Introduction
A well-designed Airbnb welcome book does more than greet your guests—it helps them settle in quickly, answers common questions and creates a smoother, more enjoyable stay.
If you’re new to the concept, start with our guide to what an Airbnb welcome book is and how it helps guests during their stay.
Whether your guests are visiting for a weekend break or a longer holiday, they'll appreciate having all the important information in one place rather than searching through booking messages or contacting you for simple questions.
The best welcome books are practical, easy to navigate and tailored to the property. They combine essential information with thoughtful recommendations that help guests feel at home from the moment they arrive.
In this guide, we'll explore the key sections every Airbnb and holiday rental welcome book should include.
Welcome Message
Start your welcome book with a warm, friendly introduction.
A short message thanking guests for choosing your property helps create a positive first impression and sets the tone for their stay.
You can also include:
- Your name (or hosting team)
- A brief introduction to the property
- A wish for an enjoyable stay
- Contact details for non-emergency questions
Keep it genuine and concise.
Property Information
Guests should quickly understand how your property works.
Include practical information such as:
- Wi-Fi network and password
- Heating and air conditioning instructions
- Television and streaming services
- Kitchen appliances
- Coffee machine instructions
- Washing machine and tumble dryer
- Bin collection and recycling
- Parking arrangements
- Keys or smart lock information
The goal is to help guests feel comfortable without needing to ask for assistance.
Once you know what information to include, our step-by-step guide explains how to create an Airbnb welcome book and organise the content clearly.
Check-In and Check-Out Instructions
Even if you've already shared arrival details before check-in, it's helpful to include them in your welcome book.
Guests often refer back to instructions during their stay.
Include:
- Check-in time
- Check-out time
- Key return instructions
- Lockbox or smart lock guidance
- Departure checklist
- What to do before leaving
Keeping these instructions clear helps reduce confusion on departure day.
House Rules
House rules help protect your property while setting clear expectations for guests.
Typical rules include:
- Smoking policy
- Pet policy
- Quiet hours
- Visitor policy
- Maximum occupancy
- Waste disposal
- Care of furniture and appliances
Present rules politely rather than sounding overly restrictive.
The aim is to encourage respectful behaviour while maintaining a welcoming tone.
Emergency Information
Every welcome book should contain essential safety information.
Include:
- Emergency services numbers
- Your contact information
- Local hospital or medical centre
- Pharmacy details
- Electricity consumer unit location
- Water shut-off valve (if appropriate)
- Fire extinguisher location
- Smoke alarm information
- First aid kit location
Guests appreciate knowing where to find this information if it's ever needed.
Appliance Instructions
Not every guest will be familiar with your appliances.
Providing simple instructions helps prevent confusion and reduces unnecessary messages.
Consider including:
- Induction hob instructions
- Oven guide
- Dishwasher
- Coffee machine
- Heating controls
- Hot water system
- Television remote guide
Short instructions are usually all that's needed.
Local Recommendations
One of the most appreciated parts of any welcome book is the local recommendations section.
Share places you genuinely believe guests will enjoy.
Suggestions may include:
- Restaurants
- Cafés
- Bakeries
- Supermarkets
- Beaches
- Walking routes
- Parks
- Museums
- Family attractions
- Public transport
- Taxi numbers
Rather than creating a long directory, recommend a handful of reliable places that add value to your guests' stay.
Common Guest Questions
Think about the questions guests ask most often.
Examples include:
- How do I connect to the Wi-Fi?
- Where can I park?
- When is rubbish collection?
- How does the heating work?
- Can I extend my stay?
- Where is the nearest supermarket?
- Is there a pharmacy nearby?
Answering these questions in advance saves time for both guests and hosts.
Contact Information
Make it easy for guests to reach you if they need assistance.
Include:
- Preferred contact method
- Emergency phone number
- Response hours (if applicable)
Guests feel more confident knowing help is available if needed.
Optional Sections
Depending on your property, you may also include:
- QR codes for digital resources
- Restaurant menus
- Walking maps
- Local events
- Public transport maps
- Equipment instructions
- Pet-friendly recommendations
- Children's activities
- Seasonal attractions
Only include information that's genuinely useful for your guests.
Keep Your Welcome Book Up to Date
A welcome book should be reviewed regularly.
Update it whenever details change, including:
- Wi-Fi passwords
- Appliance instructions
- House rules
- Local recommendations
- Emergency contacts
- Transport information
Even a quick review every few months helps ensure guests always receive accurate information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should an Airbnb welcome book be?
There's no ideal length. Focus on including everything guests need while keeping the information organised and easy to find.
Should I include local recommendations?
Yes. A carefully selected list of restaurants, attractions and useful services helps guests enjoy the area and often becomes one of the most appreciated sections.
Can I use a digital welcome book?
Absolutely. Many hosts provide both a printed guide in the property and a digital version that guests can access before or during their stay.
If you’re deciding which format to use, compare printed vs digital welcome books to see which option best suits your property and guests.
What should I avoid including?
Avoid unnecessary information, outdated recommendations or overly strict wording. A welcome book should be helpful, concise and welcoming.
Conclusion
If you’re still deciding whether one is worth creating, our guide explains why every holiday rental needs a welcome book.
The best Airbnb welcome books combine practical information with thoughtful hospitality.
By including clear property instructions, house rules, emergency contacts and local recommendations, you'll help guests feel informed and confident throughout their stay.
A well-organised welcome book not only improves the guest experience but also saves hosts time by answering common questions before they're asked.
