15 "Must-Have" Amenities to Stock in Your Vacation Rental
Share
What separates a good vacation rental from a great one? Often, it's the little things. While a clean space and a comfortable bed are the bare minimum, it's the thoughtful amenities that truly elevate the guest experience, lead to glowing 5-star reviews, and justify a higher nightly rate.
Stocking the wrong amenities—or worse, forgetting essential ones—is a common mistake that is easily avoided. Here is a checklist of 15 must-have amenities that today's travelers expect.
Kitchen Essentials
- A Great Coffee Maker (with Coffee!): Don't skimp here. A quality drip machine, Keurig, or French press is essential. A small supply of coffee, tea, sugar, and creamer is a non-negotiable touch.
- Basic Cooking Supplies: Guests who book a rental with a kitchen plan to use it. Provide a set of pots and pans, cooking utensils, a cutting board, cooking oil, salt, and pepper.
- A Wine Opener & Bottle Opener: Forgetting this simple tool is one of the most common guest frustrations.
Bathroom Comforts
- Quality Shampoo, Conditioner & Body Wash: Small, hotel-style toiletries feel cheap. Invest in full-size, quality products. It's more sustainable and feels more premium.
- A Hairdryer: This is a bulky item for guests to pack, and most expect one to be available.
- Plenty of Extra Towels: Provide at least two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths per guest.
Bedroom & Living Area
- Blazing-Fast Wi-Fi: In the age of remote work and streaming, this is arguably the single most important amenity. Post the password where it's easy to find.
- A Smart TV: Guests want to log into their own Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming accounts. A Smart TV makes this seamless.
- Extra Pillows & Blankets: Everyone has different preferences. Having extra options stored in a closet shows you care about their comfort.
- Blackout Curtains: A simple addition that dramatically improves sleep quality and is a huge plus for guests.
- A Universal Charging Station: A hub with multiple USB ports on a nightstand or desk is a thoughtful, modern touch.
Safety & Convenience
- A First-Aid Kit: A simple, well-stocked first-aid kit is essential for handling minor scrapes and is a sign of a responsible host.
- A Fire Extinguisher: This should be in an accessible location, typically in the kitchen. Make sure you know how to use it and that it hasn't expired.
- An Iron & Ironing Board: A must-have for business travelers or guests attending an event.
- An Umbrella: A lifesaver for guests caught in an unexpected downpour. Leave one by the door.
- ol>
Let Your Guests Know What You Offer
Once you've stocked your property with these fantastic amenities, you need to tell your guests about them! Don't make them hunt for the hairdryer or guess where the extra blankets are.
The best way to do this is to list all these amenities and their locations in your welcome book. A well-organized guide makes your guests feel informed and cared for.
Our best-selling Editable Airbnb Welcome Book Template has dedicated sections to showcase all the wonderful features of your home, ensuring your guests can take full advantage of the 5-star experience you've created.