Creating an Airbnb guidebook: how to organise guest info

As a short-term rental host, providing an exceptional guest experience is paramount. And one of the best ways to allow guests feel welcome, comfortable, informed and empowered is with an Airbnb guidebook,

If you’re new to hosting guests at your property, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of guidebook options available to help you get going - from manual versions, like our free Airbnb House Manual Template, or, for the those who prefer something a little more contemporary for their guests, try a digital alternative, like one by Canva or Touch Stay.

But before you dive into the world of creating your Airbnb guidebook, it’s crucial to spend a little time thinking about the essential info your guests will need to have a seamless experience during their stay. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the very first steps you need to take to organise your guest info, so their time at your property is unforgettable. 

Put pen to paper: organising your info

Before you start adding every detail about every aspect of your property, it’s important to get the basics down first. So, open up a Word document or get out a pad and pen and start listing the key info.

To save you from having to keep referring back to this blog when you're creating your own list, download our free Airbnb Guidebook Checklist, so you don’t miss off any of the essential info your guests will need. 

Welcome

• About you: introduce yourself. Explain that you’re a dedicated host who understands the importance of offering a memorable stay, and your mission is to make their visit as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
• Contact details: communication is key, so let your guests know how they can reach you at any point during their stay. 
• Social media account info: let your guests know they can follow your social media channels for updates, local insights and special offers. 

Before you leave home

• Property address: provide the address and mention how Touch Stay integrates with Google Maps to make navigation a breeze.
• Accommodation overview: let guests know what they can expect to find in your property (garden, hot tub, PlayStation, etc.) and list anything they may need to bring that aren’t provided by you (towels, hiking boots, skis, etc.).

Arrival & departure information

• Check-in times and procedures: explain that you aim to make their check-in process as smooth as possible, so clearly mention the time they can gain access to your property, and whether or not you will be there to greet them.
• Check-out times and procedures: politely request that they adhere to the check-out time you’ve agreed on, and mention any late check-out options (if you offer this).
• Parking/garage details: if your guest is arriving by car, let them know what parking facilities your property offers, or direct them to any nearby off-site parking.

About the accommodation

• Property history: some guests like to know more about the property they’re staying in, so here you can add details like the year it was built or any notable past guests.
• Inside the property: list all the facilities, appliances and entertainment your property has to offer, such as the TV, oven, washing machine, sound system, central heating/air conditioning, books, DVDs, etc. 
• Outside the property: again, list all the great things your guests can enjoy while outside your property, like the garden, swimming pool, hot tub, BBQ, etc.
• Other house policies or procedures: let your guests know your policies on cleaning and where any cleaning products are kept, plus your policies on additional guests, pets and smoking. Let your guests also know what day to put the bins out, as well as any additional services you offer, such as laundry or whether you have a safe available for storing valuables.

WiFi/Internet details

• Clearly display your network name and password to let guests get connected to your WiFi network quickly and easily.

Safety info & rules

• Outdoor safety: explain to your guests that their safety is your number one priority. Let them know to be mindful of any outdoor hazards, such as uneven terrain or slippery surfaces.
• Damage policy: accidents happen, so ask your guests to inform you immediately of any breakages. Here you can also provide a link to your fair and transparent damage policy. 
• Health and safety information: include a link to a health and safety guide, and ask your guests to familiarise themselves with it in case of emergencies.

Useful contact numbers

• For your guests’ convenience, provide a list of essential numbers they might need during their stay; including yours, your cleaner, your property manager, and any local emergency services.

Local area guide

You’re expected to be your local area expert, so make a list of all the unmissable local highlights you know your guests will love. Showcase your area’s natural beauty to encourage guests to get out and explore the best your area has to offer:

• Local activities: list all the fun things to do and beautiful places nearby, including walks, beaches, cycle routes, parks, museums, theatres, shopping, amusement parks, golf courses, etc.

Eating & drinking guide

Your guests will likely venture out for food during their stay, so it’s essential you include a section about the best food and drink in your area, so they can indulge in your local culinary scene:

• Make personal recommendations: list your favourite local restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, night clubs, and picnic spots.

Practical area guide

As well as personal recommendations for activities and dining out in the area, create a list of local places your guests will find useful:

• Practical list: include things like the nearest supermarket, bank/ATM, petrol station, post office, medical services, pharmacy places of worship, and late-night convenience stores.

Local transportation options

Depending on how they’re arriving and traveling during their stay, create a list of all available transportation options to help your guests get around: 

• Car rental information: list a couple of local car rental companies, to let guests compare prices.
• Public transport: compile a list of online bus and train timetables and routes.
• Cycling: provide links to local cycles routes and anywhere that rents bikes
• Taxis: offer a range of numbers for local taxi services
• Stations: list all the nearby airports, train and bus stations, as well as directions
• Driving rules: if your guests are coming from abroad and using a car during their stay, remind them which side of the road to drive on!

Once you've written your initial list of key info for your guests, it's then time to go back through it again - but this time adding even more detail.

With a Touch Stay digital guidebook, you can add detailed instructions to anything on this list - and beyond! From a link to your hot tub's instruction manual, to a video filmed by you showing how to work your oven/AC/garage door/anything(!) - every part of your digital Airbnb guidebook is fully-customisable, meaning your guests have all the information they need, when they need it.

Whether you’re renting out your home, your boat, or your campervan, Touch Stay Airbnb guidebooks offer countless templates for every type of business to ensure you provide the best guest experience possible. 

Reduce guest questions and reclaim your time: try Touch Stay for free for 14 days!