When it comes to hosting on Airbnb, first impressions matter.

An Airbnb guest welcome book is more than just a formality—it’s your chance to set the tone for a memorable stay, provide vital information, and ensure your guests feel at home from the moment they arrive.

At 10XBNB, we’ve mastered the art of hospitality, and we’re here to share our expert insights on crafting a vacation rental welcome book that elevates the guest experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned Airbnb host or just starting out, this Airbnb Tips post will walk you through everything you need to include in your welcome book to impress guests and encourage positive reviews.

---

Why You Need an Airbnb Welcome Book

A well-crafted Airbnb welcome book is the cornerstone of a positive guest experience.

It’s your opportunity to offer a warm welcome, provide essential how-to instructions, and showcase your rental property’s unique charm.

Guests often arrive tired and unfamiliar with the local area, so a welcome book serves as a helpful host, answering their questions before they even ask.

From check-in details to local attractions, your welcome book can transform a good stay into a great vacation.

At 10XBNB, we’ve seen firsthand how a thoughtfully designed welcome book can set your Airbnb listing apart.

It’s not just about logistics—it’s about making guests feel cared for and connected to your space, ultimately boosting guest satisfaction.

Whether it’s a physical book on the coffee table or a digital Airbnb welcome book sent before arrival, this tool is a must-have for any vacation rental.

What Should I Put in My Airbnb Welcome Book?

Creating a standout welcome book starts with understanding what your guests need. Including information about local restaurants can greatly enhance their experience.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to curating the perfect Airbnb welcome book, packed with unique insights from 10XBNB:

1. A Warm Welcome on the First Few Pages

Start your welcome book with a personal touch.

Greet your Airbnb guests with a friendly note that reflects your personality as a host.

Mention your excitement about hosting them and highlight what makes your vacation rental special—whether it’s a cozy hot tub, stunning views, or proximity to local attractions.

Example Welcome Note:“Welcome to [Property Name]! We’re thrilled to have you here at our little slice of paradise.

At 10XBNB, we believe in creating unforgettable stays, and we can’t wait for you to explore everything this space and the local area have to offer. Relax, unwind, and let us know if you need anything! Don’t forget to check out the local events happening during your stay.”

2. Check-In and Check-Out Instructions

Clear check-in and check-out instructions, including arrival instructions, are non-negotiable. Include step-by-step guides for using smart locks, finding parking, or accessing the property.

For check-out, remind guests of key tasks like locking up or taking out the trash.

This clarity ensures a stress-free experience for both you and your guests.

Pro Tip: Add a QR code linking to a digital Airbnb welcome book with video tutorials for complex processes like operating the air conditioner or TV remote.

3. House Rules

Guest expectations are crucial for keeping your Airbnb property running smoothly. Keep your house rules concise and friendly—think quiet hours, no smoking, or pool safety guidelines.

For a detailed template, check out our Airbnb House Rules Template from 10XBNB.

4. How-To Instructions

Guests love simplicity. Provide how-to instructions for appliances (like the TV remote or coffee maker), wifi passwords, and any quirky features of your rental property.

This saves time, prevents frustration, and enhances guest convenience.

5. Local Attractions and Recommendations

Highlight nearby attractions, local parks, and annual events like the Sunday Street Fair. Include a mix of tourist attractions and spots only locals know about—think hidden gem cafes or live music venues. Don’t forget to immerse your guests in the local culture by recommending unique experiences and traditions.

At 10XBNB, we recommend tailoring this section to your guests’ interests based on their booking details.

6. Local Transportation Information

Help guests navigate with details on public transportation—bus routes, ride-share tips, or walking distances to grocery stores.

This is especially useful for international guests unfamiliar with the local language.

7. Emergency Contacts

Safety first! Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and list local emergency numbers, the nearest hospital, and your contact info.

Include emergency contact information for maintenance issues too, so guests can reach you or a backup quickly.

8. Wifi Passwords and Tech Info

In today’s world, wifi passwords are vital information. Place them prominently in your welcome book and consider a backup contact number for tech support.

9. Grocery Stores and Local Businesses

Point guests to nearby grocery stores, farmers markets, or local restaurants to highlight the local amenities. This not only enhances their stay but also supports the community around your vacation rental.

10. A Little Something Extra

Impress guests with a discount code for direct bookings or a small gift idea (see our Gift Airbnb Hosts post for inspiration). These touches encourage guests to return and leave glowing reviews, enhancing overall guest satisfaction.

Designing Your Airbnb Welcome Book

Creating a visually appealing and well-organized Airbnb welcome book is essential to making a great first impression. Here’s how to design a welcome book that will wow your guests:

Use a Book Template

Using a book template can help you create a professional-looking Airbnb welcome book with ease. There are many free templates available online, or you can use a design tool like Canva to craft your own. A template not only helps you organize your content but also ensures that your welcome book looks polished and cohesive. When selecting a template, think about the style and tone you want to convey to your guests. Customize the template to reflect your brand and highlight the unique features of your vacation rental. This attention to detail will make your welcome book stand out and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Organize for Easy Use

An organized welcome book is crucial for helping your guests quickly find the information they need. Consider dividing your welcome book into clear, easy-to-navigate sections, such as:

• Welcome and introduction
• House rules and expectations
• Property information and amenities
• Local attractions and activities
• Emergency contact information and safety procedures

Use headings and subheadings to break up the content and make it easy to scan. Including a table of contents at the beginning of your welcome book can also help guests navigate the information effortlessly. By organizing your welcome book thoughtfully, you ensure that your guests have a smooth and enjoyable stay, with all the information they need right at their fingertips.

What Is the 25 Rule on Airbnb?

