Airbnb Guidebook
Imagine this: you have just checked into a cozy Airbnb after a long journey. You’re tired, hungry, and not sure where anything is. Then, you find a simple, friendly guidebook or a digital one right on your phone while checking in. It tells you how the Wi-Fi works, where to eat nearby, and even how to use the coffee machine. Instantly, you feel at home. This is exactly what your Airbnb guests want from your rental property.
A well-made Airbnb guidebook saves you, the host, from answering the same questions again and again. It helps your guests settle in faster. They feel more welcome. And when guests feel good, they leave better reviews.
Today, we will show you how to create your own. We will guide you through every detail you will need to create a digital Airbnb guidebook. And at the end, if you do not find making one convenient, we’ve even made it easier with a Canva template. You will be able to design a beautiful, useful guidebook in minutes.
Plus, you can also download our pre-made Airbnb Guidebook to save even more time!
What is an Airbnb Guidebook?
An Airbnb guidebook is a custom and simple, digital travel guide created by hosts to help guests enjoy their stay. It shares local tips, favorite places to eat, fun spots to visit, and useful details about the rental home and the nearby area. Unlike printed welcome books, the Airbnb digital guidebook is shared online. Thus, it becomes easily accessible for everyone.
This way, the host can walk the guest through the area digitally, even if they are not physically present.
Indeed, a digital guidebook for Airbnb helps hosts save time. Instead of answering the same questions over and over. Hosts can share everything in one place and give personalized service. This increases guest satisfaction and gets more positive reviews.
Otherhand, by getting all valuable and necessary information easily guest become happier. It also helps guests explore the neighborhood, try local food, and find hidden gems. Guests often feel more at home when they see personal recommendations from someone who knows the area well. A guidebook adds a warm and personal touch that guests really appreciate, provided by the Airbnb hosts.
Note: The main difference is that a digital guidebook is online, while a traditional one is on paper.
What Should Be Included in Your Airbnb Guidebook?
A well-prepared guidebook makes your guest’s stay smoother and more enjoyable. It answers common questions, prevents confusion, and adds a thoughtful touch that guests truly appreciate. From clear directions to house rules, it’s your way of offering help without being there in person. Here’s a breakdown of the essential sections your guidebook should include.
1. Welcome to the House
What can be more welcoming than a warm and personalized message that instantly make the guest feel at home! So, the first thing in your guidebook should be a welcome message.
Example:
“Hi there! Welcome to our home. We’re so happy you chose to stay with us. This place is yours for the next few days, so feel free to settle in and make yourself comfortable. If you need anything, just check this guide or send us a message!”
You can also add a short note about what makes your space special, like:
“We love enjoying coffee on the back patio in the mornings, give it a try!”
2. Home Direction
First things first, make it easy for guests to find your place. Without proper direction, guests won’t be able to find your place easily which obviously lead to dissatisfaction. Especially if they’re arriving from out of town or late at night.
What to include:
Simple step-by-step directions from major landmarks
GPS-friendly address
Add Google My Business Map Link
Parking tips, if available
Any landmarks to help spot your property
Example:
“Our home is a 20-minute drive from the airport. Just take Highway 5 toward Downtown, then turn right on Maple Street. Look for the red mailbox with number 82—it’s right next to the big oak tree. There’s free parking right in front of the house.”
3. Check-In & Check-Out Details
Guests feel more at ease when they know exactly what to do when they arrive and leave.
What to include:
Check-in and check-out times
Step-by-step instructions for entry (keypad, lockbox, smart lock, etc.)
What to do before checking out (tidy-up, return keys, etc.)
Example:
Check-in: After 3 PM
Check-out: Before 11 AM
“To get in, use the smart lock on the front door. Tap the screen and enter the code: 2580#. The door will unlock automatically. When checking out, please make sure all windows are closed, leave used towels in the basket, and just pull the door shut behind you.”
4. Wi-Fi Information
Most of us often first search for WIFI information, and the guests are no different than this. So, try to add the WIFI information so it is easy to find out in your guidebook.
What to include:
Network name (Wi-Fi name)
Password
Any extra tips if the signal is weak in certain rooms
Example:
Wi-Fi Name: STR Assistance
Password: STRAssistance2025
“The router is in the living room. Signal is strong in all rooms, but if you have any trouble, just unplug and plug it back in—it usually fixes it!”
You can also print this on a card and leave it near the bed or TV.
5. Parking
You never want your guests to find it a hassle with the parking lot. That’s why try to help your guests avoid confusion or tickets by giving clear parking info.
What to include:
On-site or street parking details
Any restrictions or permits needed
Where not to park
Example:
“You can park for free right in front of the house—just stay within the white lines. If that spot’s taken, there’s free street parking across the road. Please don’t block the neighbor’s driveway or park in the spot marked ‘Private.’ No permit is needed!”
