Google Maps: The Best Friend Every Airbnb Host Didn’t Know They Had
- Rachel Kate Knapp
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
How to Use Custom Google Maps to Elevate Your Airbnb Guest Experience (and Your Reviews)
Let’s be honest: most guests aren’t reading every word of your printed guidebook. They skim. They snap a pic of your Wi-Fi password. Then they whip out Google Maps to figure out where to eat, what to do, and how to get there.
What a bummer that can be, especially if you spend a ton of time crafting the most aesthetic guidebook, only for a few of your guests to actually look at it.
Knowing that guests are likely leaning toward Google Maps to plan out their adventures during their stay, what if you could actually create a custom one to help them out?!
YEP, it’s possible and it’s one of the most powerful and free tools you can use as an Airbnb host.
It’s not just about being helpful. It’s about curating an experience. One that makes your guests feel like a local the second they arrive.
So let’s walk through exactly how to build it, what to include, and how it helps you stand out.
📍 What Is a Custom Google Map?
Google My Maps (different from regular Google Maps) lets you create a personal, shareable map filled with your favorite places, think cafés, hikes, shops, photo spots, even trails or secret beaches.
You can color-code, organize into categories, and add personal notes.
Best of all?
Guests can open your map right on their phone and get instant directions, saving them time (and saving you from “any coffee shops nearby?” messages).
🧭 Why Airbnb Hosts Should Use Custom Google Maps
As an Airbnb host, there’s a few reasons why custom Google Maps are a game-changer:
1. You’re the Expert—So Show It
You know which pizza place delivers fast, which beach has the softest sand, and which farmers market is actually worth the drive. A custom map helps you share that without overwhelming guests.
2. You Eliminate Decision Fatigue
When guests arrive, they’re already tired from traveling. A pre-curated map says, “Don’t worry—we’ve got you.” It takes the pressure off planning and lets them enjoy their trip.
3. It’s a Visual, Mobile-Friendly Guidebook
While physical guidebooks can be great, the reality is that many guests are already on their phones. Giving them a clickable map with all your favorite spots makes it 10x easier to explore than flipping through a binder.
4. You Add Value Without Spending a Dime
You don’t have to stock your Airbnb with wine or build a firepit to create memorable moments. A thoughtfully shared map? That’s instant value and makes you feel like a five-star host.
🛠 How to Create Your Own Google Map (Step-by-Step)
1. Visit Google My Maps
Click “Create a New Map.”
2. Name Your Map
Something simple and personal, like:“Local Favorites Near Our Cottage” or “The Marco Island Slow Guide.”
3. Start Dropping Pins
Search for your favorite spots—coffee shops, hikes, restaurants, farmers markets—and click “Add to map.”
4. Organize with Layers or Color Codes:
Examples:
– 🍴 Restaurants
– ☕ Cafés + Coffee Shops
– 🛍 Local Shops
– 🌳 Outdoor Spots
– 📸 Photo Ops
– 🎨 Rainy Day Ideas
5. Add Personal Notes
Click each pin to add insider tips like:
– “Best place for sunset takeout—get the shrimp tacos!”
– “Kid-friendly hike with shade—watch for deer!”
– “Cozy bookstore with cider in fall”
6. Share Your Map
Click “Share” and select “Anyone with the link can view.”Add the link to your digital guidebook, welcome message, Airbnb messaging, or print it as a QR code on-site.
🍁 Ideas for What to Include (Seasonal + Evergreen)
Best spots for fall foliage photos
Scenic drives with coffee stops along the way
Favorite farmers markets or harvest festivals
Where to get the best cinnamon latte within 10 minutes
Quiet beaches, local bookstores, vintage shops
Your go-to “we forgot something” corner store
💡 Pro tip: You can even include fall picnic spots and holiday pop-up events by updating the map seasonally. Guests will love seeing that the map is current.
💬 How to Introduce the Map to Guests
You don’t need a formal rollout. Just say something like:
“We put together a custom map of all our favorite local spots—coffee, beaches, markets, and hidden gems. You can use it on your phone like a regular map, but everything’s curated by us. We hope it helps you settle in faster and find some new favorites!”
You can:
Include the link in your Airbnb welcome message
Add it to your guidebook QR code
Mention it on your Instagram or website if you share local tips there
✨ Bonus: Make It You
This map isn’t just a list—it’s a story. It’s your personal stamp on the guest experience.
Add things that reflect your values:
– If you love slow mornings, share cafés with sunny porches
– If you’re all about books, highlight cozy bookstores and free libraries
– If you’re a family traveler, add parks, kid-friendly walks, and places with high chairs and changing tables
The more you it feels, the more memorable it becomes.
📸 Want to Take It Further?
If you already have seasonal photos (or want to get them), pair the map with visuals:
– A cozy porch scene → pin the coffee shop where you got that cinnamon latte
– A board game night → pin the local toy/book shop
– A sunset picnic → pin the overlook or trailhead
You can include these in:
– Your Airbnb photo listing
– A printed mini guide
– Social media posts to build trust and engagement
For more ways to use your lifestyle photos check out 10 Creative Ways to Use Your Airbnb Lifestyle Photos
And if you want help capturing these lifestyle moments? That’s where I come in.
I offer seasonal Airbnb photography sessions that go beyond your four walls—and tell the story of what it feels like to stay at your place and in your community.
📍Learn more about my Airbnb photography here or shoot me a message if you want help connecting the dots between map and moment.