How much local information do you provide?

[Gemma171]

Since I am a new host and was not really sure which type of guest would be arriving I decided to provide a information  of local attractions in the room. 

As as it turns out most of my guests are infact sight seeing. They have all been to our local beaches and national parks. They have all asked me for info on local highlights. They have all browsed the many brochures I provide.

Does anyone have a way to provide this information with a more personalised touch? 

I was thinking of putting together a more detailed guide to go with all the brochures. Including secret spots and best beaches off the radar etc..

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Gemma171 

all tourists can go to tourist info center and pick up some city guides, maps and perhaps a list of events. But they would probably like to hear some recommendations from locals like you are and this is understandable.

We filled our apartments with all the information we could think of and it seems our guests appreciate our effort. We did it because we are aware that our guest's average stay is just 2 days and this is a way to short to explore everything that Zagreb has to offer.

So, besides the map, city guides, and books about Zagreb and Croatia we also prepared:

- a clipboard with all street festivals, events, and fairs ( we collect this information from all over the internet)

- sorted leaflets for car/bike rentals, excursions, laundry rooms and all kind of services

- a list of recommended clubs, restaurants ( national, Asian, Italian, Indian, etc...)

- a map with pointers where is the main square, pharmacy, grocery store, etc...

- a note how, when and where to purchase tickets for the national park (most of our guests wants to visit it)

- information about taxi services, private drivers, private excursions, street parking, public garages, city tram and buses, etc... everything about the transport

So whenever our guests have a question - we just tell them where to look for the info, everything is already there.

[Gemma171]

This is really helpful advice. I was going to do a full personalised guide, so that my guest too had a quick way to find things. I hope to provide enough information, local events however are endless so keeping up with this might be a challenge.

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Gemma171 

if there are too many local events then you can choose just the biggest or the most interesting ones or those closest to your home. Yes, I agree, it is very time-consuming to keep up with events.

You said you are thinking about a guide of secret spots and best beaches off the radar etc.. it's a great idea, I like it 🙂

[Linda-And-Richard0]

Hi @Gemma171  Brochures and other printed items for local attractions are a great way to give guests information about the local attractions.  The newspaper in our city prints a booklet of the top 100 restaurants in the area.   We have a basket filled with these items for guests to review.  Also provided are books about the history of the area.  I'm always on the lookout for discount coupons to local attractions which are shared with guests.  During the annual Fiesta here in San Antonio,  complimentary tickets to one of the premier events are available to our guests.  We are always happy to refer guests to our favorite restarants and bars.

[Sarah977]

@Gemma171  One thing I've seen done by hosts, altho i havn't done it yet myself, is to have a looseleaf binder in the unit with pages of that kind of info, as well as business cards and brochures from take-out/delivery restaurants, local masseuse services, shops that have unusual and interesting offerings, etc. 

And I think that hosts putting info in there about swimming holes and other places that only a local would know about, with maps to those places, would be really appreciated by adventurous guests.