Nothing sets the tone for a great vacation like a warm welcome. A personalized note or letter waiting for your guests can make them feel right at home and start their stay on a positive note.
Just as important is making sure guests have all the information they need for a smooth check-in.
Set the Tone: Welcome Note and Gift
If you leave a gift, a personalized note is a nice touch. We have some welcome gift ideas, and these beautiful little note cards are a perfect accompaniment.
You can also post this Welcome flyer in your home along with your own customized property cards.
🌟 Pro Tip: A simple check-in call or text within 24 hours shows you care. Make sure your guests are settling in well and offer to answer any questions they might have. Happy guests = glowing reviews!
The Stay Essentials: House Manual & Guidebook
A well-organized welcome guide is essential. It should include everything your guests need to know about your home, local area highlights, and helpful tips for their stay. Even if you've shared details before, it's smart to repeat them in case months have passed since booking.
You should relay your house rules to prospective guests before they sign the lease and might even include some of them in your lease.
Some Key Topics to Cover
- Contact and Emergency Info:
- Your phone number and email address
- Property address
- Emergency contacts
- Arrival and Departure
- Check-in and check-out times
- Ask guests to report any issues promptly so you can address them
- Household Information
- Wi-Fi network name and password
- Media setup (TVs, sound systems, streaming info)
- Trash and recycling instructions
- Kitchen layout and appliance usage
- Heating, AC, and thermostat operation
- Laundry info
- Security system, locks, security cameras
- Outdoor areas (deck, yard, outdoor shower)
- Beach access and how to get beach passes
- House Rules
- Pets
- Day and overnight visitors
- Off-limit areas
- Quiet hours
- Safety info (pool, fire pit, kayaks, bikes, etc.)
- Local Recommendations
- Grocery, liquor, and specialty stores
- Pharmacies
- Coffee shops, bakeries, and ice cream spots
- Restaurants (dine-in and takeout)
- Tours (whale watching, seal tours)
- Trails, parks, nature walks, kayaking
- Art galleries and shopping
- Events happening during their stay (See Events)
- Beaches, including ocean and ponds (See Beaches)
Before Departure: Check-Out Instructions
Guests will appreciate clear, simple expectations at the end of their stay. Try to keep your requests realistic—especially with early check-out times.
Below is a sample check-out list that you can modify to your needs.
đź“ťExample:
Check-out time is 10:00 AM. Before you leave, please:
- Kitchen: Remove all food from the fridge and counters
- Bathrooms: Remove all personal items
- Trash: Bag all trash and place it in the outdoor barrels
- Bedrooms: Leave used linens and towels in the laundry room
- Beach Towels: Wash, dry, and fold beach towels
- TVs: Leave remotes clearly visible near each TV
- Floors: Sweep or vacuum for a broom-clean finish
- Deck & Grill: Return furniture to original spots
- Check for Belongings: Look under beds, in closets, and the outdoor shower
- Close Up: Turn off A/C
- Keys: Leave the key in the designated spot
- Damage: Let us know of any damage or anything not working, so we can address it for future guests
We’d love to have you write a review on our listing (ID XXXXX). Your feedback helps future guests and means a lot to us.
Safe travels home!
After the Stay: Deposit Return
As soon as you or your cleaning team confirms that the home was left in good condition, return the security deposit promptly. If your guests haven’t posted a review yet, consider sending a friendly reminder using the review request form in your Homeowner Center.