The thoughtful host’s notebook
Airbnb Guidebook vs House Manual: what goes where?
Airbnb uses similar names for different guest resources. Its Guidebook is for public local recommendations; its House Manual holds home details for confirmed guests. This practical comparison helps you place each detail where guests can find it.
Guidebook, House Manual and arrival instructions at a glance
Airbnb puts all three in its listing editor under Arrival guide, but they serve different moments. A separate digital guest guide can pull reusable information together in one link; it does not replace your Airbnb listing fields or private booking messages.
| Resource | Best use and access |
|---|---|
| Airbnb Guidebook | Restaurants, shops, parks and other local tips. Airbnb says host guidebooks are public, including for people who have not booked your place. |
| Airbnb House Manual | Day-to-day home details, such as using the hot water or finding spare blankets. Airbnb says only guests with a confirmed reservation can access it. |
| Airbnb check-in instructions | The check-in method and steps to enter. Airbnb says detailed instructions become visible to guests 48 hours before check-in; the method is visible earlier. |
| Stayfolio guest guide | A mobile page for reusable arrival notes, Wi-Fi, house notes and local tips. Anyone with its published link or QR can open it. Stayfolio does not sync with Airbnb or check bookings. |
Where should a host put each detail?
- Local recommendations: Airbnb Guidebook, with a short, personal reason for each choice. You can repeat your best picks in a Stayfolio guide for guests using other booking channels.
- Appliances and spare supplies: Airbnb House Manual. Add the same reusable instructions to your digital guide if you want one phone-friendly place for them.
- Entrance, parking and arrival time: Airbnb check-in instructions. Send the essentials before arrival through your booking channel, then keep reusable directions in your guide.
- House rules and check-out requests: Keep the booking listing authoritative. Any welcome book or digital guide should agree with the rules guests saw when they booked.
- Personal door or lockbox code: Send it only to the booked guest through a private channel. Do not put it in a public Airbnb Guidebook or a Stayfolio page shared by link.
Want wording guests can follow at the door? Use the free check-in instructions template. For a complete outline, copy the welcome book template.
A simple setup for one property
- Fill in Airbnb’s Guidebook with places you know. Keep it free of property passwords and entry details because it is public.
- Add essential home instructions to the Airbnb House Manual and accurate access steps to Airbnb’s check-in instructions.
- If you also want a single mobile page or host on more than one booking channel, create a Stayfolio guide with reusable details. Send its link before arrival and print its QR card inside the home.
- Walk the route as a guest, test the links and make sure the three places agree after any change. Send stay-specific codes privately.
A guide that anyone with the link can open is convenient, but it is not a guest-only access control. Keep private guest data out of it. You can preview a Stayfolio guide without registering.
Check Airbnb’s current help pages
Airbnb may change labels or guest access timing. The comparison above follows its current Help Center pages for Guidebooks, House Manuals and check-in instructions. Stayfolio is independent of Airbnb.
Put it into practice.
Create a free guide with the essentials your guests need.