The ultimate Airbnb welcome pack

What happens when you go above and beyond for your Airbnb guests? You get great reviews from happy travellers who then tell their friends and family about their amazing stay at your home.

One of the easiest ways to impress guests (in addition to a nicely written welcome letter) is by treating them to a surprise welcome pack – full of goodies – and we have some fun low-cost suggestions to help you create something memorable.

1. Airbnb welcome package gift ideas

Seasonal – What time of year are your guests arriving? Have they booked to stay with you over Christmas? Is their visit coinciding with Chinese New Year? Think about some kind of treat, relating to the season, to add to their welcome pack – whether it’s a couple of candy canes and some fruit mince pies or a few colourful paper lanterns and some moon cakes.

Practical – Why do hotels provide soap, mini bottles of shampoo, body lotion and toothbrushes? Because many travellers forget to pack the basics when they leave home. Not all guests will use the items you leave for them (which means you will be able to save money on future welcome packs by recycling non-used items) but they’ll definitely appreciate having them there.

Delectable – We highly recommend putting a few non-perishable food items in your welcome pack. Organic chocolate, gourmet cookies, a packet of roasted nuts and any other treats that your guests can snack on during their stay. When choosing these products, try to select brands that are locally made or have a story that connects them to your home or neighbourhood. Your guests will appreciate the personal touch. Don’t forget to include a few bottles of water and a selection of tea.

2. Household items for the use of guests

Helpful – A universal power adapter, a few different phone chargers, a hair dryer, an umbrella – all of these items could prove very helpful to your house guests. We suggest placing these items outside of your welcome pack with some kind of note along the lines of “These items belong to the property and we welcome you to use them during your stay”.

Comfort – When you go travelling, what are the comforts you miss from home? Bathrobes, a soft throw rug for the couch, a hot water bottle to warm your feet before bed? It’s not vital to provide these things for guests but it’s a lovely gesture and is bound to make their stay more enjoyable.

3. Helpful information

If you live close to a light rail system or metro line, you might consider leaving some pre-paid transit cards for guests. You don’t have to put much money on the tickets – just enough to get them started. Maps, city guides, brochures on popular attractions…all of these things are helpful to those who are new to a city.

Many hosts use their welcome letter to list useful information and travel tips for guests. A print out of the letter could be left near tourism brochures on the kitchen table.

4. Local flavour

Guests are most likely coming from abroad, and one of the reasons many people choose to stay in an Airbnb over a regular hotel is that it’s an easier way to experience to ‘local flavour’ of a city. Achieve just that by adding something inherently Here are some city-specific gift ideas for your welcome packs:

Paris: Some local cheese, wine, macaroons, a locally made soap.
Hong Kong: Moon cakes (when in season), pineapple shortcakes, Chinese tea
London: English breakfast tea, biscuits, some homemade jam
Singapore: Selection of tropical fruits, some kaya spread, a pack of bak kwa.

You might also consider leaving a cool tote bag on the table (preferably one that features an image or words relating to your city or neighbourhood) and inviting guests to use it during their stay…and welcoming them to take it home as a souvenir.

5. The thought that counts

Not all of you will have the budget to create a super indulgent welcome pack for your guests but never fear, the old saying is true: “It’s the thought that counts”. Even the smallest and simplest gesture can result in Airbnb reviews full of praise for hosts.

Need help with a beautiful Airbnb welcome pack? Get in touch

Need some help liaising with guests? GuestReady specialises in all areas of Airbnb management and support.

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