Ultimate Vacation Rental Amenities Checklist to Impress Guests

Vacation rental amenities are the property features that provide guests comfort, pleasure, and convenience. In today's hospitality scene, visitors expect something more than a roof over their heads. In fact, an impressive 97% of US travelers claim that amenities play a vital role in their travel experiences.

As a property owner, investing in basic amenities is key to growing a sustainable business. But besides the expected, providing luxury vacation rental amenities can genuinely make your rentals stand out.

But where should you even begin? Obviously, building an outdoor patio is much more expensive than adding a Netflix subscription. To decide which amenities your guests will love, research what similar properties offer in your area. In this guide, we'll share a few ideas to help you.

Basic Vacation Rental Amenities All Guests Expect

1. Vacation Rental Toiletries

Travel-size kit toiletries are a must-have in your vacation rental. Think:

• Shampoos and body lotions
• Soaps
• Disposable razors
• Toothpaste
• Hairdryer
• Toilet paper
• Robes and slippers (optional)

2. Cooking Essentials

A fully-equipped kitchen is always a plus for vacation rentals. Here are some things to include:

• Coffee maker and kettle
• Set of utensils, flatware, glassware, plates
• Dishwasher, sponge, and dish soap
• Microwave, oven, pots, pans
• Corkscrews and bottle openers
• Food containers
• Seasonings, condiments, and oil

Vacation rental amenity

3. Office Supplies

If you want to attract digital nomads or staycationers, a well-equipped office will show guests that your vacation rental supports work-cation. A few things to include:

• Spacious desk
• Lamps
• Notebook, pencils, pens
• Comfortable chairs
• Electrical adapters
• Office with a view

4. Fast Wi-Fi

One of the first things guests request after they check-in is the Wi-Fi code. In today's digital era, having a fast and convenient Wi-Fi connection can make or break your vacation rental reputation.

Unless your properties are off-grid, catering to audiences who desire technology-free resorts, guests expect Wi-Fi as part of their stay. In fact, if your connection is poor, it'll most definitely reflect in reviews, preventing guests from staying with you again.

Amenities guests will appreciate in your vacation home

5. Local Guidebooks

To stand out from the competition, ensure you provide guests with local recommendations upon arrival. You can create local guidebooks or maps with tailored suggestions and offer them as soon as they check-in.

To take it a step further, you can even collaborate with local vendors, such as wineries, taxis, souvenir shops, and restaurants, to give visitors a 360 experience. They'll appreciate your thoughtfulness, and you might earn a small commission.

6. Cleaning Supplies

Apart from the regular cleaning services you'll offer guests, make sure to include a cleaning kit in case they want to do it themselves. For instance, they might spill something or need to freshen up the space; your cleaning amenities must always be ready to use.

For instance, you can offer dishwasher tablets, a mop, a vacuum cleaner, fresh linens, and popular cleaning products. You can even add special instructions on which products to use on what surface.

Rental amenities checklist

Luxury Vacation Rental Amenities to Make Your Property Stand Out

Apart from the basic vacation rental amenities, offer additional luxury ones to make your property stand out. Here are a few ideas:

1. Welcome Basket

To make a lasting impression, assemble a welcome basket with local goodies and offer it to guests upon arrival. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it can add that extra flair to earn visitors' esteem. Here are a few ideas on what to include:

• Local wines, delicacies, snacks, and candies
• Coffee
• Postcards
• Personalized gifts
• A handwritten welcome note

Popular amenities for vacation rentals

2. Books and Board Games

There's nothing better than returning home from a long day full of exploration to a cozy book and board games night. That's an amenity for vacation rentals that families, couples, and groups of friends will enjoy.

Especially if people travel with kids, they'll appreciate not having to bring their whole pack-and-play equipment. Just make sure you include some kid-friendly options in books, such as:

• Moana
• Spiderman
• Frozen

As well as some popular board games:

• UNO
• Trivial
• Monopoly

3. Streaming Services

Your guests might not be the book and game types but the Netflix and chill ones. To satisfy them, provide a smart TV with access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or Amazon Prime.

Additionally, ensure you offer a live TV where they can watch news, sports, and weather reports. If your guests don't want to skip the big game or want to stay up-to-date with the latest news, they'll appreciate the amenity.

Cable TV in short-term rental

4. Workout Equipment or Gym

Just because guests are on vacation doesn't mean they want to skip their gym routines. Offering essential gym equipment or a whole home-edition gym is a fantastic opportunity to impress them. Especially if your vacation rental property is off-grid with little to no access to an organized gym.

You can start building it little by little with a yoga mat and a set of dumbbells and kettlebells and take it from there. In time, you can add a treadmill and a Smith machine.

5. Pool, Jacuzzi, or Hot Tub

Although not feasible for all vacation rental properties, this is a must-have if you want to advertise your home as a luxury vacation rental. Who doesn't love relaxing in a private swimming pool while sipping their favorite champagne? Total rejuvenation!

Plus, vacation rental amenities pay for themselves since guests are likely to post pictures online and do the marketing for you. So try to make it as "Instagrammable" as possible, with customized robes and special pool lighting under the stars.

Provide additional amenities in your short-term rental property

6. Kid-friendly Equipment

Traveling parents will appreciate not having to bring all their kid-friendly equipment. Here are a few ideas on what to stock up on:

• Baby cutlery and plates
• Disposable bibs
• Travel crib
• Stroller
• High chair
• Kid-friendly toilet seats

7. Pet-friendly Equipment

Making your vacation home pet-friendly is worth considering since guests will pay more for that option. You can offer essential pet-friendly equipment, such as a food and water bowl, towels, or a bed to accommodate them.

You can go the extra mile and offer complimentary treats for the four-legged friends. Your guests will definitely see it as an attentive gesture and reflect it in reviews.

Pet owners will appreciate pet-friendly amenities in your vacation rental home

8. Outdoor Furniture & BBQ

Last but not least, purchase outdoor furniture such as chairs, sunbeds, hammocks, and couches for luxury vacation rentals. Don't forget that BBQ is everyone's favorite outdoor activity. So, including the equipment and instructions will have guests grilling their own food with excitement.

Turn Your Vacation Home Into an Amenities Haven!

Travelers today are willing to spend more on accommodation with extra amenities. Adding in-demand vacation rental supplies and little luxuries will have vacation rental guests returning for more, boosting your overall reputation.

Make sure you list your amenities in detail on your book-direct website, as this can set you apart in the vacation rental industry. Don't have a website yet? At Houfy, we can help you build one to grow your business without middlemen. List your property today!