[Updated October 2025]
If you’re new to the Airbnb game, you might be surprised to know that in the early 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?
With more and more short-term rentals popping up, guest expectations have never been higher. I hear from nervous new hosts all the time wondering what it really takes to win the hearts (and five-star reviews) of their guests.
It’s not customized coffee mugs—and probably not beer koozies either—but it is the little, common-sense touches that show you understand and care about your guests.
As a seasoned host and vacation rental interior designer, I’ve learned a thing or two about making guests happy. Below are some of the best Airbnb amenities and vacation rental essentials 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
First-Impression Airbnb Amenities
Welcome Mat
The welcome mat is the first thing guests see when they arrive, so make sure it’s inviting and clean. It’s a small touch that instantly sets the tone for a comfortable, cared-for stay.
Guest Welcome Basket
A welcome basket is one of the easiest Airbnb amenities that makes a big impact. Include snacks, drinks, or local treats, plus a map of the area or a quick guide to your favorite spots. It’s a simple gesture that makes guests feel thought of from the moment they arrive.
Personalized Welcome Note
A handwritten (or pre-printed but signed) note is a thoughtful way to start your guests’ stay on the right foot. Include essentials like your contact info, Wi-Fi password, and house reminders. To save time, batch your notes at the start of each month so even if you’re managing remotely, every guest gets a personal touch.
Airbnb Kitchen Amenities That Make Guests Feel at Home
Coffee and Tea Station
Guests love finding a stocked coffee and tea setup—especially after a long day of travel. Offer both caffeinated and decaf options, plus a few sweeteners and creamers. Bonus points for supporting a local roaster or including a small selection of herbal teas.
Specialty Coffee Gear
If you want to elevate your kitchen setup, add a few barista-style touches: a grinder, French press, or pod machine. Extras like a milk frother or flavored syrups can turn your rental’s morning coffee into a memorable part of their stay.
Kitchen Wraps and Containers
Baking paper, foil, zip bags, and reusable containers might not sound exciting, but they’re lifesavers for guests who cook or picnic. These small conveniences help guests reheat leftovers, pack snacks, and keep your kitchen cleaner between stays.
Toaster and Microwave
Even if your property doesn’t have a full kitchen, these basics make a big difference. Guests appreciate being able to warm up leftovers or make breakfast without leaving the house.
Sharp Knives
Want to impress guests who love to cook? Provide sharp knives. Dull ones are one of the most common Airbnb complaints. Schedule an annual sharpening and include a honing steel so guests can maintain them during their stay.
Clean Grill + Tools
If your rental includes a grill, make sure it’s spotless, stocked, and ready. Check propane levels and provide tools and a cleaning brush. Few things say “vacation” like grilling with friends at sunset.
Well-Stocked Kitchen Essentials
Cover the basics—utensils, measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls—but also think beyond them. Does your target guest like to bake cookies, make cocktails, or blend smoothies? Anticipate their needs and stock accordingly. Those thoughtful extras make your rental feel curated, not generic.
Serving Trays
Lightweight trays with handles are perfect for serving breakfast in bed, carrying meals outside, or enjoying a wine-and-cheese night. They add both convenience and style—and help prevent spills on your floors.
Airbnb Bathroom Amenities for a Touch of Luxury
Towels—and Lots of Them
Supply at least two complete towel sets per bathroom (bath sheet, hand towel, and washcloth), and replace any that start to look worn or stained. If you use white towels, include a few dark washcloths to prevent makeup stains. For rentals with a pool or hot tub, add extra pool towels. Want to elevate the experience? Add bathrobes—but be sure they’re laundered after every stay.
Bathmats and Rugs
Clean, plush bathmats keep guests’ feet dry and reduce slips on tile floors. Wash or replace them frequently to keep everything feeling fresh.
Hotel-Style Toiletries
Guests love thoughtful bathroom touches. Stock refillable dispensers with body wash, shampoo, and conditioner—buying in bulk is eco-friendly and cuts down on plastic waste. For bonus points, include a small amenity basket with extras like sheet masks, lotion, sunscreen, cotton balls, and Q-tips for that spa-day feeling.
Hairdryers
A hairdryer in every bathroom is a must—especially for guests traveling light or attending events during their stay.
Makeup Remover Cloths
These are a double win: guests appreciate them, and your white towels stay stain-free. Add a small stack or place a few in each bathroom’s amenity basket.
Motion-Activated Night Lights
A tiny, inexpensive detail that makes a big difference. Guests will love not having to fumble for a switch during a midnight trip to the bathroom.
Ready to Go Beyond the Basics?
You’ve nailed the essentials — now let’s make your space look as good as it feels.
The Wildheart Edit design packages are made specifically for vacation rentals: complete room plans with furniture, decor, and styling tips that photograph beautifully and stand up to guest turnover.
