As an interior designer and certified Bossypants, I enjoy a well-designed vacation rental sign. At this point, I’ve seen a lot of them. Some are charming, some are cheesy, and some are downright cringe-worthy (or just plain mean).
But it is possible to impart important information about your vacation rental in a friendly and even charming way and at the same time add personality to your rental. From witty and whimsical to rustic and vintage, the right sign can let your personality shine through and remind your guests that there is a person behind the business.
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When it comes to crafting a vacation rental sign that doesn’t suck, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
First and foremost is the design itself. Make sure your sign reflects the vibes of your rental, whether beachy, rustic, vintage, or elegant. You don’t want your sign to be an eyesore, so choosing one that matches the overall aesthetic is best.
Your logo and branding document are essential parts of your Airbnb branding, and if you get those two right, half of the work is done. Use the logo, fonts, and branding colors on your outdoor signs and business cards throughout your rental. With limited resources, you can easily create a logo with a user-friendly program like Canva, but know that you can’t copyright it in this case. Alternatively, hire someone to create a logo for you on a site like Etsy, Fiverr, or Upwork.
Here are a few vacation rental logos I found on Etsy that clearly speak to their audience. These are customizable, so click the image if you see one that might work for your rental.
The second important factor for vacation rental signs is the materials used. Not only does this play a role in how long-lasting the sign will be, but also the visual impact of it. You want something that will stand out and grab attention without being too overbearing.
Lastly, the font and text you use play a role in making your sign stand out. Choose a font that is easy to read and don’t make it too small, since it’s not uncommon for your guests to leave their reading glasses behind when they go on vacation.
DIY vacation rental signs or not?
If you’ve got the talent or are feeling crafty, you should, by all means, go for it! DIY rental signs will help you style your vacation rental on a budget and show your guests how much effort you have put into making your rental personal and unique.
If you don’t have time or lack the creativity to make your own vacation rental signs, I’ve rounded up some of my favorites that actually don’t suck. From custom handmade signs to classic printables to vintage aluminum rental signs, the options are endless – and as someone who spends countless hours scrolling through pages of home goods, I can say with confidence that these signs will give your rental space the finishing touch it needs.
A few Airbnb signs I like:
Vacation rental signs to set the tone
A keyless entry system usually makes the check-in process seamless and stress-free for guests. If they know how to open the door, that is. This aluminum board shows the self-check-in steps and ensures the guests don’t enter your property frustrated and looking for things to complain about.
A customized Thank You card is a great way to connect with your guests and remind them that you’re just a text away if they need anything. You can pre-address cards and have your staff leave the right one for the right guest or make it simple by framing a card and giving it a permanent spot next to your gift basket or welcome book.
Have you put your welcome basket with all the goodies in your rental entryway to make a lasting impression?
Add an extra touch of personality to it with custom welcome gift tags. I like these rustic-look swing tags that would be perfect for a dreamy mountain vacation rental, but you can get any that fit the style of your place.
Signs to share the all-important WiFi password
Staying connected while on vacation is a must for many travelers and providing a clear and convenient way to access your WiFi network can make all the difference in your guests’ experience. You could go for a cute laser-cut plywood sign that would look great in a living room of a rustic beach house, a classic-looking card with a timeless design that could be placed on a bedside table or added to the welcome basket, or a framed printable that can be put on the wall in your vacation rental workspace.
Airbnb signs to deliver the essentials at a glance
Even if you have a welcome book it’s a good idea to have all the basics at a glance because, let’s face it, many will never crack open the book. Even guests who will read your welcome book cover to cover will appreciate having the basics, like WiFi info, check-in and check-out times, and emergency contacts.
Manage guest behavior with strategic signage
Looking for a simple and effective way to remind your guests to keep noise levels in check during their stay? Need to enforce a city noise ordinance? Let your walls do the talking and politely remind guests to keep it down with an editable Canva template.
Are you even a host if you don’t have a toilet horror story? Signs in the bathroom are a necessary evil if you don’t want to singlehandedly put the rooter guy’s kids through college.
Sure, you know the basics of how to use a fireplace, but do your guests? Keep fireplace novices and drunk guests alike from making a big mistake with a sign reminding them to open the flue.
Got a pool or a hot tub? Then you know that the rules are critical for keeping everyone safe. Remind guests what not to do with an editable, printable sign.
Looking for a simple and effective way to remind your guests to keep noise levels in check during their stay? Need to enforce a city noise ordinance? Let your walls do the talking and politely remind guests to keep it down with an editable Canva template.
Are you even a host if you don’t have a toilet horror story? Signs in the bathroom are a necessary evil if you don’t want to singlehandedly put the rooter guy’s kids through college.
Sure, you know the basics of how to use a fireplace, but do your guests? Keep fireplace novices and drunk guests alike from making a big mistake with a sign reminding them to open the flue.
Got a pool or a hot tub? Then you know that the rules are critical for keeping everyone safe. Remind guests what not to do with an editable, printable sign.
Printable packages for all of your vacation rental sign needs
For vacation rental hosts who want to go the extra mile in providing their guests with all the essential information and communicate their house rules in a creative way, an Airbnb sign bundle is like a vacation rental Swiss Army knife – it’s got everything you need to make your guests’ stay a success. These bundles include multiple editable printable templates so that hosts can save time and effort, as well as ensure a cohesive and consistent look throughout their property.
Customizable fun
And while signs can certainly help provide guests with important information, not all of them need to be about rules and such. How about a map that invites guests to use push pins to mark their home location? Or a customized chalkboard that you can use to say hello? You can use your Airbnb’s location to commission a beautiful laser-cut city map to use as art, or start stays off on the right foot with a special doormat. With the right signs and some time spent customizing, you’ll soon have a vacation rental that’s as unique and as charming as you are.