If you’re in a city with limited parking, add tips for nearby garages or paid lots.
6. FAQ
Do not forget to add the common FAQ to the guidebook. Your guest may have several queries; instead of giving each answer of your own, you should add the answers in the book.
Here are some common FAQs,
Check-out is by 11 AM. Just make sure all windows are closed, lights are off, and the door is locked. Please leave used towels in the bathroom basket.
We try our best to help! Send us a message and we’ll let you know if it’s possible that day.
We don’t offer storage at the property, but we can suggest nearby luggage storage options like KeyNest or a local café.
Let us know right away via Airbnb messages. We’ll do our best to fix it as quickly as possible.
Sorry, we don’t allow pets to keep the space allergy-friendly for other guests.
Only registered guests are allowed to stay overnight. You’re welcome to have a visitor during the day, but please keep the noise low and follow house rules.
For any emergency, dial the local emergency number (e.g., 911). The nearest hospital and pharmacy info are in the “Emergency Info” section.
7. Contact Information
Do not forget to add the contact information for your guest. They must know how to reach you if they need anything.
Also mention your preferred contact method where you always stay active. It can be Airbnb messaging platform, WhatsApp or phone.
8. Places to Eat
Your Airbnb guests love local food tips! So you can share your favorite spots with them. Or recommend local foods and restaurants. If possible, you can make a partnership with the locals and get offers and discounts for your guests. By doing so, your guest will be more happy.
What to include:
Your top 3–5 favorite places
Cuisine type and price range
Walking or driving distance
Hidden gems and must-try dishes
Example
- Bella’s Café – 5 mins walk – Great for breakfast and fresh pastries
- Mama Tacos – 10 mins drive – Casual, tasty Mexican food (get the fish tacos!)
- The Olive Table – Fancy dinner spot with amazing pasta – make a reservation!
9. Stores & Shops
Your guests may need something and need to go to the shop. So, try to make shopping easy by pointing out nearby stores. Also, mention nearby ATMs, wine shops, or souvenir stores if relevant.
Try to add the closest grocery store and hours, convenience stores for quick items, pharmacies, or essentials. Even in the special or local shops, guests enjoy.
10. Best Experiences or Places to Visit
Your recommendation and tone for the best places to visit should be like this,
- Sunset Kayak Tour – Local guides take you through quiet waterways just before sunset. Peaceful and perfect for photos. Book online or call ahead.
- Local Cooking Class – Learn to make traditional dishes with a local chef. Only a 10-minute drive from the house!
- Wine Tasting at Greenhill Vineyards – A beautiful spot with local wines and snacks. We recommend the Saturday afternoon tour!
When the guests see such a section in your Airbnb guidebook, they will be happier. Because they no longer need to search on YouTube or social media, spending hours. With your recommendation, they can visit the attractive places.
What to include:
Top sightseeing spots
Parks or nature areas
Local tours or activities
Family-friendly ideas
11. Transport Information
For those guests who are not from your country or location will find it very difficult with transportation. So it is best if you can help guests get around easily without confusion. You can also mention if a car is recommended for your area or if everything is walkable.
Try to add the closest grocery store and hours, convenience stores for quick items, pharmacies, or essentials. Even in the special or local shops, guests enjoy.
Example
- Bus Stop: Just 2 minutes away on Pine Street. Bus #7 goes downtown every 20 minutes.
- Uber/Lyft: Both work great here, usually a short wait.
- Train Station: 15 minutes away by car. Good for day trips to nearby cities.
- Bike Rentals: Try CityBikes on Main Road—they rent by the hour. Helmets included.
12. House Rules
You must mention the house rules very politely and in a friendly manner. So the guests do not feel offended also follow the house rules properly.
What to include:
General behavior (quiet hours, no parties)
Smoking/pets policy
Visitors
Care for furniture, appliances, etc.
Example
- No parties or loud music—quiet hours are from 10 PM to 7 AM
- No smoking inside (feel free to use the patio if needed)
- Only registered guests are allowed
- Please don’t eat on the couch or in the bedrooms
- Be gentle with the sliding door, it sticks a little sometimes!
13. Early Check-In/Out Instructions
Let guests know what’s possible and how to ask in advance. Otherwise, they may face check-in issues.
What to include:
If early/late check-in is available
If there’s an extra fee
How they should request it
What to do if it's not possible
Example:
“We understand if you arrive early or need a bit more time when leaving!
Early check-in: Usually possible after 1 PM if the place is ready, just message us to check.
Late check-out: We can sometimes offer an extra hour or two (until 12 PM) if no one else is checking in, just ask in advance.”
