Ready to make your Airbnb listing a standout success? Studies show that 94% of guests say amenities are important when choosing a short-term rental. To create a comfortable stay that guests will love, it’s crucial to go beyond the basics.
Forget just offering a bed and a bathroom – today’s travelers expect more! They’re seeking unique experiences and thoughtful touches that make their stay memorable. You can create a space that meets and exceeds expectations by carefully curating your amenities.
We’ve got you covered, from cozy extras that enhance relaxation to fun additions that cater to diverse interests. Guests won’t want to leave your thoughtfully equipped haven, and they’ll be eager to spread the word about your exceptional hospitality. Get ready to discover the amenities that will elevate your listing and leave your guests wanting more!
1. Unconventional Extras: Beyond the Basic Ideas
Let’s be real; the standard essential amenities like WiFi, toiletries, and a well-stocked kitchen are a given. To truly impress, think outside the box. Consider offering:
A curated welcome basket
Fill it with local treats, a handwritten note welcoming them by name, and perhaps a bottle of wine or a gift card to a nearby café supporting a local business. This personal touch shows you care and encourages guests to explore the neighborhood.
Themed rooms
Create a “movie night” room with a projector, screen, popcorn maker, and a selection of classic and newly released movies. You could also create a “spa retreat” room with bath bombs, essential oils, aromatherapy diffusers, comfy robes, and slippers. Consider partnering with a local spa to offer in-room massage services or discounts on spa treatments for an extra special touch.
These rooms can target specific demographics or interests. For families with young children, a “kid’s corner” room with toys, games, books, and a child-safe play mat can be a lifesaver for parents. A dedicated workspace with a comfortable desk, ergonomic chair, and ample lighting can be a major perk for business travelers.
“Experience Kits”
Offer a picnic basket for outdoor adventures, complete with a blanket, plates, utensils, and a cooler. Include a guide to nearby parks, hiking trails, or scenic overlooks to help guests plan their outings. You could also create a baking kit for rainy days stocked with all the dry ingredients and baking tools needed to whip up a delicious treat.
Other creative options include a board game collection for family fun or a selection of romance novels for a couples’ getaway. Consider offering seasonal experience kits, such as a s’mores kit for summer evenings or a hot cocoa kit with festive mugs for winter getaways.
Smart home technology
Let guests control the lights, thermostat, and even the blinds with their voice or smartphone using smart home devices. This adds a touch of convenience and luxury to their stay and allows them to customize the environment to their preferences.
Smart speakers can also be used to play music, set alarms, or get information about the local area. Smart locks can provide guests with keyless entry, eliminating the worry of lost keys and allowing for a smooth arrival experience.
2. Luxury on a Budget: Affordable Indulgences
You don’t need to break the bank to offer a touch of luxury. Consider these amenities to include:
High-quality linens and towels
Invest in soft, plush fabrics like Egyptian cotton or Pima cotton that are both comfortable and visually appealing. Thread count can be a good quality indicator, with higher thread counts generally indicating softer and more durable linens. Look for linens with a thread count of 400 or higher.
A coffee bar
Offer a variety of coffee pods, teas, and hot chocolate, along with a milk frother or espresso machine for that café vibe. Consider including different roast options, such as light, medium, and dark roast, to cater to different preferences. You can also offer a selection of flavored coffee pods or loose-leaf teas for a touch of variety.
A stocked mini-fridge
Provide bottled water, juice, and maybe a few local beers or snacks. This is a thoughtful gesture that guests will appreciate, especially after a long day of exploring. Include a small selection of healthy snacks like nuts, granola bars, or yogurt cups for guests who arrive late or haven’t had a chance to go grocery shopping yet.
Streaming services
Give guests access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or HBO Max for those nights in. This is a great way for guests to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing or exploring the city. You can also consider offering local channels or subscriptions to on-demand fitness classes for guests who like to stay active on vacation.
