Updated : Feb 13, 2025
As an Airbnb host, your primary responsibility is ensuring guests feel welcome at your property. An Airbnb welcome does just that – it provides every bit of information your guest might need or want to know about your property and maybe even you!
If you manage your property remotely, an Airbnb welcome book might be the perfect way of introducing you to your guests and ensuring that they have a fantastic experience. Don’t know where to start? An Airbnb welcome book template can help you with that! (we have one here!)
In this article, we’ll take you through creating an Airbnb welcome book that wows your guests!
What is an Airbnb Welcome Book?
An Airbnb welcome book will give your guests all the information they need—or want—during their stay. It is a comprehensive resource that includes everything from a warm welcome note and local sightseeing recommendations to crucial safety notices and detailed appliance instructions.
Tailoring your Airbnb welcome book to your accommodation type will enhance your guest experience. A boutique hotel, a cosy holiday home, or a city apartment presents different expectations. But, certain elements will remain essential.
High-quality photography, a friendly yet professional tone, and clear, concise instructions are crucial. Your welcome book should cover crucial details such as WiFi details, house rules, check-in/check-out instructions, emergency details, and local dining options. A bonus would be a section answering commonly asked questions.
While your Airbnb welcome book is informative, it will also improve guest satisfaction, reduce misunderstanding, and increase the chances of a positive guest review!
By making your guests’ stay effortless and enjoyable, you also encourage repeat bookings and referrals, boosting your Airbnb’s reputation and success.
Why Do You Need an Airbnb Welcome Book?
A vacation rental welcome book is essential for improving the guest experience, improving your property’s reputation, and simplifying your hosting responsibilities.
When your guests have all the necessary information, you set the stage for them to have an enjoyable stay!
1. Informative and Practical
A well-crafted welcome book is a comprehensive guide that will give your guests everything they need to navigate your property and the surrounding area.
You can make your guests feel welcome, informed, and confident about their stay by including the following details:
- Amenity and appliance usage instructions
- House rules and safety instructions
- Local recommendations
- Emergency contact details
2. Saves Time and Reduces Repetitive Questions
As a host, you will receive the same inquiries repeatedly, asking for the WiFi passwords and check-out instructions. If you provide lunch at your property, your guests will not remember the details you sent via message!
An Airbnb welcome book can answer those questions for them and keep the answers handy for the next guest. A thoughtfully designed Airbnb welcome book answers these questions upfront, minimising the need for back-and-forth communication.
Once you anticipate what your guests want and answer them before they ask for it, they will be impressed! While guest experience is a great add-on, it also frees up time to focus on other aspects of your business while ensuring a hassle-free stay. This not only improves efficiency but also enhances guest satisfaction.
3. Enhances Guest Experience and Reviews
A personalised and thoughtfully written Airbnb welcome book goes beyond just providing instructions — your guests will feel like a valentine being asked out whenever they stay at your stay. It reassures them they made the right choice in choosing your property and sets a positive tone for their stay.
When you include insider tips, unique recommendations, and a friendly note, you create a connection with your guests making them more likely to appreciate and respect your space. This extra step will translate into flowing reviews, leading to more bookings.
4. Encourages Guests to Care for Your Property
When quests feel a personal connection to the host, they are more likely to treat the property carefully. They like your property anything liked it is treated well!
A welcome book humanises the rental experience, helping guests see it as someone’s home rather than just another vacation spot. By demonstrating your investment in their experience, you subtly encourage them to respect your property as if it were theirs.
5. Support Local Businesses and Strengthens Community Connections
When you include recommendations for local restaurants, attractions, and shops, you help your guests have a locally immersive experience and the local economy. Guests appreciate personalised suggestions, making their stay feel more immersive and enjoyable.
You should also partner with local businesses and offer special deals for your guests who visit the business, adding even more value to their experience because who doesn’t love a good deal?
What to Include in your Airbnb Welcome Book?
A well-crafted Airbnb welcome book helps your guests have an unforgettable guest experience. It will help answer the comment questions your guests would have and prevent misunderstandings. This will also make your guests feel at home right from the moment they arrive at your property!
An Airbnb welcome book will also help you add a personal touch by showing off your hospitality! You can also ensure that your guests’ are stress-free throughout their stay at your property.
So, what to include in your Airbnb welcome book? Let’s break it down.