14. Reviews
You can share a few kind words from past guests in your guidebook. Thus, you can build trust, and they feel more at ease. When travelers read about others having a good experience, it gives them more confidence in your place. You don’t need to add every review. Just a few short and positive ones.
For example, someone may say,
“The place was spotless and the host was super helpful!”
Or
“We loved the quiet neighborhood and cozy vibe, definitely recommend!”
How To Make An Airbnb Guidebook?
Being an Airbnb host or property owner, if you want to create an Airbnb guest guidebook, it is actually easy. Canva, which is a very easy and popular tool to use, makes it simpler for you to create your own guidebook. Most importantly, most of the features of this tool are free.
Let’s guide you through how to make an Airbnb guidebook with Canva.
First, go to Canva.com and sign up if you haven’t already. Once you’re in, search for “guidebook”, “Airbnb guidebook template,” or “welcome booklet” in the template search bar. You’ll see tons of ready-made designs. Pick one that matches your Airbnb’s style. Try to choose clean, cozy, and modern.
Now it’s time to edit. As we already discussed in the previous section, what should be included in your Airbnb guidebook for guests, you can add your own sections. For example,
- Welcome message
- House rules
- Wi-Fi info
- How to use appliances
- Check-in & check-out instructions
- Favorite restaurants and cafes
- Nearby attractions
- Emergency contacts
You can drag and drop photos of your place or neighborhood. Change colors based on your theme color. Also, update the text with your own voice. Keep things short, friendly, and easy to read.
You are all done? Then download it as a PDF or share it with a link. You can even print it if you want a backup. Then just send it to your guests before they arrive. Or simply include it in your Airbnb message thread.
That’s it! A beautiful, personal guidebook made with Canva. Wait! Are you thinking this a bit time-consuming? Actually, it is. To get a nice guidebook, you have to spend time. In this moment, if you think you do not have that time, worry not, you have us. STR Assistance digital guidebook is the same you want with the customization options.
Why take the extra burden, when you can fully focus on your guest and let us help you with the best Airbnb guidebook for you.
Example
City Apartment Guidebook: Great for urban stays or studio apartments
What to include:
Building entry and elevator info
Best nearby cafes and breakfast spots
Public transport maps
Late-night food options
Local museums and parks
Beach House Welcome Guide: Ideal for tropical or coastal locations.
What to include:
Beach access instructions
Tide schedules
Where to rent bikes or surfboards
Seafood restaurants
Sun safety tips
Why You Should Use Our Airbnb Guidebook Template
Even if you are creating and editing Canva Airbnb guidebook templates, there are many features you won’t be able to access in the free version. Besides, time is the biggest factor here, as for any non-graphic designer background, it is way more time-consuming to use Canva or other. But with our digital Airbnb guidebook, you do not need to create the whole template or edit for hours.
The fully customizable and editable on Canva makes our guidebook more convenient for the hosts. We appreciate your time should be fully focused on your guests. Based on this idea our digital guidebook include pre-designed sections for all necessary information.
You want a minimal look for your guidebook or want some interactive element, the fully customization features will surely won your heart.
Key features:
- Easy to customize
- Mobile and print-friendly
- Includes pre-designed sections for all necessary information
- Saves time and improves guest reviews.
So, save your time, make your digital Airbnb guidebook how you want, and get satisfied guests only by getting our Airbnb Guidebook.
How to Use Your Airbnb Guidebook?
You have created your digital guidebook for Airbnb, but you also have to share it properly with your guests. Here are some tips that will help you,
- Send it before check-in or during booking confirmation.
- Print it and place it in a visible spot in the property.
- Share it via Airbnb messaging, email, or a QR code.
- Put the link in your welcome binder (if you have one).
- Mention the guidebook in your listing description to highlight this feature.
- Set up a quick reply to easily share the guidebook with guests who ask relevant questions.
- Review and update the guidebook periodically to keep it current and relevant.
- Add a personal touch by including your name, logo, and any specific tips you have for guests.
- Use clear and concise language, making it easy for guests to find what they need.
- Use images and photos of recommended places or activities to make the guidebook more engaging.
Want Us to Handle All Your Airbnb Operations?
Lets Talked with Us!
We have a 24/7 Airbnb Virtual Assistant team who can support your guest communication to cleaning management.
With our customizable digital Airbnb guidebook, you can now easily handle your guests by providing all the necessary information.
Now, what about other responsibilities, because running a short-term rental business is not easy. From guest communication, handling reviews, and coordinating with the cleaning team, there are tons of responsibilities. And if you miss one, it means negative reviews and fewer guests. To lessen your burden our experienced Airbnb virtual assistants, who are already handling several properties can help you too.
No matter if you have a single property or multiple ones, STR Assistance have an experienced Airbnb virtual assistant team that will first listen and then help you with every rental need. Contact us today and get the best Airbnb VA for your rental business.
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