Of all the sections in your guest guide, the “local tips” section is the one guests talk about in reviews. Not the WiFi instructions, not the check-out time — the moment a guest discovers the secret coffee shop you recommended, or the viewpoint most tourists miss, or the bakery that sells out by 9am.
Local knowledge is the one thing a hotel or large hosting company can’t replicate. It’s your competitive advantage, and most hosts don’t use it nearly enough.
Why three is the right number
Not ten. Not two. Three. Ten local tips feels like a listicle. Two feels like you didn’t try. Three curated gems signals genuine thought and makes each recommendation feel worth reading. Guests can realistically fit three “must-do” extras into a short stay; they can’t fit ten.
How to format each one
For each recommendation, include:
- Name — what it’s called
- Distance from the property — walking or drive time, not kilometres
- Why you’re recommending it — one specific reason, written as if you’re telling a friend
Example: “Cliff Walk lookout — 12-min walk east along the foreshore. Most visitors don’t walk this far, which means you’ll often have it completely to yourself. Best at sunrise.”
That’s it. Name, distance, why. That format works for cafés, viewpoints, beaches, markets, or anything else.
Choose things that are actually good
This sounds obvious but is frequently ignored. Your hidden gems should be places or experiences that have genuinely delighted you or that you know guests will love. Not the place that’s “fine” or “convenient.” If you’re not excited to share it, don’t include it.
Make it local in the truest sense
The best recommendations are ones guests couldn’t find on TripAdvisor. The supplier who makes a particular food product. The local market that only happens on the second Saturday. The beach that’s not on Google Maps. The café that doesn’t advertise. These are the things guests remember and mention in reviews.
Review it every six months
Cafés close. Markets change season. Beaches erode. Set a reminder to read through your local tips twice a year and confirm everything is still accurate and still worth recommending. An outdated recommendation reflects on your guide and, by extension, on your hosting.
Three well-chosen local tips, written with genuine warmth, can turn a good stay into a memorable one.