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Want more bookings for your vacation rental? The right amenities can make all the difference. Travelers today prioritize comfort, convenience, and unique experiences. Here are the top 8 amenities proven to attract guests and increase rental income:
Quick Tip: Start by upgrading essentials like Wi-Fi, bedding, and kitchens, then expand to premium features based on your budget and guest feedback. These upgrades not only boost bookings but also improve reviews and justify higher rates.
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Fast internet and smart home features are must-haves for vacation rentals. In fact, Airbnb reports that its WiFi search filter was used 288 million times in 2021 [2].
Guests expect reliable internet that supports multiple devices. While the FCC defines 25 Mbps as the broadband standard [2], vacation rentals should aim for higher speeds to meet modern demands.
Here’s a quick guide to internet speeds and what they support:
| Speed Range | Capabilities | Guest Activities | | --- | --- | --- | | 50+ Mbps | 4K streaming, multiple video calls | Remote work, gaming, streaming | | 25–49 Mbps | 4K streaming, single video call | Basic remote work, streaming | | 7–24 Mbps | HD video streaming | Basic entertainment | | 1–6 Mbps | Basic web browsing | Light internet usage |
With 20% of Airbnb stays lasting a month or more [2], providing speeds of 200–500+ Mbps can greatly improve guest satisfaction. Beyond internet speed, smart home features can make a rental more appealing and user-friendly.
Smart home technology offers both convenience and security. Here are some popular options:
To further enhance the guest experience, consider:
These upgrades can make a big difference in how guests perceive and enjoy their stay.
A well-equipped kitchen can make your vacation rental more appealing by helping guests save on dining out, catering to dietary needs, and encouraging healthier meal options [3].
Ensure your kitchen is outfitted with these key appliances:
| Appliance Type | Must-Have Items | Optional Upgrades | | --- | --- | --- | | Major Appliances | Refrigerator, Stove, Oven | – | | Counter Appliances | Microwave, Coffee Maker, Toaster | Blender, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker | | Small Electronics | Electric Kettle, Hand Mixer | Waffle Iron |
Adding versatile cookware can further improve the guest experience.
Pair your appliances with durable cookware to accommodate various cooking needs.
"A fully stocked kitchen is the ultimate convenience for your vacation rental guests. It includes all the basic supplies and essential equipment needed to cook and serve most meals." [3]
Stock dinnerware sets that double your maximum occupancy. For instance, if your rental sleeps six, provide service for twelve. Stick to simple, matching designs for a polished look.
Provide durable, coordinated utensils and tools:
Stock these essentials to help guests get started:
"Imagine cooking in a top-notch kitchen with seasoned skillets, quality knives, and a six-burner range." [4]
For families with kids, consider adding unbreakable dinnerware. This thoughtful addition can reduce accidents and make parents feel more comfortable during their stay [3].
High-tech features and functional kitchens are great, but premium sleep options truly elevate the guest experience.
A good night's sleep can make all the difference for your guests. A medium-firm hybrid mattress is a smart choice, offering a combination of innerspring support and foam comfort, while also managing temperature effectively [6].
| Mattress Type | Key Features | Ideal For | | --- | --- | --- | | Hybrid | Balanced support, temperature regulation | Most guests | | All-foam | Superior pressure relief | Side sleepers | | Latex | Long-lasting, cooling, eco-friendly | Environmentally conscious guests |
Once you've chosen the mattress, it's time to focus on bedding that enhances comfort and sleep quality.
For a touch of luxury, consider the Luxe Loft Feather Bed by Pacific Coast Feather Company, featured in Hilton hotels across the U.S. [5]. Essential bedding upgrades include:
These small details can make a big difference in guest comfort.
Pillows are just as important as the mattress. Downlite Chamber pillows, used in upscale hotels like the Hyatt and Bellagio, are a great example of high-quality options [5]. Hybrid pillows are a versatile choice, catering to various sleeping positions and ensuring every guest sleeps well.
When it comes to sheets, focus on the type of cotton rather than just thread count [7]:
| Cotton Type | Features | Durability | | --- | --- | --- | | Egyptian Cotton | Exceptionally soft and luxurious | Highest durability | | Pima (Supima) | Smooth and high-end | Very durable | | Standard Cotton | Comfortable but basic | Moderate durability |
Investing in these elements ensures your guests enjoy a restful and memorable stay.
A thoughtfully designed outdoor space can make your vacation rental much more appealing and even increase bookings. These areas give guests extra room to relax, eat, and have fun, making their stay even more enjoyable.
