The Airbnb message to host example and explanation below will help you create the perfect email to get that booking for your next trip.
So, you’ve found the perfect Airbnb booking and you’re ready to book! The most important step is connecting with the Airbnb host and sending a thoughtful pre-booking message on the popular hospitality platform. Unless your host has Instant Booking turned on, you will need to send a message for your booking to be approved.
This article covers how you can make a positive first impression and increase your chances of securing the reservation for your dream stay. The tips included below are useful any time of the year.
Let’s jump right into the Airbnb message to host example and template.
PS: whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’re new to sending Airbnb messages, you’ll find this article useful. I include tips and tricks hosts love at the bottom of this article for anyone wanting to show they will be a great guest.
When do you need to send a message to the host? Hosts without Instant Booking turned on will be manually approving your request to stay at their vacation rental property. So it is likely you’ll have to send a message to host at some point of using the Airbnb platform. This is why creating a great first impression with your message to the host is so important.
Airbnb Message to Host Example: What to Include
Share the Dates You Want to Stay at the Airbnb
Include the specific dates of your stay right away in your message. List when you will be arriving and leaving.
Let the Host Know Why You are Traveling to the Area
Share a sentence or two about your reason for travel. Is it work, vacation, something else? This bit of personalization helps the host understand why you want to book with them. It is also a good way to add personalization without making your message too wordy.
Mention Something From Their Airbnb Listing Description
Mentioning one or two specifics signals to the host that you read their listing and you know what to expect at their rental. Hosts obviously don’t want you to feel disappointed about your experience at their rental property. Pointing out how the property fits your needs puts their mind at ease.
You can mention something practical like the great location. Or, you can mention the ambiance, amenities, decor, or something else. Whatever you choose, make sure it is genuine.
Including short details like this also shows the host that you are not copy-pasting the same message to many different hosts. Since you took the time to read their listing, they will see you as being a serious inquiry. This strategy also prevents you from accidentally including additional questions that might be included in the listing.
Include the Number of People in Your Group
Include the number of people traveling with you. This way hosts won’t worry you made the wrong number selection on their listing. You can include their relation to you if you think this is important, but it might not be necessary. Use your best discretion and be honest about the size of your party.
Airbnb Message to Host Example: Message Examples
Here are two different styles that are great examples of messages to hosts:
Example 1
Hi [host name],
My partner and I will be traveling to Kailua-Kona for a triathlon next October. Your property stood out to me because of its perfect location for training before my race. You also mentioned a Keurig coffee maker – perfect for my partner’s coffee obsession. I am interested in booking October 6 to 16, is this time available?
Looking forward to connecting, [ guest name]
Example 2
Hi [host name],
I am traveling with two friends through Atlanta on vacation from July 1 through July 5. I’m interested in staying at [Airbnb property name]. We fell in love with your Airbnb and its colorful decor – the home feels so bright and spacious! We think it would be a perfect spot to relax and unwind between exploring the city. Is the rental available July 1-5?
Thanks for your consideration,
[guest name]
Airbnb Message to Host Example: Message Template
Here is the template you can use to craft your own message to host. Fill in the blank spaces and give it a final read through before sending off to the host.
Airbnb Message Template
[Insert greeting] [host name],
I am traveling to [location/city/town] from [insert start to end date] for [occasion]. I am interested in booking a stay at [property name] for [number of people]. [1-2 sentences about why you chose their AirBnB]. I am interested in booking [start date] to [end date], is this time slot available?
Thank you,
[guest name]
Airbnb Message to Host Example: The Bottom Line
Remember, keep your message short and to the point. Include essential information and leave out lengthy personal details. You don’t need to stuff a ton of details about your trip or your background into the message. Also, try to keep questions to a minimum. The purpose of the first message you send to a host is to provide essential information and create a good impression.
However, if you have special requests, this is the time to mention them. This way you and the host will know upfront what the expectations are in order make the booking a done deal. Say you’re asking about extra parking, storage, or other things that could make or break a booking request for either you or the host.
Try to get your questions answered by reading the listing. If you still have questions, include essential questions in your message to host. You can either put your essential questions into the initial message, or in your follow up message when the host responds. Either way, be up front and honest about your questions so your time, and the hosts time, are well spent.
Example from the Kailua-Kona message above:
Hello,
My partner and I will be traveling to Kailua-Kona for a triathlon next October. Your property stood out to me because of its perfect location for training before my race. You also mentioned a Keurig coffee maker – perfect for my partner’s coffee obsession. I am interested in booking [start to end dates] if it is available? One special request – Is it acceptable for me to store my race bike (his name is Barry) in the entryway of the condo?
Looking forward to connecting, [name]
Airbnb Message to Host Example: Important Details
A solid Airbnb message to host helps you initiate the booking process on a great note. Having excellent communication from the get-go helps ensure a relaxing trip. After all, that’s what AirBnB is all about, right?
Here are a few extra considerations for your host message.
Consider the Send Time
Super hosts maintain their Super Host status by meeting certain platform metrics. Your host may be required to respond within a certain time frame. Leave a great impression and help the host out by sending your message during normal business hours (in their timezone) as much as possible. Remember there’s a real person on the other side of the message.
Make Sure You Have Good Reviews as a Guest
Positive Airbnb reviews from past hosts to you indicate you are trustworthy. If you’ve stayed at Airbnb(s) in the past, try giving the host a positive review – they are very likely to return the favor. If it’s your first time on the platform or you don’t have reviews yet, no problem. Make sure you have completed your Airbnb profile. This signals you’re a real person and not a scammer.
Optimize Your Airbnb Profile
Add essential details to your profile so there is a human element to it. Having a profile picture is optional, and some people have different opinions on whether to include a profile picture. Use your discretion here.
You can become verified through the platform with a government issued ID. This is a very good way to help hosts feel comfortable booking you for a stay.
Leave Positive Reviews for Previous Hosts
5-star reviews to previous hosts shows that you are a positive member of the Airbnb community. It also shows that you’ve taken the time to send appreciation to past hosts. Not to mention, it is a favor to future guests who are considering a stay. Airbnb guest reviews help hosts a lot as they build their reputation on the platform.
Just a note, and something I’ve seen across forums – If a host sees negative reviews you’ve left before they may be wary of booking with you. Yes, sometimes those reviews are true. If you have a track record of negative reviews however, this could count against you when sending a booking request.
Airbnb Message to Host Example:What to Expect After Pressing “SEND”
Once you’ve sent off your Airbnb message to host, expect a follow-up message shortly after. Guest experience is a huge focus on the platform, and hosts are required to give timely responses.
Keep communication timely, and follow all Airbnb policies for a positive experience. There are other communication touch points with hosts like the check-in message that will share more details about your visit once it is booked.
Want the opinion of an Airbnb Superhost? This Superhost explains what she expects to see in an Airbnb guests.
There you have it, the perfect Airbnb message to host examples + templates to help you get your booking every time! Implement the recommendations above and send off your message to the host with confidence.
Find me on Instagram and explore my blog for upscale travel and boutique accomodations.
