5-star welcome: The essential checklist to prepare for the arrival of your Airbnb guests

 

As an Airbnb host, you know the importance of perfect preparations for your guests' arrival. Having a tried-and-tested process or a list can be a life-saver at times when there’s a delay or you need to check-in another guest a little earlier.

To help you make your own custom checklist, we've put together a comprehensive list (with practical tips) to ensure a smooth arrival for your Airbnb guests. 

  1. Arrival & Check-In Information Kit:


  • Communicate clearly with your guests before their arrival. Provide essential information via a template Airbnb message, including instructions for accessing your accommodation, access codes, arrival and departure times, and any other relevant details needed. 

Tip: include a picture of the building from the outside, so it can be easily recognised by the guests upon arrival.

  • Send this information to your guests well in advance, preferably a few days before their scheduled arrival date. This allows them enough time to ask questions and prepare for their stay. Respond promptly to their inquiries to show your availability and willingness to assist (this will help you to build trust, and later on - a solid 5-star review!)

  • Make sure the information is clear, concise, and easy to follow. Use plain language, avoiding technical jargon. Include clear directions to your accommodation if necessary, as well as information about local amenities. Include both Google map address as well as what-3-words location.


2. Cleanliness check


  • Thoroughly clean and maintain each room, providing fresh linens, towels, and making sure everything is in proper working order.

Tip: Clean the entrance/living room as the last ones, to minimise the steps you would make on an already cleaned floor.

  • Stock your accommodation with daily essentials like toilet paper, soap, towels, and cutlery. Make sure coffee and tea is available and easy to find by the guests (nobody wants to do a long search for coffee in the morning)

  • In the bathroom, ensure the sink, shower, and toilet are spotless, and have clean towels and an adequate supply of toilet paper. Remember to clean the drain in the tub and sink and remove any hair left there by previous guests.

  • In the kitchen, check that appliances are functioning correctly, cooking utensils are clean, and cupboards are organised.

  • In the bedrooms, ensure the linens are clean, furniture is dusted, and storage spaces are empty and ready for your guests to use. Check for any leftover items in the drawers.

  • Consider adding extra touches like fresh flowers, magazines, or local guidebooks to enhance your guests' comfort.

Tip: If you use a cleaner to do this prep for you: make sure to send your checklist to the cleaning person, and request a picture documenting each of the points.


3. Safety:


  • Check that all door and window locks are working properly.

  • Ensure any additional security equipment, like a safe for valuables, is in perfect working order to provide maximum security for your guests.

  • Provide a fire extinguisher in an easily accessible location, such as in the kitchen or hallway, and check if it’s in working order.


4. Keys or Access Codes:


  • If you use keys or access codes to enter your accommodation, verify that they function correctly.

  • Communicate the check-in process or key collection process to your guests before their arrival

  • Remote check-ins, without personally greeting the guests, are pretty much the norm now.They’re cheap and reliable - and some, like KeyNest, don’t require any device/hardware installation. Read more about the options for remote check-ins in the UK here.


5. Prep a practical House Manual:


  • Prepare a detailed information sheet about your accommodation in PDF format or as a text for Airbnb messages.

  • Include essential details such as house rules, instructions for amenities, emergency numbers, nearby public transportation information, and local restaurants and stores.

  • House rules should cover important aspects: quiet time, smoking or drinking policies, and pet restrictions.

  • Provide clear instructions on how to use amenities like the television, heating, air conditioning, and washing machine.

Tip1: typical “problematic” amenities that require written instruction include: microwave, electric stove, air conditioning, smart tv, dishwasher. 

Tip2: If you provide tablets for the dishwasher and pods for washing machines, make sure to tag them in a very obvious way and keep them separate to make sure guests don’t mix them up!!

  • Include important emergency phone numbers for medical services, police, and fire department. Display them near the phone or at the entrance.

  • Share information about nearby public transport options such as buses or trains. Include information about the first and last train of the day.


About Us


With KeyNest, you can drop off a key at one of our 4,000+ convenient locations, such as local stores or cafes. Guests, cleaners, or contractors will be able to securely retrieve the key from the KeyNest Point (usually open 24/7). 


You'll receive notifications each time the key is picked up and returned, and you can even set custom check-in and check-out times for added convenience. 


KeyNest has an expanding network of locations globally, likely just a few minutes away from your property, so visit our website at https://keynest.com/ to learn more.

 
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