Create a 5-Star Welcome for Airbnb Self Check-In Guests (2024)

One of the best things you can do as a host is to make your guests feel welcome, the moment they walk through the door. Airbnb Self Check-In is great as not every host has the time (or desire) to wait around and personally meet every guest. So how can we welcome those weary travelers in other ways? Let’s look at some ideas that you can try, that will surely impress and welcome your Airbnb self check in guests. You want them to have the impression, you spent the effort to make their check-in as seamless and personalized as possible.

Airbnb Self Check-In

Are you a host who greets your guests personally and gives them a tour of the property every time? If so, your probably finding yourself waiting around for guests with delayed flights or those who stop on the road for dinner. For the first year of hosting I did exactly this. I was a newbie and I thought welcoming guests at the door would somehow ensure a 5 star review. Most guests were on time but others I would need to cancel plans depending on a guest’s ETA. After several guests who did not communicate arrival times or gave a vague ‘later afternoon’, I wanted to try something different: Self check-In.

Some guests love being checked in but I felt others were uncomfortable and there was awkward chit-chat. I asked myself what do I prefer when I say at an Airbnb? My answer was self – check in so I decided to do an experiment and try self check-In for a month. I never went back.

To replace your personal tour, as sweet as it is, you simply need to create a clear step by step self-check-in guide via Airbnb, that you can set up with pictures. You simply attach it to the message you send you guests a couple days before they arrive.

I am all about Airbnb self-check-in. With self-check-in, guests’ can arrive anytime, without ‘feeling late’. If I see guests arriving, I may open the door and chat a few moments, but only if I want to.

Just get a key pad entry on your Airbnb door and your set.

Personalized Welcome note

I always leave a little card or a handwritten note for each guest. This may sound time-consuming but it’s not really. You can always pre-write your cards and then just add in the guests’ names at the top. You can even have the months’ worth of guest notes done and ready to go. You can date them and give them to your cleaning person too. I leave the note beside my guest welcome book, in a visible place like the kitchen table.

Keep it short and sweet, but personal and welcoming:

“Welcome, Claire and James! Thank you for choosing our Airbnb! We hope you have a wonderful time in San Diego! All the information about our Airbnb & area is in our Guest Welcome Book. Let me know if there is anything at all you need during your stay! Best, Andrea”

This note A. makes them feel welcome ( hey, what a great host) B. Lets them know where to find your Airbnb Guest book ( fewer questions) C. Makes them feel like you genuinely want them to have a comfortable stay (host is availabile if I need)

Tip: For Zero-waste Airbnb’s you can also make a one for all card that you laminate, to save on paper & it will last years.

Create a 5-Star Welcome for Airbnb Self Check-In Guests (1)

Welcoming Sign

When a guest walks in the door you want all 5 senses to be welcomed. The first is sight and a welcoming sign is an adorable way to say welcome to your ‘Home Sweet Airbnb’.

Create a 5-Star Welcome for Airbnb Self Check-In Guests (2)

Welcome Book with Local Tips

You know your area well, the best places to eat, the best day trip ideas and ways to spend a weekend. Your guests would LOVE to have your insider tips. You know how it is when you travel, if a local gives you a tip you know it’s going to be good! Once an Airbnb host in Seville, Spain told us about the best place for an authentic Flamenco show. It was an amazing evening, sans other tourists. Sharing is caring so make sure to have a welcome book that has:

  • Your favorite restaurants
  • Best- of sections: Best hiking spots, Art galleries, vintage shopping, etc
  • Fun day trip ideas
  • amily-friendlyactivities

The Airbnb welcome book is the most important amenity for your Airbnb property. Most guests will be very appreciative of your time and effort to create a welcome book. It shows that you are a responsible host that cares about their comfort.A Guest Welcome Book is essential for setting the tone for an amazing stay. When guests know what to expect and they are more likely to be at ease and relax into your place.

