If you’re new to the Airbnb game, you might be surprised to know that in ye olden days of vacation rentals, guests were expected to bring their own sheets and towels! Crazy, right? Can you imagine explaining that to your guests now?
Now with more and more vacation rentals popping up, guest expectations are getting higher and higher. I hear from nervous new hosts all the time who are wondering what they have to do to win the hearts and good reviews of their guests.
It’s not customized coffee mugs and it’s probably not beer coozies but…maybe? It’s the little, common sense things that show you understand and care about your guests.
As an Airbnb superhost and vacation rental interior designer, I’ve learned a thing or two about making guests happy. Here are some of the best short-term rental amenities that will get you booked, inspire great reviews, and create repeat guests.
Note: All content is our own (that is, not sponsored), but if you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission at no added cost to you.
Table of Contents
Vacation Rental Amenities Your Guests Will Love
First-impression Airbnb amenities.
Welcoming mat
A welcome mat is the first thing guests see when they arrive, so make sure it’s inviting. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for a fun and comfortable stay.
Guest Welcome Basket
A welcome basket is a small Airbnb amenity that goes a long way. Fill a basket with snacks, drinks, food gifts from local vendors, a map of the area, and anything else your guests might need upon arrival. This is a great way to make them feel welcome from the start.
A Personalized Welcome Note
A welcome note or card is a thoughtful way to start your guests’ stay on the right foot. Include information like your contact info, Wi-Fi password, and any other important details. To save time, consider batching your welcome notes. That is, writing them all at once for the month ahead (or more, depending on how early you get booked). That way, even if you live far from your rental you can add a personalized touch with a little help from your local manager.
Airbnb kitchen amenities to make guests feel at home.
Selection of coffee and tea
Your guests will appreciate a selection of coffee and tea, especially if they arrive late at night. Be sure to include both caffeinated and decaffeinated options as well as a selection of real and artificial sweeteners to accommodate most guests. For bonus points, buy your coffee from a local roaster.
Specialty coffee and tea gear
Increase your luxe cred by supplying a coffee grinder, French press, electric kettle, milk frother or pod machine (or all of the above). If you’re feeling particularly generous you can even include flavored syrups so that your guests can re-create their favorite coffee shop concoctions.
Bags, wraps, and containers
Baking paper, aluminum foil, plastic bags, and containers will be a welcome discovery for the cooks and bakers in your groups. They’ll help with cookie baking and veggie roasting, reheating pizza, or wrapping up sandwiches for a day full of adventures. They’ll also help keep your baking sheets from being destroyed and smelly leftovers from overtaking your refrigerator.
Toaster and microwave
If your vacation rental doesn’t have a full kitchen, guests will still appreciate having a toaster and microwave available. That way, they can heat up leftovers or make themselves a quick snack without going out.
Sharp knives
Stand out from every other vacation rental by supplying sharp knives. Your guests who like to cook will be delighted, especially if they’ve stayed in other rentals, and it’s a clear signal that you take care of your property and guests. Schedule annual knife sharpening and include a honing steel so your guests can keep their knives in tip-top shape during their stay.
Clean grill and grill tools
People love to cook outside when they’re on vacation. If your Airbnb has a grill, make sure it’s clean and ready to go for your guests, and if it’s propane make sure the tank is full. Include a set of grill tools and a cleaning brush and let your guests unleash their inner pitmaster.
A wide selection of kitchen essentials
You’ll cover most guests’ needs with a set of cooking utensils, dry measuring cups, a liquid measure, and a set of measuring spoons. To go the extra mile, think about who your guests are and what they might like to do on their vacation. Make pancakes, bake cookies, mix cocktails, or blend smoothies? Supply the equipment that will make those tasks easier and they’ll feel like you’ve read their minds. If you’re not sure, or you’re not a cook, ask your guests about their cooking plans before they arrive, and if possible, supply what they’ll need for that activity. That kind of gesture will go far towards a great stay and a glowing review.
Serving trays
Serving trays come in handy for taking dinner outside, serving breakfast in bed, or winding down with a glass of wine and a cheese plate. Choose lightweight trays with handles that will be easy for anyone to carry and let your guests enjoy their time together without spilling crumbs or sticky beverages all over the floor.
Spices & basic food supplies
Stock your kitchen with salt, pepper, and a spice rack to save your guests the annoyance of sending someone to the store at the last minute. Add a few basics like olive oil, cooking oil, and vinegar, and task your housekeepers with keeping everything tidy as your guests add to the collection. Bonus points for supplying sugar, flour, pasta, and rice – your guests will love it, especially if they’re only visiting for a few days.
