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Introduction
It’s midnight. Your phone lights up with a message: “How do we turn on the hot tub?”
Sound familiar? For vacation rental hosts, late-night questions aren’t just inconvenient—they’re exhausting. That’s where digital guest guides come in. Platforms like Checked.in are changing the game by answering guest questions before they’re asked, blending automation and personalization to save time and elevate the guest experience. Here’s how these tools help—and why Checked.in stands above the rest.
Why Smart Hosts Choose Checked.in
Digital guest guides aren’t new—but Checked.in does them better. While alternatives like TouchStay, Hostfully, and Guidebook offer sleek designs or complex features, Checked.in focuses on what matters most: automation, ease of use, and flexibility.
1. Human-Like Automation That Works for You
Checked.in automates the repetitive stuff—without sounding robotic. Imagine:
- Auto-sent check-in emails customized by guest arrival time
- Reminders about trash day or quiet hours triggered by check-in
- Timely upsell prompts for local experiences when guests are most engaged
Jake, a host in Lake Tahoe, used to spend 3+ hours per booking answering guest questions. After switching to Checked.in, he reclaimed over 10 hours per week. “Guests love the instant access,” he says. “I love not being on call 24/7—and the upsells now add $200 per booking.”
Even for last-minute bookings, Checked.in adjusts timelines automatically—no manual emails or scrambling to update spreadsheets.
2. So Simple, Your Grandma Could Use It
Other platforms feel like launching a spaceship. Checked.in is refreshingly simple.
- Hosts can build or edit a guide in minutes
- Guests swipe through it like a social feed
- Mobile-first design looks great on any screen—no zooming or pinching needed
Plus, few-click templates for common property types (like ski cabins or beach rentals) help you start fast and customize later.
3. Make It Personal
Your property is unique—your guide should be too. Checked.in lets you:
- Add your branding, colors, and logo
- Highlight local favorites and partner discounts
- Offer personalized recommendations (e.g., “best kid-friendly hikes” or “romantic date night spots”)
Sarah, a Sedona host, saw a 20% increase in repeat bookings after adding a “Local Secrets” section. “Guests love feeling like insiders,” she says. “They tell their friends—and they keep coming back.”
With collaboration tools, co-hosts and managers can contribute, making it ideal for teams with multiple properties.
4. Security That Keeps You Covered
Paper guides can expose sensitive info—like door codes or property addresses. Checked.in keeps everything encrypted, protected by two-factor authentication, and access is revoked automatically after checkout.
It’s also fully compliant with GDPR and CCPA, giving you peace of mind on data privacy.
How Other Platforms Compare
TouchStay: All Style, Less Substance
TouchStay offers visually appealing guides—but still requires hosts to send manual reminders and promotions. One host said, “It looked great, but I was still copying links all day.”
Pricing also scales up quickly for multi-property hosts.
Hostfully: More Than You Need
Hostfully is built for large teams and complex portfolios. That’s great—if you need that. But for solo hosts or small teams, it’s often too much. Checked.in offers the same power with a simpler, cleaner interface.
Enso Connect: Powerful but Complex
Enso Connect offers a comprehensive guest experience platform, including digital guidebooks, AI-driven messaging, and smart lock integrations. While it’s a robust solution for larger operations, its complexity and broader focus may be overwhelming for individual hosts or those seeking a more straightforward setup. Checked.in provides a more streamlined, user-friendly approach tailored to hosts who prioritize ease of use and quick implementation.
5 Pro Tips to Maximize Your Digital Guest Guide
1. Start with the Essentials
Guests want quick answers. Include:
- Wi-Fi info
- Appliance guides (even the coffee maker!)
- Check-in/out steps (bonus points for a video walkthrough)
Stay tuned for next week’s blog, where we’ll share expert tips on crafting foolproof check-in instructions to streamline your guest arrivals and enhance their experience.
2. Keep It Current
Outdated info frustrates guests. Update your guide seasonally—think ski rentals in winter, beach gear in summer. Use Checked.in’s analytics to see what guests click most and refine from there. One Vermont host doubled local revenue with seasonal promotions.
3. Add Visuals
Short videos, step-by-step photos, and local maps make digital guides more intuitive and engaging. A 20-second tutorial on lighting the fireplace can prevent multiple late-night inquiries. Visual storytelling not only captures attention but also creates memorable experiences for guests, enhancing their overall satisfaction and connection to your property .
Incorporating visual content—such as images of add-ons, recommendations, and clear instructions—helps guests better understand and appreciate the amenities and experiences you offer. This approach not only enriches their stay but also reduces the need for direct communication, allowing for a smoother and more enjoyable experience for both guests and hosts.
4. Use Feedback to Improve
Encourage guests to leave feedback or suggest additions. One Nashville host added a “Quiet Hours” section after guest requests—noise complaints dropped by half. Another started using guests’ names in messages, and reviews praised the personalized feel.
5. Integrate with Smart Tech
Connect Checked.in with your smart locks, thermostats, and lighting. Guests can unlock doors, adjust the AC, or turn off lights—all from the guide. Hands-off hosting at its finest.
Final Word: Work Less, Wow More
Digital guest guides like Checked.in free up your time, reduce guest confusion, and increase bookings. With built-in automation, smart integrations, and fully branded experiences, you get happier guests—and fewer headaches.
Try Checked.in today and join the growing number of hosts who’ve cut their workload by 30% while boosting reviews and revenue. By using digital guest guides, you’re not just keeping up—you’re leading the way. Let Checked.in handle the busywork while you focus on delivering unforgettable experiences.
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