Creating a local guide for your rental guests can improve their stay, reduce questions, and help you stand out. Here's how to make one:
Understand Guest Needs: Tailor to different travelers (business, families, couples, extended stays).
Include Key Info: Directions, dining, attractions, emergency contacts, and property details.
Map It Out: Highlight nearby essentials like grocery stores, pharmacies, and attractions within 5 miles.
Add Local Tips: Best times to visit, hidden gems, and seasonal advice.
Keep It Updated: Regularly verify details and adjust based on guest feedback.
Choose a Format: Print, digital, or both for easy access.
A well-made guide not only helps guests explore but also boosts your ratings by showing you care about their experience.
Step 1: Know What Guests Want
To create a useful local guide, you need to understand what your guests care about most. Different travelers have different priorities, so tailoring your guide to their needs is essential.
Types of Guests
Here’s a breakdown of common types of guests and what they typically look for:
Business Travelers
Fast and easy transportation options
Reliable WiFi and workspace details
Locations of business services
Convenient places to grab a quick meal
Families with Children
Activities suitable for kids
Parks and playgrounds nearby
Restaurants and grocery stores with family-friendly options
Emergency medical facilities
Couples on Vacation
Romantic spots for dining
Entertainment and nightlife options
Scenic places for photos
Memorable local experiences
Extended Stay Guests
Access to laundry facilities
Fitness centers or gyms
Grocery stores for extended stays
Long-term parking options
Most-Asked Questions
The type of guests you host will often guide the questions they ask. Based on Stay Maven's experience managing properties across multiple states, answering these common questions in your guide can help cut down on support requests.
Local Navigation
Best routes to downtown areas
Closest grocery stores
Directions to popular attractions
Parking availability and options
Dining and Entertainment
Food delivery services nearby
Must-try local dishes
Venues for live entertainment
Late-night dining or hangout spots
Property-Specific Information
Guests often appreciate clear details about the property itself. As one guest, Katlyn, shared:
"Communication was definitely a strong suit"
Another guest, Jenna, echoed this sentiment:
"They were extremely accommodating, very communicative, and great hosts all around"
Make sure to include:
Security and access instructions
How to use property amenities
Guidelines for shared spaces
Step 2: Find and Check Local Details
Map Out Key Locations
Identify important spots within a 5-mile radius that match your guests' needs:
Pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens, or local alternatives
ATMs and bank branches
Medical facilities and urgent care centers
Gas stations
Public transportation hubs
Local Attractions
Must-see tourist spots
Parks and recreational areas
Shopping districts
Entertainment venues
Historical or cultural landmarks
Use Google Maps to create a custom map with pins for these locations. Include walking and driving times in minutes, which are more useful for guests than distances in miles.
Once you've mapped these, add some personal insights to make the guide stand out.
Add Local Knowledge
Provide tips that make navigating the area easier and more enjoyable:
Time-Saving Tips
Best times to visit popular attractions to skip the crowds
Alternate routes to avoid traffic during rush hours (7:30–9:30 AM and 4:30–6:30 PM)
Parking tips for busy spots
Seasonal advice, like summer beach access or winter ski resort schedules
Local Favorites
Hidden gems that most tourists overlook
Unique dishes or drinks at recommended restaurants
Community events or festivals
Scenic spots perfect for photos
These insights give your guide a personal touch. Make sure the information stays accurate by checking it regularly.
Check Information Accuracy
Keep everything up-to-date with these methods:
1. Regular Physical Visits
Visit featured locations every few months
Take fresh photos
Confirm operating hours in person
Test out routes and parking suggestions
2. Digital Verification
Set up Google Alerts for businesses you recommend
Follow local venues on social media for updates
Subscribe to neighborhood newsletters
Stay informed about roadwork or business changes via local news
3. Documentation System
Information Type
Frequency
Method
Business Hours
Monthly
Check websites or call
Menu Prices
Quarterly
Visit in person
Seasonal Activities
Twice a year
Verify online or by phone
Transportation Routes
Monthly
Test by driving or walking
Regular updates ensure your guide remains accurate and helpful for guests.
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Step 3: Build Your Guide
Now that your local details are verified, it’s time to organize your guide for clarity and easy use.
