the left. The bathroom is on the right. (insert any other check in instructions or how to find their room) See you later!
House Rules
This is something that all guests must agree to before booking, but some hosts like to send this again in a follow up message. We are very strict with our rules, because we have obviously had people break them in the past. Here are our rules:
– Quiet hours are between 11 PM and 7 AM
In order to not disturb other guests, check in time is strictly enforced unless prior arrangements have been made.
– Please remove shoes in house at front door
– Please clean up after yourself if using common areas
– All long term guests (staying three weeks or more) must agree to “housemate expectations” document
– No guns/weapons/illegal substances in the house
– Guests must be those listed on Airbnb reservations. The individual making the reservation MUST be staying in the Airbnb. You may NOT book for another person.
– Any violations of these rules gives us the right to cancel the reservation, even after check-in.
Wifi Password
I feel like this is a no-brainer, and yet I did not have this one saved for a long time. Every time someone checked in, they would message and ask for the wifi password, even though it is written in the instructions they receive after booking. I finally just wrote it out in pretty handwriting and placed it in the rooms because I was so tired of sending it to everyone so often.
Public Transit Information
We live fairly close to downtown, so we have a lot of people asking about the best way to get around. We have one message saved with information about getting to our house from the airport, and then we have information about bus/train routes to downtown and a university campus.
Hello! Uber and Lyft are typically the fastest way to get to our place from the airport, and it costs around $20-25 one way. Public transportation will take about 45 minutes and will cost around $2. At the airport you’ll follow the signs for the blue line towards downtown, and then at X stop you’ll take the X bus to our neighborhood. From the bus stop, it is only two blocks to our house. Keep in mind that public transit runs less frequently after midnight on weekdays though.
Thanks for Coming
Hello (insert name),
It’s been pleasure hosting your stay and we hope you enjoyed your time here! Just a reminder that check out time is 11am tomorrow.
The following checklist will help ensure your stay is concluded without any forgotten items:
* Don’t make the beds that were used, but do check them for miscellaneous things like socks;
* Sign out of your Netflix & YouTube accounts;
* Make sure you’ve gotten all your stuff out of the dryer;
* Check the bathroom & shower for any personal items you don’t want to leave behind;
* Check the dishwasher for your own items;
* Don’t forget to check the bedside nightstands and outlets for phone chargers;
Checkout time is 10:00; if you leave sooner, we really appreciate if you could shoot us a message to let us know you’re on your way! We wish you safe and happy travels and we hope to see you again next time you’re in town!
