20 Must-Have Vacation Rental Amenities For Your Business

One of the best ways to ensure that your vacation rental stays competitive is to ensure that you have the right amenities in your property. More and more often, guests are finding properties to stay in over their vacation based on the amenities offered by the hosts. 

The likes of listing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have the option to filter properties according to the amenities they have. This is a testament to exactly how important the right amenities are to ensure that you remain a cut above the rest in the world of vacation rentals. 

If you want to give your short-term rental business that extra edge, check out the below list of the top 20 amenities to have in your vacation rental property. 

20 Essential Vacation Rental Amenities

Below is a list of the top essential amenities every vacation rental should have. These will make your guests’ stay that much more pleasant. The important thing to keep in mind when putting together the amenities in your vacation rental is the visitors’ convenience. The easier you make their stay at your vacation rental property, the more likely it is that you will get good reviews from your guests.

Washing Facilities 

Possibly one of the most important aspects guests look for is the ability to maintain a clean environment. Even if you offer a regular cleaning service, it’s still better to have the facilities for guests to clean up after themselves. For example, if a glass of wine spills on the kitchen counter, guests will want the option to clean it up. 

On the other hand, having laundry facilities available to your guests is also a massive plus. This is especially important if you own a vacation rental that is geared towards longer stays. Having a washing machine, dryer, and somewhere for your guests to hang their laundry out to dry is ideal to have in your vacation rental. 

Off-Street Parking

If your property is geared towards those guests who are after adventure in a remote location, you should ensure that your vacation rental is somewhere that your guests can leave their vehicles securely. Having off-street parking is appealing to many guests as many car rental companies require their customers to ensure the safety of their vehicles. Guests’ insurance on their personal vehicles may also require the car to be kept secure at all times. Off-street parking may, therefore, be a make-or-break decision for prospective guests at your vacation rental property. 

Air Conditioning

For the comfort and convenience of guests staying in a vacation rental property, the ability to control their own room temperature adds another level of luxury and convenience. Air Conditioning is therefore a great way to attract the more affluent guests. Units installed in the living room and the bedroom are also more likely to elevate the guests’ overall experience of your vacation rental property. 

Soap and Shampoo

Although it’s likely that guests will bring their own toiletries, seeing body wash and shampoo in a clean shower is a massive plus. It adds finesse to the property and shows that your priority is their comfort and well-being. Having these products is also a great opportunity for you to build relationships with other local businesses if they are in the cosmetics industry. It adds a personal touch and will instantly make your guests feel like they are more at home. 

Cutlery and Crockery

There’s nothing worse than arriving at a guest house or vacation rental and there is a lack of utensils and plates. It’s important that you ensure there are enough knives, forks, spoons, and teaspoons for your guests to use. This should always align with the number of guests your vacation rental is intended to cater for. 

You also need to ensure that there are enough plates, bowls, and side plates, as well as dishes that one can use to serve meals. It’s advisable to check on these each time you have a guest stay in your vacation rental, to ensure you make up for any possible breakages or loss. 

Swimming Pool

This depends heavily on the location of your vacation rental, but most guests who are looking for a vacation rental over the summer months use the “swimming pool” filter as a nice amenity to have. This amenity is also particularly popular among those who are traveling in a large group or with a family. If your property is located in a warm area, a pool can be a great game-changer when it comes to securing bookings. 

Excellent WiFi

The modern world is all about staying connected and access to reliable internet can be the deciding factor between whether or not someone makes a booking for your vacation rental/ This is especially important in the relatively new trend of remote working and social media. If guests want to share their experiences of their vacation, they may well rely on good WiFi to ensure  pictures upload.

Kitchen Basics

A fully functioning kitchen is very important when it comes to advertising the amenities your vacation rental property offers. Although not all guests require self-catering facilities, it does make them feel more at home. The kitchen should therefore include all the necessary pots and pans that provide your guests with the option to prepare meals at home. 

Cleaning Equipment

Your guests may want to give the place a once-over when they vacate the premises, so it’s always best to ensure they have the correct equipment for the job. Even if you offer cleaning services, your property should have at least some basic dish towels and clothes, along with a mop, bucket, and broom. For the sake of dishwashing, you also need to ensure that the dishwashing area is fully equipped with the right detergents, brushes and sponges. 

The Right Appliances

Appliances like a stove, oven, fridge, kettle, and toaster provide your guests with enough options to cater for themselves in case they don't feel like going out. Often, people opt for self-catering as it provides them with more freedom and makes budgeting for food for a large group of people a lot easier than if they were to order in. Having the right appliances in place in the kitchen is therefore essential. 

