Impress Guests with a Comprehensive Welcome Book

Okay, so you have done all the hard work of advertising your property. You’ve dressed the space, organised photo shoots, created listings (and maybe even a website). It’s been hard work but a success. Travellers are booking your property and your calendar is filling up. So, what’s the next step? It’s time to prepare for your guests’ arrival. One of the most useful and valuable things you can present to your guests is a Welcome book. The welcoming process is hugely important as you want to give the best first impression. Providing your guests with much needed information on arrival will ensure they feel valued, welcomed and comfortable in your property.

You’ll get the benefit too as guests who have a smooth arrival are more likely to leave great reviews and become repeat visitors, not to mention lessening your communication workload.

What Should Your Welcome Book Include?

Personal Welcome

Many short-term rental property owners do not live near their holiday rentals so it’s common for the check-in process to be automated. This means owners are not physically there to show guests around their property. That’s why the first thing to include in your welcome book is just that – a personal welcome that will make a great first impression. You can introduce yourself and give a little back story to the journey that brought you to setting up your property rental.  Add a brief overview of important details about your property. This could include information such as wi-fi passwords, the address of the property, your contact details and check-in and out times.

House Rules

Even if your guests are seasoned travellers you cannot count on them knowing how to behave at your property. Including clear instructions on your house rules can help to avoid disputes with guests and neighbours and gives you the chance to set out your expectations. When guests can see that you have taken great care to consider how you want your property to be treated, they are more likely to respect your space and leave it in a good condition.

Instructions for Amenities

A detailed list of amenities and how they function is an effective way to support your guests during their stay. If they know what they can use and how to use it they will be far more relaxed during their stay and less likely to complain to your property manager or you. Property features which you should provide instructions for are:

Kitchen Appliances

Washing machine & dishwasher

Indoor and outdoor lighting

TV & entertainment devices

Air-conditioning units

Barbecue

Indoor & outdoor pools or Jacuzzis

Property access (parking, keys, key box, gates etc)

Details of fuse boxes

Safes

Useful Contacts

Guests could have several requirements during their stay so helping them out with useful local contacts will be greatly appreciated. First and foremost you should include emergency contact details for someone who can help if there are any issues at the property. Other useful contacts include trusted taxi drivers, airport transfer companies, delivery services from supermarkets and restaurants, local doctors, local hospital and emergency services numbers.

Local Guides

Take the opportunity to amaze your guests with your wealth of local knowledge. They most likely will not be familiar with the area and all it has to offer. Support them with guides on places to visit, fantastic restaurants and bars and activities and tours that will make their holiday memorable. Add in a local map so they can see where they are in relation to the town centre, harbour and sea.

Be sure to add in practical information too such as the locations of ATM’s, bus stations and calling points, pharmacies, petrol stations, open markets, convenience stores and places where they can buy beach gear like inflatables sun cream and armbands. Tips like this will make life so much easier for your guests when they have it all in the palm of their hands.

Why is a Guestbook Important?

Provides Information and Saves Time

Your welcome book can equip your guests with all the information they need to make the best use of your property. Having access to this from the moment they arrive gives a great first impression. By doing so you are allowing them to enjoy their time in your space without frequently needing to contact you or your property manager for assistance, which is time consuming and frustrating for all parties.

Helps Guests Navigate your Property

When guests arrive at a new space after a long journey they don’t want to be stressed out by trying to locate where things are or what features they have access to. Giving this detailed guide means they will be able to move through your property with ease and without the need for someone to be there to show them what, where and how.

Manages Expectations

When guests have access to all the relevant information about your property rules, procedures and amenities they know what is expected of them. They will also know what they can expect from your property which will minimise crossed wires and disagreements.

Enhances the Guest Experience

Your personal introduction in your guestbook is going to show your guests how much they are valued and make them feel at home. Sharing detailed information about your property and the surrounding area gives guests the best chance of maximising their holiday time as well as experiencing the location in the best possible way. One thing is for sure, they will reward you for this in their feedback and reviews.

Make your Welcome Book Digital

Having a physical guestbook placed in an easy to discover spot is great but is fast becoming a thing of the past. Having a digital welcome book that you can send out to guests along with booking contracts and details of the property location will be even more impressive and show your excellent organisation. Guests will love to see what they have in store for them with links to local businesses. Receiving this information early will help add to their excitement and plan for their trip. Plus, it’s always with them if they want to check something when they are out and about.

Show your professionalism as a business and highlight both your personality and brand. In the same way that you took time to perfect your listing with great text and images you should do so with your welcome book.

Companies such as touchstay and hostfully specialise in digital guestbooks where you can customise your book, add your own images and logos.

How can Kalkan Owners Direct Assist you?

You can use the information provided in this guide when creating your welcome book to be sure that you get all the vital information in there. If you would like some guidance contact our team for more ideas. List your property on our site for a great low-cost rate and make use of a dedicated property page that you can share on social media platforms. The message board allows you to communicate with potential and actual guests easily. You can share your digital welcome book through our message centre once guests have booked. Get in touch today to receive support and advice from our knowledgeable team. Don’t forget to visit our website to see how great your property listing could look.