Creating a comfortable outdoor space starts with the right furniture and amenities. Durable, weather-resistant furniture is a must for both comfort and longevity. Here are some essentials:
| Feature | Purpose | Maintenance Tips | | --- | --- | --- | | All-weather seating | Relaxation and socializing | Clean monthly; store cushions when not in use | | Dining set | Outdoor meals | Wipe down after each guest | | Sun loungers | Poolside comfort | Inspect quarterly | | Shade solutions | Protection from the sun | Inspect annually for wear |
Beyond seating and dining, adding outdoor cooking and entertainment options can make your space even more inviting.
Features like a quality grill or outdoor kitchen can really make a difference for guests.
"Cleanliness is often the top guest complaint about outdoor amenities, so make sure your backyard gets some love with a cleaning routine that helps you avoid negative feedback." - Evolve [8]
Provide a well-maintained grill with safety features, along with grilling tools and cleaning supplies. Clearly display usage and safety instructions to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Give guests more to do with outdoor activities. These options can be a big hit:
| Activity Equipment | Guest Appeal | Maintenance Requirements | | --- | --- | --- | | Hot tub | Year-round relaxation | Weekly chemical balance checks | | Fire pit | Evening entertainment | Monthly safety inspection | | Bikes | Exploring the area | Quarterly tune-ups |
Keeping outdoor areas clean and safe is essential for guest satisfaction. Here are some tips to stay on top of it:
Lighting Solutions
Add plenty of outdoor lighting along pathways and activity areas to ensure safety after dark.
Safety Guidelines
Post clear safety instructions and emergency contact information where guests can easily see them.
Regular Maintenance
Stick to a consistent maintenance schedule that includes:
With careful planning and upkeep, your outdoor spaces can become a highlight of your rental property.
Welcoming pets to your property can significantly increase bookings. With 37% of the 85 million pet-owning families traveling with their pets annually [9], offering pet-friendly accommodations is a smart way to enhance guest satisfaction and attract more visitors.
To cater to pet-owning guests, make sure your property is equipped with these essentials:
| Item | Purpose | | --- | --- | | Food and water bowls | Covers basic pet care needs | | Pet bed or crate | Offers a dedicated sleep space | | Waste disposal bags | Makes clean-up simple | | Baby gates | Helps limit pet access | | Protective covers | Protects furniture from damage |
1. Durable Surfaces
Choose flooring like hardwood or tile that can handle heavy paw traffic [9]. Remove rugs prone to damage and add protective covers to furniture. Opt for darker, sturdier furniture to reduce visible wear and tear.
2. Safety First
Create designated pet areas with secure fencing and eliminate low-level hazards to ensure a safe environment for both pets and guests [9][10].
Set clear expectations for pet owners by outlining your policies. Here's a quick breakdown:
| Policy Aspect | Requirement | Benefit | | --- | --- | --- | | Pet licensing | Pets must be licensed and vaccinated [9] | Ensures guest safety | | Pet type restrictions | Specify allowed pet types [9] | Protects your property | | Security deposit | Collect a fee for potential damages [10] | Covers unexpected costs | | House rules | Provide written pet policies [9] | Establishes clear expectations |
"Opening up your short-term rental to furry friends can offer plenty of rewards."
– Jennifer Sokolowsky, Avalara Author [9]
Highlight nearby amenities like dog parks, pet-friendly restaurants, veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, and professional dog walkers to give guests added convenience. These local resources can make their stay even better.
In 2022, nearly 17 million digital nomads in the U.S. sought dedicated workspaces, with extended stays more than doubling since 2019 [12].
| Component | Purpose | Recommended Features | | --- | --- | --- | | Desk Setup | Main workspace | Adjustable-height desk | | Seating | Comfort and support | Ergonomic chair with lumbar support | | Lighting | Reduce eye strain | Natural light and adjustable task lamp | | Technology | Reliable connectivity | High-speed WiFi with Ethernet backup | | Power | Device charging | Multiple outlets and USB charging stations |
Choose the Right Spot
Pick a quiet, private area with plenty of natural light - perfect for video calls [11].
Ergonomic Setup
Use furniture that promotes comfort during long work hours. Consider:
"The distinction between a dedicated home office and makeshift workspaces like the couch or kitchen table is more than just physical - it's psychological and functional." - The Summer Team [11]
Make the space business-ready with these essentials:
Control distractions with soundproofing measures:
With 66% of digital nomads now working traditional jobs [12], providing these workspace features can make your property more appealing and help justify higher rates for longer stays.
Luxury amenities can significantly enhance guest satisfaction and boost bookings. By 2025, top-tier comfort features are set to make vacation rentals more appealing and turn them into highly desirable destinations[1].
