Why Every Short-Term Rental Host Needs a Guidebook

10/1/2025

When a guest books your property, they’re not just booking four walls and a bed. They’re stepping into a new space, often in an unfamiliar city, with the hope that everything will feel seamless and welcoming. As hosts, we know that even the smallest detail can shape their impression of the stay. That’s why a guidebook isn’t just a “nice-to-have” anymore—it’s one of the most important parts of the experience you provide.

The Guest’s Perspective

Think about it from the guest’s perspective. They’ve just arrived, bags in hand, and the first thing they need is Wi-Fi. Do they have to dig through old emails or send you a message? Or can they open your guidebook and find it right away? The same goes for the little things—how the coffee maker works, where the parking spots are, or which switch controls the patio lights. When those answers are easy to find, guests settle in faster, feel more at home, and start their stay on the right foot.

Your Chance to Be the Local Insider

But a guidebook is more than just instructions and codes. It’s also your chance to be their local insider. Guests often turn to their hosts to uncover what makes a neighborhood special. Where’s the best coffee? Which restaurants are worth skipping the tourist traps for? What little gems would they never find on Google? Sharing this kind of local knowledge isn’t just helpful—it builds a connection between your guests, your property, and your community.

A Time Saver

And here’s something every host learns sooner or later: a guidebook also makes your life easier. Without it, you’ll spend your time answering the same questions again and again, often late at night when a guest suddenly can’t figure out the thermostat. With it, those questions shrink dramatically. The guidebook quietly does the work for you, so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time focusing on what makes your rental shine.

Why Guidestr

That’s exactly why we built Guidestr. We know that guests don’t all interact with information the same way—some want a quick answer on their phone, others prefer flipping through a printed guide, and families love being able to gather around the Smart TV together. With Guidestr, your guidebook exists in all three formats—Smart TV, smartphone, and a print magazine—so no matter how your guests prefer to engage, the information is right where they need it.

At the end of the day, a great guidebook is about professionalism. It shows that you’ve thought ahead, that you care about the details, and that you value your guests’ time and comfort. And when your guidebook is accessible in every format, it doesn’t just make things easier—it elevates the entire stay — and what helps secure glowing reviews and repeat bookings.