Airbnb Pre-Booking Message: 8 Examples That Get You Accepted
The pre-booking message is the most underused tool on Airbnb — by guests and hosts alike.
For guests, a good pre-booking message is the difference between an instant acceptance and being ignored. For hosts, the messages you send (and how you respond to inquiries) shape who books and how smoothly the stay goes.
This article covers both sides: what guests should write to get accepted, and what hosts should know about the inquiries they receive. Eight templates included.
What a pre-booking message is (and why it matters)
A pre-booking message is what a potential guest sends before requesting or confirming a booking — usually to ask a question, introduce themselves, or check availability.
For hosts who don't use Instant Book, this message is your first impression of a guest. A thoughtful one signals a respectful, low-risk guest. A blank booking request with no message signals nothing — and many hosts hesitate before accepting it.
For guests, the message is a chance to stand out. Hosts receiving multiple inquiries will favor the guest who took thirty seconds to be human over the one who sent a blank request.
8 pre-booking message templates for guests
1. The simple introduction (most situations)
Hi [Host name],
We'd love to stay at your place for [dates]. We're [a couple / a small family / two friends] visiting [city] for [reason — a wedding, sightseeing, a short break].
We're quiet, respectful guests and will treat your home with care. Looking forward to hearing from you!
[Your name]
2. The availability check
Hi [Host name],
Is your place available for [dates]? We're planning a trip to [city] and yours looks perfect for what we need.
Happy to answer any questions you might have about us. Thanks!
[Your name]
3. The question + introduction (strongest approach)
Hi [Host name],
Your apartment looks ideal for our stay in [city] from [dates]. Quick question — is [parking / early check-in / the second bedroom] available?
For context, we're [brief, reassuring description]. We've stayed in several Airbnbs and always leave places as we found them.
Thanks in advance! [Your name]
4. The business traveler
Hi [Host name],
I'm traveling to [city] for work from [dates] and your place looks perfect — quiet and well located for what I need.
I'm an easy guest: out most of the day, no parties, just need a comfortable base. Is the WiFi reliable for video calls?
Thanks! [Your name]
5. The longer stay
Hi [Host name],
I'm interested in booking your place for [X weeks/months] from [dates]. I'm relocating to [city] for [reason] and looking for somewhere comfortable while I get settled.
I'm a tidy, reliable long-term guest. Would you consider a slightly longer booking, and is there any flexibility on the monthly rate?
Looking forward to hearing from you. [Your name]
6. The first-time guest (no reviews yet)
Hi [Host name],
I'm fairly new to Airbnb so I don't have reviews yet, but I wanted to introduce myself properly. I'm [name], [brief context], visiting [city] for [reason].
I'll treat your home with complete respect and am happy to answer any questions that would put you at ease. Hope to stay with you!
[Your name]
7. The pet owner
Hi [Host name],
We'd love to stay [dates] and noticed your listing is pet-friendly. We'd be traveling with our [type, size, temperament — e.g., "small, well-trained dog who's calm indoors"].
He's house-trained, doesn't bark, and we always bring his own bed and clean up fully. Happy to share more if helpful!
[Your name]
8. The special occasion
Hi [Host name],
We're hoping to book your place for [dates] to celebrate [occasion]. Your space looks like exactly the right setting.
We'll be respectful of the home and neighbors — just looking for somewhere special for the occasion. Any tips for making the most of the area would be very welcome!
[Your name]
What hosts actually want to see
If you're a host wondering why some inquiries feel right and others don't, here's what the strong messages have in common:
They say why they're traveling. "Visiting for a wedding" or "work trip" gives context that reassures.
They describe themselves briefly. "Quiet couple," "small family," "tidy long-term guest" — a few words that signal low risk.
They mention respect for the home. Not in a forced way, but a simple "we'll treat your place with care" goes a long way.
They ask a reasonable question. A specific question ("is parking available?") shows genuine interest and engagement.
A blank booking request isn't a red flag on its own — but a thoughtful message is always a green one.
For hosts: your side of the pre-booking conversation
How you respond to inquiries matters as much as what guests send. A few principles:
Respond fast. Airbnb's algorithm rewards response time, and guests inquiring usually message several listings. The first thoughtful response often wins the booking.
Answer the question and add one thing. If they ask about parking, answer it and add a small helpful detail ("yes, free street parking right outside, and there's a paid garage two minutes away if you prefer"). It signals attentiveness.
Set expectations early. If your check-in is self-service, if the neighborhood is lively at night, if stairs are involved — mention it before booking. Guests who know what they're getting leave better reviews.
After the booking: the welcome sequence
Once a guest books, the pre-booking message becomes the start of a sequence: booking confirmation, pre-arrival details, check-in instructions, and the welcome guide they'll use throughout their stay. Once the booking is confirmed, move on to your welcome message sequence, and the sequence ends with clear check-in instructions sent before arrival.
The smoother this sequence, the better the stay — and the better the review.
Welkome handles the welcome guide part: a complete digital guide generated by AI, auto-translated into 6 languages, accessible by QR code. Your guests get everything they need from arrival to checkout, in their own language. Free for 1 property.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to send a message before booking on Airbnb?
Not always — if the listing has Instant Book enabled, you can book directly. But for listings without it, a message is required to request a booking, and a thoughtful one significantly improves your chances of being accepted, especially if you're a newer guest without reviews.
What should I avoid in a pre-booking message?
Avoid being vague ("hi is this available"), making excessive demands before booking, or writing nothing at all. Hosts respond best to messages that are polite, specific, and reassuring about who you are.
How long should a pre-booking message be?
Short — 2 to 4 sentences. Long enough to introduce yourself and ask anything relevant, short enough to respect the host's time. Hosts read dozens of these; brevity is appreciated.
As a host, should I require a message before accepting?
It's a personal choice. Some hosts use Instant Book for convenience and rely on Airbnb's guest verification. Others prefer the reassurance of a message first. If you host a high-value or sensitive property, requiring a message gives you useful context before accepting.