Adding relaxation-focused features can create unforgettable guest experiences and justify higher nightly rates:
| Feature | Benefits | Guest Appeal | | --- | --- | --- | | Hot Tub/Jacuzzi | Provides stress relief year-round | Attracts more bookings | | Private Pool | Offers exclusive recreation | Supports premium pricing | | Wellness Space | Perfect for yoga or meditation | Encourages longer stays | | Home Theater | Central hub for entertainment | Ideal for families |
Transform bedrooms into havens of comfort with these additions:
Modern guests often look for a kitchen that feels like a chef’s dream. Include premium appliances and a professional-grade coffee system to meet these expectations. Once the kitchen is upgraded, extend the same attention to the bathrooms.
Create a spa-like atmosphere in bathrooms by offering high-quality toiletries from well-known brands. This small touch can leave a lasting impression.
Consider adding a dedicated entertainment area, such as a home theater or game room, to provide guests with memorable leisure options.
"Unique, exclusive features and personalized experiences are key to running a successful luxury vacation rental. Pools, gyms, and hot tubs in particular increase occupancy rates and boost profitability." - Scott Sage, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Customer Experience, AirDNA[13]
Eco-friendly upgrades can attract guests while cutting down on expenses. These features make your property more appealing and help save money in the long run.
Consider using smart energy tools to save power and reduce waste. For example, smart thermostats can adjust room temperatures automatically, LED lighting uses less energy, motion sensors turn off lights in empty spaces, and Energy Star-certified appliances help minimize electricity use.
Adding solar panels can lower electricity bills and give your property a greener image.
Water-saving tools like low-flow showerheads, dual-flush toilets, and smart irrigation systems can save water without sacrificing guest comfort.
With more travelers opting for electric vehicles, having EV charging stations on-site can make your property stand out as eco-conscious.
Offer guests a greener stay by providing digital guidebooks with eco-friendly tips, setting up clearly labeled recycling and composting stations, and using refillable toiletry dispensers along with eco-friendly cleaning products. These small but impactful changes show your commitment to sustainability while enhancing the overall guest experience. Plus, these energy-saving updates not only reduce costs but also help you better evaluate amenity expenses and returns.
To make the most of your investment, it's crucial to weigh the cost and potential returns of each amenity upgrade. Here's a breakdown of how different types of upgrades can improve guest satisfaction and your ROI.
High-impact, low-cost upgrades - such as smart thermostats, upgraded bedding, functional home office setups, or fully equipped kitchens - can significantly improve guest experiences without requiring a large budget.
Moderate investments might include adding more smart home features, enhancing outdoor spaces, or incorporating pet-friendly options. These upgrades can help attract more bookings and cater to a broader audience.
For premium amenities that involve higher costs, use tools like the Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate) to assess potential returns. This approach helps determine whether big-ticket upgrades - like installing advanced smart systems or creating outdoor entertainment areas - are worth the expense.
If your budget is tight, consider a phased approach. Start small with impactful changes, such as upgrading mattresses or introducing basic smart devices. Then, expand based on guest feedback and demand.
When planning your strategy, focus on amenities that align with your property's location, target audience, seasonal trends, and maintenance requirements.
To ensure you're making the right decisions, regularly monitor key metrics like booking rates, nightly rates, and guest reviews. This data will help you fine-tune your upgrades and maximize your returns.
To make the most of your amenity investments, follow these steps to boost your booking potential.
Start with an amenity audit. Take stock of what you currently offer and identify any gaps that might be affecting bookings. Use this information to create a plan that aligns with your budget and target audience. Begin with upgrades that are both affordable and impactful - think along the lines of a fully stocked kitchen, dependable Wi‑Fi, and comfortable bedding. Once those essentials are in place, consider adding more premium touches.
Create a detailed property guide. This should include a digital welcome book, a guide to the local area, and a house manual. Add clear instructions for using smart home devices and appliances, tips on nearby attractions and restaurants, and straightforward check-in steps with emergency contact details.
Enhance your listings with professional photos that highlight your upgrades. High-quality images showcasing modern features can grab attention and lead to more booking inquiries.
Set up a maintenance routine and a system for gathering guest feedback. This ensures your amenities stay in top condition and helps you fine-tune future improvements. These efforts will keep your property competitive and attract more guests.
Monitor key metrics like booking rates, nightly pricing, guest reviews, and repeat stays to measure the success of your upgrades.
Stay informed about changes in rental trends and adjust your strategy as needed.
"A well-organized amenities checklist is crucial for a profitable vacation rental that meets guests' needs." – Operto [1]
