By Athina · October 2026
A good house guide answers questions before they are asked. What to include, and why a printed copy still works.
Most guest messages ask the same handful of questions: the Wi-Fi code, how the coffee machine works, where to park, where to put the rubbish. A clear guide answers them before they are asked, and makes your home feel looked after.
Practical
- Wi-Fi name and password.
- How the heating, air conditioning, hob, oven and washing machine work.
- Rubbish and recycling: which bin, which day.
- Parking, public transport and the nearest taxi stand.
- Check-in and check-out times and what to do with the keys.
House rules
Keep them short and friendly. On Airbnb, house rules and requests also have to appear in the listing's own house rules section, so make sure the guide matches what guests agreed to when they booked.
Local tips
- Your favourite bakery, a good breakfast spot and a restaurant for a special evening.
- A walk, a museum or a beach that tourists often miss.
- The nearest supermarket and pharmacy.
Safety
- Emergency numbers and the address of the home, so guests can give it to emergency services.
- Where the first aid kit, fire extinguisher and fire blanket are.
- In Dubai, Airbnb's guidance asks hosts to provide emergency information and contact details in both Arabic and English.
Printed and digital
A neat printed guide on the table, like a small magazine about your home and neighbourhood, sets the tone the moment guests walk in. A digital version that they receive before arrival means they can read it on the way.
Sources
Places in this article
