The Ultimate Guide to Airbnb Messages to Host: Pre-Booking, Welcome & Checkout Templates That Get 5-Star Reviews
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to say to a guest, whether it’s before they book, after they check in, or when it’s time to kindly remind them to please check out on time... you’re not alone. One of the top questions I get from new hosts alike is;
What’s the right way to message guests? Without sounding rude or robotic.
It turns out, there’s an art and a little science to Airbnb messages to host and guest. The tone, timing, and structure of your messages can seriously impact:
How comfortable your guest feels
Whether or not they follow the rules
The kind of review they leave you at the end
In this post, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about messaging your guests at every stage. From Airbnb pre booking message examples, to your Airbnb welcome message, all the way to your Airbnb checkout message.
This post is all about Airbnb messages to host.
Why Messaging Matters More Than You Think
You might be tempted to think, It’s just a quick message, it doesn’t really matter that much.
In reality, your airbnb welcome message, and airbnb check out message set the tone for everything:
They show professionalism without sounding stiff
They reduce questions, confusion, and complaints
And they can turn a 3 star stay into a 5 star review - simply because your guest felt taken care of!
If you’re not already sending automated, thoughtful messages, you’re missing out on a major opportunity to up your hosting and your rankings.
1. The Pre Booking Message Sets the Tone
This is your first impression, and your first opportunity to catch red flags.
You don’t need a whole paragraph here. Just a warm welcome, a simple “let me know if you have any questions,” and one quick ask that gives you insight into who’s booking.
Inside my Guest Message Scripts:
I include a short, customizable Airbnb pre booking message example that welcomes guests warmly while setting expectations early. It lets them know when they’ll receive check-in details, explains when their access code will work, and invites them to reach out with any questions, all without sounding cold or overly formal. It’s the kind of message that makes guests feel confident and cared for right from the start.
2. The Airbnb Welcome Message
The Airbnb welcome message is one of the most important messages you’ll send but a lot of hosts get it wrong.
Either they forget to send it on time, or they dump 300 words of info the guest isn’t ready to process yet.
The key:
Warm greeting
Simple access instructions
Wi-Fi + essentials
Reminder you’re there if needed
My Guest Message Scripts itself doesn’t include what to say about your specific check-in instructions, since that part should come from you.
But, if you want to go deeper into what your check-in message should include, like the overlooked details that can make or break the guest experience, I cover that FULLY inside my Airbnb hosting course, where I walk you through exactly what most hosts miss and how to get it better than your competition!
3. Mid Stay Check-In Message: Catch Issues Early Without Hovering
This message goes out after your guest has already checked in. Ideally about 24 hours into their stay. It’s a thoughtful, simple checkin that shows you care and gives them a low pressure chance to bring up anything they may be experiencing.
It’s not micromanaging or anything, it’s just staying proactive so small issues don’t turn into bad reviews.
Inside my Guest Message Scripts:
I include a warm, professional second day message that checks in with guests and reminds them you’re available if they need anything. It helps guests feel supported without making them feel watched and it’s a key touchpoint that can increase the chances of a 5-star review by over 37%!
4. The Airbnb Checkout Message: Clear, Friendly, and On Time!
This one is where a lot of hosts mess up, either by saying too much, saying too little, or sending it too late.
Your Airbnb checkout message should:
Remind guests of the checkout time
Include 2–3 simple instructions - lock the door, check for personal items, etc.
Say goodbye in a way that gently encourages a review, without breaking Airbnb’s rules
But here’s the tricky part, if it’s worded too directly, you risk sounding cold. If it’s too vague, they might overstay their welcome.
Inside my Guest Message Scripts:
I show you exactly how to word this message so it feels natural, kind, and gets the job done without making your guests feel like they’re being rushed out the door.
How to Automate All of This, Without Sounding Like a Robot?
You don’t need fancy software to automate your Airbnb messages if you're just starting out, the Airbnb app itself lets you schedule them!
The real trick here is using message templates that sound personal even when they’re automated.
That’s why I built the Guest Message Scripts specifically for hosts like you. They’re:
Polished but warm
Short but informative
And they make automation feel like 1:1 communication
Once you set them up, they work quietly in the background, saving you time, reducing guest confusion, and helping you get better reviews with less effort.
Final Thoughts:
When it comes to hosting, great communication isn’t optional, it’s your secret weapon.
From the Airbnb pre booking message example to the Airbnb checkout message, the way you talk to guests can shape their entire experience and your reputation.
You don’t need to write a novel every time a new booking comes in. You just need the right messages, sent at the right time, in the right tone.
That’s exactly why my Guest Message Scripts will help you. If you're a brand new host or managing multiple properties, these set it and forget it scripts give you everything you need to message like a pro, without sounding stiff, awkward, or overly automated.
This post is all about Airbnb messages to host.
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Host + Home Co.
Where decor meets real life, and hosting doesn't have to be hard. Here, I share home styling inspo, hosting hacks, and everything in between to help you make your space feel good and work for you.
