The #1 Reason Guests Get Lost — and How Hosts Can Fix It
If you’ve hosted long enough, you’ve probably gotten that message:
“Hi! I think we’re here… but we’re not sure if this is the right house.”
Sometimes it’s late. Sometimes they’re tired. Sometimes they’re standing in front of your neighbor’s door.
And no, it’s usually not because your place is hard to find.
The Real Reason Guests Get Lost
Guests don’t read directions the way hosts expect them to.
Hosts carefully write check-in instructions, include addresses, gate codes, parking notes, and landmarks. Guests, on the other hand, often:
Skim instead of read
Rely entirely on GPS
Assume the first house they see must be correct
Open messages after they’ve already arrived
It’s not laziness — it’s human behavior. After hours of travel, people want things to be obvious.
Why GPS Alone Isn’t Enough
Google Maps (or Apple Maps) usually gets guests close — but not always exactly right. Shared driveways, townhomes, duplexes, condos, and rural properties are especially prone to confusion.
If your directions depend on guests carefully reading text, there’s already a gap.
How Hosts Can Fix This (Without Rewriting Everything)
Here’s what actually works.
1. Lead With What Matters Most
Instead of starting with long instructions, begin with a bold, simple line:
IMPORTANT: Please confirm the house number before pulling into any driveway.
Guests are far more likely to read the first line than the fifth paragraph.
2. Use Landmarks, Not Just Addresses
House numbers can be hard to see — especially at night.
Examples that help:
“Blue house with white trim”
“Second house after the stop sign”
“Unit on the right, closest to the mailbox”
Think like someone who’s never been there before.
3. Add a Visual (This Is Huge)
A screenshot of the Google Maps pin or a photo of the front of the house can prevent 90% of arrival confusion.
Guests process images faster than text — especially when tired.
4. Repeat the Direction (Yes, Really)
Hosts sometimes worry about being annoying. Don’t.
Reinforce directions in:
The check-in message
The day-of arrival reminder
A short “Arriving today?” message
Clarity beats politeness every time.
5. Physical Signage (If Allowed)
If rules allow it, a small sign or clearly visible house number near the driveway can make a big difference — especially for nighttime arrivals.
It doesn’t need to be fancy. It just needs to be obvious.
The Key Mindset Shift for Hosts
If guests keep getting lost, it doesn’t necessarily mean your instructions are bad.
It means they’re being consumed differently than you expect.
The best hosts don’t rely on guests reading perfectly — they design instructions that work even when guests don’t.
Final Thought
Getting lost is one of the fastest ways for a guest stay to start off stressful.
A few small tweaks — clearer first lines, visuals, landmarks, and repetition — can turn confusion into a smooth, confident arrival.
And when guests arrive calm?
Everything else tends to go better.
Need Help?
Our local team is here to take the stress off your plate. From listing setup to guest care and compliance, we handle it all—so you can enjoy the benefits without the burnout.