Question 1

What should a vacation rental guestbook actually include?

Accepted Answer

At minimum: check-in and check-out instructions, WiFi details, house rules, and how to use any unfamiliar appliances. Local recommendations and an easy way to ask follow-up questions round it out.

Question 2

Is a printed guestbook still worth having?

Accepted Answer

Some hosts keep a small printed reference for guests who prefer paper, but as the primary source of information it has real downsides — it can't be updated remotely, and there's no way to know what guests actually read or asked about.

Question 3

Do I need a booking-platform-specific guestbook, or one that works everywhere?

Accepted Answer

A guestbook that works the same way regardless of platform — Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, or direct — means one system to maintain instead of several.

Question 4

Can a digital guestbook actually reduce the messages I get?

Accepted Answer

It puts answers to the most common questions — WiFi, checkout time, parking — in one place guests can check themselves, and (with an AI guest assistant) can even answer follow-up questions directly, without eliminating the option to just message you.

Format	Update anytime	Guest can search it	See what guests ask
Printed binder
PDF or email
Digital guestbook (e.g. HostDesk)

How to choose a vacation rental guestbook

Comparing your options

What to look for in a digital guestbook

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Create your first guest guide