Luxury bath amenities
Elevate the bathroom experience with high-quality toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion from a reputable brand. Opt for travel-sized bottles or refillable dispensers to reduce waste. You can also include extras like bath bombs, bath salts, or facial masks for a spa-like feel.
Plush bathrobes and slippers
Provide cozy bathrobes and slippers for guests to use after showering or bathing. This is a small detail that can make a big difference in the guest experience, especially during colder months.
Beach towels (if applicable)
If your rental is located near a beach, pool, or lake, provide beach towels for guests to use. This will save them the hassle of packing their own and allow them to enjoy the water immediately.
Fresh flowers or plants
Add a touch of nature and elegance to your rental with fresh flowers or plants. Choose low-maintenance options that don’t require a lot of watering or sunlight.
Aromatic candles or diffusers
Create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere with scented candles or diffusers. Opt for calming scents like lavender, chamomile, or vanilla. Be sure to remove candles or turn off diffusers when guests are not in the room to avoid any fire hazards or triggering allergies.
3. Experience the Local Culture: Immerse Your Guests
Help your guests live like locals with these unique amenities that showcase your area’s flavor:
Local guidebooks and maps
Go beyond the typical tourist brochures. Create curated guidebooks and maps highlighting hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path attractions, and local favorites. Consider partnering with nearby businesses to offer discounts or exclusive deals to your guests.
This can be a win-win situation for both you and the businesses, adding value to the guest experience. Include recommendations for restaurants, bars, shops, museums, parks, and other points of interest. Highlight local events, festivals, or cultural experiences that guests can participate in during their stay.
Partner with local businesses
Team up with local restaurants, breweries, wineries, or artisan shops to offer discounts or special packages to your guests. This not only enhances the guest experience but also supports the local community. You can create a “local favorites” list that features your partnerships, giving guests a curated selection of places to try.
Offer cooking classes or food tours.
Partner with a local chef or food enthusiast to offer cooking classes or food tours. This is a great way for guests to learn about the local cuisine and culture and to discover new flavors and ingredients. You can even offer cooking classes in your own Airbnb if you have a well-equipped kitchen.
Organize local experiences
Arrange for a local musician to perform a private concert in your backyard, or hire a local artist to lead a painting workshop. These unique experiences will create lasting memories for your guests and deepen their appreciation of the local culture.
4. Family-Friendly Options: Accommodating All Ages
Make your Airbnb a haven for families with these thoughtful amenities to make their stay unforgettable:
- Childproofing essentials: Install safety gates, outlet covers, and cabinet locks to create a safe environment for young children. You can also provide a high chair, a portable crib, and a stroller for guests with babies or toddlers.
- Toys and games: Stock up on age-appropriate toys, games, and books to keep children entertained. Consider having a dedicated play area with a play mat, building blocks, puzzles, and other interactive activities.
- Outdoor play equipment: If you have a backyard or outdoor space, consider adding a swing set, a slide, a sandbox, or other play equipment for kids. This can be a great way for families to enjoy the outdoors and for children to burn off energy.
- Family-friendly streaming services: Offer subscriptions to family-friendly streaming services like Disney+, Netflix Kids, or Amazon FreeTime. This allows children to watch their favorite shows and movies, allowing parents to relax and unwind.
5. Outdoor Adventure Offerings: Embracing Nature
For many guests, the appeal of a vacation rental lies in its proximity to nature and outdoor adventure. By offering must-have Airbnb amenities that cater to their adventurous spirit, you can significantly elevate the overall Airbnb experience for these nature enthusiasts. Here’s how to make your Airbnb a haven for outdoor adventurers:
Bikes or kayaks
- Airbnb hosts who provide bicycles or kayaks open up a world of exploration for their guests. Imagine cycling through scenic trails, discovering hidden coves by kayak, or simply enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.
- Make sure to offer a variety of sizes to accommodate different ages and skill levels.
