Local accommodation: 8 tips for a perfect check-in

Although contact begins when the reservation is confirmed, the moment of check-in is decisive in creating empathy with guests, since the vast majority do not ask any questions or respond to confirmation emails before arrival.

Here are some tips that you should always keep in mind to ensure that you receive your guests in the best possible way in your Local Accommodation.

1. Make sure the house is in good condition

There’s nothing worse than showing your new guests around and realizing that something is wrong. To avoid surprises, there’s nothing like taking a tour of every room to make sure everything is as it should be: the beds are made, the garbage cans are empty, the kitchen is clean and tidy, etc.

2. Prepare a welcome gift

Although not obligatory, all guests like to receive a small gift on arrival. It can be a small snack, like some traditional cookies, or something more elaborate, like a basket of Portuguese products. The important thing is to show your hospitality.

3. Welcome your guests with a smile

First impressions are everything, so there’s nothing like welcoming your guests with a smile and showing that you know their names and where they come from. This will help people feel comfortable and more at ease to ask any questions they may have.

4. Be clear and succinct

Don’t forget that most guests have traveled a long way by plane or car to get to your home. Make yourself available to provide all the information you need, but don’t go into unnecessary detail.

5. Share information about the house

All the special features of the house should be mentioned at check-in; whether there is a window that opens to the opposite side of the house, where the sheets are for the sofa bed (if there is one), how the main appliances work, etc. All in a simple and uncomplicated way, to ensure that guests are aware of all the indications.

6. Give tips about the city

Don’t forget that the vast majority of guests have already found out about the place they’re visiting, so there’s nothing like giving them less touristy tips and recommending more local programs that allow them to get to know the city in a more genuine way.

7. Remember the important general rules

The rules are usually sent when the booking is confirmed, but it’s important to remember a few so that there are no doubts: clarify check-out times, inform about quiet hours, show where and when to put out the garbage, etc.

8. Share your most important contacts

Show all the contacts that can be useful during your stay, as well as the most important ones, such as the emergency services, police, fire department, etc. If you work for a Local Accommodation company with maintenance services (such as ALPONTE), also share the number that guests can call in case of need or breakdowns.

The check-in process can be very tiring and laborious, especially if you have short stays and several houses, as you will have to repeat this process every few days, with new check-ins.

people coming and going. That’s why many owners choose to hire a Local Accommodation management company that is responsible not only for the guests’ arrivals and departures, but also for ensuring that the entire stay goes as planned.