Amenities That Guests Love in a Short-Term Rental
When it comes to short-term rentals, the right amenities can set your property apart and attract more guests. Plus, amenities are key to improving listing visibility, with many of these on the list available to check off when you’re setting up your profile on Airbnb and VRBO.
This list is helpful for the setup of a new listing, or if you’re looking for a refresh to improve your property and guest experience.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the top amenities that can enhance your rental property and ensure a memorable stay for your guests.
Must-Have Amenities
1. Reliable Wi-Fi In today’s connected world, reliable and fast Wi-Fi is a necessity for both leisure and business travelers. Make sure your Wi-Fi is robust and accessible throughout the property.
2. Fully Equipped Kitchen Guests appreciate the ability to cook their own meals. Ensure your kitchen is stocked with essential cookware, utensils, and basic ingredients like salt, pepper, and oil.
3. Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements Provide high-quality mattresses, clean linens, and a variety of pillows to ensure a good night’s sleep. Consider having extra blankets and pillows available. Check out our bedding shopping list for the items our guests rave about.
4. Air Conditioning and Heating Comfort is key, so having effective air conditioning in hot climates and heating in cold ones is essential. Bonus points for subscribing to your local heating and cooling maintenance plan to ensure you have an operational unit and preferred maintenance if something goes wrong.
Thoughtful Extras
1. Fire Pit and Outdoor Seating Create a cozy outdoor space with a fire pit and comfortable seating. Consider providing skewers and ingredients for making s’mores to add a fun touch. Something simple like this Sunnydaze Fire Pit that has a cover and no outer table rim is a perfect choice (you don’t want guests accidentally catching something on fire!)
2. Record Player with Vinyl Records A record player can add a nostalgic and unique charm to your property. Offer a selection of vinyl records to suit different tastes. Our favorite player is this under $50 vinyl record player with Bluetooth and an auxiliary cord.
3. Washer and Dryer A washer and dryer are particularly useful for guests on longer stays. While not necessary, it can be a big draw for guests looking to do their laundry. If this isn’t an option, consider including a laundry pick-up service.
4. Self Check-In Flexible check-in options, such as a lockbox or smart lock, allow guests to arrive at their convenience, enhancing their overall experience. Our favorite smart lock is the Schlage Encode, which has built-in WiFi that allows you to lock/unlock from anywhere, plus set up for access codes for recurring, temporary or permanent access. This makes it easy for maintenance and guests to access the property as you
Safety and Convenience
1. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors Install these in key areas to ensure the safety of your guests. Regularly check and maintain them to ensure they are functioning properly. Shop our favorite smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
2. First-Aid Kit Keep a well-stocked first-aid kit in an easily accessible location. It should include basics like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers. Here’s a simple first aid kit to keep on hand at your STR.
3. Free Parking Provide free parking if possible, or clearly communicate parking options nearby. This is a major convenience for guests traveling by car.
4. Toiletries and Essentials Stock the bathrooms with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and plenty of toilet paper. Guests will appreciate these small touches that make their stay more comfortable. Our favorite Nexxus shampoo and conditioner can be found here.
Enhancing the Guest Experience
1. Detailed Guide to Local Attractions Provide a comprehensive guide to local attractions, including restaurants, cafes, parks, and shops within walking distance. Highlight popular tourist spots as well as hidden gems.
2. Kid- and Pet-Friendly Features Welcome families by providing a foldable high chair, pack n play, and baby safety tools like sliding door pop locks to prevent kids going outdoors. For pet owners, include pet bowls, toys, and a list of nearby pet-friendly parks or trails.
3. Dedicated Workspace With the rise of remote work, a dedicated workspace with a comfortable chair, desk, and good lighting can attract business travelers and remote workers.
4. Entertainment Options While many guests stream content, having a TV with cable or popular streaming services like this Roku 50" Smart TV can still be a nice addition. Provide board games or books for additional entertainment options.
Keep The Guest Experience Great
By offering these amenities, you can significantly enhance your short-term rental property and create a memorable experience for your guests. From essential comforts like reliable Wi-Fi and a fully equipped kitchen to thoughtful extras like a fire pit and record player, these touches show that you care about your guests’ needs. Safety features and local guides further enhance their stay, leading to positive reviews and increased bookings. Investing in these amenities will not only set your property apart but also ensure a steady stream of happy, satisfied guests.