- Include helmets, life vests, and any other necessary safety equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Hiking Gear and Resources
- Many guests love to hit the trails during their vacations. Stocking your short-term rental with backpacks, hiking boots, trekking poles, and water bottles shows you understand their needs and are prepared to enhance their outdoor adventures.
- Go the extra mile by providing maps and guides to local hiking routes with difficulty levels and estimated hiking times. You could even partner with local hiking clubs or guides to offer guests exclusive discounts or guided hikes.
Outdoor Games and Activities
- A backyard or outdoor space can be transformed into a hub of fun and activity with the right amenities. A croquet set, badminton net, or bocce ball court are just a few ideas that can provide hours of entertainment for families and groups of friends.
- Consider offering other outdoor games like frisbee, cornhole, or horseshoes. If you have the space, a fire pit with comfortable seating can be a wonderful addition to evening gatherings and marshmallow roasting.
Additional Outdoor Amenities to Consider
- Hammocks: Perfect for relaxation and enjoying the scenery.
- Binoculars: Encourage birdwatching or stargazing.
- Fishing Gear: If your property is near a lake or river, offer fishing rods and tackle for guests to enjoy a relaxing day on the water.
- Outdoor Shower: A refreshing way for guests to rinse off after a day of outdoor activities.
- Outdoor Dining Area: A table and chairs or a picnic blanket can create a lovely setting for al fresco meals.
If you’re offering these must-have amenities, you make your property stand out from the competition and create a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests. These thoughtful touches show that you care about their comfort and enjoyment and are willing to go the extra mile to make their vacation rental amenities truly exceptional.
6. Pampering and Relaxation for an Unforgettable Stay
Today’s travelers often seek a respite from their busy lives, and your Airbnb can provide the perfect haven. Incorporating pampering and relaxation amenities into your short-term rental creates a tranquil oasis that meets and exceeds guests’ expectations.
This added touch could be the deciding factor for potential guests browsing through countless listings, making yours the best Airbnb they could choose for their getaway. Here are some amenities to impress those seeking rest and rejuvenation:
Massage chairs or hot tubs
Imagine sinking into a soothing massage chair or soaking in a warm hot tub after a long day of exploring. This is the kind of indulgence that can make your Airbnb stand out. You could even partner with local massage therapists to offer in-room services, providing a truly luxurious Airbnb experience.
Yoga mats and meditation cushions
These are essential for guests seeking mindfulness and relaxation. Create a dedicated space for yoga and meditation, complete with calming décor and perhaps a small library of instructional books or guided meditation recordings. These additions not only provide opportunities for personal wellness but also elevate the overall ambiance of your space.
Aromatherapy and essential oils
Relax the mood with soothing scents like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus. Diffusers or linen sprays can subtly infuse the space with these calming aromas. Consider offering a variety of essential oil blends to cater to different preferences, such as stress relief, sleep aid, or energy boost.
Weighted blankets
These therapeutic blankets are known for their calming effects and can help guests sleep more deeply. Their gentle pressure can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making them a popular choice for those seeking a restful night’s sleep.
Sound machines or white noise machines
Help guests block out distractions and create a peaceful environment for sleep or relaxation. Some machines offer a variety of sounds like rain, ocean waves, or nature sounds, allowing guests to customize their experience.
Incorporating these amenities for an unforgettable stay shows your commitment to your guests’ well-being. It demonstrates that you’ve gone the extra mile to create a space where they can truly unwind and recharge. Such attention to detail will result in glowing reviews, increased bookings, and a successful Airbnb business. After all, who doesn’t want to book a relaxing retreat like this?
Amenities for Your Airbnb: Elevate Your Guest Experience and Boost Bookings
There you have it – a treasure trove of Airbnb amenity ideas that will delight your guests and set your listing apart in the competitive vacation rental market. Remember, the little things can make a big difference, and by investing in thoughtful amenities, you’re investing in the success of your Airbnb business. So, get creative, have fun, and watch your bookings soar as you create unforgettable experiences for your guests!
