Do you write welcome notes for your guests?

[Rebecca]

Whilst I haven’t had the pleasure of being an Airbnb Host, I have stayed at a number of Airbnb listings and I’m always surprised at the amazing lengths Hosts go to welcoming their guests. I’ve had bottles of Prosecco (thank you very much 😍), down to a local hamper of goodies including fresh bottled milk from the farm, and a selection of nibbles; these are things I never expected but truly appreciated. 🙏

Another special touch was having a personalised welcome note upon arrival, addressed to me and my family. One that I distinctly remember was handwritten on a postcard and the Host had included leaflets from the local area that had some popular tourist attractions which were great for adults and children alike. It showed me that the Host put so much thought and care into my stay, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere right from the start. 🤗

I wondered; do you include welcome notes for your guests? 🗒
If so, what do you include in your notes? Do you personalise them?  Share your welcome notes, hints and tips below! 👇

[Ann-and-Jim1]

I do write personal notes.  Mostly, a standard welcome and reaching out to let them know I am here to help.  However, there are personal greetings whenever information is available for birthday trips or a special event being celebrated.

[Rebecca]

That's so lovely @Ann-and-Jim1. Once, a Host had left a birthday card and balloon for me which was the sweetest thing! You're never too old for balloons! 🎈

Thank you so much for popping by and sharing with us! 😍

[Angela3548]

Unfortunately, I'm not currently hosting our property anymore but would love to host or manage someone else's. I think a welcome not is a great way to initiate communication with your future guests! The best welcome note I have ever received from a host included thorough directs and even had some local suggestions for food and entertainment.

[Rebecca]

I'd agree with you on the food and drink side of things! Local recommendations always turn out better than online reviews (I find). 

Thanks for popping by and sharing @Angela3548. Have you seen the experienced Co-Host page? It could help you find some opportunities to bring all that wonderful hosting knowledge and experience to support another Host. 

Wishing you the best of luck and let us know how you get on with finding an opportunity! 🍀

[Angela3530]

Certainly! I have a welcome note displayed in an 8x10 frame on a table or shelf, expressing gratitude for choosing to stay with us, along with essential information like the WiFi, address, my contact info for emergencies, and checkout procedures. Additionally, I provide guests with two chocolate and macadamia nut candies as a local treat.

[Rebecca]

Oh @Angela3530, the chocolate and macadamia nut candy sounds delicious! 😋 

I would have never thought to add the address to the welcome note but it makes sense! And of course, the all-important Wifi password is almost essential in this age. 

Thanks for popping by and sharing 😊

[Brandon839]

Yes, we use the info the guest shares in the reservation to tailor the note and make a recommendation. We have to think it has contributed to the 5-star reviews (I’m not shy about asking for a 5-star review in my hand written note either). No more than 4-5 sentences and we use custom stationary that is a watercolor print of our house. 

[Kia272]

@Brandon839  Wow. Asking for 5 star reviews kind of skews the whole system, don't you think? Now you'll never know if it's your hand written note on custom stationery, or the fact that you just asked for a 5 star review. 

[Brandon839]

No, I don’t think it skews anything. As a host it’s paramount for me to do provide a 5-star accommodation and I think letting the guest know that we strive for 5-star reviews isn’t a negative. We’re nearly at 100% of guests leaving a review and have only had 1 guest not leave 5-stars.

[Kia272]

@Brandon839  Letting a guest know that you strive for 5 star reviews is also skewed. If you provide a 5 star accommodation, then you should get 5 star reviews. 

Above you said you ASK for 5 star reviews. That's not the same thing. 

If you mention that you strive to provide a 5 star accommodation and leave it at that, well...that's what it's all about, and shouldn't influence a guest review.  

I have never even MENTIONED reviews to a guest- EVER. That's the only way to get honest reviews. They leave, and they put their thoughts into a review. That's how it works. Asking.......completely wrong in my book. 

[Brandon839]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts

[Rebecca]

Hey @Brandon839 👋

Thank you so much for sharing. Your listing looks beautiful! I love the idea of watercolour stationary of the house and a handwritten note makes it all the more personable to a guest. I bet the red brick in watercolours is stunning too; please feel free to share a picture for inspiration. 😍

It just goes to show that each host has a different way of doing things and that this is why this space is here; to share constructive and friendly advice, hints and tips of what works for you and ways that we can be better together. 

[Michael8455]

thanks for sharing...

[Kirsten266]

I’ve got a little chalkboard. On one side I write: welkom / welcome / ❤️lich willkommen /bonjour and than the name of the guest. 
at the other side you can find the WiFi code. 

9 out of 10 guests is enthousiastic when they see their own name 😄 it’s really succes