A great welcome book is one of the most important ways to greet your guests. Not only is this a great way to say "hello", but it provides them with essential information for their stay.
Guests often choose a vacation rental rather than a hotel for the unique and personal experience. They want to explore local attractions, dine at nearby restaurants, and shop at neighborhood stores. Guests also expect important property information to be available for them if needed. Your welcome book can provide all of this information and more so that they’ll feel right at home.
When putting a welcome book together, remember to keep directions, instructions, and recommendations simple and crystal clear so that guests are able to easily access the information.
WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE IN YOUR WELCOME BOOK?
1. FRIENDLY GREETING
Your welcome book is an opportunity to let your guests know you appreciate them staying in your property. It’s also a great way to put them at ease and help them have a more enjoyable stay. A great way to do that is to write something simple, like:
“Welcome! We are so glad you chose to stay here! We hope that you enjoy your stay!
2. LOCAL CONTACT INFORMATION
Make sure that your book provides a name, email, and number for a local contact who can help answer questions or repair something if needed. If you’re an owner with Rental Advisor, this will be your caretaker’s information. Though this was provided via email before guest check-in, it's helpful to have the info available in-property.
3. POLICIES AND INSTRUCTIONS
Though Rental Advisor sends property instructions and policies to guests before their stay, you may want to include this information in your welcome book for easy access. The following information should be included:
- Check-In Procedures
- House Rules (smoking policy, pet policy, quiet hours)
- Parking Instructions
- Subdivision/Community Rules
- Information on technology in the home (how to access the internet, use the TV, thermostat, hot tub, kitchen appliances, washer and dryer, etc…)
- Check-Out Procedures
4. EMERGENCY INFORMATION
You’ll also want to include addresses and numbers for the following resources:
-Police Department
-Fire Department
-Nearest Urgent Care or Hospital
Guests will appreciate the peace of mind in knowing who to contact in case of an accident or illness.
5. AREA ADVICE
Include plenty of area recommendations. Ideally, you should have two or three recommendations for each category:
- Restaurants
- Grocery Stores
- Shopping
- Activities (skiing, golf, hiking, swimming, fishing)
- Attractions (amusement parks, museums, lakes, beaches, theatres)
- Nightlife
Make sure to include places that you personally love. Most guests are looking for places that the locals have tried and enjoyed.
6. TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
If applicable, It's helpful to include local transportation information, such as bus routes, car rentals, taxi services, train stations and airports.
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
A convenent way to put all of this valuable information together is to create a virtual welcome book using a company like Touch Stay or Hello Here. Virtual welcome books make it easy for owners to organize information and for guests to access it. These virtual books also make it convenient for guests to leave valuable feedback.
If you don’t choose to go the digital route, you can create a successful welcome book using a three ring binder with printed information inside. No matter how you choose to create your book, guests will truly appreciate having helpful information at their fingertips while making lasting vacation memories.
Download our free welcome book template here.
Check out more useful vacation rental tips here.
