Host Guide
Guest communication software for vacation rentals
Fast, calm replies keep reviews high. Use software that tags intent, keeps tone human, and pins the guide guests actually read.
For Airbnb & STR hostsUpdated Updated this month
guest communication software for vacation rentalsvacation rental messagingguest messaging toolsshort-term rental communication
Key takeaways
- •Intent-tagged inbox + human-approved templates = faster replies.
- •Pin the digital guide to cut repeat Wi‑Fi/parking questions.
- •Use quiet-hour acknowledgements to protect sleep and SLAs.
How to use this guide: skim the takeaways, copy the checklist that fits your portfolio, then link your preferred tools or Host Pilot if you want approvals and guardrails.
Common problems hosts face
- •Important messages buried between “thank you” notes
- •Templates that sound robotic or arrive at the wrong time
- •Guests asking for Wi‑Fi and parking even after you sent it
- •Night messages disrupting sleep because nothing is prioritized
What good solutions should include
- •Inbox that tags intent (arrival, issue, new inquiry) and sorts by urgency
- •Scheduled sends for arrivals and departures with human-friendly tone
- •Pinned guest guide links so guests can self-serve basics
- •Escalation rules for safety issues that still require human review
Practical tips from day-to-day hosting
- Use three core templates: arrival, during-stay support, and checkout. Personalize only the greeting.
- Send a “quiet hours” confirmation at night to acknowledge receipt without committing to an answer.
- Pin your digital guide in the conversation header so guests can find Wi‑Fi and access info themselves.
- Track which questions repeat most and update your guide instead of adding new templates.
Mid-guide action: pick one change to test this week (e.g., add an approval-based arrival template or set a weekend rate floor) and measure response time or occupancy impact.
What good solutions should include
- •Inbox that tags intent (arrival, issue, new inquiry) and sorts by urgency
- •Scheduled sends for arrivals and departures with human-friendly tone
- •Pinned guest guide links so guests can self-serve basics
- •Escalation rules for safety issues that still require human review
Tools and options compared
Choose the option that fits your portfolio size.| Option | Best for | Why it works / doesn’t |
|---|---|---|
| Channel inbox only | Single channel | Works for Airbnb only; breaks once you add VRBO or direct bookings. |
| Automation-first tools | Speed | Fast but risky—can send the wrong tone or timing. |
| Host Pilot | Human-led speed | Intent tagging, templates, and guides that keep you in control of tone. |
Where Host Pilot fits
- •Smart inbox highlights urgent issues and suggests next steps.
- •Digital guides reduce repeat questions about arrival, Wi‑Fi, and parking.
- •Approvals ensure every message still sounds like you.
FAQ
How do I keep tone personal?+
Write short templates, add one personal line, and approve before sending. Avoid full auto-send.
Should I separate guest and cleaner messaging?+
Yes—keep ops separate so guests never see backstage notes.
What if a guest messages overnight?+
Send a short acknowledgment with timing for a full reply. Triage safety and lockouts first.
Related guides
Keep hosting simple
Use this guide to tighten your workflow, then add the tools that save you the most time. When you are ready, Host Pilot can handle messaging, pricing guardrails, and guest guides in one place.
