Free template
A welcome book template you can fill in tonight.
Copy the template below, replace the parts in square brackets, and you have a complete welcome book. Then decide whether it lives in a binder, a PDF or a link your guests open on their phone.
Short answer
The template has eleven parts: welcome, Wi-Fi, arrival, check-out, house rules, heating, kitchen and appliances, rubbish, parking, local tips and emergency. Fill in only what applies to your home.
The template
Select the text and copy it into your editor of choice. Keep the headings; change everything in square brackets.
Welcome to [property name] Hi, we are [your names]. We hope you have a lovely stay. If anything is missing, message us on [phone number]. WI-FI Network: [network name] Password: [password] ARRIVAL Check-in from [15:00]. [Where the keys are, the code, which door.] [What to do if you arrive late or in the dark.] CHECK-OUT Check-out by [11:00]. Before you leave, please: - [Close the windows] - [Turn the heating down] - [Leave the keys on the kitchen table] HOUSE RULES - [No smoking indoors] - [No parties or events] - [Quiet hours 22:00 to 07:00] - [Pets: welcome / not allowed] HEATING [How to turn it on, the setting you recommend.] KITCHEN AND APPLIANCES [Coffee machine, oven, dishwasher, washing machine, TV.] RUBBISH AND RECYCLING [What goes where, where the bins are, collection day.] PARKING [Where to park, how many cars.] OUR LOCAL TIPS - [Supermarket, distance, opening hours] - [Favourite café or restaurant, what to order] - [A walk or beach, how far] EMERGENCY Emergency number: [112 / 999 / 911] Nearest hospital: [name, distance] Fire extinguisher: [where] First aid kit: [where] Fuse box and water stopcock: [where]
A filled-in example
Here is how the arrival part reads in the example cabin guide in our editor:
Arrival
The key box is to the left of the front door. Code: 4821. If you arrive after dark, the outdoor light switch is just inside the door on the right.
Heating
The heat pump remote is on the living room wall. Set it to 21° and HEAT mode. Fireplace: use the dry wood in the shed and open the damper first.
Binder, PDF or digital guide
| Printed binder | PDF or Canva file | Digital guide (link and QR) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guests can read it before arrival | No | If you email it | Yes |
| Easy to update | Reprint | Edit and resend | Edit the guide |
| Works in the guest's language | No | No | Can be translated on the phone |
| Feels personal in the home | Yes | If printed | With a printed sign |
There is no single right answer. If you change codes or tips often, a digital guide saves reprinting. If some guests prefer paper, keep a printed copy too.
Turn the template into a guest guide
Welcomefold has the same sections as this template. Paste your text in, and guests get a page on their phone with a Wi-Fi copy button, tap-to-call and directions that open in Maps. Print a QR sign for the fridge. Your first guide is free, with no account.
Questions hosts ask
Is this welcome book template really free?
Yes. Copy it, change it and use it for as many homes as you like. You do not need to credit us.
Can I use the template for Booking.com and Vrbo guests too?
Yes. Nothing in it is specific to one platform. Just make sure your house rules match what each listing says.
Should I write the door code in the welcome book?
Guests need it, so it has to go somewhere. Keep printed copies inside the home, send the code with your booking message, and change it between stays if your lock allows it.