🎁 Creating a Memorable Welcome Package (That Stays Airbnb-Friendly)

[Chippy3]

Hey fellow hosts,

We've been exploring different welcome packages recently for our guests and thought we'd share a quick guide on offering a simple but impactful welcome package that guests love,  and that helps build those all-important ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reviews.

Why It Works:

• Boosts first impressions

• Encourages positive reviews

• Sets you apart from the crowd

• Can lead to return guests & referrals

What to Include (Airbnb-Friendly Edition):

Essentials:

• Personalised welcome note

• Mini snacks (local treats especially worked for us)

• Bottled water or juice

• Wi-Fi details (even if it's in your listing, double down!)

Optional Extras (Great for Upsell Appeal):

• Local map or guidebook

• Mini toiletries or face masks

• Discount card or code for a local café or tour

Bonus Ideas (Optional & Memorable):

• A small bottle of local wine or craft beverage

• QR code linking to your Airbnb Guidebook or digital welcome book

What Not to Do:

• No flyers or links to off-platform booking sites

• Avoid strong allergens (nuts, scents, etc.) unless confirmed with guests

Pro Tip: Keep it simple, thoughtful, and personal. A welcome package doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to feel like a warm “we’re glad you’re here.”

Anyone else offering something fun on arrival?

[Joan2709]

@Chippy3 

Great ideas! We keep the Welcome Basket simple as you suggested. Bottled water kept in frig. We usually keep our guest book (with pen) close to our House Manual near the Welcome Basket.

[Chippy3]

@Joan2709  Have you tried exploring with digital guestbooks with a QR code?

[Joan2709]

@Chippy3 

Yes..some guests use the digital version...some prefer paper.

[Helen3]

Like many other hosts I am committed to minimising my footprint on the environment so I wouldn't  provide bottled water or miniature toiletries .

confused as to why you wouldn't provide literature and links to booking sites . My guests love my visitor information and links in my guide books for them to book directly . @Chippy3 

Wine would require an alcohol licence. 

[Chippy3]

@Helen3  It's important to recognize that hosting practices can vary significantly depending on geography, local laws, and guest expectations.

On bottled water, not every host is located in a country where tap water is safe to drink. In many regions, offering bottled water is less about convenience and more about ensuring guest health and safety. It's not always a luxury,  sometimes it's a necessity.

On toiletries — It's a bit of a leap to assume that toiletries = plastic waste, when in fact, it's easy to use sustainable and refillable options that align with eco-responsible hosting.

As for visitor information and booking links — a QR code,  is a link.

Wine or alcohol — absolutely, local laws must be followed. In some countries, yes, an alcohol license is required. In others, providing a complimentary bottle as a gift is permitted, it really depends on local regulations.

It's all about context, balance, and making thoughtful choices that suit both the environment and the guest experience. 

[Frances3408]

@Helen3. Helen, funny you mention miniature toiletries. I'm still trying to use up my bulk supply of shampoo and conditioners purchased during COVID so guests didnt have to share the bottles. I keep hoping every guest will help themselves to them instead of the spare toilet rolls. 😉

[Josephine-Akosua0]

We (my daughter and I are the hosts) offer a welcome note, local chocolate, and flowers (from our garden). We have a water dispenser so no bottled water, and that seems to go down very well. We have flasks as well so folks can fill water for 'on-the-go'; we live in the tropics so water is a must. Oh and notes and guides to local vendors and restaurants. These are small things but folks appreciate them.  My husband normally keeps a low profile but when he does meet guests he is warm and gregarious and folks are pleased to meet him for a brief (or sometimes longer) chat. 

[Michael9828]

What do you put the welcome items in? What kind of basket or bag?

[Lucia2909]

In una cassettina di legno e un cestino di vimini.