To give the kitchen a competitive edge, you may also want to include appliances like coffee machines, air fryers, and blenders. Although these are expensive as an upfront cost, they will ultimately stand your vacation rental property in good stead. 

Bathroom Essentials

When a guest is paying for their accommodation, there are some essentials you need to include especially in the bathroom. All bathrooms on the property need to have toilet paper, hand soap, hand towels, a bath or shower mat, and a toilet brush. It’s also a nice touch to put some air fresheners in the bathroom and some basic toiletries for your guests to use. 

Safety Features 

Depending on where your vacation rental property is located, you may also need to ensure that the holiday home meets certain minimum requirements. For example, you will need to ensure that there is a monoxide detector on the property, to avoid anything happening to your guest in your absence. 

Similarly, all properties should be fitted with smoke alarms and have a first aid kit on site with basic bandaids and disinfectant. Hosts may also want to consider installing an alarm system in their homes to provide guests with extra reassurance about the safety of their possessions. 

A Guest Welcome Book or Information Pack

If guests are exploring your area for the first time, then a welcome book is a great way to let them know a little about the area and the various activities they can get up to. Having this information pack can also act as a platform for telling your guests about anything specific in the property, such as the WiFi passcode or instructions on how to use certain appliances. 

Television

A TV is a common amenity in vacation rentals because guests often want to unwind and relax, especially in the evenings. It provides entertainment options, such as watching movies, shows, or sports, and can be a source of relaxation after a day of exploring. Remember that when guests are away on holiday, they also may want to take the opportunity to switch off from time to time. 

Sufficient Seating 

Having enough seating is important for guests to feel comfortable and at home. It allows them to gather together, socialize, or simply relax without feeling cramped. Comfortable seating contributes to a positive overall experience during their stay and is also essential for unwinding in the evenings. It’s essential that you have enough seating in the communal areas for the number of people your vacation rental property is meant to cater for. 

Dining Area

A dining area is especially important for hosts who manage larger properties intended for bigger groups. A designated dining area provides a space for guests to enjoy meals together. Whether they choose to cook their own meals or bring takeout, a proper dining area enhances the dining experience and fosters a sense of home away from home while creating memories together.

Easy Access to the Outdoors

Many vacationers seek properties that offer easy access to the outdoors, such as a balcony, patio, garden, or proximity to natural attractions. This provides guests with the opportunity to enjoy fresh air, scenic views, and outdoor activities during their vacation.

Board Games

Board games offer an alternative form of entertainment and are especially valuable during downtime or in case of unfavorable weather. They encourage social interaction among guests and provide an additional option for bonding and fun.

Drinking Glasses

Providing drinking glasses is a basic necessity for guests to enjoy beverages. It's a simple yet important amenity that adds convenience to their stay, whether they're enjoying a glass of water, wine, or any other beverage. You should always have enough drinking glasses for the property’s intended capacity. This includes mugs for tea and coffee too. Many guests often complain about having to drink out of a glass or mug where its function differs from the beverage. Paying attention to the finer details will ensure you get great reviews at the end of the guests’ stay. 

Towels

Towels are essential for personal hygiene and comfort. Vacation rentals should provide an ample supply of clean towels for guests to use during their stay, including bath towels, hand towels, and possibly beach towels for properties located near the coast. Having towels for your guests will also give you a slightly more competitive edge as it will prevent your guests from having to bring their own. 

Barbeque and Relevant Utensils 

 If the property has a barbecue grill, providing the necessary utensils is crucial for guests who want to enjoy outdoor cooking. This enhances the overall experience for those who appreciate preparing meals outdoors. Another lovely touch is to provide wood for the fire and perhaps some firelighters for your guests’ convenience. 

In Summary

Crafting a remarkable vacation rental experience goes beyond providing a place to stay—it involves curating a space that resonates with the needs and desires of your guests. The list of 20 must-have vacation rental amenities outlined in this blog serves as a comprehensive guide to elevating your rental business. 

By investing in these amenities, you not only meet the expectations of modern travelers but also create a welcoming haven where they can create lasting memories. In the competitive landscape of vacation rentals, it's the thoughtful details that set your property apart and leave a lasting impression on your guests, ensuring they return and recommend your business to others. 

Hospira is the ideal platform that ensures your vacation rental business runs as smoothly as possible, from financial management to help ensure your listings across all platforms are up to date at all times. Our capacity to push listings to Rentals United means your vacation rental gets the exposure you need to secure bookings and maximize occupancy and profits. Reach out to Hospiria today to see how we can help you elevate your vacation rental business.