Airbnb Must-Haves That Guests Actually Care About

Airbnb Must Haves That Guests Actually Care About Checklist

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Are you ready to go above and beyond to provide memorable experiences for your vacation rental guests? Creating a five-star experience requires going the extra mile. If you want happy guests who leave glowing reviews, there are some Airbnb must-haves you need to include in your rental.

Beyond the must-haves, adding thoughtful extras will wow your guests and demonstrate why you deserve that coveted Superhost status. Being an Airbnb host isn't just about providing a place to sleep. It's about the taste of cookies greeting guests at the kitchen table, the welcome note next to a local bottle of wine, and the thoughtfulness of a guidebook that leads them to that hidden beach spot ordinary tourists never find.

Here's a comprehensive Airbnb host checklist to help you stand out and ensure you don't overlook anything in your vacation rental. Let's start with…

Top 10 Amenities Guests Want Most

When we ask guests what they value most in an Airbnb and analyze patterns in guest reviews, we can identify the top 10 most coveted amenities.

A Fully Equipped Kitchen

Guests definitely expect a fully functional, home-style kitchen. Stock your kitchen with clean cookware, plates, glasses, and utensils. Make sure they have everything they need to prepare any meal - even a Thanksgiving dinner if they wish. While some may only use it to reheat takeout in the microwave or oven, all guests place high expectations on the kitchen.

A Washer

Have a washing machine and possibly a dryer so guests feel comfortable and can clean their clothes anytime. Leave instructions and some detergent as an extra.

Off-street/Free Parking

Free and easily accessible parking often influences guests' decision-making when choosing between properties. Knowing they have a guaranteed, safe, and free spot to park gives them peace of mind and freedom.

Wireless Internet

WiFi is a staple in every home, and vacation rentals are no different. With remote work becoming increasingly common, providing a strong, reliable internet connection and a dedicated working space has become the norm.

A TV

People expect access to entertainment through a TV, whether it's cable or a Smart TV, with streaming services like Netflix. These entertainment options are standard amenities that guests look for in your short-term rental.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

While making your property pet-friendly is entirely up to you, welcoming pets can significantly expand your pool of potential guests. If you decide to allow pets, consider providing pet-friendly amenities such as food and water bowls, a litter box, pet toys, and comfortable beds for furry companions.

Coffee

Millions of people can't think of starting their day without coffee. Provide a coffee machine and some fresh coffee so your guests can kick off the day on the right foot.

Air Conditioning/Heating

Guests like to have full control of the heat and cold to feel comfortable. Leave some instructions on how to use the air conditioning and other systems.

A King Size Bed

Studies suggest that people associate bigger beds with better sleep quality and overall premium comfort. A king bed instantly makes a room feel high-end, even if the rest of the bedroom is simple. Couples and families alike love it, so consider adding one to attract more bookings.

A Hot Tub

If you really want to offer a luxury experience, a hot tub is one of the most popular amenities guests look for. Also, guests frequently mention hot tubs in reviews, which leads to higher ratings and more future bookings.

Essential Airbnb Amenities Checklist Every Airbnb Should Have

Here's the checklist list of essential amenities rental properties need.

Airbnb Bedroom Essentials

• Freshly laundered bed linen
• Comfortable mattress
• Waterproof mattress covers
• Extra blankets and pillows
• Blackout curtains or blinds
• Bedside tables with lamps
• Charging stations or outlets near the bed
• Full-length mirror
• A/C, heater
• Dresser and closets
• Clothes hangers

Pro Tip 1: Blackout Curtains

Blackout curtains are a cost-effective way to darken bedrooms and ensure sleep quality and comfort. Many guests struggle to sleep with light coming in through the windows, so they expect you to have some kind of darkening solution in place.

Pro Tip 2: Clothes Hangers

Clothes hangers might seem like a small detail, but they’re an essential amenity that helps keep guests' clothes wrinkle-free. Be sure to provide enough for their needs.

Pro Tip 3: Charging Stations and Outlets

Guests travel with phones, tablets, laptops, and smartwatches. Multiple outlets and USB ports ensure they can charge everything conveniently.

Pro Tip 4: Waterproof Mattress Covers

Protecting mattresses with waterproof covers helps prevent damage from spills and dirt, saving hosts from unnecessary hassle and cost. Choose high-quality covers that don’t make noise while guests sleep.

Airbnb Kitchen Essentials

• Basic cookware and utensils: Pots and pans in different sizes, mixing bowls, cutlery
• Wine glass set, glassware and coffee mugs
• Coffee maker
• Tea kettle
• Microwave, toaster, and/or blender
• Spices and condiments (especially salt)
• Olive oil and vinegar
• Plates, glasses, and silverware
• Dishwasher or drying rack
• Fridge
• Oven
• Stove
• Paper towels or napkins
• Sponges and dish soap
• All-purpose cleaner
• Disinfectant
• Trash bags and liners
• Wine opener and can opener

Pro Tip 1: Wine Key

Couples on a romantic getaway are likely to reach for a bottle of wine. What a bummer if they couldn’t open it! Keep a wine key in your kitchen essentials.

