Vacation Rental Welcome Book Example with Custom Personalization
A Vacation Rental Welcome Book example will help you set up the perfect welcome packet for your short term rental. No matter where your vacation home is located {beach, mountains, city, country} there are a handful of things that your guest need to know as soon as they arrive. Being an avid traveler, my husband and I's preferred booking is definitely with AirBnB or VRBO (short term, in home rentals). Hotels and all of their amenities are great, don't get me wrong, but there is nothing like feeling like a local (and having a kitchen) when traveling.
However, whenever we stay at an airbnb we can always tell who is a seasoned renter and who is a complete NUBE to the short term rental world. If someone is booking an airbnb chances are they're like my husband and I and like to feel like they're staying at their home away from home. BUT it isn't really their home, rather, they are a guest in your home. It's up to you to fill them in with any information that is imperative to their stay and make them feel like a well taken care of guest. You, after all, are working for that coveted 5 star review.
Is a Vacation Home Welcome Binder really necessary?
YES! Think of your short term rental as a mini hotel of sorts and you are the GM, concierge and house keeping (also, small business owner, property owner, etc. etc.). It is up to you to cover all of these bases and make sure that your guest have the best experience while staying at your rental. While also doing your best to run your rental business as professionally as possible, having systems and policies in place to keep guests informed, taken care of and exceeding their expectations.
Using a Vacation Home Welcome Binder to greet your guest is a wonderful way to inform them upon arrival of anything they need to know, especially things that would be too cumbersome to including in the booking email. A vacation home welcome book serves as a reference tool to help heighten the guests experience.
What to include in your Vacation Home Welcome Binder
First and foremost, write your guest a welcome letter to be included in the front of the binder. You can download this Welcome Letter and personalize it with your information if you aren't up for creating one from scratch.
**We recommend WIFI instructions up front. Here is a good place!
House Rules
A rule section isn't the most fun, but it is very important... especially if HOA has strict rules such as no pets. Obviously the guest agreed to your terms at booking, but a reminder of rules is always helpful!
About Section
In the about section of your welcome book don't forget to include a part about YOU. Of course, include all pertinent information your guest would need and want to know about the rental, or the neighborhood they are in... but also include a few facts and even a picture of yourself. Telling your guest about YOU and your home will remind them that they are staying in someone else's home and set up their stay for a more personal experience. More importantly, that connection encourages more positive reviews! Putting a face to a name is a good thing!
Also, under the about section I suggest including an 'about' each room and include pictures. For a couple of reasons. One, it will help your guest know where to find everything they are going to need during the stay and visuals will make it super easy. Including pictures and information like 'there are 4 extra bath towels and 2 extra bath mats in the linen closet' will help hold guest and cleaning crew accountable for the belongings in your rental.
Transportation section
Your guest maybe (most likely) are from out of town. Doing a little extra to find out if they are renting a car or are familiar with transportation in your city will truly be so helpful. You will know best about taxis, Uber, metros, and any deals or companies to avoid. Including information like numbers to car services, local transportation/traffic apps, nearest bus/metro stops, toll roads, etc. will help your guest gain confidence navigating around during their stay.
Local Dinning
Sometimes when you're traveling, after a long day of site seeing you just want to get back 'home', shower and eat. Your guest may want to order take out, so including take out menus and information about local delivery apps is a great idea! Don't forget to suggest your favorite spots near by!
Area Attractions - Cheap + Free + Fun Activities & Attractions
Give your guest ideas of things to do near by that they may not know about as a tourist. Like, framers market every Thursday night, or jazz night at the museum on Friday. Including coupons, passes or deals for your guest will show you'll go the extra mile to make sure they enjoy their stay.
Emergency info section
You want to make sure to include an emergency contact section. Of course, include your information here (again) but most importantly list things like the local ER/hospital, minute clinic, pediatrician, poison control, nearest vet (if you allow pets), police and fire and any other emergency contacts you think your guest could possibly need. I also like to remind people that we'd never schedule service calls during their time unless it is necessary and we appreciate their patience with that potential.
Check out instructions
Lastly, you will want to provide your guests with check out instructions, such as loading the dishwasher, taking out trash, emptying fridge, run a load of towels, etc. Many regular short term rental guests are cultured to know there is a little more work than just packing up and leaving a mess behind (thankfully!). TIP: a scheduled message the day prior to checkout helps with that too!
Cameras
And, this is debateable, but it's a good idea to inform your guests if your door keypad has video monitoring. Or if you have cameras anywhere inside your space, it's prudent to inform them.
Vacation Home Welcome Binder & Home Guest Book
We have a limited run sailcloth that is simply beautiful. Plus, it's natural weave hides stains. Mine still looks great after 5 years of REGULAR use.
Vacation Home Welcome Binder & La Mer Home Guest Book in natural linen stamped in gray.
Vacation Rental Welcome Book customer review
"...the Rental Home Binders we purchased were beautiful! Our AirBnB Welcome Guides now make a super classy, unique presentation."
