What amenities should an Airbnb have? You must go the extra mile to truly ‘wow’ your guests. With these top 30 essential Airbnb amenities, you can impress and delight your guests, win 5-star reviews and provide an unforgettable stay for all the right reasons.
Guest satisfaction fuels the success of any short-term rental host. So, how do you market your property to satisfy the needs of your guests?
First, conduct market research. You need to be the expert on your local area, your demographic of guests, types of travellers you attract, your high seasons and low seasons and even your local competitors.
Secondly, acknowledge the needs and wants of your guests ahead of time: know the amenities they’re looking for and go beyond their expectations. When you do, you’ll stand out from the competition, attract more guests and boost your bookings.
A consumer survey commissioned by Airbnb found 97% of US travellers surveyed, claimed that the amenities available within an Airbnb would impact their overall experience. Amenities were considered a top priority for a great trip and could be considered a deal-breaker for your next guest.
We’ve gathered 30 must-have Airbnb amenities, from essentials you can’t host without, to hospitable extras for an elevated guest experience, so you can invest in the most sought-after Airbnb amenities and exceed your guest expectations every time.
Top 10 Airbnb amenities guests want
When searching for the right vacation rental, search filters will be used to find suitable properties with the amenities guests want. Below are 10 popular search filters used by guests:
1. WiFi
High-speed and reliable WiFi is an expectation for many guests and has even been rated as ‘very important’ when it comes to choosing an Airbnb. This must-have feature is paramount if you’re looking to target digital nomads and highlight your dedicated workspace to guests.
Why not check out StayFi’s vacation rental WiFi marketing solution?
2. Smart locks for self-check-in
Guests love the flexibility of a 24-hour self-check-in option. There’s a reason why it’s one of the most popular search filters for Airbnb amenities. So, how do you monitor self-check-ins as a host when you’re not present? You need to invest in smart lock technology.
Automated systems, keyless entries or even lock box codes will keep guests happy and provide an independent check-in process.
Check out Dack, EnsoConnect and Operto for seamless guest journeys and keyless entry options.
3. Pet-friendly
Opening up your home to pets will help you attract more guests who love to bring their companions. Be sure to offer and make pet-friendly amenities available in your listing, including:
- Food and water bowls
- Designated pet towels for cleaning paws
- Litter trays
- Pet toys for entertainment
- Pet beds
- Pet-friendly cleaning supplies
4. A fully equipped kitchen
A well-equipped kitchen is a must to fulfil self-catering needs and is one of the main reasons guests opt for short-term rentals over hotel accommodation.
One TripAdvisor survey found that 83% of potential guests rate a fully equipped kitchen as a top priority.
Organise your kitchen logically and use a kitchen checklist to help guests and cleaners return items to their correct places. Items to equip your kitchen with include:
- Fridge
- Freezer
- Oven
- Hob
- Grill
- Microwave
- Kettle
- Cookware
- Crockery and cutlery
- Glassware
- Chopping boards and knives
5. Hot tub or jacuzzi
Another most filtered search for vacation rentals includes ‘private hot tubs’ and jacuzzis. If your listing has one, highlight it, as this is an attractive amenity to many guests. It even adds value to your property as you can increase your nightly rate too.
6. Free parking
Guests and travellers don’t want to leave their vehicles where they are not safe, and racking up a bill in hefty parking fees is something they’d wish to avoid. If you have free parking, state this on your listing. It’s an attractive and useful added feature.
Try to provide affordable solutions and alternatives if free parking isn’t available at your listing. Guests will thank you.
7. Washing machine or dryer
If you have a washer and dryer available, make it clear you’re happy for guests to use the appliances. Leave how-to instructions and even stock some laundry detergent to really go the extra mile for your guests.
If guests are booking a longer stay, this access could be the deciding factor in whether they book with you or a competitor.
8. Work-from-home space
The flexibility of hybrid and remote working that has come from the Covid pandemic has highlighted the need for comfortable working environments in short-term rentals. Ensure you have a dedicated workspace with:
- Laptop-friendly desks
- Comfortable chair
- High-speed and reliable WiFi
- Plug sockets and adapters
- Good lighting
- A little added decor or indoor plants
9. A pool
Depending on your location, budget and style of short-term rental you are offering, a pool is a good choice when looking at Airbnb amenities guests want. They’re popular in the search filters and will be an inviting feature that will attract more guests.
10. Air conditioning and heating
Having air conditioning or even access to a fan will improve guest comfort during the warmer months, especially if they’re not used to the heat.
The same goes for ensuring you can provide heating to your short-term rental property, especially if your listing is a naturally cold space.
Essential Airbnb amenities to include
When running a vacation rental there are a few essentials that should not be overlooked. Guests expect to see these basic items at the property they have booked in order for them to have a comfortable stay.
Quantities of each item will depend on the number of guests staying and the length of their stay.
