Guide books have long been a staple of short-term rentals and for good reason. Also known as welcome books or house manuals, they provide the information guests need to have the best possible experience in the home and Chapel Hill, leading to happier reviews and more repeat bookings. They also help make sure guests follow local good neighbor policies, and they save homeowners the expense and hassle of calls for help or repairs needed after user error.
If it’s been a while since your guide book was refreshed, or if you don’t have one at all, now is a great time to elevate your guests’ experience with this powerful tool. The best guestbooks today are now digital, so they can be sent to guests ahead of their arrival, shared with other members of their party, and taken with them in the palm of their hands via smartphone.
Consider providers like Touch Stay or Hostfully for a customizable digital guide book, or create a professional and polished PDF to email to guests prior to arrival. No matter what tool you choose, the following three components are essential.
1. Pre-Arrival Information
Digital options give homeowners the ability to provide handy check-in and arrival information long before guests are on a property’s front steps with questions.
- Directions to the property
- Images of the property exterior or other visual identifiers, like gated entries
- Keyless entry codes (or where to find this information if not in the guide book)
- Wifi network login
2. Important House Information
This section should give guests everything they need to know about how to enjoy the property. This includes:
- Property address in case they need to provide it to 911 dispatchers in an emergency
- Nearest emergency services, including hospitals, urgent cares, and veterinarians
- Chapel Hill’s Good Neighbor Policies
- House rules
- Pool and/or hot tub rules and instructions
- How to operate entertainment systems
- Where to find amenities that may be tucked away
- Notes on where to take special care with systems or fixtures, such as plumbing and septic tanks
3. Area Necessities and Recommendations
This section is where hosts can maximize the guest experience and drive meaningful support to local businesses. This section should include nearby basic necessities and personalized recommendations, including:
- Grocery stores
- Cafes
- Restaurants for all three meals, including personal recommendations for where to find the best local specialties
- Things to do that are unique to Chapel Hill
- Movie theaters, music venues, and other entertainment options
- Photography hot spots
- Insider tips
- Calendar of events
- Bonus: Curated local experiences arranged exclusively for your guests