Digital guest guides

Airbnb Welcome Book Examples by Property Type

What a strong welcome guide contains for a city flat, villa, cabin, B&B, and luxury stay — example types, not fake businesses.

Guestlane EditorialPublished August 13, 20262 min read
Variety of holiday rental interiors from modern apartment to cosy living space

These are archetypes, not copied from real listings. Use them to decide what belongs in your guide — then trim anything your guests never ask about.

Minimal city apartment (1–2 guests, self check-in)

Guest profile: Weekend breaks, carry-on luggage, late trains.

Must-have sections:

  • Wi-Fi (first screen)
  • Metro/tram from airport
  • Street parking rules or nearest garage
  • Lockbox photos
  • Rubbish chute location (EU flats love complicated recycling)
  • One dinner recommendation walking distance

Skip: Lengthy appliance manuals, 20-page local history.


Family holiday home (kids, week-long stay)

Guest profile: Supermarket runs, laundry, rainy-day plans.

Must-have sections:

  • High chair / cot setup if provided
  • Washer + drying rack
  • Nearest playground and pharmacy
  • TV/streaming login policy (your account or theirs?)
  • BBQ or garden rules
  • Emergency GP / paediatric line region-appropriate

Tone: Friendly, practical — parents are already managing enough.


Beach villa (summer, international guests)

Guest profile: Sun, pool, language mix.

Must-have sections:

  • Pool rules and cleaning schedule if shared
  • Beach gear location (umbrellas, chairs)
  • Sun + water safety note (flags, currents — no fake stats, just “check local flag system”)
  • AC usage (many guests from cooler climates overcool or leave doors open)
  • Taxi vs rental car for day trips
  • Second language section if you host DE/EN/FR mix

Mountain cabin (winter, weather-dependent)

Guest profile: First time in snow, anxious about heating.

Must-have sections:

  • Heating system — simple steps, forbidden practices
  • Snow tyres / chain law pointer (link official source for your country)
  • Where to store wet boots
  • Nearest grocery if storm closes roads
  • Power cut: torch location, no BBQ indoors

Skip: Urban nightlife tips.


Boutique B&B (breakfast, host on site)

Guest profile: Expects personal touch, less self-service.

Must-have sections:

  • Breakfast hours and dietary notes
  • Quiet corridors after [time]
  • How to reach host vs self-help for minor things
  • Still include Wi-Fi and checkout — even hosted stays get technical questions

Digital guide complements conversation; it does not replace good morning greetings.


Luxury property (high expectations)

Guest profile: Pays for polish, notices inconsistencies.

Must-have sections:

  • Concierge-style local calendar (art, reservations you can actually help with)
  • Smart home basics (shades, sound, pool heat) with short instructions
  • House staff boundaries if applicable
  • Discretion / privacy notes

Design: Calm typography, professional photos — matches brand promise.


How to use these examples

  1. Pick the closest type.
  2. Copy section headings into your draft.
  3. Delete half — luxury of editing down.
  4. Run the checklist once.

Then build the guide and avoid the common welcome book mistakes that make even good content unusable.