A good set of automated messages is one of the most useful things you can set up for guest experience and reviews. Here are the messages that actually matter, when to send them, and how to write them.
The short answer
Schedule five messages: a confirmation right after booking, check-in instructions two days before arrival, a short welcome on arrival day, a mid-stay check-in for longer stays, and a review request after checkout. Keep each one short, personal and specific.
Message 1: the booking confirmation (within an hour of booking)
This message reassures the guest and sets the tone. Warm, personal and brief.
Hi [First name], thanks for your booking! I'm looking forward to hosting you from [dates]. I'll send all the practical details 48 hours before you arrive. In the meantime, feel free to reach out with any questions.
Message 2: check-in instructions (2 days before arrival)
This is the most important message. It must contain everything the guest needs: exact address, access code or key pickup, parking, Wi-Fi, self check-in or in-person welcome. It is also the natural place for a link to your digital guidebook.
Hi [First name], your stay at [property] starts in two days. Here is everything you need: Address: [address]. Check-in from [time]. Access code: [code]. Parking: [details]. Wi-Fi: [network] / [password]. Your guidebook with house rules and local tips: [link]. Safe travels!
Message 3: the welcome message (arrival day)
A short note on arrival day, with a reminder of the essentials and a personal touch: a restaurant you love, a walk not to miss. This is often what guests mention in their review.
Message 4: the mid-stay check-in (longer stays)
For stays of more than three nights, a quick message halfway through to make sure everything is fine. Keep it simple: "Hi, I hope you're enjoying your stay. Let me know if you need anything at all."
Message 5: the review request (the day after checkout)
A sincere thank-you that invites the guest to leave a review if they enjoyed their stay. Don't push: one well-written message is enough.
Set up properly, these five messages help improve your reviews and reduce the number of questions during the stay.
How it works in Boostinghost
Each template is triggered at booking, before or after check-in, or after checkout, with a delay in hours or days. Variables (first name, dates, property, guidebook link, access code) fill in automatically, and messages can be translated automatically into the guest's language. For free-form questions in between, AI takes over using the property guidebook.
Frequently asked questions
Should I send access codes in the booking confirmation?
Better to send them shortly before arrival, in the check-in message. Guests find them more easily, and you limit how long sensitive information circulates.
Do automated messages replace AI replies?
No, they work together. Scheduled messages send the right information at the right time; AI answers the questions guests ask in between.
Should I write in the guest's language?
It is more comfortable for them and reduces misunderstandings. A tool that translates your templates automatically saves you from writing every message in several languages.
How long should each message be?
As short as possible while still complete. Guests read on their phones, often while traveling: use short lines and put codes and times where they are easy to spot.
Key takeaways
Five well-timed messages cover most of the guest journey. Write them once, personalize them with variables, and let your software send them at the right time.