1. Warm Welcome and Essential Information
As soon as smeone enters your property, they will want reassurance! They want to know more about what they are, what they should expect, and the steps they should follow to get comfortable.
- Personalized welcome message: Add a simple note to explain how excited you are to host them! A personal touch by addressing them by their name or specific notes of their trip will also go a long way!
For example, “Hey {Guest Name}, welcome to {Property Name}. We’re super stoked to host you!” - Brief introduction to the property: Knowing more about the property you are staying at is always helpful! If there’s even a tiny historical anecdote attached to your property, you should mention it here!
For example, “I’m {Your Name}. I’ve been a host for nearly 3 years. Over the years, I’ve decorated the property with artwork from all over the world!” - Your contact information: List your preferred method of contact for any issues. If you’re unavailable, include details for a co-host or a property manager.
- WiFi information: Guests don’t want to hunt for the WiFi password. Can you wait until you post beautiful stories from your vacation? No, right! Make it easy and clear for your guests to find it.
- Check-in and check-out instructions: Clearly mention the schedule you want your guests to follow and also detail out any special arrangements required.
For example,
“Check-in: {time}; Check-out: {time}; late check-out and early check-in will depend on availability and an additional fee $ {amount} will be applicable.”
2. House Rules (Set Expectations Clearly, But Politely)
Nobody likes being blindsided by unexpected restrictions, so be upfront about your house rules in a friendly, approachable manner. Keep them clear, concise, and easy to follow.
- Quiet hours: If your property is in a residential area, you should set expectations about noise levels to keep your neighbors happy and avoid any conflict.
- Smoking policy: Let your guests when and where they can smoke if it is permitted. It it is not, mention any penalties for smoking.
- Pet policy: Specify if pets are allowed. If pets are not but service animals are allowed, mention it. Also detail any relevant rules, fees, or cleaning duties.
- Trash and recycling: Explain trash and recycling rules and schedule applicable in your property’s zone.
- Energy and water conservation tips: Encourage guests to be mindful of energy and water usage.
3. Property Information and Unique Features
When you detail how guests should navigate your property, you will avoid a lot of confusion! This section should cover any and all practical details that make settling in your property effortless!
- Property layout: This will help them quickly move towards the exits during an emergency when they have a simple floor plan.
- Amenities guide: Mention they key amenities in your property such as a pool, gym, rooftop terrace and include rools to be followed when using those amenities.
- Parking instructions: Let guests know where they can park their vehicles and also highlight any relevant regulations.
- Special features of your property: Fireplace? Private balcony? Reading nook? Mention unique features of your property and how guests can use it.
4. Local Area Guide (Help Guests Experience the Best of Your Location!)
Traveling can be overwhelming even when you travel to a place you are familiar with! Imagine how difficult it must be to travel to an unfamiliar location.
Your Airbnb welcome book should serve as a local concierge, giving guests insider recommendations to enhance their trip.
- Nearby attractions: Suggest must-visit spots in your area, such as museums, parks, trails, and others tailored according to the type of guests your property attracts.
- Best places to dine: Share your favourite restaurants, cafes, or bars. Bonus, if you can share discounts specific to your property.
- Transportation info: Provide details on how your guests can get around the location such as details of buses, trains, or rideshares. Mention if you know drivers that can take them around as well.
- Emergency services: List nearby hospitals, pharmacies, police stations with contact numbers.
5. How to Use Appliances and Troubleshooting Guide
Everyone might not be familiar with the devices you use in your property. A dyson might be amazing, but is everyone aware of how to use it? Probably not! Save guests the frustration of figuring things out on their own by providing clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
Step-by-step guide for appliances like:
- TV and streaming services like Hulu, Netflix etc.
- Heating and cooling systems such as the thermostat or fans
- Dishawasher and washing machine settings
- Coffee maker and kitchen appliances
You should also provide quick and easy solutions for common problems like WiFi disconnection, power going out, or the keyless entry not working!
6. Safety Information (Because Peace of Mind is Priceless)
Emergencies are rare (this is our hope!). But it is always best to be prepared. Guests will feel more secure when they are prepared. It is also good to know that the host of the property they’re staying in is fully prepared for any scenario.
- Emergency exits: mark exits and the routes to reach them in case of an emergency.
