What is an Airbnb welcome book?
An Airbnb welcome book is a comprehensive collection of information your guests will need – or want – during their stay. This includes everything from a welcome note and local sightseeing recommendations to safety notices and appliance instructions.
The nature of your Airbnb accommodation will influence the content you include or exclude. As a hotelier, you’ll have a very different welcome book compared to an Airbnb host that’s simply renting out their holiday home or granny flat.
However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some basics that every welcome book should have. Great photography and a well-considered tone is a must for all hosts, for example.
In this blog we’ve put together everything you need to consider when building your Airbnb welcome book.
Why do you need an Airbnb welcome book?
As a hotelier, having an Airbnb welcome book can be beneficial for these top four reasons:
1. Informative
The welcome book can provide a wealth of information to your guests. It can contain details about the property, including its amenities, how to operate appliances, and safety information. It can also include details about the local area, such as dining options, attractions, public transportation details, and emergency contact numbers.
2. Saves Time
It can save you time answering common questions. Rather than having to respond to the same inquiries from different guests, the welcome book can provide answers to frequently asked questions. The smoother your guest experience, the more direct bookings you can earn and the less time you have to spend earning them.
3. Positive Reviews
A welcome book can contribute to a positive guest experience. It can make guests feel more at home and cared for, as it shows that you’ve put thought into their stay and want to make it as enjoyable as possible. It also allows guests to get to know the area and the property better, which can improve their overall experience and their final reviews – which in turn can earn you more Airbnb bookings.
4. Promotion of Local Businesses
If you include recommendations for local attractions, restaurants, or shops in your welcome book, it helps support local businesses. Guests often appreciate these personalised suggestions, which can enhance their stay. Remember to partner with local businesses to create exclusive offers for your guests and make them feel valued!
Remember, the key to a great welcome book is keeping it up-to-date, easy to read, and personal. Including personal touches, such as your favourite local spots or tips, can make a big difference to your guests.
What to include in Airbnb welcome book
Every Airbnb welcome book is as unique as the hotel it’s representing – and not every welcome book will have the exact same content. A cosy bed-and-breakfast will include very different information and read very differently compared to a hotel with a dozen or more rooms.
What you include is up to you; but here are six of the best Airbnb welcome book ideas:
1. Welcome information
This is what guests immediately look for when arriving. It should include:
- Personalised welcome message: Acknowledge your guests’ arrival and express your happiness about hosting them.
- Contact information: Provide the best way to reach you or someone else who can help in case of issues or questions.
- Check-in and check-out times: Clearly communicate when guests can arrive and when they should leave.
- WiFi password: If your property has WiFi, share the network name and password.
- Brief introduction to the property: A few lines about the property’s history or uniqueness can give a more personal touch.
2. House rules
There’s a whole lot that can go into Airbnb house rules, but here are some common considerations:
- Quiet hours: Specify times when guests should minimise noise, especially if the property is in a residential area.
- Smoking rules: Clearly state if smoking is allowed or not, and if so, where.
- Pet policy: Inform guests whether pets are allowed and any associated rules or fees.
- Rubbish and recycling: Explain how to handle trash and recyclables, including disposal locations and pickup days.
3. Property information
Handy information for guests so they can become accustomed with their accommodation or be aware of what they should do in an emergency.
- Layout: Describe the layout of the property. If possible, provide a map or floor plan.
- Amenities: List all amenities available, such as a pool, gym, hot tub, etc. Include operating hours if applicable.
- Parking: Provide details about where to park, whether it’s free or paid, and any relevant regulations.
- Special features: If the property has unique features like a fireplace or a beautiful garden, be sure to mention them.
4. Local information
Guests love local guide info, so they don’t waste time and can avoid negative experiences.
- Nearby attractions: List local attractions, landmarks, parks, and points of interest. Include distances or travel times if possible.
- Restaurant and café recommendations: Share your favourite places to eat and drink.
- Public transportation: Provide information on local public transit, including bus or train routes and schedules.
- Emergency services: List the locations and phone numbers of the nearest hospital, police station, and pharmacy.
5. How to use appliances
- Instructions: Provide simple, clear instructions for appliances like the dishwasher, washing machine, air conditioner, and TV.
- Troubleshooting: Include common issues and their solutions, such as WiFi connectivity, key card or key lock malfunctioning.
6. Safety information
- Emergency exits: Clearly indicate where the emergency exits are located.
- Fire safety: Provide information on where fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and smoke alarms are located.
- First aid: Indicate if a first aid kit is available and where it’s located.
- Local emergency numbers: List important phone numbers, including police, fire, and medical services.
- Safety features: If your property has specific safety features, like a security system, explain how to use them.
