Why do guests never read your vacation rental welcome book?

Because it’s boring. I’ll show you how to create one that’s helpful, personal, and review-worthy.

You’ve got your vacation rental looking sharp. The beds are fluffed, the towels are folded like swans (okay, maybe like ducks on a good day), and there on the table is… the welcome book.

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The one that took you five hours to design, but your guests barely flip through it.

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Sound familiar?

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Here’s the truth: most welcome books are too long, too dull, or too out-of-date. But when done right, a great welcome book isn’t just read — it’s appreciated, remembered, and even raved about in reviews.

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So how do you create a welcome book guests actually read and love?

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Let’s break it down.

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Keep It Short, Friendly, and Human

A welcome book isn’t a legal contract. It’s more like a handwritten note from a host who genuinely wants their guest to have a great stay. So write like a human.

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Tip: Start with a quick, heartfelt message. Think less corporate, more coffee-chat.

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“Welcome! We’re thrilled you’re here. This place has been a labour of love, and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do.”

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Skip the 5-page house rule sermon. Be brief, clear, and kind. If it feels like a school handbook, they’ll skim at best — ignore at worst.

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Organise It Like a Real Journey

Your guests don’t read your book front to back. They flip to what they need.

So structure it like this:

• Arrival & Wi-Fi Info

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• How Stuff Works (TV, A/C, Trash)

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• Local Recommendations

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• Emergency & Contact Info

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• Departure Checklist

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Use bold headers, bullet points, and icons. White space is your friend.

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And yes, put the Wi-Fi on the first page. Nobody wants to dig through 10 pages to find the internet.

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Use Photos and Visual Cues

A welcome book doesn’t have to be just words. Think of it as a mini-magazine for your space.

Include:

• A map of your neighbourhood

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• Step-by-step photo guide for the fireplace/TV remote

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• Your favourite coffee spot’s storefront photo (bonus points for a selfie with the barista)

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A visual cue often saves your guest a call — and saves you from repeating “the green bin is for recycling” 400 times a year.

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Give Local Tips Only You Could Know

This is your time to shine. Guests love discovering what the locals know — and who better than you?

Share gems like:

• The bakery that sells out by 10 AM (and what to order)

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• The “secret” beach entrance with easy parking

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• Where to grab tacos after 10 PM

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These aren’t just recommendations — they’re memories waiting to happen.

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Make It Interactive (Yes, Really)

Encourage guests to add their tips or reviews in a “Guest-to-Guest” section. Think: a few blank pages for them to write their favourite spots, moments, or kid-friendly finds.

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It’s like a living guidebook. Plus, future guests trust other guests — even more than you.

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Bonus: Go Digital (But Keep It Simple)

A printed welcome book is great, but adding a digital version (like a Canva flipbook or Notion page) gives guests a backup they can access anytime.

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Don’t go overboard with apps. Keep it clean, clickable, and accessible. Include a QR code in the printed version that links directly to it.

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Before you list your rental, flood your inbox, or forget to budget…

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Grab the “The 7-Day Vacation Rental Jumpstart” download.
It’s your fast track to five-star hosting—with your sanity intact.”

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Get your copy now! You can find a link in the show notes.

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Do your guests actually read your welcome book? Or do they just snap a photo of the Wi-Fi and toss it on the counter?

👉 Drop a comment.

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Here Are Your 5 Takeaways

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In Conclusion

A welcome book done right sets the tone for the entire stay. It says, “Hey, we care. And we’ve thought of everything.”

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Your guests feel taken care of. They smile more. They text less. They leave better reviews.

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Want more tricks like this? You’ll love the course “Launch Your First Vacation Rental” course. It dives deep into creating an unforgettable guest experience — the kind that turns one-time stays into lifelong fans.

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🎬 And if you’re still here? Hit that subscribe button so you don’t miss our next episode. Trust me, your future self (and your future guests) will thank you.

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Now go — make that welcome book something they actually want to read.