When we created HostyGuides, we didn’t start with a software company. We started as holiday rental hosts. Like many hosts, we spent years answering the same questions, updating welcome information and trying to help guests make the most of their stay.
That’s why Hazel Tree Lodge became the first HostyGuide. Not as a demo. Not as a test project. But as a real solution for a real holiday rental.
About Hazel Tree Lodge
Hazel Tree Lodge is a luxury countryside retreat on a smallholding in Derbyshire, close to the Peak District. Guests visit for peaceful breaks, countryside views, farm animals and the opportunity to unwind in a private hot tub.
Like many independent holiday rentals, we wanted to provide guests with everything they needed while keeping the experience simple and enjoyable.
The challenge was making information easy to find without overwhelming guests.
The Problem
Before introducing a digital guide, guest information was spread across multiple places.
Guests needed:
- Check-in instructions
- WiFi details
- House rules
- Hot tub guidance
- Emergency information
- Local recommendations
- Check-out instructions
Some information was sent before arrival. Some was available inside the property. Some guests still messaged with questions. None of these issues were major, but they created unnecessary friction. We wanted a better solution.
The Goal
The goal wasn’t simply to create a digital guide. The goal was to improve the guest experience.
We wanted guests to be able to:
- Find information instantly
- Access everything from their phone
- Discover local attractions and experiences
- Save the guide for offline use
- Avoid searching through long documents
Most importantly, we wanted the guide to feel helpful rather than overwhelming.
Building The Guide
Every section of the Hazel Tree Lodge guide was designed around the guest journey. Links to the guest guidebook are sent out in AirBnB booking messages so guests can access the guide before arrival and plan their stay.
Before Arrival
Guests can quickly access:
- Directions
- Parking information
- Contact details
- Check-in instructions
Everything they need before setting off.
During Their Stay
The guide includes:
- WiFi information
- House information
- Hot tub guidance
- Emergency contacts
- Local recommendations
Guests can find answers in seconds without needing to search through multiple documents.
Departure
A dedicated check-out section provides a simple step-by-step process that helps guests leave confidently and reduces last-minute questions.
Local Recommendations Became A Standout Feature
One of the most popular parts of the guide is the local recommendations section.
Instead of sending guests to search engines, the guide includes carefully researched local suggestions including:
- Places to eat
- Scenic days out
- Villages and viewpoints
- Family attractions
- Rainy day activities
- Shopping destinations
- Practical transport information
These recommendations help guests discover more of the area and often become some of the most memorable parts of their stay.
Designed For Mobile First
Most guests access information on their phone. That’s why the guide was built mobile-first from the ground up.
The focus was on:
- Fast loading speeds
- Clear navigation
- Large readable text
- Simple menus
- Easy access on any device
No app downloads. No complicated logins. Just the information guests need when they need it. Links to the guest guidebook are sent out in AirBnB booking messages and emails so guests are prepared before they arrive.
What We Learned
Building and using the Hazel Tree Lodge guide taught us something important. Guests don’t want more information. They want easier access to information.
A shorter, clearer experience often provides more value than a lengthy guide packed with content. The easier it is for guests to find answers, the better their overall experience becomes.
From One Property To HostyGuides
The success of the Hazel Tree Lodge guide became the foundation for HostyGuides.
Every guide we create today is based on the same principles:
- Mobile first design
- Fast performance
- Clear organisation
- Helpful local recommendations
- Easy updates
- Better guest experiences
What started as a solution for one holiday rental has grown into a platform designed to help other independent hosts provide the same level of hospitality.
Looking Ahead
We continue to use and improve the guide at Hazel Tree Lodge every day. New recommendations are added. Guest feedback is reviewed. Features are refined. Because the best guest guides aren’t built once and forgotten. They evolve alongside the guest experience.
And that’s exactly how HostyGuides was created.
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