Welcome message Airbnb: the ultimate host’s guide

For hosts, the pre-arrival period is a time of meticulous preparation. Amongst the cleaning checklists and restocking of supplies, there's a crucial piece of communication that sets the stage for a great stay: the Airbnb welcome message. This isn’t just a simple “hello”; it’s your chance to set the tone, provide essential information, and start building a positive relationship with your guests.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crafting the perfect welcome message Airbnb style. We’ll cover its importance, key elements, provide an Airbnb message to host examples, and share some Airbnb template welcome letter examples you can adapt for your own property. We'll also show you how to leverage a digital guidebook to streamline your communication and enhance the guest experience, ensuring you rank highly for welcome letter Airbnb searches.

Here's a look at what we'll cover:

• What is an Airbnb welcome message?
• Why are Airbnb welcome messages important?
• Key elements of an Airbnb welcome message
• Real-world Airbnb Welcome Message Examples
• How to create an Airbnb welcome message
• Free Airbnb Welcome Templates
• When & how to send your Airbnb welcome message
• How to integrate your welcome message into a digital guidebook
• Enhancing guest experience: extras to add
• Tips & best practices for hosts
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Airbnb welcome message?

An Airbnb welcome message is the initial communication you send to your guests after they book your property. Think of it as a digital handshake and a quick-start guide all in one. It’s a concise, well-structured message that covers the most important details a guest needs to know before their stay.
A basic Airbnb message to host example might be:

"Hi [Guest Name], thank you for booking our property! We’ll send you more details about check-in closer to the time. Best, [Host Name].”

While this is a start, a truly effective welcome message goes much further, as we'll explore in the next section.

Why are Airbnb welcome messages important?

A well-crafted Airbnb welcome message is more than just a courtesy; it's a strategic tool that benefits both you and your guests.

First impression

The welcome message Airbnb hosts send is the first real interaction guests have with their host and property beyond the listing. A warm, friendly, and professional message immediately sets a positive tone, showing that you are organised, communicative and genuinely excited to host them.

More information for guests

Guests often have a lot of questions leading up to their stay, such as "What time can we check in?" or "What's the Wi-Fi password?" A good Airbnb welcome message preemptively answers these questions, saving both you and the guest time and effort. By providing clear instructions and key details upfront, you empower your guests to arrive and settle in with ease.

Building trust and improved reviews

When guests feel well-informed and cared for from the start, it builds a foundation of trust. This positive initial experience often translates into better reviews. Happy guests are more likely to leave glowing reviews that mention your excellent communication, which in turn attracts more bookings.

Pro tip: discover why pre-arrival guest communication matters

Key elements of an Airbnb welcome message

A great Airbnb welcome message is a blend of warmth and practicality. Here are the key elements to include:

Personal greeting with guest’s name (warm, friendly tone)

Always start your message with a personal touch, using the guest's name. Maintain a warm and friendly tone to make guests feel at home.

Check-in instructions and access details

This is the most critical part. Be crystal clear about the check-in time and process. If you use a key safe, provide the code and clear instructions. The clearer these details are, the smoother their arrival will be.

Pro tip: learn more with our Airbnb Arrival Guide

Wi-Fi credentials & essentials information

Provide the Wi-Fi network name and password so guests can connect as soon as they arrive. This small detail can make a big difference.

House rules highlights or link to house manual

Briefly highlight a few of the most important house rules. For a complete guide, it’s best to direct them to your digital house manual.

Contact details and emergency numbers

Provide your contact information and let guests know the best way to reach you. It’s also wise to include emergency numbers for local services.

Local recommendations & insider tips

Go the extra mile by sharing some of your favourite local spots. These insider tips help guests feel more connected to the area and can greatly enhance their experience.

Pro tip: discover exactly what to include in your Airbnb welcome letter

Real-world Airbnb welcome message examples

To help you visualise what a great Airbnb template welcome letter looks like, here are a few examples.

Example 1: The warm and friendly welcome

Subject: Welcome, [Guest Name]! Your stay at [Property Name] is just around the corner!

Hi [Guest Name],

We are so excited to welcome you to our home at [Property Address]! Here are a few quick details to help you prepare for your arrival:

• Check-in time: Our check-in time is [Time] on [Check-in Date].
• Getting the key: You can access the key via the key safe located at [Location]. The code is [Key Safe Code].
• Wi-Fi: The network is [Wi-Fi Name] and the password is [Wi-Fi Password].

We have a comprehensive digital guidebook that covers everything from house rules to our favourite local spots. You can access it here: [Link to Digital Guidebook].

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. We're here to help!

All the best,

[Host Name]

Example 2: The concise and practical welcome

Subject: Your arrival at [Property Name]

Hello [Guest Name],

Thanks for booking with us! We’re looking forward to your arrival on [Check-in Date].

Here are the key details for your check-in at [Time]:

• Location: [Property Address]
• Access: The front door is on a smart lock. The code is [Smart Lock Code].
• Wi-Fi: [Wi-Fi Name] / [Wi-Fi Password]

For detailed information about the house, local recommendations, and more, please refer to our digital guidebook here: [Link to Digital Guidebook].

If you have any questions, you can reach me on [Host Phone Number] or via the Airbnb app.

See you soon!

[Host Name]

Example 3: The detailed and personal welcome

Subject: We can’t wait to host you at [Property Name]!

