VRBO guest guide: Essential template for vacation rentals
VRBO guests expect clear, comprehensive information. Create a guest guide that answers common questions and helps guests feel prepared before they arrive.
Key takeaways
- •VRBO guests often book longer stays—include detailed local area information.
- •Emphasize house rules and policies clearly since VRBO has fewer built-in reminders.
- •Make it easy to share with multiple guests since VRBO bookings often include families or groups.
Use your vrbo guest guide with Booking.com automation
Whether you are building a vrbo 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
- •VRBO messages get cluttered with repeat questions about check-in and amenities
- •Long-term guests need more local information but have nowhere to find it
- •Groups arrive with different people who all need access to the same information
- •House rules and cancellation policies need to be clear upfront
What good solutions should include
- •Digital guest guide that can be shared with all guests in the booking
- •Detailed local section with grocery stores, restaurants, activities, and transportation
- •Clear house rules and policies section that guests can reference anytime
- •Mobile-accessible format that works for the entire travel party
Practical tips from experienced hosts
- Include grocery store and pharmacy locations—VRBO guests often stay longer and need these.
- Add family-friendly activities if your property attracts groups.
- Clearly state pet policies, parking rules, and noise restrictions.
- Provide directions from the nearest airport or major highway.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| VRBO listing description only | Minimal | Not enough detail, guests still ask questions, hard to update. |
| Email with instructions | Partial | Gets lost in inbox, not accessible during stay, hard to share with group. |
| Digital guest guide | Complete | Always accessible, shareable, includes everything guests need. |
Where Host Pilot fits
- •Create comprehensive VRBO guest guides with QR code or link sharing.
- •Include local recommendations, house rules, and check-in details all in one place.
- •Update once and share the same link with every booking party.
FAQ
How is a VRBO guest guide different from Airbnb?+
VRBO guests often stay longer and travel in groups. Include more local information, grocery stores, and make it easy to share with multiple people.
Should I include cancellation policies in the guest guide?+
Yes, but keep it brief. Link to the full policy. Guests appreciate having key information easily accessible.
When should I send the VRBO guest guide?+
Send it 2–3 days before check-in. VRBO bookings often have longer lead times, so guests appreciate having information early.
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.
