What to Put in a Vacation Rental Welcome Book

A good welcome book answers questions before guests have to ask them. Here is what to put in yours, section by section.

By JueliaSuperhost for 5 years. Hosted in California, Oregon and Tennessee.

Most guest messages ask the same few questions. Where do I park? What is the WiFi? How does the TV work? A welcome book answers them before guests have to ask, which means fewer messages for you and a calmer arrival for them.

Start with a quick info table

Put the things guests need in their first ten minutes right on the first page: WiFi name and password, check in and checkout times, your contact method and the full address. If guests only read one page, this is the one.

Arriving

Explain parking, how the lock works and anything tricky about getting luggage inside, like stairs or a side entrance.

House rules

Keep rules short and friendly. Cover smoking, quiet hours, the maximum number of guests, parties and pets. A clear rule written kindly is far easier to point back to than one that was never written down.

Around the home

• Thermostat and how to use it.
• TV, remotes and streaming apps.
• Coffee maker, dishwasher and stove.
• Where extra linens and towels are.
• Trash, recycling and pickup day.

Your local favorites

This is the part guests love most. Share your favorite coffee spot, a breakfast place, a dinner place and what to order, the closest grocery store, something fun to do and an idea for a rainy day. Personal picks make the stay feel hosted, not rented.

Safety

List 911, the nearest hospital or urgent care, and where to find the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, water shutoff and breaker panel.

Checking out

Repeat your checkout time and tell guests exactly what, if anything, you need them to do before they leave.