Airbnb Amenities to Keep Things Tidy
Cleaning Supplies and Laundry Essentials
Provide laundry detergent, a vacuum, broom, dustpan, and a few basic cleaning products. Most guests won’t deep-clean, but some actually enjoy tidying up—and it helps maintain your space between cleanings.
Iron and Ironing Board
Essential for business travelers and anyone headed out to dinner after unpacking. A small handheld steamer is another thoughtful bonus that’s sure to earn compliments.
Avoid This: Chlorine Bleach
Skip the chlorine bleach—it can ruin towels and sheets fast, and guests tend to overpour. Opt for oxygen bleach (like OxiClean) instead to keep your linens bright without the damage.
Airbnb Bedroom Amenities for a Great Night’s Sleep
Comfy Bedding
There’s nothing better than a review that says, “This was the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in!” Earn that praise with soft, breathable sheets (that don’t need ironing), a fluffy, washable mattress topper, a lightweight blanket, and a washable duvet that suits your climate.
Extra Blankets and Pillows
Store clean extras in the closet so guests can customize their comfort. Wash them with the rest of your linens after every stay.
Reading Lights
Even if your bedrooms have overhead lighting, add bedside lamps or sconces. Guests who like to read—or just avoid harsh light—will thank you. Plus, softer lighting makes every room look more flattering (and photo-ready 😉).
USB Chargers by the Bed
Don’t make your guests hunt for outlets at bedtime. Add a power strip or USB ports built into lamps or nightstands so guests can easily charge phones and tablets.
Luggage Racks
Provide folding luggage racks to keep suitcases off beds and clean floors. They’ll protect your bedding and make packing easier.
Blackout Curtains or Shades
Few things impress like a truly dark room. Install blackout window treatments for deeper sleep, and minimize glowing electronics.
Must-Have, Life-Saving Airbnb Amenities
Emergency Information
Display this near your welcome book or house rules:
- Property address (important for emergency calls)
- Local emergency number (911 in the U.S.)
- Nearest hospital name, address, and phone number
- Local police (emergency + non-emergency numbers)
- Poison control hotline
- Nearest emergency vet (if pet-friendly)
- Any relevant local emergency websites or apps
First Aid Kit
Include adhesive bandages, pain relievers, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers. Check and restock regularly—especially during peak season.
Fire Extinguishers
Place one near the kitchen, in the garage, and in any detached spaces. Have them serviced annually, and ask guests to notify you if one is used so you can replace it promptly.
Airbnb Amenities That Show You Went the Extra Mile
TV Instructions
Simplify your setup with a laminated instruction sheet or QR code linking to a short demo video. It’ll save your guests (and you) a ton of frustration.
Label Remote Controls
Add small stickers or tags to indicate which remote belongs to which device—TV, streaming stick, soundbar, etc. This tiny detail goes a long way.
Pet Amenities
For pet-friendly rentals, offer food and water bowls, a pet bed, poop bags, and a toy or two. Keep different sizes of beds and bowls available, and note your pet setup in the listing.
Good Organization
Label keys, drawers, and switches. Keep your check-in and check-out process crystal clear. A well-organized home communicates care and professionalism.
Books and Games
A mini library, puzzles, and board games help guests unwind. Encourage a “take a book, leave a book” policy, and replace missing pieces regularly.
Streaming Accounts
Smart TVs with Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ access are now expected. If you’ve cut cable, include one live-streaming option for guests who enjoy sports or news.
Umbrellas
A couple of sturdy umbrellas by the door or in the coat closet can turn a rainy-day disaster into a five-star gesture.
Seasonal Decor
Add a few seasonal or local touches—fresh flowers in spring, cozy accents in fall—to make your rental feel alive and well cared for.
Yoga Mats + Fitness Gear
Keep two yoga mats and a small set of hand weights on hand. Guests love the thoughtfulness, even if they never use them.
Local Recommendations
Share your insider favorites—restaurants, cafes, hikes, or local markets. Guests love curated, locals-only tips that help them experience your town authentically.
Avoid These Airbnb “Amenities”
Smelly Stuff
Skip heavily scented items like plug-ins, diffusers, or candles. They can trigger allergies or headaches—and guests may assume you’re masking odors.
Instead, lightly mist upholstery or draperies with a neutral, natural spray before check-in, or offer a steam diffuser with essential oils that guests can use (or skip).
Candles
Real candles + strangers = risk. Enough said. LED candles are fine substitutes, but make sure they don’t look too realistic—some guests might try to light them! (True story: after losing three sets of faux wax candles, I started labeling them with printable “Do Not Light” collars—free PDF below.)
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).
Final Thoughts
With these Airbnb amenities, you’ll impress your guests, earn repeat bookings, and set your rental apart from the competition. Combined with a few smart vacation rental design choices, they communicate care, comfort, and professionalism.
Don’t forget to include a guest book so guests can share their delight (and ideas you might not have thought of).
💬 What’s your favorite amenity to surprise guests with? Share it in the comments below!
