Is Your "Guest Pre-Arrival Folder" Warm, Helpful and Crystal-Clear? - Part 1

For simplicity's sake, when we talk about a pre-arrivalaggravating one-way streets. And why not go the
folder, we're referring to the folder of informationextra mile and suggest routes with the least heavy
you will send your guest prior to his arrival as well astraffic during certain hours or best road conditions?
the house copy you will leave inside the property forMake sure you keep informed about any road
easy reference - most of the documents are theconstruction going on in your district.
same.Taking possession of the property
A fun way to put this folder together is to putSo your guest has finally pulled up in front of the
yourself in your guest's shoes (or flip flops!) and do aaddress you provided - remember that your
virtual trip to your property. So let the journey begin!pre-arrival folder should reiterate the check-in date
Getting there safely!and time and the fact that early check-in is not
Now that the legal paperwork is behind you both,allowed. But his pain is not over yet, he must be able
you'll want your guest's pre-arrival folder to have ato access your property easily.
warm and welcoming tone - so start with a welcomeSome owners include a photo of the front entrance
letter - and why not find an attractive title for yourof the property, building or condo - this helps when
folder such as "Robert Cole welcomes you to Casafolks arrive after dark. If the property is located
Genista" or "Casa Genista - your urban oasis awaitswithin a complex, tell your guest how to find your
you".condo once inside the building - provide gate codes,
Your next job is to steer your guest safely tobuilding and unit number, floor, landmarks, elevator
destination. When providing directions, repeating yourand stairwell locations, turn left, turn right, where to
exact street address is a start, mentioning a fewfind luggage carts, etc. And once the little family has
key landmarks is better, and adding mileage anddownloaded its gear, make sure your guest knows
approximate travel times is even better. You can usewhere to park and where to pick up the parking
Google Map to help you propose driving directionspass.
and point out your property location from variousTell your guest everything he needs to know about
airports, city closest to your location, access fromkeys: where to pick them up, how to use your door
the north or south, etc. The idea is to do whateverlock, where to locate the lockbox, what code to use
you can to avoid frustration - there's nothing worse,(choose an easy-to-remember one!), how to use it.
on your first day of vacation, than getting lost andYou might want to include a photo of your lockbox
driving around in circles! This may mean you shouldfor folks who have never used one before.
include detailed directions from local airports or trains.To be continued in Is Your "Guest Pre-Arrival Folder"
Remember to give indications that will help yourWarm, Helpful And Crystal-Clear? - Part 2
guest know if he's shot past his mark and missedReferences
your property, and don't forget to mention those1.