25 Must-Have Amenities for Your Airbnb Vacation Rental Property

Aisling Baile • Jan 24, 2022

Ensuring that the guests who stay at your airbnb vacation rental house or apartment are comfortable and have all the necessary amenities they could ever want is not only good for them, but it’s also good for you. The word of amazing vacation stays can get around quickly, creating more occupancies for your Airbnb property. Plus, your guests are more likely to return to enjoy your vacation rental home again.


So let’s look at the 25 must-have airbnb amenities that vacation rental owners can include. But first…

What is an Airbnb Vacation Rental Amenity?

We may be wanting to get away from the rigors of life for a short while a couple of times a year, but while we’re gone, we also want the comforts of home to come along with us. That’s why amenities are so important. The amenities offered at airbnb short-term vacation rentals have a significant impact on the decision-making process for a traveler. Amenities influence a final decision for69% to 80% of global travelers depending on the age group asked. 


With that in mind, it’s important to think of what kinds of comforts and conveniences you want to include as you list your short-term vacation home on airbnb. These could be anything that makes your Airbnb guest experience more comfortable and enjoyable, from cleaning service to adding a coffee maker to extra large towels to keyless entry.


The most important vacation rental supplies are those that are functional, like the coffee-maker mentioned above, but many people are also looking for thoughtful amenities that serve to add that little bit extra to their stay when they rent an Airbnb vacation home. These could include a welcome bottle of wine or a travel bag complete with picnic accessories for a day at the beach.


Your Guest Experience is Top Priority


The more memorable you can make it for your Airbnb guests, the more likely they are to return to your vacation rental property. That’s what these must-have Airbnb amenities can help you achieve as it will appear that you have thought of everything for their benefit:


