Check-in & Guest Communication
How to Write Clear Airbnb Check-in Instructions, with Examples
Direct answer
Clear Airbnb check-in instructions let a guest confirm the property location, arrival window, route, entry method, and contact path before reaching the door. Keep each step in travel order and use visible landmarks. Do not place live door or building codes in a reusable public document; share them only through an appropriate verified-guest channel at the necessary time.
Free Check-in Message GeneratorKey takeaways
- Present address, time, route, entry method, and contact details in a consistent order.
- Give one action per step and place landmark photos in the real walking sequence.
- Keep door and building codes outside reusable public instructions.
What order makes check-in instructions easiest to follow?
Match the document to the guest's physical journey. The guest first confirms the destination, checks the arrival time, finds the correct building entrance, and then uses an entry method that is available after the required verification.
- Property name and a copyable address placeholder
- Check-in time and what to do after an early arrival
- The first visible landmark after transit or parking
- Step-by-step movement from entrance to unit
- Where and when protected entry details will arrive
- A contact method and fallback if the host does not respond
What is a check-in message a host can adapt?
Hello, here are the check-in details for [Property name]. Check-in starts at [Check-in time]. Open [Property address] in your map, then look for [First landmark]. At the building, follow [Entry method]. The live door or building code will be shared separately after booking verification. If you need help, use [Host contact method].
How should photos and arrival steps be written?
A caption should tell the guest what to do at that location. Replace a vague caption such as ‘This is the entrance’ with a visible reference and action, such as ‘Use the glass door to the right of the orange sign.’
Recheck seasonal decorations, construction barriers, and changed signs whenever arrival photos are reviewed.
How can hosts share entry details without weakening security?
Put placeholders such as [Door code] in the reusable template. Reveal a live value only after the guest, validity window, and host release time pass the existing access checks. Do not publish photos that contain a code or a private phone number.
How to apply this in stayV Host
Use stayV arrival cards to place landmarks, steps, and public-safe images in the order a guest encounters them.
Do not copy live entry codes into L0 cards. Use the protected input and validity rules available to the property's current plan, or the booking platform's message channel where appropriate.
stayV is not affiliated with or endorsed by Airbnb.
Frequently asked questions
When should hosts send check-in instructions?
Send the overview and guide link after confirmation, then repeat the current time, route, and contact path before arrival. Set a separate release time for entry details based on the property's security and booking-verification process.
Should the door code appear in the check-in guide?
Avoid putting live codes in a reusable or indexable document. Use a verified-guest area with a limited validity window or the booking platform's appropriate secure conversation instead.
How many arrival photos should a host add?
Use only the images that resolve a real decision: the building exterior, correct entrance, and key-box or front-desk location. Check that no entry code or private detail is visible in a photo.