What goes in a welcome book
Guests ask the same questions every stay: the WiFi password, how the heating works, where the bins go, where to eat. A welcome book puts the answers in one place. It is sometimes called a house manual or a guidebook; this template includes both the house part and the local part.
- Welcome
- Arrival and check-in
- WiFi and essentials
- How things work
- House rules
- Local tips
- Emergencies and contacts
- Check-out
The template
Copy each section with its button, or print the whole page. Replace everything in [brackets] and delete the lines that do not apply to your place.
1. Welcome
Welcome to [Property name]! We're [your names], and we're glad you're here. This book has everything you need for your stay. If something isn't covered, message us on [phone]. Enjoy [city/area], [Your names]
2. Arrival and check-in
ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN Address: [Full address] Check-in: from [time] Check-out: by [time] Keys: [Where the keys are / how the lock works] Parking: [Where to park, and where not to] Getting here: [Nearest station, taxi tip, airport transfer]
Need the full messages to send before arrival? See Airbnb check-in and check-out instructions.
3. WiFi and essentials
WIFI & ESSENTIALS WiFi: [network name] Password: [password] Router: [where it is, in case it needs a restart] Heating / AC: [how to switch on, recommended setting] Hot water: [how long it takes, where the switch is] Rubbish & recycling: [which bin is which, where they go, collection days] Spare towels & bedding: [where] Fuse box: [where] Water valve: [where]
Tip: add a QR code next to the WiFi details so guests join without typing. Our free WiFi QR code generator makes a print-ready card.
4. How things work
HOW THINGS WORK Coffee machine: [model + 2-line instructions] Washing machine: [program to use, where the detergent is] Dishwasher: [tablets under the sink, program to use] Oven / hob: [anything unusual, e.g. "press and hold to ignite"] TV: [which remote, how to reach Netflix/YouTube, inputs] Shower: [how to get hot water, anything that sticks] Windows / shutters: [how they open and lock]
5. House rules
HOUSE RULES - Quiet hours: [time] to [time]. Our neighbours are lovely; let's keep it that way. - No smoking inside, including the balcony. [Where smoking is OK, if anywhere] - Maximum [x] guests. Visitors: [your rule] - Pets: [allowed / not allowed / conditions] - Parties and events: [not allowed] - Please tell us about anything broken. Accidents happen; we'd rather know.
More rule ideas, friendly wording and a short version to print as a sign: Airbnb house rules template.
6. Local tips
OUR LOCAL TIPS Coffee & breakfast: [name], [x] min walk. Try the [dish]. Dinner: [name] for [type of food]. Book ahead on weekends. Groceries: [supermarket], open [hours]. Pharmacy: [name, address] Something to do: [your favourite walk, beach, view or museum] Getting around: [bus/metro line, bike rental, taxi app that works here] One thing tourists miss: [your insider tip]
7. Emergencies and contacts
EMERGENCIES & CONTACTS Emergency number: [112 in the EU / 911 in the US] Your host: [name], [phone]. Fastest reply between [hours]. Backup contact: [name], [phone] Nearest hospital: [name, address] Nearest pharmacy: [name, address] Fire extinguisher: [where] First aid kit: [where]
8. Check-out
CHECK-OUT Check-out is by [time]. Before you leave: 1. Leave the keys [where] and pull the door shut 2. Take the rubbish to [bin location] 3. Leave used towels [in the bathtub] 4. Switch off the [AC / heating] and lights 5. Close the windows Thank you for staying with us. If you enjoyed it, a review helps us a lot.
Ideas that make a welcome book better
- Photos of the tricky parts. The key box, the right door, the fuse box, the one tap that sticks.
- Your own recommendations. Three places you actually go beat twenty pulled from a map app.
- Walking times. "Supermarket, 4 minutes" is more useful than an address.
- "Things guests always ask me". Look back at your messages. Every repeated question belongs in the book.
- Local customs. Tipping, shop opening hours, siesta, bin rules. Things a visitor cannot guess.
- A welcome pack next to it. Tea, milk and a few basics for the first night. See our holiday let welcome pack ideas.
- Seasonal notes. Beach umbrellas in summer, how the fireplace works in winter.
Printed or digital?
| Printed book | Digital page | |
|---|---|---|
| Changing the WiFi password | Reprint the page | Edit once, live for everyone |
| Read before arrival | No | Yes, from the link you send |
| Guest's language | The one you wrote it in | Can translate automatically, depending on the tool |
| Wear and tear | Coffee stains, missing pages | None |
| Private details | Stay in the flat for anyone to read | Can sit behind a private link |
Many hosts do both: a digital page for the full guide, and a single printed card by the door with the WiFi, the emergency number and a QR code to the digital page.
Questions hosts ask
What should an Airbnb welcome book include?
A welcome note, arrival and check-in details, WiFi and essentials, how the appliances work, house rules, your local recommendations, emergency contacts and check-out instructions. The template on this page covers all eight in order.
How long should a welcome book be?
As short as it can be while still answering the questions guests actually ask. Put the essentials (WiFi, check-in, emergencies) first, and keep each section to what a guest needs during the stay, not the history of the house.
Is a welcome book the same as a house manual or guidebook?
The names overlap. A house manual usually means how the home works, a guidebook usually means local recommendations, and a welcome book combines both. This template includes both parts.
Does Airbnb have a built-in guidebook?
Airbnb lets hosts create guidebooks with local recommendations, and add a house manual to the listing. Airbnb guidebooks are public, so keep door codes and anything private out of them. And guests who booked through another platform will not see your Airbnb house manual.
Is this template free to use?
Yes. Copy it, change it, print it and use it for as many properties as you like. No sign-up needed.