  1. 24-Hour Check-In: When you list a vacation home for rent on Airbnb, you want to make it as easy and convenient as possible for your guests to check in. Flights get delayed, luggage lags behind, and other things can happen beyond the traveler’s control, but when you have an automated check-in process, your guests don’t have to worry about getting there by a certain time, making it a little less stressful for them and for you. You can set up a lockbox with a key inside, install a keyless entry lock system, or even remote access technology that allows you to unlock the door from anywhere. This will really make your guests feel at ease and secure.
  2. Free Wi-Fi: Everyone is connected these days, whether it’s through phones, tablets, computers, or watches. So if your Airbnb short-term rental is not equipped to offer Wi-Fi, you could be steering potential guests elsewhere. This is one of those amenities that people look for and it’s extremely easy to add to a vacation rental property. Make sure to include it when listing the house to rent for vacation, as people will expect it and you may suffer abad review if they don’t find it available when they arrive. 
  3. Cable TV and Streaming Service Access: While many travelers enjoy the active pace that a vacation can provide, there are those who love taking a day or two to relax. Providing access to the kinds of entertainment options they are used to can go a long way to making your guests happy. Plus, when your guests travel with children, access to a full range of viewing options is an easy solution to keeping the little ones busy while they get settled in and make plans for the coming days. Having a smart TV with local channels available and a popular streaming service, likeNetflix orAmazon Prime, provides an instant activity and the ability to check the local weather, events, or news.
  4. Movies and Light Reading Material: There may be classic favourite films that are not available on the streaming service you provide, or you may prefer not to offer a streaming service at all at your vacation rental house. In this case, you may want to include DVD options along with the appropriate media player to view them. And you can offer a nice selection of reading to keep the kids engaged and the adults intrigued. Make sure your selection of viewing and reading materials is suitable for all ages. 
  5. Gaming Console: The gamer in the family or the children who love to play will be pleased to find a PlayStation or Xbox at their vacation rental getaway. If you pair it up with a collection of family-friendly games, you can get the whole family involved to turn a rainy day into a memorable vacation moment.
  6. Local Guidebook with Recommendations: Give your Airbnb guests a head start on getting comfortable with their surroundings by leaving them with an organized book that features details about the area, including the best sit-down restaurants, the most popular takeout spots, and some local secret gems they can order from. You can include menus directly from these establishments as well as brochures from the prominent sights, including theatres, museums, parks, grocery stores, and more. If you really want to get creative in making your guests feel special, you can work out a discount package at some of these establishments simply by mentioning that you sent them there.
  7. Airport Transfers and Tours: This is a great way to make it easy for your guests to get to your vacation rental property. Partner with a travel service that can shuttle your guests from the airport to their destination and include it in the booking. Plus, you can work out a package for various local tours that your guests would enjoy. 
  8. Office tools and Equipment:With more and more people working from home and taking work with them on vacation, the Airbnb short-term rental property owner could make it easier for their guests by including a remote workspace that features at least some of the necessities they might need, from notepads to pens to a printer they can connect a laptop to or one that uses Wi-Fi connectivity. Your vacation rental house will open more opportunities to those who want to get away but stay involved with work.
  9. Small Kitchen Appliances and Utensils:Those Airbnb guests who want to save a little money on food or that simply enjoy cooking, will certainly appreciate having those comforts of home in their vacation rental house accommodations. So adding a full complement of pots, pans, knives, and serving platters will be a noticeable bonus. And by offering other kitchen necessities like a coffee-maker, blender, or the ever-popular air-fryer, you can make a stay at your vacation rental property very convenient and comfortable. You will be the talk around the holiday vacation dinner table if you can add certain features, like a turkey roasting pan, a baster, and a meat thermometer. 
  10. Staple Cleaning Supplies:Whether you are expecting a couple on a short term vacation rental or a family of five over the summer, it’s important to make sure your guests have the proper cleaning supplies so that they can maintain a clean environment for themselves and for the next set of guests. Stock your Airbnb vacation rental home with plenty of dish soap, pot scrubbers, kitchen towels, and garbage bags. If there is one, keep an ample supply of tablets for the dishwasher and instructions on how to use it. For the rest of the home, you may want to include a small vacuum and a mop with a bucket in case of spills. 
  11. Kid-Friendly Furnishings:When your youngest guests feel comfortable, your adult guests will notice it and appreciate the added benefits. So by including some kid-safe furniture, like a crib, stroller, and highchair, you make it well-known that you love welcoming the little ones into your vacation rental property. This helps make traveling much easier, as the family will know that they don’t have to lug around a stroller or booster seat. 
  12. Full Complement of Toiletries:Create a spa-like atmosphere that your guests can take advantage of. Include such items as oversized fluffy towels, robes, slippers, and if you can, a towel warmer that adds just that extra touch of luxury. You can also keep a stock of shower soap, bubble bath, conditioner, toothpaste, and mouthwash in case your guests forget to bring their own. And you can make it an extra special experience by including not just a hairdryer but also a curling iron or hair straightener, making your Airbnb vacation rental house and treat to live in while they’re away from home. Think of all the necessary items that might be needed but are easily left out of the packing process, including disposable razors, shaving cream, Q-tips, shower caps, and makeup remover. Most people will never expect to get the full spa treatment without booking time at the spa, but you can make their stay the next best thing. 
  13.  First Aid Kit: While no one can plan for every eventuality, you can keep your guests prepared for that little accident that is bound to happen at some point. Keep a stock of band aids, antiseptic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, and all the staples you need in a first-aid package. You might even include a few child-friendly stickers in case a little one needs help with a “boo-boo.”
  14. Premium Bedding with Extra Pillows and Blankets: Providing your Airbnb guests a cozy bed that features high thread-count sheets, fluffy covers and pillows, along with extras in the closet should they get cold at night will make their stay memorable. After all, they will be spending about one-third of their time in bed, so you want them to have an amazing sleep. For those that have allergies to certain types of linens or pillow stuffing, having at least two different sets shows that you care to go the extra mile for all your guests.
  15. Blackout Curtains: When staying at a vacation house rental, it can be difficult to get used to the sounds and lights that come through the windows, which is why blackout window coverings are very helpful. While you can’t control the sounds of a new environment, you can give your guests a better night’s sleep by keeping the brightness of the outdoors, whether they are natural or artificial, from coming into the space. Your guests will appreciate the added thought for their comfort.
  16. Air Conditioning: On a cold day, it’s easy to turn on a heater or put on a sweater, but when it gets hot, there is no simple recourse unless you have air conditioning. Your guests will continue to have an enjoyable stay at your vacation rental property in a controlled air-conditioned environment. If air conditioning is not possible, add at least one fan to each room for as much air circulation as possible.
  17. Programmable Safe: Guests always want to feel secure in their vacation rental, and that includes keeping their important personal belongings safe. They want to leave the premises without worries over what they will do with important items or documents. By having a programmable safe in a strategic spot of the home, you give your guests full control over their possessions for total peace of mind.
  18. Laundry Facilities: Many guests that visit your vacation rental house would love the opportunity to have clean clothes. By including access to a washer and dryer, your guests can pack lighter, stay on top of their laundry while they're away, and even wash their clothes before heading back home for an easier time when they arrive. If having these appliances in the rental unit is not an option, make sure you make your guests aware of where they can take their laundry for their convenience. Including a drying rack and an iron in your vacation rental property can make the laundry experience much easier to deal with too.
  19. BBQ or Firepit: This may not be possible for all short-term vacation rentals, but if you can include a BBQ on your property, your guests can enjoy a beautiful summer night while cooking under the stars. Adding a fire pit will really make it special as everyone can gather around to roast some marshmallows and enjoy their vacation well into the morning.
  20. Parking: Your vacation rental house may feature a private driveway or garage, which is ideal, but if not, arrange for your guests to have access to easy and close parking options. These could be street parking, a spot on a neighbouring property, or a nearby parking lot. While the added cost of parking may or may not be included in the price of the rental, your guests will thank you for helping them accommodate their vehicle.


