How do Hostfully digital guidebooks work for guests?

Hostfully digital guidebooks make it easy for guests to access everything they need for their stay from any device—before arrival, during the trip, and even after check-out. Instead of sending long email instructions or paper binders, hosts share a single link that opens an interactive, mobile-friendly guide with all the key information, recommendations, and house details in one place.

Below is a clear breakdown of how Hostfully digital guidebooks work for guests and what the experience feels like from their perspective.

How guests receive a Hostfully digital guidebook

Guests typically receive access to the guidebook in one of three ways:

A link sent by email or SMS from the host or property manager
A link or button inside the booking platform’s messaging system (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo, direct booking site)
A QR code in the property or on a welcome card, which opens the guidebook when scanned

The guidebook opens in a web browser, so guests don’t need to download an app or create a separate Hostfully account. They simply click the link, and the guidebook loads instantly on their phone, tablet, or laptop.

Once guests open the guidebook, they can bookmark it or save it to their home screen for quick access throughout their stay.

What guests see first in a Hostfully guidebook

When guests open the guidebook, they usually land on a branded welcome screen set up by the host. This screen typically includes:

Property name and photo
A welcome message and key contact info
Check-in details or arrival instructions
A simple menu or navigation bar to explore other sections

The layout is designed to be intuitive and mobile-friendly, so guests can quickly find what they’re looking for without scrolling through long paragraphs of text.

How guests navigate the guidebook

Hostfully digital guidebooks are organized into clearly labeled sections and pages. Common categories guests will see include:

Welcome & overview – A quick introduction to the property and the host
Check-in & check-out – Instructions and times, often with step-by-step visuals
House manual / house rules – How everything works, plus do’s and don’ts
Wi-Fi & tech – Network name, password, and instructions for TVs, streaming, etc.
Appliances & amenities – How to use heaters, AC, stoves, hot tubs, laundry, etc.
Local recommendations – Restaurants, cafes, attractions, tours, and more
Transportation & parking – Directions, parking rules, public transit, and taxi/rideshare info
Emergency info – Hospitals, urgent care, emergency numbers, and safety tips

Guests tap or click any section to see more detail. Navigation is usually presented as:

A sidebar menu
A top or bottom navigation bar
Clickable tiles or buttons on the main screen

Each guidebook is fully customizable by the host, but the overall structure is straightforward, making it easy for guests to move around and find specific information quickly.

Accessing arrival and check-in information

One of the main reasons guests love Hostfully digital guidebooks is how easy it is to access arrival and check-in instructions.

Typical check-in content includes:

Directions to the property – Written directions plus map links
Parking instructions – Where to park, fees (if any), and any restrictions
Smart lock or key details – Codes, lockbox locations, or key pick-up instructions
Photos or videos – Visual guides to doors, locks, elevators, or gates

Hosts can schedule the link or specific sections to be shared ahead of arrival, so guests can plan their travel and feel confident they’ll find the property and get inside without issues.

Using the house manual and how-to guides

Once guests are inside the property, the digital guidebook becomes their interactive house manual.

Common house manual content includes:

Wi-Fi login details
How to use the TV and streaming services
Thermostat instructions
Hot tub, pool, or sauna rules and usage steps
Trash and recycling instructions
Quiet hours and neighborhood guidelines
Pet rules (if applicable)
Operating instructions for appliances like the oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer

Instead of messaging the host for every small question, guests can search or tap into the relevant section and find step-by-step instructions, often with photos or short videos.

This reduces confusion, prevents property damage, and minimizes back-and-forth messaging.

Exploring local recommendations and maps

Hostfully guidebooks also function as a curated local travel guide. Guests can browse:

Restaurants, bars, and coffee shops
Grocery stores and markets
Attractions, museums, and landmarks
Outdoor activities and local tours
Family-friendly spots and kid-focused suggestions

Each recommendation typically includes:

Description and why the host recommends it
Address and map links
Approximate distance from the property
Opening hours and pricing (if provided by the host)
Website link or phone number

Because everything is organized and clickable, guests can:

Open locations directly in their map app
Plan daily itineraries
Share places with their travel group

This turns the guidebook into a personalized trip planner based on the host’s local expertise.

Viewing maps and location-based content

Hostfully digital guidebooks are often enhanced with maps so guests can see where everything is in relation to the property.