Don’t forget to take into consideration the demographic your Airbnb appeals to when drafting your content. For instance, if your clientele is predominantly families, an exposé on your city’s vibrant nightlife might not strike the right chord.
It might even be a bit off-putting rather than creating that warm, welcoming atmosphere you strive for. It might be beneficial to have a few different versions of your Airbnb host guide on hand, each tailored to meet the diverse needs of your varying guests.
Best Airbnb welcome book examples
For a quick start on how to make a welcome book for Airbnb, feel free to use the “plug-and-play” template text below. Just make sure to read through properly and replace any important instructions with your hotel’s equivalent.
Sample of an Airbnb welcome book
Welcome
Hi GUEST NAME,
Welcome to HOTEL NAME near LOCAL TOWN AND/OR ATTRACTION! We are thrilled to have you here.
Hosting travellers like yourself is always a pleasure and we’re excited to help you get to know our little slice of paradise or help you get reacquainted if you’re a returning guest. We’ve compiled some valuable sightseeing tips and local insights in this guide, just in case you need them.
Within this manual, you’ll find everything necessary for a comfortable stay in our apartment. It includes instructions on how to operate the appliances (and, of course, the all-important Wi-Fi code). Towards the end, you’ll also find our contact details in case you require assistance during your visit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Make the most of your time in LOCAL TOWN!
Warm regards,
The HOTEL NAME team
Check-in and Check-out
Check-in time is from TIME on the day of your arrival. We kindly request that you check out promptly by TIME, allowing us to prepare your room for our next guests.
If your plans change and you require a late check-out, we may be able to accommodate you for a small additional fee. Inform us via Airbnb or your guest app, and we’ll do our best to arrange it for you.
Parking
On your arrival, you’ll notice a small parking area to the left side of the property. Please feel free to park there throughout your stay. Parking for people with limited mobility is reserved near the front desk. Please let us know if you need any additional assistance.
While free on-street parking is available during the weekends in TOWN NAME, it can be challenging to find a spot due to high demand. We recommend leaving your car at home and utilising the local public transport for getting around!
Accessing the property
We wish you a safe journey to the hotel. Upon arrival, you’ll easily spot the building with its NOTABLE FEATURE, located next to DESCRIPTION OF A DISTINCTIVE NEIGHBOURING PROPERTY. Enter through the main entrance and ascend to the first floor via the stairs.
To gain access to the hotel room, you’ll need your unique access code, which should have been provided during check-in. Check your messages in your guest app to locate the code, and input it into the keypad on the front door. Once you hear a click and see the green light, you’re all set to enter!
Wi-Fi
The Wi-Fi network is named ONETWOTHREEFOURFIVE, and the password is WOWTHISROOMISGREAT.
House rules
We want you to have an incredible stay while respecting our property and the neighbourhood. Please adhere to the following house rules:
- Kindly observe the check-in and check-out times.
- Please refrain from sharing the access code with unregistered guests.
- Parties or large gatherings are not permitted.
- Keep noise to a minimum between 10:00 pm and 10:00 am.
- Prohibited activities include the use of illegal substances.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited within the apartment.
- HOTEL NAME has a no-pets policy.
- Please turn off the air conditioning when you leave the apartment.
- Ensure windows are closed and the door is securely locked when you’re away.
- Clean your dishes after use.
Please note that any damages to the apartment or its furnishings will result in the forfeiture of your security deposit. If the cost of repairs exceeds the deposit, you will be held liable for the additional charges.
Using the appliances
- Television. You’ll find a TV remote on the coffee table. We have a smart TV equipped with streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Feel free to log in to your personal accounts and enjoy your favourite shows. Don’t forget to log out before you leave!
- Air conditioning. The thermostat is located in the hallway next to the shoe rack. Adjust the temperature using the arrow buttons beside the display screen.
- Coffee machine. Help yourself to the coffee pods, stored in the blue tin beside the coffee machine. We use recyclable pods, so please dispose of them in the provided clear bag for recycling purposes.
- Washer and dryer. The washer/dryer is situated beneath the kitchen counter, next to the dishwasher. You are welcome to use it during your stay. Refer to the user manual in the bottom drawer if you’re having any trouble.
- Dishwasher. Ensure the dishwasher is full and set to ‘Eco’ mode before starting it. You’ll find dishwasher tablets in the cupboard under the sink. The full cycle takes approximately one hour. We kindly ask you to load the dishwasher and set it to run at the end of your stay.
Local Tips
Transportation
LOCAL TOWN’S public transport system is the most efficient way to navigate the city. Additionally, you’ll find joy in exploring on foot as many neighbourhoods are pedestrian-friendly.
Our apartment boasts excellent metro and bus connections. The nearest stop is LOCAL TRAIN STOP or BUS STOP. From there, you can reach LOCAL ATTRACTION in just TIME minutes.
