Vrbo Check-In Instructions: Making the Process Easier for Guests

You can use Inbox AI tools to quickly create personalized responses to unusual guest questions.

• Type your message and use Improve with AI to correct grammar and polish what you have drafted for clarity and tone.

• Use Suggest with AI to generate a detailed draft response to the last guest message based on the property and booking details, past replies, and the relevant information you’ve uploaded to the Knowledge Hub.

• Opt into a fully automated AI Inbox. Enable Auto Reply by specifying times when the AI can automatically reply to guests.

You may use this checklist for guidance on what information to include in your Vrbo check-in instructions:

• Your property’s address—put it at the very top of the page.

• Driving directions—explain the best way to arrive at your place from the airport, train station, or motorway.

• Your check-in time.

• Parking instructions and suggestions.

• Contact number to reach you.

• Your local contact person who can help if something goes wrong with the check-in process.

• Where to find the key (Is there a lockbox code, or will you meet them upon arrival? If you have a smart lock, include a unique access code for each stay.

• Ensure your guests are aware of your house rules.

You may also want to include additional helpful information, for example, the WiFi password or the list of what is provided (linen, towels, etc.), and explain where these items are located.

Vrbo Check-In Time

There is no set standard Vrbo check-in time, and each host can decide a time that works best for them and their guests. You need to include this information in your listing description. Typically, check-in time is from 2 pm to 4 pm. But people travel around the clock, so your check-in time must be, first and foremost, reasonable and flexible.

When setting the check-in time for your rental property, consider several factors. For example, many hosts use different check-in times for weekday and weekend stays. Business travelers don’t mind checking in later because they often arrive after work hours. And weekend guests seeking relaxation are more eager to arrive early, so you may offer them an optional early check-in.

You should also consider your turnaround time and coordinate your check-in and checkout times to ensure enough time to clean your space and prepare for the next booking.

Vrbo Self-Check-In

Add self-check-in to your Vrbo listing because it’s an easy way for your guests to get inside. It allows them to access the rental property without the host being present. Offering your guests self-check-in will improve their experience by allowing flexible arrival times and greater privacy. It can help make the process smoother and more comfortable for them.

Travelers can arrive at your place at any time after a specified check-in time on their arrival date and conveniently access your home using a key lockbox, a smart lock, or a keypad. Self-check-in saves you time and makes your Vrbo listing more appealing to tech-savvy travelers, increasing the likelihood they'll make a reservation.

Providing self-check-in can simplify things for guests, but as a host, you are responsible for creating a safe process. So if you use a lockbox, you should update the combination between stays and ensure that no one else has access to the keys during the reservation. After every reservation, you should also change the code if you use a keypad or a smart lock.

Hospitable has seamless integration with popular smart lock systems, including Schlage, Yale, August, and other top brands. If you connect your smart lock to your Hospitable property, our system will create a unique access code for each reservation and share it with your guest through the messaging flow at the right time. Unlike most PMSs that offer self-check-in as a paid add-on, smart device management is included in the package starting with the Professional plan.

Moreover, Hospitable offers many other valuable features to help you put your vacation rental business on autopilot. You’ll be able to take advantage of Hospitable’s built-in Dynamic Pricing feature available to users on all plans at no extra cost, manage listings on multiple platforms from one convenient location, and be protected from double-bookings.