Free template · updated November 3, 2026

Late-night arrival check-in instructions template

Guests who arrive after dark are tired, often hungry, and seeing your place for the first time without daylight. Things that are obvious at noon, like which path leads to the door or where the light switch is, get hard at midnight.

This template plans for the dark: which lights will be on, how to park and arrive quietly, how to get in without fumbling, where to find food at that hour, and how to reach you after hours. Take your photos at night so they match what guests will see.

The template

Replace anything in [brackets] with your own details.

Before you arrive

Late arrival is no problem. Self check-in works any time after [Check-in time].
If you can, send a quick text to [Host name] at [Host phone] when you're about [Time] away.
Hungry? [Late food option, e.g. the grocery store on [Street] is open until [Closing time]]. We've also left [Welcome items, if any].

1. Find the place in the dark

The address is [Address]. Look for [Night landmark, e.g. the lit porch with the house number on the post].
[Exterior lights, e.g. the porch light is on a timer until [Time]; the path light comes on when you walk up].

[Photo: the house at night, porch light on]

2. Park quietly

Please park [Parking spot].
Our neighbours are likely asleep, so please keep car doors and voices quiet.

[Photo: the parking spot at night]

3. Get in

[Entry location, e.g. the keypad is on the right of the door frame; it lights up when touched].
Your code is [Door code]. Your phone's flashlight helps if it's dark.

[Photo: the entry at night]

4. First things inside

The first light switch is [Light switch location, e.g. on your left as you step in].
We've left [Night items, e.g. the hallway lamp on and the heat set to [Temperature]].
The bed is made and towels are on [Towel location].
Wifi: [Network name] / [Wifi password]

5. Quiet hours

Quiet hours are [Quiet hours]. Thanks for keeping arrival noise low.

6. Who to call after hours

Text [Host name] at [Host phone] for anything that can wait a little.
Can't get in: please call. We'll pick up at any hour.
Emergency: call [Local emergency number] first.

Tips

Put exterior lights on a timer or motion sensor so guests never arrive to a dark door.
Take your check-in photos at night, with the lights guests will actually have.
Leave one lamp on inside so guests aren't feeling for a switch in a strange room.
Tell guests about late-night food options, especially in small towns where everything closes early.
Make it clear you'll answer the phone if someone is locked out, whatever the hour.

Put it on one guest page instead of a binder

Keegix turns your welcome book into one link and a QR sign by the door. Upload the binder you already have and AI drafts the page in about a minute, or paste this template in. Free forever for one property.

Upload my binder, free See a sample guest page

Questions

How do I check in guests arriving late at night?

Self check-in with a lockbox, keypad or smart lock works best. Leave an exterior light on, send clear steps with night-time photos and be reachable by phone.

Should hosts stay up for late arrivals?

You don't have to if self check-in is reliable. Ask for a heads-up text and keep your phone on in case someone gets locked out.

What should I leave for guests arriving late?

A lamp on, the heat or air conditioning set, the bed made and, if you like, a few snacks or breakfast items, since shops may be closed.

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https://keegix.com/check-in-instructions/late-night-arrival/