The goals of vacation rental owners are to secure happy repeat guests, earn five-star reviews, and increase bookings. One crucial factor that can be a deal-breaker for guests is your property's amenities. These amenities should accurately reflect the location of your home, the accommodations you offer, and the overall guest experience you wish to convey.
For ways to stay competitive and increase bookings, take a look at our complete vacation rental amenity checklist.
Living Space Essentials
Living space essentials are often things that are highlighted in both negative and positive reviews. When guests are booking a rental, they want to have the easiest and most comfortable experience. To avoid any negative reviews, make sure that your property offers these living space amenities:
1. High-Speed Internet
While your rental may be a vacation spot, high-speed Wi-Fi is an expectation nowadays for guests. People are used to staying connected, which is no different on vacation, especially for remote workers. Be sure to supply your rental with fast and reliable internet for the most convenient guest experience.
2. High-Definition Televisions (HDTVs)
Entertainment is also key for successful vacation rentals. Units with HDTVs allow guests to relax and unwind in your unit as they would at their own homes. Another way to set your rental apart is by providing a Roku stick or streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime.
3. Washer/Dryer In-Unit
When guests book a property for several days to weeks, laundry pile-up is inevitable, especially with children. Having to save up quarters and drive to a laundromat can be a massive inconvenience on vacation. Properties with in-unit washers and dryers are attractive to guests and often are one of the main amenities that guests seek. Another perk would be keeping the unit's detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets stocked.
4. Comfortable Beds & Mattresses
Nobody wants to go on vacation and be forced to sleep on uncomfortable beds. The quality of sleep a person gets can drastically determine their mood for the following day, so this is an area you should invest in. Comfortable mattresses and soft sheets can distinguish between a negative and a positive review.
Kitchen Must-Haves
One main reason guests book vacation rentals over hotels is that rentals usually have a full kitchen, so they can save money by eating in. When searching for properties, guests look for modern, upgraded kitchens and those with open layouts and space. On top of basic amenities like dishware, silverware, glassware, bottle and can openers, and oven mitts, you can set your property apart by adding mini appliances and other highly desired kitchenware.
1. Stainless Steel Appliances
When guests are looking for vacation homes, kitchens with modern, sleek appeal stand out. The high-end look of stainless-steel appliances never fails to draw guests in. Consider upgrading your rental kitchen with a stainless-steel refrigerator, range, and dishwasher.
2. Cleaning Supplies
It's no secret that spills and messes are bound to happen during a stay and between cleans. When guests are booking a property for several days or weeks, they're going to want the option to clean up after themselves. Keeping disinfectant wipes and sprays, dishwasher pods, dish soap, rags and sponges, brooms, vacuums, and mops show that you care about your unit and want it to stay nice. When guests have these essential supplies, their stay is more relaxed.
3. Bonus Mini Appliances
Popular mini-appliances to make your kitchen stand out are air-fryers, rice cookers, Keurig or Nespresso Coffee makers, toasters/toaster ovens, blenders, and tea kettles. These items are attractive for rentals and make cooking a breeze for guests.
Bonus Amenities to Stand Out
1. Pool/ Hot Tub
This will depend on location, but properties with private pools and hot tubs stay booked more than others. While spending the day on the beach is nice, coming home to a rental with a pool and a hot tub is extra relaxing. Consider including pool toys, floats, and towels for more brownie points with guests.
2. Private Outdoor Space
One of the popular draw-ins to our properties is the outdoor spaces, especially private yards and patios. The ones with pools, beach access, picnic tables, and outdoor space perform well for condos. For homes, guests love private backyards, grilling areas, outdoor dining, and patios or balconies. People love spending time outdoors on vacation, and equipping your home with a beautiful outdoor space will set your rental apart from the rest.
3. Game Room
Another fun amenity for families and large groups is the game rooms in the rentals. People love spending time in the evenings playing games like pool, air hockey, or foosball with their families and friends. This is also an excellent addition for those looking to market their property as "family-friendly."
4. Bonus Toys/Games
When guests travel, they usually don't want to stuff the car with beach gear and toys or purchase them just for the trip. Visitors always take note of the extra thought given when owners provide beach gear and toys for the kids.
5. Pet-friendly Space
If you can provide a pet-friendly home, this is a surefire way to attract guests. We get a lot of inquiries about pet-friendly units, which is an amenity that sees success.
Now, you've got some ideas on which amenities may help you increase bookings and keep your guests happy. Guests appreciate it when units are supplied with all the features and amenities to create a home away from home. To secure five-star ratings and keep guests returning to your unit, consider adding some must-have vacation rental amenities to your property.
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