Group Similar Items
Start by dividing your guide into key sections for quick reference:
Emergency & Important Contacts
Local emergency numbers
Property manager's contact information
Nearby hospitals and urgent care centers
24-hour pharmacies
Building maintenance (if applicable)
Food & Dining
Breakfast spots (operating between 6 AM and 11 AM)
Local restaurants categorized by cuisine
Coffee shops and cafes
Grocery stores with hours of operation
Food delivery services
Transportation & Navigation
Parking details
Public transit options
Reliable taxi services
Rideshare pickup zones
Walking routes to popular attractions
Activities & Entertainment
Family-friendly attractions
Outdoor activities
Cultural venues
Shopping districts
Nightlife destinations
Once everything is grouped, decide on the best way to present the information.
Pick Print or Digital
Format
Description
Print Guide
Great for immediate access and guests who prefer physical materials
Digital Guide
Perfect for real-time updates and tech-savvy guests who like searchable content
Hybrid Approach
Combines both formats to cater to all preferences and provides a backup option
Whichever format you choose, ensure the guide is organized for quick navigation.
Make it Easy to Read
Add Visual Elements
Include high-quality photos of recommended places
Use custom Google Maps with color-coded pins
Add icons to represent each category
Keep text concise, limiting blocks to 3-4 sentences
Focus on Design and Organization
Use bold headers and include a table of contents
Add distances and travel times from your property
Include QR codes linking to maps or useful websites
Maintain ample white space for readability
Organize sections by popularity, starting with the most requested information
Include price ranges (e.g., $, $$, $$$)
Highlight peak hours and the best times to visit
Note family-friendly and accessible options
Add seasonal tips for weather-dependent activities
Step 4: Keep Information Current
Keeping your guide up-to-date is crucial for providing accurate and dependable information to your guests. Here's how to stay on top of it.
Set Regular Update Schedules
Plan consistent reviews to ensure your guide reflects the latest details.
Quarterly Reviews
Double-check business hours and contact details.
Refresh pricing information.
Update seasonal activities.
Confirm transportation rates.
Monthly Checks
Stay updated on business social media posts.
Review local event calendars.
Note any temporary closures or renovations.
Immediate Updates
Address business closures.
Reflect policy changes.
Update emergency contacts.
Adjust safety protocols as needed.
Leverage Guest Feedback
At Stay Maven, managers actively use guest reviews to identify areas needing updates.
What to Watch For
Are business hours accurate?
Is venue quality represented correctly?
Are directions clear and easy to follow?
Is any important information missing?
To gather feedback, you can:
Add a QR code linking to a feedback form.
Review guest messages for suggestions.
Track sections that guests frequently mention.
Document common questions or concerns.
Incorporate this feedback into your scheduled updates to keep your guide relevant and helpful.
Stay Informed About Local Changes
In addition to scheduled updates and guest input, keep an eye on local developments.
Digital Tools
Follow local news outlets.
Subscribe to chamber of commerce newsletters.
Monitor neighborhood social media groups.
Set up Google alerts for key businesses or events.
Build Local Connections
Partner with nearby businesses.
Attend community meetings to stay in the loop.
Network with other hosts in your area.
Keep tabs on tourism updates and announcements.
Conclusion: Better Guest Stays Through Local Guides
A thoughtfully designed local guide can transform the guest experience. By sharing up-to-date tips about the area, you're offering more than just a place to sleep - you’re helping travelers enjoy their trip to the fullest.
Having a local guide also simplifies communication and boosts hospitality. Anticipating what guests might need allows you to focus on providing top-notch service.
Professional management services can also make a big difference in improving guest satisfaction. For example, Stay Maven (https://staymaven.co) combines local knowledge with smart technology to create better guest experiences. Their account managers act as trusted local experts for each property.
"Stay Maven is a short-term rental management company that enables real estate investors to achieve their goals. Through our hands-free management services, we handle every aspect of the rental process, allowing investors to focus on maximizing their returns. By combining expertise, technology, and exceptional guest experiences, Stay Maven offers a hassle-free solution that delivers results." – Stay Maven
Ultimately, a local guide is more than just a list of recommendations. It builds trust, saves time by addressing common questions, personalizes the guest experience, and encourages repeat visits. A well-maintained guide is a cornerstone of any great guest stay.
