Tip of the Week 6 : Providing guest manuals for a comfortable stay

[Bhumika]

As we share our latest edition of Tip of the Week, Superhost @Anne-Marie79  shares her tips and gripes list. Anne mentions the importance of guest manuals and says  "I leave a detailed Guest Manual in the property as well as emailing guests a copy in advance. Some guests will read one but not the other so this covers both bases."

As we explore this tip, I would like to ask our lovely hosts: Do you provide your guests with a detailed guest or house manual?

Do you think providing informative guides can elevate your guests' experience and make their time with you even more memorable? I would like to invite you to share your thoughts on this topic in the comments section. We’re excited to hear and learn from you all.

Let us share some tips around creating manuals for guests, and don’t forget to give a thumbs up 👍 to the best tips shared. 😊

👉 TOTW series

[Veronica1232]

I have a guide list of sightseeings of both my area and interesting others nearby on my listing.

I have also printed a copy which is in my entrance hall table with a Guestbook to sign and then my House Rules pasted on the kitchen wall.  I believe it helps.  Thanks

[Joelle43]

Hello @Bhumika and to all fellow hosts,

Yes, I have a house manual that I leave for my guests with information on how things work in the apartment with pictures and short explanations of things that are a bit quirky.  I also include a short list of "must sees" and where my favourite restaurants are located etc  It's something that a lot of guests actually comment on in their reviews so happy that I took the time to do it.

 I am not very tech savvy but discovered a very useful site that allows you to customise your layout and to personnalise the layout/style.  I can't get my head round  "word" and feel that "Canva" is more user friendly and way more fun😉  I have a green theme running through my listing and carried this through on my house manual that I have translated in two languages.  

So I think it's well worth the investment in the time it took to create it..

It's also a great way to sneak in the house rules again😜

Joëlle

[Tracy996]

Great idea @Joelle43 

[Flavia202]

Hi @Bhumika 

Yes, I have a welcome book in the studio for guests which include emergency numbers, wifi details and services in the neighbourhood.  I also mention it in my listing.  Guests seem to prefer the hard copy. I refresh it every now and again with new info.

[Ilka122]

Hello, 

Yes, I send guests a PDF with all the details on it and I have a printed version on the apartment. 

[Richard2918]

I do not

[Sandy871]

Yes - I keep the house manual online as well as a hard copy in a binder with our association rules, township noise policy and a visitor's guide book with nearby restaurants, wineries, breweries, grocery stores, etc.

[Mohamed931]

I don't have guests manual

[Michael7833]

I don’t have but really think it’s going to be great to have a guest manual for my apartments 

[Heather1712]

Yes, I do. It includes info re: the condo, the building, the area; our favorite spots and other recommendations, etc. It is printed and laminated and in a conspicuous area. At the top are both my and my husband's phone numbers and another in case of emergency if we will be out of town and harder to get in touch with.

[Nicole3276]

Hello,

I think this  is a great way to share ideas!  Any apps or formats for adding to the guide book it helpful!

We  have a guide book 📕 on our coffee table and also have  a laminated 8 by 11 sheet at every TV with Wi-Fi and password available for guests.  We also have a laminated instruction sheet on how to use the ceiling fans at the light switch in each room.  Even though it looks easy MinkaAir fans are not always user friendly for everyone’s age group!  
I think guests appreciate menus from restaurants, activity ideas and appreciate the recommendations.  

cheers, Nicole 🙂

[Louise1241]

I am a new host so i am starting to compile one, yes.  I thought I would offer to email it in advance too, for ease.  It has house information and information for the local area and the popular beaches of Northumberland. 

[Joan2709]

Yes...for each property we have a House Manual on Airbnb, a Host Guidebook on Airbnb and a detailed, paper Welcome Guide inside each listing. The paper version includes our recommendations for the most popular restaurants, destinations and activities in the area. It also includes information on the property and amenities.

Perhaps 10% of guests actually comment on the Airbnb Host Guidebook and House Manual. We send the Host Guidbook Link in our Welcome message using the "Share Recommendations" icon.

However, many more guests comment on how helpful our paper Welcome Guides inside each property are. 

[Cathleen52]

Yes, we have a house manual that I created on Canva.  The house manual provides info on Wi-Fi password, how to use the electronics, trash day, street cleaning days, etc.  It also has restaurant recommendations, things to do in the area, etc.  We have an electronic copy via airbnb.  We also have a hard copy at the house that I leave by a goodie basket of wine, chocolates and a savory snack.  I figure they’ll definitely see it in that location.  😊  I also mention it repeatedly when I’m showing them around the house.  There’s a lot to our house and we’re new to renting so I thought it’d be helpful to be there to greet our guests and show them around the property and they seem to appreciate it.  

[Peter3879]

As a new user, we have not made a manual as per say, however, our additional information is well informative.

I think it is worth looking at a manual in the future