You can create as many pages as you need with an Etsy guestbook template, that will save you hours of time designing it- Easy!

Create a 5-Star Welcome for Airbnb Self Check-In Guests (3)

Welcome Basket/ Bottle of wine

Providing extra amenities will really make a difference in your vacation rental reviews. Nothing is better after a long day of travel than to find a basket of snacks and goodies! If a guest is paying $100 a night this is not much of an expense for higher ratings and repeat bookings. It helps during high season to have these items ready in bulk, so you aren’t always running out to the store to buy things last-minute.

Your Airbnb self Check-In guests will love to find a basket of treats!

I leave a welcome basket filled with snacks for every guest. I’ve managed to scale it to be about $5 a booking, here’s what I provide. A basket with sweet, salty and gluten-free snacks is best, so everyone can find something to enjoy. Guests’ who mention celebrating a birthday or honeymoon also get a bottle of wine.

Tip: For zero-waste Airbnb’s you can also buy some small airtight glass+ bamboo containers that you refill with bulk food snacks.

Create a 5-Star Welcome for Airbnb Self Check-In Guests (4)

There you go, with these tips you can provide your Airbnb guests a 5-star self-check experience!

I am the author of the book ‘The Ultimate Superhost Guide’ an essential tool for Airbnb Hosts! The more you know about Airbnb, the more you will be able to use this knowledgeto help you rank your listing higher in searches and become a Superhost.There’s so much more to know. Thereis a learning curve to Airbnb and it will cost you money and time to try to learn everything on your own. It’s also a great way to brand your Airbnb!

It’s available on Etsy Click here and makes your hosting life easier!

P.SThe Ultimate Superhost Bundle comes with a modern and customizable Guest Welcome Book that will save you hours of time creating from scratch!

Create a 5-Star Welcome for Airbnb Self Check-In Guests (5)

Related

airbnbairbnb guest reviewairbnb guest review ideasairbnb guest review samplesairbnb guest reviewsairbnb guests self check inairbnb hostingairbnb hosting tipsAirbnb PrintableAirbnb self check inairbnb templatesairbnb tipsfree airbnb printablefree airbnb templatesguest reviewhomeawayhow to write an airbnb guest reviewhow to write an airbnb reviewSelf check inVRBOVRBO hosting

Create a 5-Star Welcome for Airbnb Self Check-In Guests (2024)

FAQs

What is an example of a good 5 star review on Airbnb? ›

Good Airbnb review examples:

[Guest name] was an absolute pleasure to host. We just knew our home was in good hands with them. – My house was left tidy and all house rules were respected. Communication was very easy.

How do I write a welcome message for Airbnb guests? ›

Your Airbnb welcome message should:
  1. introduce you and your property.
  2. point guests towards more detailed information in your house manual.
  3. provide basic details for easy reference, such as: the WiFi password. the nearest grocery store. the basics you've provided in your Airbnb welcome packet.
Jun 9, 2022

How do I ask Airbnb guest for 5 star review? ›

Direct Request

Keep it courteous and light. Try out this message template: "If you enjoyed your stay, I'd be so grateful if you could leave a review on Airbnb. Your feedback is invaluable in helping me to improve my hosting skills and provide an even better experience for other guests."

How do I make Airbnb guest feel welcome? ›

Check out this five-step guide.
  1. Step 1: Communicate early and often. Welcoming guests begins before they even come through the door. ...
  2. Step 2: Make check-in easy. ...
  3. Step 3: Keep things clean and tidy. ...
  4. Step 4: Anticipate guest needs. ...
  5. Step 5: Give and get reviews.
Nov 20, 2019

How do I write a good review for Airbnb guest example? ›

Good Airbnb reviews for guests
  • (Guest's name) was a pleasure to host! ...
  • I loved having (guest name) because they were able to treat the place with respect, have a great time, and enjoy the area. ...
  • All of my house rules were respected with (guest name) and they were able to come and go with ease.
Feb 22, 2024

What is a positive review Airbnb example? ›

Review (Very Positive): "Our stay at the urban studio was amazing! Superb location, fantastic amenities, and the host went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time." Response: "Wow, thank you for such a glowing review! We're overjoyed to hear that you had an amazing stay.

