Ultimate Guide to Creating an Airbnb Welcome Book for Hosts | Tips & Tricks



What Is an Airbnb Welcome Book?

Airbnb Welcome Books (also called a house manual) is a curated guide with welcome information that provides guests with essential details about your rental property, including pricing in EUR, and insights into the surrounding area. It’s typically provided as a physical binder or a digital version—sometimes both.

Think of it as your virtual media. It's your chance to welcome guests, set expectations, share the price and value of the property, and include check-in experiences of others that enhance their stay,  all without needing to be on call 24/7.



Benefits of a Welcome Book for Airbnb Hosts

Creating a welcome book is a small effort with a huge payoff. Here’s why:

1. Improves Guest Experience

Guests appreciate clarity. By answering common questions upfront, you reduce confusion and improve satisfaction. Using a well-organized template to provide this information can simplify it even easier.

2. Reduces Host-Guest Communication

Instead of answering the same Wi-Fi question ten times a month, let your welcome book do the talking. It allows guests to be self-sufficient, which is especially helpful for late-night check-ins or international travelers.

3. Adds a Personal Touch

A personalized ​​airbnb  guide helps you stand out from the crowd. Guests love feeling like locals, and your custom tips can have their trip unforgettable.

4. Builds Trust and Professionalism

Providing detailed, organized information shows that you care. It boosts your credibility and gives out the look like a pro, which can result in higher ratings and more bookings.

Things to Include in Your Airbnb Welcome Book

Here’s a detailed list of what you should include in your Airbnb welcome book, with explanations for each item. Feel free to customize based on your property type and location.

1. A Warm Welcome Message

Start with a friendly, genuine greeting. Introduce yourself (briefly), thank your guest for choosing your place, and wish them a pleasant stay. If you want to go the extra mile, mention something personal like why you love hosting or your favorite local attraction.

If you're using a digital guidebook platform like Touch Stay, this is a nice place to elevate your welcome message and set the tone for a warm, well-informed experience. You can also create custom templates within the app to make it easier to personalize your messages and keep everything consistent.

Example:

“Hi there! We’re so glad you chose our home for your trip. We’ve created this welcome book to help make your stay smooth and enjoyable. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. Enjoy!”

2. House Rules

Outline important guidelines clearly and politely. Include rules about:

• Smoking
• Pets
• Parties
• Noise
• Maximum occupancy
• Check-in and check-out times
• Thermostat or AC/heater usage
  
  

Tip: Frame rules in a friendly tone—guests are more likely to respect them.

3. Wi-Fi and Tech Instructions

Always list the Wi-Fi network name and password prominently. Also provide instructions for:

• TV (streaming services, remotes)
• Smart home features (lights, thermostat, door locks)
• Kitchen appliances
• Coffee maker
• Sound system
  
  

Tip:  Add photos or diagrams if needed. The easier it is to use things, the fewer messages you’ll get.

4. Check-Out Instructions

Help guests leave your property smoothly. Include:

• Time for check-out
• What to do with trash or recycling
• Where to leave used linens or towels
• Key return or lock-up steps
• Any quick cleaning you’d appreciate (e.g., start the dishwasher)
  
  

Tip: no one wants to feel like they’re doing chores on vacation.

5. Emergency Information

Make sure your guests know what to do in case of an emergency. Include:

• Your contact info
• Emergency numbers (911, poison control, etc.)
• Local hospital or urgent care clinic
• Location of fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and breaker box
  
  

6. Local Recommendations

This is where your Welcome Book becomes a mini travel guide. Share your favorite:

• Coffee shops and brunch spots
• Restaurants and takeout options
• Bars or nightlife spots
• Grocery stores or farmers markets
• Parks, hikes, beaches, or scenic spots
• Hidden gems or local finds

Add maps, menus, or QR codes for easy access. Personal anecdotes go a long way—guests love your insider tricks.

7. Transportation Tips

Help guests get around easily by sharing:

• Closest public transit stops or stations
• Ride-share options (Uber, Lyft, local taxis)
• Nearby parking options
• Directions to and from the airport
  
  

If you offer bike rentals or parking passes, include that info here too.

8. Appliance Guides & Troubleshooting

If you’ve got a tricky dishwasher or temperamental water heater, let guests know! Provide guides for:

• Thermostat use
• Hot water availability
• Washer/dryer instructions
• Where to find spare batteries or light bulbs
  
  

Prevent frustration and save yourself from emergency calls by being proactive.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Based on past guest questions, create a FAQ section. Sample questions might include:

• “Where is the trash taken out?”
• “Can I stream Netflix?”
• “Is the tap water drinkable?”
• “How do I reset the Wi-Fi?”

10. Your Airbnb Details

Provide information about your vacation rentals:

• Listing name
• Airbnb link
• House address
• Contact info
  
  

You can easily manage and share all of this information using an app to ensure guests have everything they need at their fingertips. Guests might need it if they get lost or want to recommend your place to friends.

11. Local Event Calendars or Brochures

Add a seasonal touch by listing upcoming festivals, farmers markets, or live music venues, along with popular places to visit nearby. Many cities have tourism websites or brochures you can print or link to.

12. A Personal Note or Guestbook



Leave a notebook for guests to write in—it makes a sweet keepsake, and future guests love reading others' stay. You can also stock a few extra pens or postcards nearby, or even suggest they share their thoughts through a guest experience app if you use one.

Digital vs. Physical Welcome Book – Which One Is Best?

Physical Book

• Pros: Tangible, personal, easy to flip through
• Cons: Needs regular updates, can wear out over time
  
  

Digital Guidebook

• Pros: Digital guidebooks are easy to update, accessible from anywhere, can include clickable links, and can be created or managed using specialized software for a more streamlined experience.
• Cons: Might be missed by guests who prefer a printed copy
  
  

Pro Tip: Offer both! Leave a physical book in the unit and send a digital version after booking confirmation.

Design Tips for Your Airbnb Welcome Book

Want to go from good to best? Here are a few design ideas:

• Use High-Quality Photos of your home and the local area
• Keep Layout Simple and Clean
• Use Headings, Bullets, and Icons for readability
• Add Maps, QR Codes, or Menus
  Print in Color if using a binder
• Laminate Pages for durability
  
  

You can use tools like Canva, Google Docs, or even Airbnb’s built-in guidebook tool to design your layout.

How a Welcome Book Can Boost Your Airbnb Business

Creating a thoughtful, comprehensive welcome book may seem like extra work, but the ROI is worth it. With the right integration into your hosting management system, it can function as smoothly as a professional hotel experience. Here’s how it pays off:

• Higher Guest Satisfaction: Guests feel informed and valued
• Better Reviews: Clear instructions prevent misunderstandings
  Fewer Questions: Save time and reduce back-and-forth communication
• Increased Bookings: 5-star ratings lead to higher search rankings
• Repeat Guests: A memorable stay makes people want to return

Final Thoughts

Keywords for SEO:

• Airbnb welcome book
• Airbnb hosting 
• How to create a welcome book for Airbnb
• Vacation rental welcome guide
• Improve Airbnb reviews

An Airbnb welcome book isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a powerful tool for guest satisfaction and business growth. Whether you run a cozy cabin, a downtown apartment, or a beachfront bungalow, this simple guide can transform the guest experience.

Start with the basics, keep it updated, and don’t forget to sprinkle in a little personality. Your guests will thank you.

Want to learn more and connect with other rental hosts?

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