- Fire safety: Indicate where you’ve placed the fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, fire blankets and others.
- First aid kit: Let guests know what’s included and where it is located
- Emergency contacts: List essential numbers, including local police, fire department, and medical services.
If you have security cameras, ensure they are only in common areas! Also, have a detailed floor plan with the cameras marked in them so your guests know them. Not doing so can also lead to negative reviews!
How to Make an Airbnb Welcome Book Stand Out?
An Airbnb welcome book isn’t just a collection of instructions – it is your only chance to create an unforgettable first impression. To make an Airbnb welcome book stand out you should go beyond the basic details of instructions!
So, how to make an Airbnb welcome book stand out? Let’s look at examples.
1. Make it Visually Appealing
Your Airbnb welcome book should be more than just pages of text. A well-designed, easy-to-read layout engages guests and makes information easier to consume.
- Use high-quality images: Include photos of anything and everything included in your welcome book.
- Keep formatting clean and structred: Don’t use large sections of text. Instead, use headings, bullet points, and smaller paragraphs with clean spacing!
- Choose a theme that compliments your property: A cosy cabin should use rustic fonts and warm colours. A luxury apartment should use sleek fonts with subtle colours.
2. Add a Personal Touch
You welcome book should reflect who you are as a host. You should create a personal connection to make their stay unique and memorable.
- Share a bit about yourself: A short introduction into why you started hosting or what you love about your property adds a human touch.
- Include a fun backstory about the property: Was it an old home? Did you renovate it yourself? Guests love a bit of history.
💡Pro Tip: Handwrite a short note on the first page or even leave a postcard with a personal message for a personal connection.
3. Do Beyond the Basics
Most welcome books include standard information. If you want to stand out, add peculiarities about the surrounding area that only a local would know!
- Insider tips: Instead of just listing crowded and overdone tourist spots, share your personal recommendations.
- Customized recommendations: Have different lists for food lovers, adventure seekers, or families.
- Local phrases: If your property is in a non-english locality, you should include sentences in your local language that guests might find useful.
- Fun extras: A short ‘Did you know’ section with interesting facts about the locality can also be a good addition!
💡Pro Tip: If your property gets guests from different backgrounds regularly, create versions of your Airbnb welcome book in their local language.
4. Make it Interactive
A great Airbnb welcome book isn’t just informative – it is engaging! Encourage guests to interact with your space and local area.
- Scavenger hunt: List fun, hidden details about your home or your neighborhood. “Spot the old clock tower in the main square — it has been there since 1910”
- Photo challenge: Ask guests to take a picture at a specific location and tag you on Instagram for a small reward, like a free coffee at a nearby cafe.
- Guest notes section: Leave a few pages where guests can write their favourite experiences or travel tips for future guests!
💡Pro Tip: Create a QR code linking to a digital version of your book with updated restaurant lists, weather info, and even a Spotify playlist for their stay!
5. Make it Super Practical
Even the most beautifully designed Airbnb welcome books should be useful. Guests should be able to find essential information easily without frustration!
- Clear house rules: Keep them simple and positive. Instead of “No shoes inside” try “We love keeping the floors clean — please leave your footwear outside!”
- Step-by-step appliance guides: Use short, simple instructions and pictures or QR codes linking to video tutorials on using the appliance.
💡Pro Tip: Laminate the frequently used pages so that they do not get worn out over time.
6. Keep it Updated and Fresh
An airbnb welcome book isn’t a “set it and forget it” thing. Outdated information can lead to guest frustration — like a restaurant recommendation for a place that closed recently.
- Update restaurant lists regularly
- Add seasonal suggestions
- Refresh with guest insights
💡Pro Tip: Keep a digital version so you can easily edit and print a new version as needed.
How to Give your Welcome Book to Airbnb Guests?
So, you’ve crafted the perfect Airbnb welcome book – beautifully designed, packed with helpful details, and sprinkled with personal touches.
But now comes the big question: How to give your welcome book to Airbnb guests?
Should you hand-deliver it like a treasured novel, leave it waiting at the door like a secret invitation, or go fully digital and send it straight to their inbox?
The answer depends on your hosting style, your guests’ preferences and the vibe of your Airbnb.
Let’s break down which approach works for you.
Digital vs Physical: Which One’s The Right Choice For You?
