What to put in your Airbnb check-in message

When to send it

Send the full message about 48 hours before arrival, then a short reminder on the morning of check-in. Two days gives guests time to plan their journey. The reminder puts the key details at the top of their inbox when they need them.

What to include

1. The address and how to find the door. Flat number, floor, which entrance, and anything confusing, like a shared door or a side gate.
2. Check-in time. Repeat it, and say what to do if they arrive early.
3. Getting in, step by step. Where the key safe or smart lock is, the code, and how to use it. Most lockout messages come from a missing step, such as pressing a button before entering the code.
4. Parking and transport. Nearest station, parking rules and permit details if there are any.
5. Wi-Fi name and password. Guests ask for this more than anything else.
6. Heating, hot water and anything unusual. A tricky boiler, a shower with a pull cord, or a door that sticks.
7. House rules. Quiet hours, smoking, guest numbers and where the bins go.
8. Checkout time and steps. Where to leave the keys and what to do with towels and rubbish.
9. Who to contact. Your number or your messaging hours, plus an emergency contacts sheet for anything urgent.

Template you can copy

Hi [Name], we're looking forward to having you on [day]!

Check-in is from [time]. Here's everything you need:

Address: [full address, flat number and floor]
Finding the door: [entrance details]

Getting in:
1. The key safe is [where].
2. [Press the button first], then enter [code].
3. [Turn the dial / pull the lever] to open it.

Wi-Fi: [network] / [password]
Parking: [details]

Heating and hot water: [short instructions]
House rules: [quiet hours, smoking, bins]

Checkout is by [time]. Please [where keys go and what to do with towels].

Messages are answered [your hours]. For anything urgent at night, please check the emergency contacts sheet [link or location].

Have a great stay,
[Your name]

Common mistakes

• Sending everything in one long paragraph. Use short lines and numbered steps.
• Leaving out the step that always confuses people, like a hidden key safe button.
• Forgetting to update the message after changing a code or Wi-Fi password.