Why clear check-in instructions matter
Guests arrive tired, often at night, sometimes in the rain. Clear steps reduce late-night messages and help the stay start well. Airbnb's guidance on setting clear expectations encourages hosts to share what guests need to know, and its scheduled quick replies can send a check-in reminder with details like the address, directions and wifi filled in automatically.
The template
Write it as numbered steps in arrival order. Replace everything in [brackets].
1. Address and arrival: [Full address]. [Landmark: "blue house with a white porch, third on the left after the stop sign"]. GPS sometimes sends guests to [wrong spot]; if so, [correction].
2. Parking: Park [exact spot, number of cars]. Please do not park [where not to park and why: neighbor's drive, permit zone].
3. Getting in: [Self check-in method: keypad on the front door / lockbox on the side gate]. Your code is [code or Airbnb entry code detail]. [Step by step: press the logo, enter code, turn the handle down].
4. If something goes wrong: If the code does not work, [backup: try again after 30 seconds, check the batteries note, the backup lockbox]. Then message us through Airbnb.
5. First things inside: Wifi: [network] / [password]. Thermostat: [location and how to use]. Lights: [where the switches are, if hard to find].
6. Good to know: Trash and recycling: [where]. Quiet hours: [times]. [Anything quirky: a sticky door, a hot water switch].
7. Checkout: Checkout is by [checkout time]. Please [lock the door, leave keys, turn off AC]. That is all.
Example (fictional)
1. The cottage is at 12 Heron Lane, the gray house behind the oak tree. 2. Park on the gravel pad on the right; it fits 2 cars. 3. The keypad is on the side door. Press the screen, enter your code, then turn the handle. 4. If the code fails, wait 30 seconds and try again, then message us. 5. Wifi is HeronCottage, password on the fridge. 6. Bins are by the shed; pickup is Tuesday morning. 7. Checkout by 11 am: lock the side door, that is it.
Tips
- Add photos. A photo of the door, keypad or parking spot answers most questions. Your listing photos can show the entry too (photo guide).
- Use unique codes when you can. If you use a smart lock, Airbnb's messaging details include an entry code that fills in per guest (Airbnb Help).
- Send at the right time. Schedule the check-in reminder for 1 to 2 days before arrival so the guest has it while planning, and keep it short. See the welcome message templates for the full message sequence.
- Keep it consistent. Check-in time, parking and rules should match your listing and house rules.
- Test it. Have a friend follow the steps without help once. Whatever they ask about goes into the next version.
- Note local rules. If your town limits street parking or requires permits, say so. Hosting in coastal South Carolina? See the Coastal SC STR rules tracker.
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Airbnb updates its guidance, so check the linked pages for the current wording.