What is an Airbnb welcome book template?
An Airbnb welcome book template is a ready-made outline for your guest guide — the sections and prompts you fill in with your property's details, so you never start from a blank page. It's also called an Airbnb house manual template or a vacation rental welcome book, and it's the fastest way to make sure you don't forget the details guests actually need.
Most templates you'll find are static Canva, Word or PDF files: you download one, type your details into it, then export and print. That works, but it locks your information into a file that's out of date the moment your WiFi password changes. A welcome book for Airbnb works far better when it's a living document your guests can open on their phones — which is exactly what One Guest Guide's template gives you.
What to include in your welcome book
A complete welcome book answers the questions guests ask most — build yours around these 14 sections. Whether you call it a welcome book or a house manual template, these are the essentials:
- WiFi — network name and password, front and centre.
- Check-in — step-by-step arrival, door code or key location.
- Checkout — time and a short list of what to do before leaving.
- Parking — where to park, permits, and any street rules.
- Heating & cooling — how to work the thermostat or AC.
- Trash & recycling — bins, collection days and sorting.
- Appliances — washer, dryer, dishwasher, oven and coffee machine.
- House rules — noise, smoking, pets and guest limits, with the "why".
- Entry & keys — lockbox codes, spare keys and re-entry steps.
- Emergency info — your contact, local emergency numbers, nearest hospital.
- Essentials nearby — closest supermarket, pharmacy and ATM.
- Food & drink — your genuine local restaurant and café picks.
- Things to do — a few standout attractions and activities.
- Getting around — transport options, taxis and airport routes.
For a deeper look at each of these, see our full guide to the digital guidebook for Airbnb hosts.
Digital welcome book template vs printable PDF
A digital welcome book template beats a printable PDF because it updates instantly, can't be lost, and reaches guests before they arrive. Here's how the two compare in practice:
| Printable PDF template | |
|---|---|
| Updating a detail | Re-edit the file, re-export and reprint every copy |
| Reaching guests early | Only useful once they're inside the property |
| Format | Fixed text; no search, maps or video |
| Wear and tear | Gets lost, stained or dog-eared between stays |
| Live digital template (One Guest Guide) | |
|---|---|
| Updating a detail | Edit once; every guest instantly sees the new version |
| Reaching guests early | Share the link at booking so guests arrive prepared |
| Format | Searchable, with photos, maps and instant answers |
| Wear and tear | Nothing to print or replace — it lives online |
We compare the two approaches in more detail in digital guest guide vs printed welcome book.
Airbnb check-in instructions template
Your check-in instructions template is the most-used part of any welcome book — write it as a numbered, foolproof sequence. Guests read it stressed, often after a long journey, so clarity matters more than polish. Here's a simple structure you can copy:
- Address & map — the full address plus a pin or landmark.
- Arrival & parking — where to stop, park, or drop bags.
- Access — the exact door code or where to find the key, with a photo.
- Getting inside — which door, which floor, any tricky locks.
- WiFi — network and password so they connect straight away.
- First steps — thermostat, lights, and who to message if anything's off.
Clear check-in instructions prevent the most common arrival-day messages and set the tone for a smooth stay — which protects your rating. (See how to get more 5-star reviews on Airbnb.)
How to use One Guest Guide's free welcome book template
One Guest Guide gives you a live welcome book template you clone and customise in minutes — no design tools and no PDF editing. Instead of downloading a file, you start from a ready-made guide and make it yours:
- 1. Sign up free. Create your first property at no cost — no card required.
- 2. Let AI fill the template. Answer a few questions about your place and One Guest Guide drafts every welcome-book section for you to review and edit.
- 3. Share the link. Send guests a link or print the QR code for the fridge — and update any detail anytime, with changes live instantly.
Your first property is free. See exactly how it works, or explore the features and pricing.