Dining & Beverages
In the mornings, we recommend visiting LOCAL EATERY THAT YOU’RE PARTNERED WITH, a DESCRIPTION OF LOCAL PLACE to fuel your explorations!
Within walking distance, you’ll find RESTAURANT, a local favourite known for its delicious CUISINE. It’s a must-visit for CUISINE enthusiasts.
Mention that you’re staying with us for DISCOUNT off your meal!
Grocery Stores
For your supply needs, LOCAL SUPERMARKET is a convenient option. This has a full stock of both local and international food, as well as baby supplies for those parents visiting.
Sightseeing
Staying at HOTEL NAME was a wise decision, as you’re located in the heart of the city near numerous famous attractions. Take a stroll down STREET NAME towards LOCAL ATTRACTION, one of LOCAL AREA’S most remarkable landmarks.
Continue past LOCAL ATTRACTION into LOCAL AREA to discover LOCAL MUSIC VENUE, a popular venue for free live music.
While exploring the city, please remain cautious, as tourists can be targets for pickpockets and scam artists. Rest assured, by keeping your personal belongings secure and staying aware of your surroundings, you should have a pleasant experience.
Should you get lost, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us on NUMBER. We know the area extremely well and will be happy to help you find your way.
Emergency information
A fire extinguisher is located in the hallway near the entrance. In the event of a fire, please evacuate through the main entrance.
Respond promptly and safely to any emergencies, and immediately contact the local authorities.
The emergency phone number is EMERGENCY NUMBER. Dial this number to reach the police, fire department, or ambulance services.
Contact details
We hope you have everything necessary for an exceptional stay!
If you have any inquiries, you can find information about your stay in your guest app, including local area recommendations and video guides for operating the appliances.
Alternatively, feel free to contact us via the Airbnb app. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have!
Reviews
We value feedback regarding your experience, and five-star reviews help other guests discover our property. If you enjoyed your visit, we would be delighted if you could leave us a review on Airbnb. Let us know your favourite local restaurants or sights!
Once you’ve completed check-out, Airbnb will prompt you to leave a review and rate your stay out of five stars. You also have the option to provide private feedback if you believe there are areas where we can improve for future guests. We eagerly await your thoughts!
Digital Airbnb welcome book
Going digital with your Airbnb welcome book is a standard operating procedure for many successful hotels. It’s all about making things super easy for your guests. Just a few taps or clicks, and voilà, they’ve got the guest guide on their phone, laptop, tablet, you name it.
Plus, they can grab it from anywhere, so no worries about losing or damaging a paper version. And let’s not forget about you. No more head-scratching about where to leave the guide – it’s right there in their (virtual) hands.
There’s also the fact that going digital can save you some cash. You might have to front up with some initial costs if you want to design everything up with a professional and/or via professional software. But over time, you may find it’s cheaper than constantly buying new stationery for physical copies.
If you’re a Little Hotelier user, you can simply use the guest communications function on our platform to create a digital – and automated – Airbnb welcome book. Some users even use our website builder to create an online-accessible version of their welcome guide that they can link to. It’s up to you!
Enhance your guests’ experience with an easily accessible Airbnb welcome book
It takes time to create and update an effective Airbnb welcome book – and even the most perfectly designed Airbnb welcome book isn’t much use if no one can access it.
At Little Hotelier, we’ve designed hotel management software that gives you a fast, easy and professional method to get the information your guests need, when they need it, and without the added hassle and admin of managing communications directly.
With Little Hotelier, you get all-in-one hotel management software with one single login, all in one place!
- Get more direct bookings: With our bespoke website builder that’s designed exclusively for hotels, you get a fast and effective website in as little as an hour. With pre-designed templates and a plethora of hotel-specific integrations and widgets, you can bypass Airbnb commissions altogether and keep more revenue in your pocket.
- Take back your time: Spend less time putting out fires and handling the everyday and more time strategising and growing your hotel business with Little Hotelier. We handle front desk, OTA management, a direct booking engine, reservation scheduling and even housekeeping scheduling.
- Automate your guest experience: Our software handles everything you need to earn fantastic Airbnb reviews with our hotel-specific guest communication tool. Pre- and post-stay emails, text messages and more, including dispensing your Airbnb welcome book, is fully automated and set in motion with just a few clicks.
By using Little Hotelier, businesses can enhance their guest experience and revenue, with potential increases of up to 46% in bookings and an ROI of 63x!
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By Shine Colcol
Shine is the SEO and Content Manager of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. With more than five years of experience and expertise in content strategy, creation, and management, Shine has produced informational content across various topics, mostly around improving daily operations and increasing business metrics. She aims to share well-researched articles in hopes of helping bed and breakfast owner-operators win more bookings and gain more control of their small property.