Pro Tip 2: Disposable Cups

Anticipate guests’ needs by providing disposable cups for on-the-go beverages—perfect for city explorers.

Pro Tip 3: Welcome Basket

A small gesture like a basket of goodies makes guests feel warmly welcomed and adds a personal touch.

Airbnb Bathroom Essentials

• Freshly laundered towels
• Bathroom toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash)
• Hairdryer
• Mirror
• Extra toilet paper
• Plunger
• Non-slip bath mats
• Iron and ironing board
• Washer
• Disposable Slippers

Pro tip 1: Own Laundry Facilities

A washer and dryer allow them to pack lighter and refresh their clothes during their stay. Provide laundry detergent, dryer sheets, and clear instructions on how to use the machines.

Pro tip 2: Air Freshener

Use natural or mild air fresheners like essential oil diffusers or fragrance-free sprays to avoid triggering allergies or sensitivities. Stick to neutral, refreshing scents like citrus, lavender, or linen.

Pro tip 3: One-time slippers

Walking barefoot is quite uncomfortable, yet guests often forget to bring slippers. Provide a few pairs of disposable slippers for their convenience.

Airbnb Living Room Essentials

• Couch
• Coffee table
• Smart TV, streaming services
• High-speed WiFi
• Books, board games, or puzzles
• Charging stations and power strips
• Dedicated working space with desk and plug points
• A/C, heater

Pro tip: Decor

Put some effort into decorating the living room. Add plants or fresh flowers to brighten up the space. Incorporate artwork or decor items that reflect the local culture or location. Be careful not to overcrowd the space.

Airbnb Outdoor Amenities

• Seating area (patio furniture, hammock)
• BBQ grill and outdoor dining setup
• Fire pit
• Well-lit pathways and entrance
• Secure parking space
• Mowed lawn
• Decorative potted plants

Safety Essentials

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher
• Secure locks
• Emergency contact numbers and exit plan

Stocking Up on Supplies

Stocking up on supplies ensures guest satisfaction and reduces unnecessary messages and requests, making property management smoother. Stock up on things like:

• Extra toiletries and cleaning supplies
• Laundry detergent and fabric softener
• Trash bags
• Paper towels
• Basic repair kit (light bulbs, batteries)

Must-Have Amenities for Specific Guests

Airbnb hosts who plan to target specific types of guests, like families and pet owners, should include some amenities catered to these groups of travelers.

Family-Friendly Airbnb Amenities

• Crib
• Pack 'n Play
• High chair and kids’ dinnerware
• Baby gate and outlet covers for safety
• Toys, books, and coloring supplies

Pet-Friendly Airbnb Essentials

• Pet bed and food/water bowls
• Waste bags
• Designated pet area
• Scratch-resistant furniture and flooring
• Information about nearby pet-friendly parks
• Pet treats as a welcome gift

Accessibility Amenities

Catering to travelers with mobility issues means making a few changes so they have easy access to the house and amenities.

• Step-free entry (ramp or no stairs)
• Wide doorways (at least 32 inches)
• Accessible parking space near the entrance
• Roll-in shower with grab bars
• Shower chair or bench
• Handheld showerhead
• Raised toilet seat with grab bars
• Lower bed height
• Lever-style or touchless faucets
• Wide pathways

Going the Extra Mile with Luxury and Standout Amenities

Unique Airbnb amenities ideas can go a long way to make your rental appealing to luxury travelers and just make your Airbnb stand out from the competition.

Luxury Amenities

• High-thread-count linens and premium mattresses
• Smart home features like smart thermostats and keyless entry
• Hot tub or jacuzzi tub
• A pool
• A pickleball court
• High-end coffee machine or wine fridge
• Complimentary welcome basket

How to Stand Out with Thoughtful Touches

Think of many other ways to add a thoughtful touch:

• Additional chargers
• Local guidebook with insider recommendations
• Personalized welcome note or small gift
• Unique decor or themed interior
• Eco-friendly features (solar panels, recycling bins, water-saving devices)

Takeaway

Whether hosts are listing a private room or a luxury villa, they need to provide certain Airbnb necessities for their guests. These basic items will make guests feel comfortable during their stay, along with extra amenities that will make them feel warmly welcomed.

You can also streamline your vacation rental property management by automating most of your guest communication to ensure you never forget to send a greeting, check-in instructions, or a nice review thanking your guests. Access all your messages from a unified inbox and oversee guest communications across all booking platforms with iGMS.