You might have heard of the “25 rule” floating around Airbnb hosting circles.

While it’s not an official Airbnb policy, it’s a popular guideline among hosts: aim to respond to guest inquiries within 25 minutes and keep your welcome book under 25 pages to enhance guest communication.

Why?

Quick responses show you’re a helpful host, and a concise welcome book ensures guests actually read it.

At 10XBNB, we tweak this rule—focus on quality over quantity.

A 10-15 page welcome guide with clear, actionable info often works best.

How Do I Write a Welcome Note for an Airbnb Guest?

A great welcome note strikes a balance between warmth, professionalism, and guest connection. Here’s a formula from 10XBNB to nail it:

1. Greet Them by Name: Personalization makes guests feel special. “Hi Sarah and Mark, welcome to [Property Name]!”
2. Express Excitement: Show enthusiasm for their stay. “We’re so excited to host you and can’t wait for you to experience this amazing space.”
3. Highlight a Feature: Mention something unique about your rental property. “Make sure to enjoy the hot tub under the stars—it’s a guest favorite!”
4. Offer Support: Let them know you’re available. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. Enjoy your stay!”

Keep it short and sweet, and place it on the first few pages of your Airbnb welcome book.

What Should I Say in My Airbnb Guest Book?

Your Airbnb welcome book isn’t just a manual—it’s a conversation with your guests that enhances guest engagement.

Beyond logistics, use it to tell a story. Share why you love this vacation rental, recommend a local coffee shop only locals frequent, or suggest a scenic walk to nearby attractions.

Encourage guests to leave feedback or a note for future guests in a physical guestbook paired with your welcome book.

This builds a sense of community and boosts the guest experience.

Physical vs. Digital Airbnb Welcome Book: Which Is Better?

At 10XBNB, we believe in catering to guest preferences by offering both. A physical welcome book on the coffee table gives a tangible, homey feel, while a digital Airbnb welcome book sent pre-arrival helps guests plan ahead.

Here’s how to optimize each:

Physical Welcome Book

• Design: Use a sleek book template with photos of local attractions to enhance the guest experience.
• Placement: Leave it in a high-traffic spot like the living room or kitchen.
• Extras: Include a pen for notes or a map of the local area.

Digital Airbnb Welcome Book

• Format: Create a PDF or use platforms like Canva for a polished look.
• Delivery: For guest convenience, email it after booking or link it in your Airbnb messaging.
• Bonus: Add clickable links to resources like Airbnb Tips from 10XBNB.

Giving Your Welcome Book to Airbnb Guests

Once you’ve created your Airbnb welcome book, it’s time to ensure your guests can easily access and benefit from it. Here’s how to effectively present your welcome book to your guests:

Check-in and Access

Incorporate your welcome book into the check-in process to make sure your guests see it right away. You can leave a printed copy on the coffee table or provide a digital version via email or a messaging app. Make sure to include clear instructions on how to access the welcome book and encourage guests to read it thoroughly.

Consider adding a personal note or message with the welcome book, reminding guests to take a few minutes to review the content and familiarize themselves with the property and local area. This proactive approach helps ensure they have a smooth and enjoyable stay.

Additionally, make sure your welcome book includes the following essential information:

• Check-out instructions and procedures
• Local emergency numbers and contact details
• Information on local transportation and parking
• Recommendations for local attractions and activities
• How-to instructions for appliances and electronics
• House rules and expectations

By providing this comprehensive information, you help your guests feel welcome and informed, setting the stage for a positive and memorable stay at your vacation rental. This thoughtful touch not only enhances their experience but also encourages them to leave glowing reviews and consider returning in the future.

Unique 10XBNB Insights for Your Welcome Book

We’ve hosted thousands of Airbnb guests at 10XBNB, and guest satisfaction is our top priority. Here are some standout tips to make your welcome book shine:

• Personalize by Season: Mention annual events or seasonal attractions like holiday markets or summer festivals.
• Solve Common Issues: Address frequent guest questions upfront (e.g., “Lost the TV remote? Check under the couch cushions!”).
• Upsell Smartly: Offer a discount code for their next stay or a referral link for direct bookings.

For more hosting hacks, explore our post on Screening Airbnb Guests.

Must-Have Sections for Every Welcome Book

Here’s a quick checklist of sections to include in your Airbnb welcome book to provide comprehensive guest information:

1. Welcome Note – Warm welcome and intro.
2. Check-In Info – Keys, codes, parking.
3. House Rules – Quiet hours, no parties.
4. How-To Guides – Wifi, appliances, hot tub.
5. Local Recommendations – Restaurants, historical places.
6. Transportation – Local transportation options.
7. Emergency Contacts – Phone numbers for emergencies.
8. Check-Out Steps – Lock-up, trash.

Boosting Your Guest Experience with Local Flair

Your welcome book is a chance to showcase the local culture and area.

Mention nearby grocery stores, live music spots, or historical places that make your vacation rental unique.

For example, if your property is near a famous Sunday Street Fair, include times and tips for enjoying it.

This not only helps guests but also ties your Airbnb property to the community.

For an external resource, check out Touch Stay, a tool for creating digital welcome guides that integrate seamlessly with your hosting setup.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Welcome Book a Game-Changer

A stellar Airbnb welcome book does more than provide answers—it enhances guest satisfaction and creates a connection.

From clear check-in instructions to insider tips on local transportation, every detail matters.

At 10XBNB, we’ve seen welcome books turn one-time guests into repeat visitors and earn hosts rave reviews.

So, grab a book template, add your personal flair, and watch your guest experience soar.

Need more inspiration?

Dive into our blog for How to Deal with Bad Airbnb Guests or start crafting your welcome guide today.

Your guests—and your ratings—will thank you!