Vacation rental guidebook: Complete digital solution
A complete vacation rental guidebook covers everything guests need: check-in, WiFi, house rules, local recommendations, and emergency contacts. Make it digital for easy updates.
Key takeaways
- •Include all essential sections: check-in, WiFi, rules, local tips, emergencies.
- •Make it mobile-friendly so guests can access it on their phones.
- •Update your guidebook regularly to keep information current.
Use your vacation rental guidebook with Booking.com automation
Whether you are building a vacation rental guidebook 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
- •Printed guidebooks get outdated quickly
- •Missing important sections guests need
- •Guidebook is hard to update or share
- •Not mobile-friendly, guests can't use it on their phones
What good solutions should include
- •Digital guidebook that can be updated instantly
- •Comprehensive sections covering all guest needs
- •Easy to share via link or QR code
- •Mobile-optimized for phones and tablets
Practical tips from experienced hosts
- Start with a checklist to ensure you include all essential sections.
- Organize sections logically: Essential Info, House Rules, Local Area, Checkout, Emergency.
- Include photos for check-in locations, parking, and property features.
- Update your guidebook quarterly or when local recommendations change.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Printed guidebook | Traditional | Charming but expensive to update, guests may lose it. |
| Incomplete guidebook | Partial | Missing sections lead to guest questions and frustration. |
| Complete digital guidebook | Ideal | Comprehensive, always current, easy to share and update. |
Where Host Pilot fits
- •Create comprehensive digital guidebooks with all essential sections.
- •Update your guidebook anytime and share instantly with all bookings.
- •Mobile-optimized format ensures guests can access it on any device.
FAQ
What sections should be in a vacation rental guidebook?+
Essential info (check-in, WiFi, parking), house rules, local recommendations, checkout procedures, and emergency contacts. Add property-specific sections as needed.
Should I have a printed and digital guidebook?+
Digital is essential for easy updates. Printed can be nice for first impression, but digital is more practical and always current.
How often should I update my guidebook?+
Update quarterly or when local recommendations change, property features are added, or house rules are modified. Digital makes updates instant.
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.
