Parking in Airbnb and Booking. Lessons from host experience

I regularly notice a recurring topic in Airbnb and Booking host groups: parking-related issues. One host asks how to clearly communicate in the listing that parking spaces in the building’s garage have specific size limits. He wants to avoid complaints from guests who claim they were not informed and arrive with a large car that simply does not fit.

Other hosts quickly confirm that this is a very common scenario. Some suggest adding the information to the listing description, others recommend sending an automated message right after booking. Someone proposes a dedicated “important information for guests” section, while another mentions scheduled messages after confirmation. Despite all these efforts, the same problems keep coming back. The guest receives all the details and still calls, surprised, once they arrive.

Why standard parking communication often fails

Experience shows that information placed only in the listing description or post-booking messages is often not enough. Guests browse listings focusing mainly on photos, location, and basic amenities. Technical details about parking—such as parking space dimensions or height limits in a garage—are easy to miss in the text.

After booking, the message lands in the inbox but is often opened only upon arrival, when the problem has already appeared. Scheduled messages help, but they are not a complete solution. What is usually missing is a simple, visual guide that guests can review before their trip.

Parking plays a major role in how the entire stay is perceived. It often shapes the first impression and directly affects the final rating. Parking issues can lower reviews even if the apartment itself and the host’s communication were flawless. Lower ratings reduce a listing’s visibility on platforms like Airbnb and Booking, which ultimately means fewer reservations.

Different parking options and their challenges

Each type of parking comes with its own expectations and potential issues.

A dedicated parking space next to the building is the simplest and most comfortable option. The guest knows the spot number in advance, parks without hesitation, and doesn’t waste time searching. This kind of convenience noticeably increases a listing’s attractiveness, especially for families and guests traveling by car.

Street parking, particularly in city centers, brings uncertainty. Guests must deal with parking fees, time limits, and the risk of fines. Even the most detailed description does not eliminate the stress of looking for a free space, especially in the evening.

An underground garage is another common scenario. It usually comes with height restrictions, and access often requires a remote or a code. Guests frequently don’t know exactly where the parking spot is, how to open the gate, or where to pick up the remote. If the remote is inside the apartment and access is only possible after check-in, hosts receive messages like: “I’m outside the building—what should I do now?”

A guest with very specific requirements

I remember one guest who worked on mapping projects for Street View. His car was equipped with very expensive, specialized equipment. Before booking, he clearly stated that secure, locked parking was a non-negotiable requirement.

He needed assurance that both the car and the equipment would be safe. This case clearly shows how important parking information is for many guests. A precise description of the parking option helps attract the right guests while preventing disappointment upon arrival.

A practical solution that really works

In my experience, even the best-written listing description, a few photos, or a long post-booking message have limited effectiveness. Some guests will still read them only “on the spot,” once the parking issue has already appeared.

That’s why, before arrival, I send guests a link to CheckInLink—a simple digital welcome guide. In one place, I collect everything related to parking: a short explanation of the situation, parking space or garage dimensions, clear step-by-step instructions, and a short video showing the entire process—from entering the property to parking the car.

The results are clear. Guests review the information in advance, arrive prepared, and questions about parking practically disappear. Check-in becomes calmer, the service more predictable, reviews improve, and I get back the time I used to spend answering the same questions over and over again.