How do you write a welcome message sample? ›

30 Inspiring Welcome Message Examples
  1. “Welcome aboard, [Name]! We're thrilled to have you join our team and can't wait to see the amazing things we'll achieve together.”
  2. “Dear [Customer], thank you for choosing us! ...
  3. “Welcome back, [Employee]! ...
  4. “Greetings, [Name]! ...
  5. “Hello, [Customer]!
Oct 10, 2023

What should I say for a 5-star rating? ›

That being said, here are some suggestions for ways you can thank a 5-star reviewer:
  • Thanks for leaving our business a 5-star rating, [Reviewer], it's truly appreciated!
  • Thank you, [Reviewer], for taking the time to share your feedback with our team.
  • Hi [Reviewer], thank you for rating and reviewing [Company]!
Jan 5, 2024

How do you ask for a 5-star rating example? ›

A simple, “We're so glad you're so happy with our {product/service}. If you had a chance, we'd love it if you could leave a review on {platform} for us” could do the trick.

How do you get 5 stars on Airbnb? ›

Highlights
  1. Set guests' expectations before they book.
  2. Communicate with guests quickly and clearly.
  3. Keep your space clean, comfortable, and clutter-free.
  4. Add local touches where you can, from artwork to bath products.
  5. Give guests the experience you'd like to have if you were staying in the space.
May 26, 2021

How do you make a guest feel welcome personally? ›

How can you ensure your guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive?
  1. Prepare in advance.
  2. Greet them warmly.
  3. Show them around. Be the first to add your personal experience.
  4. Anticipate their needs. Be the first to add your personal experience.
  5. Follow up with them.
  6. Invite them back.
  7. Here's what else to consider.
Sep 20, 2023

How do I make a welcome packet for Airbnb? ›

What to include in your welcome pack
  1. A bit about you. ...
  2. Emergency details. ...
  3. Information about your property. ...
  4. House dos and don'ts. ...
  5. Check-out instructions. ...
  6. Local area information. ...
  7. A welcome gift.
Sep 3, 2018

What do you say to Airbnb guests? ›

Just thank them for choosing you and tell them that you'll send important details like directions to your property and check-in instructions when it's closer to their arrival. You should also let your guests know they can reach out to you if they have any questions.

What should I put on my Airbnb review? ›

Highlight things like: Your interactions with your guest, Host and their associates – were they pleasant and respectful? Anything that made the stay special, such as cleanliness, personal touches, convenience, amazing coffee.

How many 5 star reviews do I need to be a Superhost on Airbnb? ›

There isn't a specific number of five-star reviews you need to be a Superhost, but hosts generally aim for a high percentage of positive reviews relative to their total bookings.

What is considered a good Airbnb rating? ›

Airbnb holds hosts to a strict 5-star-or-bust expectation. They take any review that is less than 5-stars to indicate that there are major problems with a property or host. In fact, if a host's account average drops below a 4.8-star rating, then they lose their Superhost status.

How do I get the best reviews on Airbnb? ›

How to get good Airbnb reviews?
  1. Be honest and accurate with your descriptions and pictures. ...
  2. Be proactive and communicate with your guests before arrival. ...
  3. Check in on guests after their first night. ...
  4. Thank your guests for choosing your place to stay. ...
  5. You can always ask guests to write you a review.
Nov 8, 2022

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kelle Weber

Last Updated:

Views: 6500

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kelle Weber

Birthday: 2000-08-05

Address: 6796 Juan Square, Markfort, MN 58988

Phone: +8215934114615

Job: Hospitality Director

Hobby: tabletop games, Foreign language learning, Leather crafting, Horseback riding, Swimming, Knapping, Handball

Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.