Some guests love the feel of a book – flipping through pages with coffee in their hand, making notes in the margins, or simply admiring a beautifully designed layout.
Others prefer the ease of a digital copy, accessible on their phone, tablet, laptop at a moment’s notice.
Which one should you choose? There’s no right choice!
Option 1: The Digital Airbnb Welcome Book
Why go digital? Going digital means guests can access your Airbnb welcome book anytime, anywhere. You can send it to them beforehand and they can access it – in the airport, on the way to your Airbnb, lounging in bed after check-in.
It’s sleek, modern, and eco-friendly + you’ll never have to worry about guests misplacing it or tearing it. Because, lets face it, welcome books sometimes end up buried under luggage or mysteriously vanish!
How To Deliver It:
- Send it before arrival: Attach it to your check-in email or message so guests can review it beforehand. Just don’t send it too early – you do not want to get lost in their nbox. A day or two before check-in is perfect!
- Create a QR code: Print a QR code and place it somewhere noticeable in your Airbnb (on the fridge, or in a welcome frame). Guests can scan it to access the guide instantly.
- Use a tablet or a smart display: If you really want to impress, you can set up a tablet with the welcome book preloaded. Bonus points if it also includes a Spotify playlist preloaded. (With this, there’s always the risk of theft!)
Pros of a Digital Welcome Book
✔️Instant access: No waiting, losing or torn pages.
✔️Easy to update: No need to reprint when your favourite restaurant changes its hours.
✔️Saves money: No printing costs or reordering supplies.
✔️Eco-friendly: Because trees deserve love too.
Choose Digital If Your:
- Guests are tech-savvy
- Airbnb is in a modern, urban setting
- Book is regularly updated
💡Pro Tip: Create a mobile-friendly version so guests can access it truly on the go.
Option 2: The Classic Printed Airbnb Welcome Book
Why go old school? There’s something undeniably charming about a physical welcome book. It adds a personal, thoughtful touch – especially if your guests communication has been mostly online up to this point.
A beautifully printed book sitting on the coffee table feels warm, inviting, and cosy in a way that a digital one simply isn’t.
How To Deliver It:
- Leave it in a prominent spot: The coffee table, bedside table, or kitchen counter – basically any of the locations that are used regularly by your guests.
- Pair it with a handwritten note: Even just a short “Welcome! Hope you love your stay. Let me know if you need anything. 💜” makes a HUGE difference.
- Match it to your property aesthetic: If you’re hosting a rustic cabin in the woods, a leather-bound vintage style journal will be perfect. If it’s a beach house, something light and waterproof should be your choice! (because, you know, sand and spills happen!)
Pros of a Printed Welcome Book
✔️Feels more personal: A tangible book is more personal
✔️Harder to ignore: Unline an email, it won’t get lost in a spam folder
✔️Perfect for off-the-grid stays: No need for WiFi access to read it
Choose Printed If Your:
- Airbnb is in a remote location
- Property has a more traditional or cozy aesthetic
- Book will also have handwritten notes
Best of Both Worlds: Why Not Do Both?
Who says you have to choose? Many hosts offer both a digital and physical version, giving guests the flexibility to pick what works best for them.
Here’s how you can combine both:
- Send a digital copy before check-in
- Leave a printed version inside the Airbnb
- Add a QR code inside the printed book that links to the digital version
💡Pro Tip: If you do not want to invest in printing a full-book, create a one-page laminated summary with key details (WiFi, check-out instructions, emergency contact) and include a QR code linking to the full digital version.
Final Thoughts: The Best Vacation Rental Welcome Book Template is One Guests Will Actually Use
No matter how beautiful or well-written your Airbnb welcome book is, it is only effective if your guests actually read it.
Make sure that your Airbnb welcome book is:
- Easy to find
- Clear and concise
- Updated regularly
At the end of the day, your Airbnb welcome book template free should feel like a thoughtful gift – a little guide that will help your guests feel at home, explore the area, and enjoy a stress-free stay.
Whether it’s on their phone or in their hands, make it reflects your hospitality and makes their experience unforgettable.
A standout Airbnb welcome book is more than just instructions – it is an extension of your hospitality. When done right, it enhances guest experience, saves you time, and enhances positive reviews.
With just little extra effort, you can make your Airbnb welcome book a signature part of your guest experience – one they’ll remember long after check-out.
