First guest arrival

First guest arrival

Good morning 

My husband and I are brand new host and our first guest is arriving in just one week. As their arrival approaches what are the expectations and protocols for us as host?  Do we provide address,  and check in guide?  Also we purchased and lock system that we linked to our account will it automatically generate the access code and notify the guest or do we have to do that?  sorry for al the  little questions we are just nervous and what the first arrival to go smooth.

Thank you in advance 

Regina and Aaron Haig

4 Replies 4
Alex
Community Manager
Community Manager
Toronto, Canada

Hello @Blessings-Of-The-Warm-Hands-LLC0

 

First of all, congratulations for you first guest! I'm sure everything is going to work out perfectly. In order to help you, I'm going to tag sime experienced hosts to see if they can give you an answer with their expertise: @Bradley181@Bryon48@Kate-And-Mitch0@Rudolf103@Ranveer1@Shelley159 and @Marie8425

 

I hope we can help make your first booking go smoothly!

 

Best, 

Alex

Hi @Blessings-Of-The-Warm-Hands-LLC0 (Regina & Aaron),

Warmest congratulations on your very first guest—this is such a special moment! 🎉 You're about to begin a beautiful journey in hosting, and it’s great to see the care and detail you're putting in already.

You've already received some amazing advice from @Marie8425, @Patricia2526, and @Alex, and I’d love to add a few more points from our experience at Arya Stay | Elegant Homes Retreat:

Arrival Guide
Yes, be sure to fill this out under your listing—it’s a powerful tool! Guests automatically receive it 48 hours before check-in if it's completed.

Smart Lock
If you've integrated your lock using Airbnb's smart lock integration, the system should auto-generate and send a unique code. Double-check this in your settings and test it if possible. Still, we recommend having a backup access method—like a manual lockbox—just in case tech fails.

Welcome Message
A simple message right after check-in can make all the difference. Something like:

“Hi [Guest Name], welcome! We hope you had a smooth check-in. Let us know if there's anything you need. Enjoy your stay!”

Personal Touches
Even a small welcome note, a couple of snacks, or a guide to local favorites in your area can help you stand out and earn a glowing first review.

We're so excited for you both and happy to help anytime. You’re now part of a warm global Airbnb community—and trust us, there’s so much support and learning to gain here. 🌍

Wishing you a smooth first hosting and many 5-star stays ahead!

Warm regards,
Team Arya Stay | Elegant Homes Retreat

Patricia2526
Level 10
Manila, Philippines

Hi @Blessings-Of-The-Warm-Hands-LLC0 

 

Yes, you do need to provide the address and check-in instructions. Guests will not automatically receive every detail unless you’ve filled out certain sections in your listing.

 

Check-in Guide / Instructions

You can include:

 

  • How to get to the property (especially helpful if you’re in a rural or hard-to-find area)
  • Parking details
  • How to use the smart lock
  • Wi-Fi info
  • Any tips for arriving late or early

You can send this via Messages, or set up a scheduled message.

  • Did you connect the lock to the listing properly through Airbnb’s smart lock integration? (via the listing settings or through the lock’s app)

If yes, the system will auto-generate unique codes for each guest and send them out 48 hours before check-in.

 

After Arrival

  • Send a short message:
    “Hi [Guest’s name], just checking in to make sure you arrived okay and everything is to your liking. Let me know if you need anything!”

Here’s a helpful link on how to welcome your first guest https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/how-to-welcome-your-first-airbnb-guests-32

 

 

 

Marie8425
Top Contributor
Buckeye, AZ

 @Blessings-Of-The-Warm-Hands-LLC0 

Congratulations!  How exciting!

I never send my address.  If a Guest has a confirmed reservation the Airbnb Platform includes in their confirmation the property address rented.  I have my listings set on the platform that my address is not disclosed until free cancellation opportunity expires for the Guest.

For your listing at the top click om Arrival Guide.  Fill that out and the Airbnb Platform automatically sends your guests 24 hours before check in.

Has to your lock system the transmission of the code depends on specific system and specific how set up.  You are going to have to look at the manual for your system. I believe the Airbnb promoted locks can be set to auto notify at a certain time usually 24 hours in advance. If you are not close what other Hosts do is  back up lock box with the key just in case.

 

More tools to help you meet your goals

Resource Center

Explore guides for hospitality, managing your listing, and growing your business.