Creating a Guest Guide For Your Short Term Rental

What's the Purpose of a Guest Guide

A guest guide serves as a comprehensive handbook that acquaints guests with the property, local area, house rules, and emergency procedures. Its purpose is to make your guests feel comfortable, informed, and at home during their stay. A well-structured guide can significantly contribute to a positive guest experience.

It's also a creative way to add a professional touch to your property, which can greatly enhance its overall appeal and a great way to get more reviews!!

What's included:

1. Detailed Property Information

Begin your guest guide with detailed information about the property.

Include essential details such as:

• Wi-Fi access codes
• appliance operation instructions
• heating and cooling systems
• and any other relevant information that will help guests settle in quickly.

2. Local Recommendations and Attractions

Guide your guests to the best local experiences by providing recommendations for nearby restaurants, cafes, attractions, and activities. Include a variety of options to suit different preferences, from popular tourist spots to hidden gems known only to the locals.

Also make sure to have in mind who your guest is. Are they professionals working in the area? Families on holiday? Cater the options around the guests needs.

Bonus tip: Talk with local restaurants and attractions to get a discount for your guests which in turn brings more traffic to those establishments.

3. Transportation and Getting Around

Assist guests in navigating the area by providing information on public transportation, taxi services, car rentals, and any other relevant transportation options. Maps, directions, and proximity to major landmarks can be invaluable for first-time visitors.

4. House Rules and Policies

Clearly outline the house rules and policies to set expectations for your guests. Cover topics like check-in and check-out times, pet policies, smoking regulations, and any other rules specific to your property. Communicating rules upfront helps prevent misunderstandings during the stay.

5. Emergency Contacts and Procedures

Ensure the safety and well-being of your guests by including emergency contact numbers for local services such as hospitals, police, fire department, and maintenance. Provide clear instructions on what to do in case of emergencies within the property and make sure you leave your own contact details so they can always contact you during the stay.

7. Special Amenities and Services

Highlight any special amenities or services offered at the property, such as concierge services, cleaning arrangements, or laundry facilities. This information can significantly impact a guest's decision to book and enhance their overall satisfaction.

8. Discount code for next stay

Make sure to have a section to encourage the guest to stay with you again. Give them a discount and make sure to direct them to your own direct website so you save on OTA (Online Travel Agency) fees.

Important things to note

Regular Updates and Revisions

Regularly review and update your guest guide to ensure the information remains accurate and relevant. As local attractions change or new amenities are added, keeping the guide up to date reflects your commitment to providing the best experience for your guests.

Offer a digital Guest Guide too!

Providing a digital version of the guest guide that guests can access on their smartphones or tablets allows you to add more interactive sections such a links, which you can connect to videos on how to use certain appliances, restraunts, taxi's and so much more.

Also,  this convenient approach allows guests to carry the information with them wherever they go during their stay.

In conclusion, a well-constructed guest guide is a powerful tool to enhance the guest experience in your short-term rental. By providing detailed information, helpful recommendations, and a personal touch, you can ensure that your guests have a memorable and enjoyable stay. Invest time and effort into creating an exceptional guest guide, and your guests will appreciate the effort and attention to detail you've put into making their stay exceptional.