Dish soap, dish towels, and dishwasher detergent/tablets
Encourage cleanliness by making sure your guests have everything they need to keep your kitchen tidy during their stay, including dish soap, hand soap, dishwasher tabs, kitchen towels, paper towels, general cleaning spray, and I cannot emphasize this enough, a new dish sponge.
Airbnb bathroom amenities for a touch of luxury.
Towels, towels, and more towels! …and a bathrobe
Supply at least two sets of towels (bath sheets, hand towels, and washcloths) for every bathroom, and replace those that are looking dingy, stained, or fraying regularly.
If you’ve got white towels, provide some dark washcloths to avoid makeup stains, and If you’ve got a pool, supply a generous quantity of pool towels to keep your bath towels safely inside. Add bathrobes for extra luxury if you’re sure they’ll get washed after every stay.
Bathmats and rugs
Clean bathmats and rugs will keep your guest’s freshly-bathed tootsies cushioned and dry and most importantly, will reduce the risk of them slipping in the bathroom.
Hotel-like toiletries
Your guests will love having a selection of toiletries available, especially if they’ve forgotten something at home or are staying for a longer period of time. Include things like body wash, shampoo, and conditioner to make your guests feel pampered during their stay. Installing dispensers in the showers and buying in bulk will help reduce plastic waste.
To go the extra mile, consider including an amenities basket in the bathrooms with fun “spa-day” extras like sheet masks, lotion, sunscreen, cotton balls, and Q-tips.
Hairdryers
A hairdryer is an essential bathroom amenity that your guests will definitely appreciate. Buy one for every bathroom.
Makeup remover cloths
Makeup remover cloths won’t only add a special touch to your Airbnb bathroom amenities tray, but they’ll also help protect your Airbnb furniture investment.
Motion-activated night lights
This is a cheap and ingenious way to take care of any guest who has to get up in the middle of the night to use the restroom (i.e., all of them) and doesn’t want to have to turn on a bright light.
Airbnb amenities to keep things tidy.
Cleaning supplies and laundry detergent
Your guests will appreciate laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, a vacuum cleaner, a broom, and a dustpan, and you will appreciate the occasional guest who finds cleaning relaxing.
Iron and ironing board
An iron and ironing board are essential for business travelers and anyone who has recently stuffed all their clothes in a suitcase and would like to go to dinner. Include a small handheld steamer and prepare for that five-star review.
AVOID THIS: Chlorine bleach
If you provide laundry machines, avoid chlorine bleach. Too much of it will ruin your linens in no time, and guests and housekeepers tend to pour generously. Use oxygen bleach (like Oxy-clean) instead.
Airbnb bedroom amenities for a good night’s sleep.
Comfy bedding
There’s nothing like getting a review that says, “This is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in!” Earn it with soft, breathable sheets that don’t need to be ironed to look good (we love these), a fluffy, washable mattress topper (like this), a lightweight blanket, and a washable duvet appropriate for your climate.
Extra blankets and pillows
Store extra blankets and pillows in the closets to make sure guests can customize their beds to their hearts’ content, and make sure they get washed with the rest of the laundry.
Reading lights
Make sure your bedrooms are set up with bedside lights, even if you have overhead lighting. Lots of your guests will want to read themselves to sleep and not have to get up to turn off the light. Those who aren’t in bed to read or sleep will appreciate that bedside lamps or sconces are much more flattering than overhead lighting 😉
Psst…shopping for wall sconces, table lamps, or ceiling lights? We’ve found some excellent cheap and chic options.
USB chargers by the bed
If you don’t have an outlet that’s easily accessible from a bedside table, add one. Your guests have a lot of stuff to charge and they’ll be frustrated trying to find an outlet when all they want to do is sleep. Bedside tables and lamps with USB outlets are a great way to include charging options without clutter.
Luggage racks
Folding racks will make packing and unpacking easier for your guests, and will prevent them from putting dirty suitcases on your beds. It’s a win-win.
Blackout curtains or shades
A good night’s sleep is the ultimate vacation luxury for some guests. If your rooms aren’t dark at night, make them so with blackout curtains or shades. Make sure you aren’t defeating the purpose with electronics that glow at night. If you have clocks, make sure lighted displays can be turned off, and choose TVs that don’t light up when they’re off, or, if necessary, cover any annoying TV lights with black electrical tape.
Must-have life-saving Airbnb amenities.
Emergency info
Have this information somewhere easy to find, such as the front of your welcome book or framed in an easily seen place.