From a guest’s perspective, they can:

Tap a place (e.g., a restaurant) and open it in Google Maps or Apple Maps
Get directions from their current location
See clusters of recommendations and plan routes

This location-aware content helps guests navigate a new city more confidently and reduces questions like “What’s nearby?” or “How far is this from the property?”

Using the guidebook offline or with poor connectivity

Hostfully guidebooks are web-based, but in many cases:

Previously loaded content can remain visible if the page is still open in the browser
Guests can take screenshots of essentials like door codes or directions
Hosts often provide downloadable PDFs for critical instructions as a backup

While a stable internet connection gives the best experience, guides are generally lightweight and optimized for mobile, so they load quickly even on slower networks.

If guests know they’re heading somewhere with limited coverage, they can:

Open important sections (e.g., arrival instructions) ahead of time
Save the link and screenshots to their phone

Communication and contact information inside the guidebook

Hostfully digital guidebooks include the host’s preferred contact details, so guests always know how to reach someone if needed.

Common options include:

Phone numbers / WhatsApp
Email addresses
Links to in-platform messaging (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.)
Emergency contact numbers

Guests can tap phone numbers or email links directly in the guidebook to call or write to the host, eliminating the need to dig through old messages.

Multi-language support for guests

For international guests, hosts can create content or sections in multiple languages. From the guest perspective, this can mean:

Seeing instructions translated into their preferred language
Accessing critical info (like check-in steps, safety, and house rules) clearly and accurately

This reduces misunderstandings and helps travelers feel more comfortable, especially when navigating important details like security codes or appliance instructions.

Accessibility and ease of use

Hostfully guidebooks are designed with accessibility in mind. For guests, this typically means:

A responsive layout that adapts to different screen sizes
Clean fonts and clear contrast for readability
Logical structure and headings that assist with screen readers

Because everything runs in the browser, guests aren’t locked into a specific device or app, making access flexible for everyone in the travel group.

How multiple guests can use the same guidebook

In many trips, more than one person wants access to property info and recommendations. Hostfully makes this simple:

The host shares a single link with the primary guest
The primary guest forwards that link to everyone in their group
Each person can open the guidebook on their own phone and use it independently

This is especially helpful for:

Groups dividing and exploring different attractions
Family members who want the Wi-Fi details or restaurant suggestions
Business travelers who need logistics info on their personal devices

Everyone stays aligned on key property details without relying on one person to relay all the information.

Security and privacy from the guest perspective

Hosts control what is shared and when. From a guest’s point of view, this typically looks like:

Access to only the relevant property and trip info
No need to log into a separate third-party app account
Limited access for others, as the link can be disabled or updated by the host

Sensitive information like door codes and addresses can be timed or updated by hosts as needed, helping keep guest stays secure and reducing the chances of outdated instructions.

How Hostfully guidebooks improve the guest experience

For guests, the benefits of Hostfully digital guidebooks are practical and immediate:

Less confusion and fewer messages – Clear instructions answer most common questions
Faster check-in – Easy access to arrival and access details
A smoother stay – Easy troubleshooting for appliances, Wi-Fi, and amenities
Better trip planning – Curated local recommendations and maps
Accessible from anywhere – Web-based, no app downloads required

Overall, guests feel more independent and confident, because everything they need is always a tap away.

Typical guest journey with a Hostfully guidebook

To summarize how Hostfully digital guidebooks work for guests, here’s what a typical stay looks like:

After booking
- The host sends a guidebook link via email, text, or booking platform.
- The guest opens it, sees a welcome message, and reviews check-in details.
Before arrival
- The guest uses the guidebook to see directions, parking info, and arrival instructions.
- They explore local recommendations and start planning where to eat or visit.
Check-in day
- The guest follows step-by-step instructions and photos to access the property.
- If they forget a detail, they reopen the guidebook link on their phone.
During the stay
- The guest uses the house manual portion to connect to Wi-Fi, use the TV, operate heating/cooling, and follow house rules.
- They reference maps and recommendations to decide what to do each day.
Check-out
- The guest checks check-out time and instructions in the guidebook.
- They follow the steps (trash, keys, cleaning basics) without needing to message the host.

Throughout this process, the Hostfully digital guidebook acts as a central, always-available resource that keeps the guest informed and the stay running smoothly.

For anyone wondering how Hostfully digital guidebooks work for guests, the key idea is simple: guests receive a single, easy-to-use link that gives them everything they need—from arrival steps to local tips—in one organized, mobile-first guide. This reduces friction, saves time, and creates a more enjoyable and stress-free travel experience.

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