Making Your Airbnb Vacation Rental Stand Out


The Airbnb vacation rental amenities already mentioned are amazing and can enhance the experience your guests have when they stay at your property. However, there are a few more that will simply make your vacation rental stand out from the crowd. So if you’re ready to start getting more bookings, add these to your list of amenities. 


  1. Welcome Basket: Everyone loves to receive a gift. Your guests will be happy to enter your vacation rental property to find a special welcome package just for them. Your gift basket can include local treats and drinks, a personalized welcome note, and if you really want to make an impression, get to know a little about your guests before they arrive so you can include a personalized little gift for everyone in their party. 
  2. Complimentary Breakfast with Stocked Fridge: Take the gift basket to the next level with a complimentary breakfast and a refrigerator full of some of the favourite foods your guests will love. This will help your Airbnb guests to quickly acclimate to their new surroundings, feel welcome, and they will immediately have the foods they like at hand without having to shop for them. Now that’s knowing your customer!
  3. Heated Floors: If you are renovating your vacation rental house anytime soon, add in some heated floors, particularly in the bathrooms. Your guests will thoroughly enjoy the extra luxury for that true spa experience. Your guests will not forget it as they step out of a warm shower to feel that warmth following them through the floor.
  4. Indoor Fireplace: This amenity helps to provide the full vacation experience for a guest, particularly in a winter destination like Airbnb Panorama BC vacation rentals. Whether it’s a gas fireplace or better yet, a wood-burning fireplace, many guests consider it a must-have feature, so if it’s possible to include that in your lake house or beach house vacation rental, the returns can be spectacular. 
  5. Private Pool: For obvious reasons, a private pool or hot tub takes planning and a significant investment but if it is at all possible, you can open up your vacation rental home to a large group of guests who are looking for just such an amenity. By adding a pool or hot tub, you can ask a higher price for your property and keep the bookings coming, making it a fantastic long term investment. 


Taking the time to make sure every Airbnb guest at your vacation rental house has everything they need to feel comfortable during their stay is the key to enjoying a long-term successful Airbnb vacation property listing. For all the help you need to establish the amenities and support that every property must have, speak with our experienced team of
Airbnb property management professionals. Making it easy for your guests to rent a vacation home doesn't have to be difficult for you, and that’s whyAisling Baile is here. To make the most of your vacation rental property with all the amenities you can include,contact our property management team.   

Blog Content Topics

Recent Blog Posts

A living room with two chairs , a coffee table , a lamp and a plant.
By Jerod McMurray 26 Apr, 2024
Explore essential tips to select the best short-term rental property management company to safeguard your investment.
06 Mar, 2024
Are you a Calgary short-term rental owner looking to maximize your vacation rental income? Here are some income-generating practical tips from Aisling Baile.
Skating across Lake Windermere Whiteway (photo by @gqthomas)
By Regina White 24 Jan, 2024
Looking to explore Alberta or British Columbia, Canada this year? Here's our hot take on where to visit, places to stay, and what to do to accomplish your travel goals and resolutions for 2024.
Show More
Share by: