Hi @Bhumika!
We offer self check in or in person and most people choose the self check-in option. A guest can check in anytime after 4pm (check out is before 11am), and a greeting and questions are sent upon booking (where are you coming from, is this a special occasion, all guests must be registered on the platform, do you prefer a quick tour or a self check in). I also send my guidebook to the area and ask them to reach out if they have any questions.
We send detailed instructions 24-48 hours prior to arrival and the arrival guide has step by step pics and captions on where to park and how to get in, and a scheduled message reminder of check in 5 days prior to arrival, with house rules sent 2-3 days prior to arrival (this is sent in messages so they can find anything and how all appliances work in addition to general house rules - quiet times, no shoes please, etc). I use scheduled messages for this.
The only problem is if someone instant books the day before then none of the scheduled messages go out other than the confirmation welcome message. I’ve brought the issue up with customer service but it appears the option to send the messages that were planned ahead for directions and house rules is not available by scheduled messages.
We haven’t had issues other than guests who don’t have their notifications on, or guests who don’t read their messages (and there were quite a few…). We have had guests park in the wrong spot, go up our back stairs (the ADU is on the side of the house), go to our backyard gate, etc. We usually are near our phone or home to assist if there are any issues and we have security cameras outside that alert us when our guests arrive. With every mishap, I’ve gone into our messages or arrival guide to tweak it to make it even more apparent where to park, how to get to the unit, as well as how to get in. I’ve tried to make my house manual “dummy proof” and assume someone has no idea how to operate anything so I am detailed in how to turn things on, use the washer/dryer, the ac/heat, list where there are manuals, etc.
Guests are grateful for the detailed instructions on every appliance and location of necessities. It took a long time to create but was completely worth it. I only recently had to put in the welcome that we understand you may want to move things around but please put them back in their place as we have a guide for the next guests where items are. This happened after some long term guests moved around all the dishes/pots/pans, bathroom items, and it took me a while to put them all back in their place.
If guests check in late, I try to be available in case of mishaps and this is helpful to prevent any confusion. Late check ins are inevitable when a flight comes in late, or if you are road tripping and you end up coming in later than expected due to traffic or other issues. Late night arrivals are challenging if the hosts do not have clear detailed check in instructions.
