Guest communication FAQ

Airbnb host communication: FAQ and message examples

The most common questions hosts and property managers ask about guest communication, with ready-to-use message templates for pre-booking enquiries, check-in, house rules and check-out. Copy them, adapt the details and reuse them for every stay.

Copy-and-paste Airbnb message examples

Four templates covering the whole guest journey. Replace the details in brackets with your own information.

Pre-booking enquiry

Within one hour of the enquiry

Reply to a question before booking

Hi [Guest name],

Thanks for your message — the dates of [dates] are available.

To answer your question: [direct answer]. The apartment sleeps [number] guests, check-in is from [time] and check-out before [time]. Wi-Fi, parking and everything else you need is explained in a digital guidebook I send after booking.

Happy to help with anything else — just let me know and I will hold the dates while you decide.

Best regards,
[Your name]

Check-in instructions

24 to 48 hours before arrival

Arrival details and access

Hi [Guest name],

Looking forward to welcoming you tomorrow. Here is everything you need for a smooth arrival.

Address: [full address]
Check-in: from [time]
Access: [key box code / door code / meeting point]
Parking: [instructions]
Wi-Fi and appliance instructions: [guidebook link]

If your travel plans change or you cannot get in, call or text me on [phone number] and I will help right away.

Safe travels,
[Your name]

House rules

With the booking confirmation

A few things to know about the home

Hi [Guest name],

Your booking is confirmed — thank you. A few simple rules keep the home comfortable for everyone:

- Quiet hours from [time] to [time], as we share the building with neighbours.
- No parties or events, and only the guests on the reservation stay overnight.
- No smoking or vaping indoors; please use [outdoor area].
- Pets: [policy].
- Please tell me straight away if something breaks so I can fix it.

The full house rules, along with Wi-Fi and appliance instructions, are here: [guidebook link].

Thanks for taking care of the place,
[Your name]

Check-out instructions

The evening before departure

Check-out steps for tomorrow

Hi [Guest name],

I hope you enjoyed your stay. Check-out is before [time] tomorrow — here is all you need to do:

- Leave the keys [where].
- Put used towels [where] and start the dishwasher if it is full.
- Take rubbish to [location] and close the windows.

That is it — no cleaning needed beyond that. If you have five minutes, a review really helps, and I would love to host you again. Let me know if you need a late check-out and I will check availability.

Safe travels,
[Your name]

Tip: keep one saved version per property so details stay accurate.

Frequently asked questions about guest communication

How quickly should I reply to a guest message?
Aim to reply within one hour during the day and always under 24 hours. Fast, complete first replies increase booking conversion and reduce follow-up questions.
Which messages should every host send?
Four are essential: a reply to the pre-booking enquiry, a booking confirmation with expectations, check-in instructions one or two days before arrival, and a check-out reminder the evening before departure.
When should I send check-in instructions?
Send the full arrival details 24 to 48 hours before check-in, then a short reminder on the morning of arrival with the address, access method and your phone number.
How do I communicate house rules without sounding harsh?
Explain the reason behind each rule, keep it short, and frame it as caring for neighbours and the home. Put the full list in a digital guidebook and link to it instead of pasting long text into chat.
Can I automate Airbnb messages?
Yes. Airbnb scheduled messages and most channel managers can send templates automatically at booking, before check-in and before check-out. Keep a personal sentence at the start so it does not read like a robot.
Does Airbnb have automated messages?
Yes. Airbnb includes scheduled messages for hosts: go to your hosting dashboard, then Messaging > Scheduled messages. You can trigger templates on booking confirmation, a set number of days before check-in or check-out, and after check-out.
How do I automate Airbnb messages?
Create a template for each key moment (booking confirmation, pre-arrival, check-in, check-out), then attach it to a trigger in Scheduled messages. Start with one message per trigger, test it on your next booking, and refine the wording based on the questions guests still ask.
How do I set up automated messages on Airbnb?
In your hosting dashboard open Messaging > Scheduled messages, click New message, choose the trigger (for example 2 days before check-in), pick the listings it applies to, and paste your template. Save it, then check the reservation thread after the next booking to confirm it was sent.
How do I create message templates in Airbnb?
Write your message once with placeholders you fill in per reservation, such as guest name, dates and door code. Save it under Scheduled messages or Saved replies, and keep one version per listing so details like Wi-Fi codes never go out of date.
What is sent 48 hours before check-in in an Airbnb automated message?
The pre-arrival message: full address, check-in time, access instructions (key box or door code), parking details, your phone number and the link to your digital guest guidebook for Wi-Fi and appliance instructions.
How do I automate guest communication for vacation rentals or small hotels without losing the personal touch?
Automate the repetitive parts (confirmations, check-in and check-out instructions, house rules) but keep one personal sentence at the top of each message, reply by hand to anything unusual, and put detailed information in a branded digital guidebook so guests feel hosted, not processed.
How do I avoid repeating the same information in every message?
Put Wi-Fi, appliances, parking, rules and local tips in one digital guest guidebook, then link to it. Messages stay short and updates apply instantly, without resending anything.
What if my guests do not speak my language?
Keep sentences short and avoid idioms, and share a guidebook that displays in the guest's own language so instructions are never misunderstood.
How do I handle a complaint during the stay?
Acknowledge it within minutes, say what you will do and by when, then confirm once it is resolved. Written follow-up in the platform chat protects both sides if a refund is discussed later.

Free tools to go further

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