Airbnb Pre-Booking Message Example

First impressions are everything. That is why your Airbnb pre-booking message is critical. It ensures they receive the required information regarding your listing and any additional details you may wish to provide. It also serves as a chance to ask the guest some questions that are of interest to you. For example, ‘what brings you here?’, ‘who will be joining you?’, and so on.

The Airbnb pre-book feature has recently been enhanced to increase the character count, meaning you can inform guests properly in one go, rather than smaller multiple messages. More often than not, we get caught up with trying to make the message sound pretty, rather than sticking to the basics. With that in mind, let’s run through the basics of formatting a great pre-booking message and then one or two examples!

Back to Basics- Pre-booking Details

Thank the guest

To start your message, thank your guest for choosing your property. It is the first thing they will read, and a quick response letting them know that you are excited to welcome them to your Airbnb will allow them to feel a sense of security and comfort.

Ask For Preferences

Asking questions in your Airbnb pre-Booking message gives you an opportunity to gather information that will help you feel more comfortable about welcoming them. For most hosts, an important question is ‘What brings you to the area?’. The answer to this question will allow you to assess ways you can be helpful to them during their stay. It can also give clues as to how they will use your space, and possibly the condition that your property will be left in once they’ve departed. You could also consider asking how and at what time they are arriving. Knowing this information gives you the opportunity to inform them of transportation options and local options for ordering food or stopping for supplies.

Asking questions also helps you excel in the area of guest services. Some hosts say that they ask guests what kind of coffee or tea they like and then purchase it prior to their arrival to create a nice welcome experience on the day they arrive. It doesn’t take much to make your guest smile, so go the extra mile!

Just remember to keep the questions to a minimum as to not seem picky or intrusive.

House Rules

It is important to direct them to your house rules and expectations while at your Airbnb. You can also ensure they have agreed to the house rules prior to booking, so they know all of the expectations of using your listing before their arrival.

How Do You Host?

Lastly, it is important that your Airbnb pre-booking message showcases your hosting style. Some hosts ask little to no questions, whereas others ask quite a few. No method is right or wrong, it is about finding a balance that you are happy with.

Let’s take a look at some examples:

Example 1 – Short and Sharp

Dear (enter guest name),

Firstly, I would like to thank you for choosing my property as a potential accommodation. Just confirming the dates of your stay are (enter dates) and the booking is for (enter amount of people)? I look forward to welcoming you to my property and I hope to hear from you shortly.

(host name)

Example 2 – In-Depth

Dear (enter guest name),

Thank you for choosing my place for your visit to our area. I look forward to welcoming you. If I may, I would like to ask a few questions.

• What is the purpose of your stay?
• How many guests will accompany you?
• How and when will you be arriving?
• Do you have any allergies I should be aware of?
• Do you have any preferences for tea, coffee, or any other amenity?

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Warm regards,

(host name)

Which Host Are You?

Your Airbnb hosting style should be reflected in your pre-booking message but it is important to remember not to come across as nosy or skeptical. This will turn guests off immediately, and, as a host, that is the last thing you want.

A nice, simple, and easy-to-read message is all you need just to say ‘hello’, ‘thank you’, and ‘keep in touch’. You can follow-up on the week or day of arrival with details about check-in.

You should also be prepared for a guest to respond to your message asking for a better price or for special requests. Learn how to respectfully handle unique guest requests and what to do when guests try to negotiate on price.

Happy hosting!