Adding an Airbnb guest book to your rental is a fun, meaningful, and thoughtful detail to your listing. It truly is the little things that make properties shine, and this fun little coffee table-type book is an easy way to do just that. This post will offer some ideas on how to incorporate a guest book into your rental (and how they are different from a welcome book!).

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Why are Airbnb guest books important?

A guest book is more than a fun addition to your rental. It serves multiple purposes:

• They’re a fun way for guests to share their experiences
• It’s an awesome keepsake for hosts
• It allows insight into a guest experience you might not get from a digital review
• It builds connections between past and current guests

What to include in your Airbnb guest books

Here are some basic things to include your guest book.

1. A welcome message

Make your guests feel at home from the moment they arrive. Use a warm, friendly welcome message to set the tone. For example, write something like:

“Welcome! Thanks for being here. Notice our guest book on the table? That’s for you to share your experiences. Whether it’s a cool coffee shop you found or a favorite memory from sitting on our patio, we want to hear it all! Have a great stay with us.”

2. Recommendations from past guests

Encourage guests to leave notes about their favorite experiences and local attractions in the area. Future guests will love reading these personal recommendations and might discover some unique local businesses they can’t find in a guidebook. For example:

“We love the coffee shop down the road! It’s a great spot to fuel your day!” – Jane, October 2025

3. Encourage creativity

Some fun ideas for getting creative include:

• Drawings or doodles
• Write some prompts to get them started
• Perhaps a Polaroid camera for guests to leave a photo and sign

4. Thank you section

At the end of the book, include a heartfelt thank-you note.

How is a guest book different from a welcome book?

Great question! A guest book is a space for guests to write down their own experiences. A welcome book is a place for hosts to include information for guests like house rules, amenities, check-in/out procedures, emergency information, and local recommendations, etc,

Tips for your guest book

Here are a few tips for putting together your book to create a positive guest experience:

• Make sure the book is in a visible and welcoming location, like the dining table or living room. A great spot might be next to your welcome basket!
• A worn-out or overcrowded guest book can be a turn-off. When the current one is almost full, archive it and start a new one.
• Leave a pen or marker next to the guest book and remind guests (perhaps via a tactful sign) to sign and add a note.
• Snap some photos of your property and put them in a book. Ask guests to write under one of the photos that resonates best with their stay
• Pick a theme. If you’re a beach house, make it beach themed. If you’re a ski cabin, make it rustic. You get the picture.

An Airbnb guest book is a fun little detail to easily elevate the guest experience. It makes them feel welcome, and many folks love flipping through the pages and reading about past guests’ experiences. It’s a cute way to build connections between folks in an easy, meaningful way.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!