Essential amenities include:
11. Hot water
Although not a requirement for Airbnb’s essential checklist, hot water is very much an expected amenity by guests and is used for bathing, showering, heating and washing up.
12. Toilet paper
Ensure there is enough for the duration of each stay by including extra rolls in each of the bathrooms.
13. Towels
One towel per guest is a recommended minimum by Airbnb, but it is good to stock up and provide additional towels for greater guest comfort, especially if you do not offer the facilities for guests to do laundry.
14. Pillows
Again, one pillow per guest is the recommended minimum; however, many guests prefer sleeping with more than one, so it is a good idea to offer additional pillows. These can also be stored in cupboards and used by guests as and when needed.
15. Bed linen
Guests acknowledge cleanliness, and linens are a huge part of this; therefore, fresh linens should be readily available for every booking. Extra blankets are also a bonus.
16. Toiletries
Hand and body soaps are basic items for personal hygiene, so ensure you’re vacation rental is fully stocked. Why not go the extra mile and provide further toiletries such as:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Mouthwash
These don’t have to be full-size, in fact, miniatures are recommended for individual use and you can restock these after each booking.
17. Clothes hangers
Guests may find it a nuisance if no clothes hangers are available, especially when they are travelling with luggage and staying for a few days. So, these are easy and cheap additions you can add to your property that will help build that home away from home experience.
18. Cleaning supplies
Guests want the ability to clean during their stay. We don’t mean deep cleaning, instead everyday cleaning items that will help guests maintain a comfortable and clean environment during their stay. This could include:
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Antibacterial wipes
- Scourers and sponges
- Paper towels
- Bleach
19. Iron and ironing board
Clothes will often become creased when stowed in luggage, so it is a great idea to offer the facilities for guests to iron their clothes safely during their stay.
20. Bin liners and garbage can
Ensure you are providing bin liners and bins so that guests can appropriately throw their waste away. If you have strict waste management requirements in your local area, ensure you have clear instructions in your home that guests can easily follow.
Safety amenities to keep in mind
21. Smoke alarm
Basic safety precautions will allow guests to feel safe within your property. Including a smoke detector can help protect your guests and your home in the event of a fire.
22. Carbon monoxide alarm
Unlike smoke, carbon monoxide is colourless, tasteless and odourless. Consider including a carbon monoxide detector within your property to help keep guests safe during their stay.
23. First aid kit
Accidents happen. A basic first-aid kit can include:
- Plasters of varying sizes, shapes and even colour
- Sterile gauze dressings
- Sterile eye dressings
- Bandages
- Safety pins
- Scissors
- Sticky tape
- Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
- Distilled water for cleansing wounds
- Eyewash
24. Fire extinguishers or fire blankets
These are designed to help extinguish small starting fires. A good safety option if your short-term rental offers cooking utilities such as ovens and barbeques.
25. Emergency exit plan
Guest safety is paramount. If an incident does occur, you should provide emergency plans to help guests get to safety. Depending on the climate your rental is in, this could also include what to do in the event of a:
- Hurricane
- Tornado
- Forest fire
- Earthquake
- Tsunami
It’s important to also provide local emergency numbers.
Added extras guests will appreciate
One of the best top tips an Airbnb coach will tell you when starting up your vacation rental, is to go and stay at your listing. Know the needs of your guests by being the first guest to stay.
Many hosts soon notice the little things they’re missing that would make their stay more comfortable and truly elevate the guest experience.
26. Cooking condiments and basics
Stock your cupboards up with cooking essentials and long-life condiments that would help guests make their favourite recipes, such as:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Herbs and spices
- Oil
- Pots and pans
27. Coffee machine
Add a splash of luxury to your short-term rental. Your choice of coffee machine would depend on your target market, but there are a plethora of options available including:
- Drip coffee machines
- Pump coffee machines
- Coffee capsules
- French press (plunger)
Remember to provide detailed instructions on how to use the machine in your welcome manual.
28. Entertainment
Why not look at adding the following entertainment systems to your listing:
- TV
- Streaming services (Netflix, Disney, Hulu)
- Games consoles
- Bluetooth speakers
- Board games and puzzles
Entertainment facilities for guests are great features for rainy days, famil-friendly properties and providing guests with ‘wow’ extras for that home-away-from-home feeling.
29. Designated outdoor seating areas
Who doesn’t love a bit of alfresco dining? This is a popular search filter that helps vacation rentals stand out from the competition and other hotelier accommodation options.
If space allows it, create an outdoor space that is private and offers both sun and shaded areas to guests. Compliment the space with:
- Outdoor dining and seating
- A pergola
- BBQs and grills
- Hammocks
- Loungers
30. Adapters and chargers
With the world of vacation rentals expanding, your guests could be coming from far and wide. Plug sockets are not universal, so providing extra adapters and chargers within your rental will be appreciated by your guests. Especially when their battery is running low.
