One of the most powerful but often overlooked tools for short-term rental hosting is a well-written local guidebook. People don’t just book a place to sleep; they book an experience. A clear, useful guide to local services and attractions helps guests feel confident, oriented, and excited about their stay, and it also cuts down on the number of questions hosts get over and over again.
In this article, we’ll talk about why a local guidebook is important, what to put in it, and how it can make guests happier and make Airbnb and short-term rental hosts work more efficiently.
Why Airbnb Hosts Need a Local Guidebook
Guests often don’t know the area well and don’t know where to eat, shop, or get help. A local guidebook makes things easier and adds value right away to their stay.
A good guidebook helps:
- Make guests happier and more comfortable
- Cut down on messages and questions from guests
- Point out the best things to do in the area
- Get people to leave good reviews and book again
A guidebook makes sure that guests always get the same high-quality information when they stay with an Airbnb cohost or professional short-term rental manager.
What to Put in a Local Services Guide: Important Services Guests Might Need
Guests like knowing where to quickly find everyday things they need. Add:
- Stores that sell groceries and other things
- Pharmacies and clinics for urgent care
- Public transportation and gas stations
- Laundromats and dry cleaners
Make the information useful right away by adding addresses, hours of operation, and distance from the property.
Information about help and emergencies
Knowing where to go gives guests peace of mind, even if they never need it:
- Hospitals and emergency rooms in your area
- Contacts for the police and fire departments
- Contact information for maintenance or hosts after hours
This builds trust and professionalism.
Focusing on Local Dining and Food Options Restaurants for Every Occasion
Based on the needs of different guests, make a list of dining options:
- Dining out and getting takeout
- Restaurants that are good for families
- For a date night or a fancy night out
- Local favorites and hidden treasures
Short descriptions help guests make decisions quickly without feeling too much pressure.
Options for delivery and takeout
Include well-known food delivery services and places where you can get takeout nearby. This is especially useful for:
- People who come late
- Travelers for business
- Families with kids
Guests are very happy when things are easy for them.
Must-See Attractions and Experiences
List the following things to help guests get the most out of their stay:
- Attractions that draw tourists
- Outdoor areas like parks and trails
- Places to shop, museums, and have fun
Add up the travel times and any other seasonal factors.
Things to do for Different Types of Guests
Make suggestions that fit:
- Families and kids
- People who are dating
- People who travel for work
- Guests for a long time
This personalization makes your guidebook seem like it was made with care and thought.
Adding Local Tips That Guests Love Practical Insider Advice
Don’t just give general advice:
- When to go to popular places
- Advice on parking
- Things that happen or are common in the area
- Neighborhood and safety advice
These tips make guests feel like they’re not tourists.
Getting around and getting around
Make it easy to get around:
- Options for public transportation
- Availability of rideshare
- Rent a bike or walk around
Clear directions help people relax and figure things out.
How to Choose the Right Format for Your Guidebook: Digital vs. Printed
More and more people are choosing digital guidebooks because they:
- Are simple to change
- Can be shared before you get there
- Add maps and links that can be clicked on.
A printed copy at home, on the other hand, can still be useful for quick reference. For the most convenience, a lot of hosts use both.
Keep things simple and tidy
Don’t make your guests feel overwhelmed. Use:
- Headings that are easy to read
- Brief descriptions
- Points in a bullet
A guidebook that is clean and easy to use makes it easier for guests to use and get involved.
How a guidebook makes reviews and business run better
In reviews, guests often talk about helpful local suggestions. A good guidebook:
- Improves the experience for all guests
- Lessens the number of times hosts have to answer the same questions
- Helps things go more smoothly check-in and check-out
- Promotes five-star reviews
It also saves hosts time by answering common questions ahead of time.
How Home CoHost Makes Guidebooks Ready for Guests
It takes research, updates, and consistency to make and keep a local guidebook. Home CoHost helps hosts make personalized guidebooks for each property and type of guest they want to attract. Home CoHost makes sure that every guest feels welcome and informed by giving them information about local attractions, services, and how to get in touch with other guests. Home CoHost helps hosts give guests great stays while maximizing efficiency and revenue by providing full Airbnb cohosting support, such as managing check-ins, coordinating cleaning, handling maintenance, and managing reviews. Find out more at Home CoHost.