A great holiday rental welcome book can make the difference between a smooth, enjoyable stay and a stream of guest questions.
Guests want information that is easy to find, clear to understand and available when they need it. Whether you use a traditional welcome pack or a digital guest guide, providing the right information helps create a better guest experience from arrival to departure.
So what should every holiday rental welcome book include?
1. Welcome Message
Start with a friendly welcome.
A short introduction helps guests feel at home and sets the tone for their stay.
Include:
- A warm welcome
- A brief introduction to the property
- Anything special guests should know before settling in
Guests appreciate a personal touch, especially in independent holiday rentals.
2. Check-In Information
Many guest questions occur before they even arrive.
Make sure your welcome book includes:
- Check-in times
- Access instructions
- Key safe details
- Parking information
- Property address
- Emergency contact details
The easier guests can access the property, the better their first impression will be.
3. WiFi Details
It sounds obvious, but WiFi information is one of the most frequently requested pieces of information.
Include:
- Network name
- Password
- Any troubleshooting advice if needed
Guests should never have to search for WiFi details.
4. House Information
Help guests understand how everything works.
Useful information may include:
- Heating instructions
- Hot tub guidance
- Appliance instructions
- Waste and recycling information
- TV and entertainment systems
- Security information
Providing clear instructions reduces confusion and unnecessary messages during the stay.
5. House Rules
House rules help protect both your property and your guests.
Keep them clear and friendly.
Examples include:
- Smoking policy
- Pet rules
- Noise expectations
- Visitor policies
- Check-out requirements
Guests are far more likely to follow rules when they’re easy to find and clearly explained.
6. Emergency Information
Emergency information should always be easy to locate.
Include:
- Emergency contact numbers
- Local medical services
- Nearest hospital
- Emergency procedures
- Utility information if relevant
Hopefully guests will never need this information, but if they do, it should be available immediately.
7. Local Recommendations
This is often the most valuable section of a welcome book.
Guests don’t just book accommodation. They book experiences.
Share your local knowledge by recommending:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Local pubs
- Scenic walks
- Attractions
- Family activities
- Farm shops
- Hidden gems
Great recommendations help guests make the most of their stay and often become the most memorable part of their trip.
8. Directions And Navigation
Guests frequently ask:
- How far away is it?
- What’s the easiest route?
- Is parking available?
Providing directions and navigation links makes exploring the local area much easier.
Modern digital guest guides can even include one-tap navigation through Google Maps and Apple Maps, helping guests find attractions, restaurants and places of interest instantly.
9. Things To Do In Different Weather
Guests appreciate having options.
Consider including:
Sunny Day Ideas
- Walks
- Gardens
- Outdoor attractions
- Scenic viewpoints
Rainy Day Ideas
- Museums
- Shopping destinations
- Indoor activities
- Family entertainment
This simple addition can significantly improve the guest experience.
10. Check-Out Information
The end of the stay should be just as smooth as the arrival.
Include:
- Check-out time
- Key return instructions
- Waste disposal requirements
- Final reminders
- Contact information
Clear check-out instructions help guests leave confidently and reduce last-minute questions.
Traditional Welcome Books vs Digital Guest Guides
Many holiday rentals still rely on printed welcome books or PDF documents.
While these can be useful, they can also become outdated and difficult to update.
Digital guest guides provide several advantages:
- Mobile friendly access
- Easy updates
- Searchable information
- QR code access
- Interactive navigation
- Better organisation
Most importantly, guests can access information whenever they need it directly from their phone.
Final Thoughts
The best holiday rental welcome books don’t overwhelm guests with information.
Instead, they provide the right information at the right time.
Focus on helping guests:
- Arrive confidently
- Enjoy their stay
- Explore the local area
- Leave with great memories
When done well, a welcome book becomes more than just information. It becomes part of the guest experience itself.
At HostyGuides, we create professionally designed digital guest guides that help guests find answers quickly, discover more of the local area and enjoy a smoother stay from booking to checkout. Discover our Airbnb guidebooks designed for great stays.
Order your guide