Favorite amenities for vacationers
Offering top-notch amenities can greatly enhance guests’ experiences and lead to better reviews on your short term rental site (including Airbnb or Vrbo). Some things are simple to include while some are a bit more luxurious… I’ll spare the amenities like pools and hot tubs and focus on some that are easier to implement. Here are some of the most sought-after amenities:
Wi-Fi: Fast, reliable internet is a top priority for most guests. Make sure you have enough bandwidth for multiple devices streaming at the same time.
Don’t Forget: Send details to guests in a check in email and also include instructions posted at your home.
Air Conditioning & Heating: Climate control ensures comfort in all seasons. Ensure your hvac system is in good working order with instructions for guests on how to use and maintain heat working order. Every guest may prefer a different temperature and you cannot control that but you could include a stand alone fan for someone that runs warm or a few extra blankets for someone that just wants a little more warmth at night.
Don’t Forget: If you do not have ceiling fans in bedroom consider providing a remote control fan. Include a label indicating that the remote belongs to your property. These items can walk away lol. Also make sure to set limits for use when guests are changing your thermostat.
Well-Equipped Kitchen: A kitchen with essentials like pots, pans, spices, coffee, tea, and appliances (microwave, toaster, etc.) is a major plus. Depending on your rental, you may prefer to include a Keurig vs. an espresso machine. It all depends on your property. Some of our guests have expressed frustration that there are no coffee shops near their rental. If you offer a decent coffee option – this simple addition could be considered an amenity! Waking up to the beach with a cup of hot coffee or espresso … perfection!
Washer/Dryer: Most guests staying at the shore create a good amount of laundry with daily showers and beach towels. A washer and dryer are a huge plus even if guests intentions is not to do any laundry!
Don’t Forget: Make sure the appliances are easy to use and provide instructions on use. Yes …. this is important. For instance, guests may need a reminder not to put sandy towels in the washer. Suggest they shake them out outside before putting in the laundry. If you have an AirBNB or VRBO – including laundry detergent is a huge bonus!
Comfortable and Clean Bedding: From comfortable mattresses, pillows, and linens – comfortable bedding will improve the sleep experience. As an owner of a linen service – we get so many calls from people that want mattress pads to make a bed more comfortable.
Don’t Forget: most guests will spend half the time sleeping on their vacation! Make sure to include extra pillows and blankets in closets. Keep a second set of linens/bedding in a homeowner closet.
Self-Check-in: A keypad or smart lock allows guests to check in at their convenience, enhancing flexibility. This is becoming more common than stopping at a realty office even if renting through a rental company.
Don’t Forget: This code can be provided a short time before check in with your welcome email.
Smart TV with Streaming Services: Guests expect rentals to be their home away from home and a TV is sometimes one of those big items that guests find super important. Consider including one or more Smart TV’s. We just love our Samsung Frame TV. Not only is it a good TV, it is essentially a piece of art when you use the art mode built into the tv. When we vacation at the shore, we are grateful for having 2 TVs. Yes, I wish I could say we just spend all our time at the beach but thats just not reality. My son posts up in the family room with his XBOX from home. He is easily able to connect to the tv output. The main living room also has a TV that the rest of our family enjoys .
Many guests expect access to entertainment like Netflix, Hulu, or cable TV.
Don’t Forget: Provide a list of logins to access these services along with remote instructions. If you have a little time, make a quick video on how to use your remote for those that need a little extra support. Also, many guests may prefer to use their own accounts. When cleaner comes, suggest they log out of these accounts. It just makes guests feel like there was someone there before them.
Workspace: A desk and chair in a quiet area cater to remote workers or business travelers. Not every vacation is work free! Consider making this a little more convenient with a light, note pad, pens and power supply with charging ports.
Outdoor Space: A balcony, patio, or garden adds a relaxing touch, especially for properties in scenic areas.
Basic Toiletries: Providing essentials like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and towels adds convenience. This is becoming more and more popular with short term rentals.
Fitness Equipment: For health-conscious guests, access to fitness facilities or even small equipment like yoga mats or weights is a plus. Guests may appreciate tips for workout videos available on streaming services. Recommendations for local gyms would also be appreciated by guests!
Child-Friendly Amenities: Items like a crib or pack and play, high chair and a box of toys make stays more convenient for families.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations: If applicable, allowing pets can open your listing to more travelers. Consider what size of pets would be acceptable. Pet fees are also somewhat common among listings. Pet friendly accommodations ate a big plus for my family and fur babies! They love vacation too.
Ensuring these amenities are available and clearly listed can greatly improve guest satisfaction and increase bookings.