- your country’s emergency number, and a reminder of the Airbn address
- Nearest hospital information, including a phone number and a map
- The police station emergency and non-emergency numbers
- Poison control phone number
- Emergency vet location and phone number
- Any local emergency numbers, radio stations, websites or apps
First aid kit
A first aid kit is always a good idea, especially if you have families staying at your Airbnb. It should include items like band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptic ointment. Make sure your caretakers check and replenish it regularly.
Fire extinguisher
Mount fire extinguishers near your kitchen, in the garage, and separate spaces such as a pool house or casita. Fire extinguishers must be inspected and serviced every year, so put a standing appointment on your calendar. Ask guests to let you know if they use a fire extinguisher and assure them that it’s to make sure they are safe and that you know to replace the extinguisher.
Airbnb amenities that show you went the extra mile
TV Instructions
Provide a laminated sheet with TV instructions. This way, your guests can easily figure out how to work the TV and won’t have to bother you with questions. If it’s really complicated, consider making a quick video showing how to do it. Post the video to YouTube (you can set it so that only those with a link can see it) and include a QR code on your instruction sheet so they can access the video on their phones.
Signs on remote controls
Use small signs or stickers to indicate which remote control goes to which TV or appliance. This small thing will save your guests a lot of frustration.
Pet amenities
If you have a pet-friendly Airbnb, thoughtful pet amenities like food and water bowls, a bed, poop bags and toys will make your pet lover guests rave about your rental. Keep a big and little set of bowls and large and small dog beds, and ask the dog’s size when your guests book to customize your doggie setup. Ask your housekeeping team to clean and replace the pet amenities when needed.
Good organization
Your guests will appreciate being able to find everything they need easily, so take the time to organize your Airbnb. This includes everything from labeling keys to having a clear check-in and check-out process. Taking care of the small details’ll show your guests that you’re truly dedicated to providing them with a great experience.
Books and games
Books, puzzles, and games are a great way to entertain your guests, whether traveling with children or friends. Encourage guests to “take a book, leave a book,” and replace games when they lose parts or start to look tattered.
Streaming accounts
Smart TVs with streaming accounts are becoming standard at vacation rentals, and they tend to be much easier to use than cable setups. If you cut the cord completely, be sure to include a live option, such as Sling or Hulu Live if your guests like sports and news. Include a couple of premium channels to make guests really happy.
Umbrellas
An umbrella is one of those Airbnb amenities that your guests will be grateful for, especially since we all know that Murphy’s Law dictates that it will rain on the day we don’t have an umbrella with us.
Seasonal decorations
Seasonal decorations or fresh flowers are a great way to make your guests feel at home, no matter the time of year. Fresh flowers are especially welcome in the springtime, and fall Airbnb decorations will create a cozy feeling.
Yoga mats, etc.
Most guests like to believe they’ll keep up their exercise routine while they’re on vacation. Make it easier with a couple of inexpensive yoga mats and a small set of hand weights. Add any other exercise equipment you might like when you visit your vacation rental, but avoid anything likely to damage your property – or your guests.
Locals-only info
If you’re a local, share your insider knowledge with your guests! This might include a list of your favorite restaurants, cafes, and attractions in the area. Your guests will appreciate having a curated list to help them make the most of their trip.
AVOID THIS: Smelly stuff
Avoid anything heavily scented, like reed diffusers, plug-ins, candles, laundry detergents, and softeners. These can trigger allergic reactions and even migraines for many guests. Even if guests can tolerate them, they’ll wonder what smell you’re trying to hide.
A better option to create an inviting fragrance is to lightly spray draperies and upholstered furniture with a light, natural room spray the morning before your guests arrive. It will create a “just cleaned” feeling rather than “trying to hide something yucky.” You could also provide a steam diffusing system and some essential oils for your guests to use or not as they wish. Just make sure they’re as spill-proof as possible.
AVOID THIS: Candles
Do you really trust your guests with fire? Enough said.
LED candles are fine substitutes. Just be aware that if they look too real (i.e., wax), your guests may try to light them (true story). After losing the third set of pillar candles, I created the collars below. Feel free to print them, cut them out, and put them on top of your very real-looking fake candles for guests to see just before they break out the Bik (click the graphic for a printable sheet of them in PDF form).
With these Airbnb amenities, you will impress your guests and set yourself apart from the competition. Together with a few vacation rental design secrets, these amenities will communicate to your guests that you care about them and their comfort. Just make sure that your vacation rental has a guest book so that your guests can express their delight!
How many of these do you provide for your guests? Got something great that we didn’t think of? Comment below and share with the class.
