Best Airbnb Welcome Ideas to Impress Your Guests and Get 5-Star Reviews
First impressions matter—especially in the short-term rental world. If you're hosting on Airbnb in Manchester or anywhere in the UK, your guest’s experience within the first few minutes can set the tone for their entire stay. That’s why thoughtful welcome touches can lead directly to 5-star reviews, repeat bookings, and word-of-mouth recommendations.
In this post, we’ll explore the best Airbnb welcome ideas that make your property stand out and leave a lasting impression.
1. Personalised Welcome Note A handwritten card or a warm welcome message goes a long way in building rapport. Include the guest’s name and a short, friendly note thanking them for choosing your place. If they’re visiting for a special occasion, mention it!
2. Local Treats or Snacks Add a small basket of goodies—locally sourced tea, biscuits, chocolates, or even a bottle of wine. Not only does it delight your guests, but it also supports Manchester’s local businesses and gives them a taste of the region.
3. Comprehensive Welcome Pack Provide a printed or digital guidebook with Wi-Fi info, check-out times, and local recommendations. Highlight nearby restaurants, public transport options, attractions like the Manchester Museum or Northern Quarter, and any local events. Bonus points if it includes discount codes or partnerships with local businesses.
4. Essentials Stocked and Ready First-time Airbnb guests are often unsure what’s provided. Stock your kitchen with tea, coffee, cooking oil, and condiments. Make sure the bathroom has shampoo, conditioner, soap, and extra toilet paper. These simple amenities reduce stress and boost satisfaction.
5. Smart Lighting or Music Create a warm, inviting atmosphere by switching on ambient lighting or soft music just before guest arrival. This transforms your space from ordinary to cosy instantly.
6. Welcome Gift for Longer Stays For guests staying 5+ nights, a small gift like a Manchester-themed souvenir or reusable tote bag can make your listing memorable—and increase your chances of a glowing review.
7. Personalised Recommendations Instead of generic tips, tailor your advice based on guest profiles. Business travellers? Recommend quiet coffee shops with strong Wi-Fi. Family with kids? Include parks, child-friendly attractions, and takeaways.
8. Easy Check-In Experience The best welcome experience starts before the guest even enters. Ensure check-in is seamless with clear instructions, keyless smart locks, or in-person meet-and-greets if practical.
Why It Matters On Airbnb, small details can lead to big results. Guests consistently mention thoughtful touches in 5-star reviews. More 5-star ratings mean higher rankings in search results, increased visibility, and ultimately—more bookings and revenue.
As a Manchester-based Airbnb management company, we include these welcome touches as part of our service. From professional staging to guest experience optimisation, we ensure every guest walks in feeling cared for.
Want to boost your reviews and occupancy rates? Contact us today to learn how we turn every stay into a 5-star experience.