Airbnb guest guide: Complete template and best practices
A well-crafted Airbnb guest guide answers questions before guests ask. Learn what to include, how to structure it, and why it saves you time while improving guest experience.
Key takeaways
- •Start with check-in instructions, WiFi, and emergency contacts—guests need these immediately.
- •Make it mobile-friendly; most guests access guides on their phones.
- •Include house rules clearly but warmly to prevent misunderstandings.
Use your airbnb guest guide with Booking.com automation
Whether you are building a airbnb guest guide or refining an existing one, you can connect it to Booking.com and use the same guide link in automated messages. Guests get consistent answers and you get fewer repeat questions, no matter which channel they booked on.
Common problems hosts face
- •Guests repeatedly ask for WiFi password and check-in details
- •House rules are buried in Airbnb messages and guests miss them
- •No central place for local recommendations, parking info, or emergency contacts
- •Guests call late at night with questions that could be answered in a guide
What good solutions should include
- •Digital guest guide accessible via link or QR code that works on any device
- •Clear sections: check-in, WiFi, house rules, local tips, emergency contacts
- •Mobile-optimized layout so guests can find answers instantly
- •Update it once and share the same link for every booking
Practical tips from experienced hosts
- Put check-in instructions and WiFi at the top—guests need these first.
- Include photos of the property entrance, key lockbox location, and parking spots.
- List 3–5 local recommendations (restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores) with walking directions.
- Add quiet hours and checkout time in multiple places to avoid confusion.
Action step: Pick one practice from this guide to implement this week. Test it with your next booking and measure the impact on guest questions and reviews.
Options compared
Choose the approach that fits your needs.| Option | Best for | Why it works / doesn't |
|---|---|---|
| PDF or printed guide | Traditional | Hard to update, easy to lose, guests forget to bring it. |
| Long Airbnb message | Quick fix | Buried in messages, hard to search, not mobile-friendly. |
| Digital guest guide | Modern solution | Always accessible, easy to update, works on any device. |
Where Host Pilot fits
- •Create mobile-friendly guest guides with QR code sharing.
- •Update guides once and share the same link for all bookings.
- •Include check-in instructions, house rules, local tips, and emergency contacts in one place.
FAQ
What should be in an Airbnb guest guide?+
Start with check-in instructions, WiFi password, house rules, local recommendations, and emergency contacts. Add photos and parking details if relevant.
Should I share the guest guide before or after booking?+
Share it 24–48 hours before check-in. This gives guests time to review it and ask questions before arrival.
How do I make my guest guide mobile-friendly?+
Use a digital guide platform that automatically formats for mobile devices. Avoid PDFs—they are hard to read on phones.
Related guides
Ready to create your guest guide?
Use this guide to build an effective guest guide for your property. When you're ready, Host Pilot can help you create mobile-friendly guides with QR codes, local recommendations, and easy updates.
