Automating Staykey Links in Airbnb Messages

Automating Staykey Links in Airbnb Messages

Every Airbnb reservation has a confirmation code — the short alphanumeric ID you see on the booking (e.g. HMMENEW839). When Staykey syncs your calendar, it uses that same confirmation code to create your guest's portal link:

s.staykey.co/{confirmation_code}

Because Airbnb lets you insert the Confirmation code as a shortcode in your messages, you can build the full Staykey link right into a template. Airbnb fills in the actual code for each reservation automatically — making this truly set-and-forget.

How it works

1. A guest books your property on Airbnb
2. Staykey syncs the booking via iCal and creates a guest portal using the reservation's confirmation code
3. Airbnb sends your scheduled message with the confirmation code shortcode filled in
4. The guest taps the link and gets their personalized portal — access code, Wi-Fi, local recommendations, everything

No manual link creation. No copy-pasting. Set it up once per listing and it works for every booking.

Smart access codes

If you have smart access enabled, Staykey automatically sets each guest's access code to the last four digits of their phone number. Airbnb includes this in the booking data, so it happens without any manual input.

• For the guest: the code is something they already know
• For the host: if a guest calls about their code, you can reference their phone number

Step 1: Create a Quick Reply with the Staykey link

Airbnb's Quick Replies let you save message templates with dynamic shortcodes that auto-fill for each reservation.

1. Open Airbnb on desktop or the Host app
2. Go to Messaging → tap the settings gear → Manage quick replies
3. Create a new Quick Reply
4. Type your message, and where you want the guest link, type: https://s.staykey.co/ then insert the Confirmation code shortcode from the Trip information section
5. Save the Quick Reply

The shortcode appears as a blue chip in the editor. When the message sends, Airbnb replaces it with the actual confirmation code for that reservation — producing a working link like https://s.staykey.co/HMMENEW839.

Step 2: Use the Quick Reply in a Scheduled Message

Now attach your Quick Reply to a Scheduled Message so it fires automatically:

1. Go to Listings → select your property
2. Open Scheduled Messages
3. Create a new scheduled message
4. Set the trigger to Before check-in, timing 1–2 days before
5. Use your saved Quick Reply as the message content (or paste the template and re-insert the shortcode)
6. Save

That's it. Every future guest at this listing receives their personalized Staykey link at the right moment, automatically.

Recommended message schedule

Message templates

Welcome message (after booking — no link needed)

Hi {guest_first_name}! Thanks for booking {listing_name}. A couple of days before your stay, I'll send you a single link with everything you need — access codes, Wi-Fi, local recommendations, and more. No apps to download. Looking forward to hosting you!

Check-in details (1–2 days before — include the link)

Hi {guest_first_name}! Your stay at {listing_name} is coming up. Here's your guest portal with everything you need for check-in:

🔗 https://s.staykey.co/ Confirmation code

Access code, Wi-Fi, device controls, local tips — all in one place. Works on any device, no apps or accounts needed.

Check-in is at {check_in_time}. Let me know if you have any questions!

Day-after check-in (optional reminder)

Hi {guest_first_name}! Hope you're settling in. Your guest portal has everything you need during your stay:

🔗 https://s.staykey.co/ Confirmation code

Questions about the property or want local recommendations? It's all in there.

Why this is secure

• The guest link uses the Airbnb confirmation code as its unique identifier — only you and your guest have access to this
• Links are only active during the stay window (plus a 2-week buffer on each side)
• Smart access codes are derived from the guest's phone number — no codes to invent or manage
• Guest portals are read-only and contain no sensitive account information

VRBO and Booking.com

Staykey creates shortlinks using the reservation ID from any iCal source, so the same link structure works across platforms. The difference is that VRBO and Booking.com don't offer the same shortcode automation as Airbnb, so for those platforms:

• VRBO: Copy the guest link from Staykey and send it through VRBO's messaging tools before check-in
• Booking.com: Same approach — send through the Booking.com messaging center
• Direct bookings: Staykey generates a confirmation code automatically. Send the link via email, text, or however you communicate with guests

Related articles

• Creating Your First Guest Link
• Setting Up Booking Import
• Getting Started with Staykey