Bhumika,
Greg and Nettie here in Rockport at Nettie's Hideaway.
We always email and text our Guests at least two days before their arrival. First, this verifies their contact information and second, it is a good way to introduce ourselves as well as mention any specialty services offered (we offer custom dinners and specialty wines from all over the world). by 9am of the morning of check-in (4pm), we issue detailed instructions on how to enter the property, where to park, and how to access the home. We are flexible on check-ins unless the cleaning crew is on a same day turn-around. Check-out time is set at 10am. We have made exceptions to this before, but not very often. We have never had an issue with check-in or check-out because we are in constant communication with our Guests via text and phone. We do not allow check-ins after 9pm for reasons already listed by other Hosts. We also hold to a very strict policy of if the Guest makes the reservation for 3 and shows up with 6, they are restricted from the property until the additional fees are remitted, no exceptions. We also have excellent House Rules,...ones that this Host community board should be allowed to share.
Either prior to the Guest stay, we have them sign (docu-sign) or sign at arrival the House Rules. This is mandatory by all guests and is also listed in the property listing as being a requirement of their stay. In the Guest Welcome binder, we offer our Guests a summary of what to do in the area; the best beaches, attractions, fishing piers, restaurants and menus, and our Specialty Menu and wine list. So many compliments on this binder.
Many Guests we meet at check-in but with our busy schedule, it's very hard to be at each one. We determine in advance, as best we can, what style of stay do they wish. Less than 2% want no interaction with the Hosts, 98% welcome to visit and chat. We always make it a point to offer them something extra to make their stay with us special. If we know in advance what special occasion they may have during their stay, we will often provide small items like fruit baskets, birthday cake, continental breakfasts, stocked refreshment bar...list is long. And for our repeat visitors, we offer a discount on their stay and sometimes a free specialty meal.
At least two times a year (we are working on going to 4 times per year), we have live local entertainment at our properties, which has been a huge success. We have had two events since starting the Guest House and we always book within a few minutes of announcing any event.