Dear [Guest Name],

Welcome! My family and I are so pleased you’ve chosen to stay at our home. Here’s a quick overview:

• Arrival: You can check in any time after [Time] on [Check-in Date]. The house is accessed with a key in a lockbox beside the front door. The code is [Key Safe Code].
• Wi-Fi: Our network name is [Wi-Fi Name] and the password is [Wi-Fi Password].
• Local Favourites: We love a great coffee, so we highly recommend [Coffee Shop Name].

For a full guide to our home, our favourite places, and things to do, please click here to view our digital guidebook: [Link to Digital Guidebook].

Please reach out if you have any questions. We’re happy to help!

Best wishes,

[Host Name]

How to create an Airbnb welcome message

Creating a great Airbnb welcome message and a digital guidebook doesn't have to be complicated. With a tool like Touch Stay, you can have a professional, beautiful digital guidebook ready in minutes. Here's how:

1. Sign up for a free trial: Sign up for your free trial to get started.
2. Create your guide: Touch Stay provides pre-built templates and a simple interface to build your guidebook. Add sections for check-in details, Wi-Fi, and local recommendations.
3. Add your welcome message: Create a dedicated "Welcome" page in your guidebook to write your message and include essential information.
4. Enrich your guide with media: Include photos, videos, or maps to make your guidebook engaging and easy to understand.
5. Share your guide with guests: Touch Stay gives you a unique link to share in your Airbnb welcome message, providing guests with a single, reliable source for all their needs.

Free Airbnb Welcome Templates

Here are two more Airbnb welcome templates you can adapt.

Airbnb template welcome letter: Short and sweet

Hi [Guest Name],

Thank you for booking with us! We’re delighted to have you stay at [Property Name].

Here are a few quick details for your arrival on [Check-in Date]:

• Check-in: [Time]
• Key Access: [Clear instructions for key access]
• Wi-Fi: [Wi-Fi Network] / [Wi-Fi Password]

You can find our comprehensive digital guidebook with house rules, local recommendations, and more, by clicking this link: [Link to Digital Guidebook].

We can’t wait to host you!

Best,

[Host Name]

Airbnb template welcome letter: Detailed and friendly

Hello [Guest Name],

A huge welcome from us! We are so looking forward to having you stay at [Property Name].

To help you get settled, here’s a quick overview of what you need to know:

• Check-in time: Check-in is available from [Time]. The door has a smart lock, and your code is [Smart Lock Code].
• Wi-Fi: You can connect to our Wi-Fi using the network [Wi-Fi Name] and the password [Wi-Fi Password].
• House Rules: Please be mindful of our neighbours after 10 pm and no smoking inside.

For a full guide to the property, including how to use appliances and our favourite local restaurants, please view our digital guidebook here: [Link to Digital Guidebook].

We are available via the Airbnb app if you have any questions. Enjoy your trip!

Warmly,

[Host Name]

When & how to send your Airbnb welcome message

Getting the timing and delivery method right is crucial.

Timing

The ideal time to send your welcome message is 3-7 days before the guest's arrival. This gives them enough time to read the information without it being so far in advance that they forget the details.

Delivery methods

You can send the message directly through the Airbnb app, via email, or as a text message. A digital message is far more efficient than a printed one, as it can be easily updated and can include multimedia.

Don’t get stuck with a static, hard-to-update printed guide. Start your free trial today and see how a digital guidebook can revolutionise your hosting experience.

How to integrate Airbnb welcome message into the digital guidebook

The best way to use your Airbnb welcome message is as an introduction to your digital guidebook. The message should be concise and contain the most urgent information, while the guidebook holds the rest.

What should you include in your digital guidebook? Everything!

• House rules: A detailed list of all your house rules.
• Appliance instructions: Easy-to-follow instructions for appliances.
• Local info: A comprehensive guide to the area.
• Maps & transport: Directions and public transport information.
• FAQs: Answers to frequently asked questions.
• Emergency contacts: A full list of numbers for emergencies.

By using your welcome message Airbnb style to introduce the digital guidebook, you ensure guests have a single, reliable source for all their needs.

Enhancing guest experience: extras to add

To truly stand out, consider these extras.

Welcome baskets with personalised message or printed card

Leaving a small welcome basket with treats and a handwritten card is a thoughtful gesture that makes guests feel special.

Small gifts or local treats to delight guests

A local jam or a bottle of wine is a great way to introduce guests to the area's culture.

Digital enhancements: linking to apps, QR codes, digital guides or guest web-apps

Embrace technology to create a seamless experience. Use QR codes that link directly to your digital guidebook, or a guest web-app, like Touch Stay, that guests can access without downloads.

Tips & best practices for hosts

To perfect your Airbnb welcome message, keep these tips in mind.

Personalise – even small touches like mentioning their trip purpose or origin

If a guest has mentioned the purpose of their trip, include a small note about it in your welcome message.

Proofread & keep formatting reader-friendly

Always proofread your message. Use bullet points and bold text to make it easy to scan.

Use automation wisely but keep human tone

Automation saves time, but ensures the content still feels human and friendly.

Update regularly (seasonal tips, check-general Wi-Fi etc.)

Your welcome message and digital guidebook should be living documents. Update them with new local recommendations or if you change your Wi-Fi password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why not try it out for yourself?

Sign up for a free trial today and see how easy it is to create a stunning digital guidebook that will make your hosting life simpler and your guests happier.