You need to be across a million things when setting up a new vacation rental property. So choosing and sourcing vacation rental amenities can seem like one more headache you don’t need.
How can you know what your guests want? Where can you buy it? And, most importantly, how do you avoid creating an identikit property that looks like every other STR on the market?
At Jetstream, we specialize in streamlining STR setup and management for hosts, so you can start taking bookings and maximize revenue sooner. So we’ve put together a vacation rental amenities list to help you choose.
We’ll cover the essential amenities and little luxuries you need to make your listings stand out. And how to cater to mass and niche markets and choose the best amenities for your vacation rental.
Table of contents
- Why do you need a vacation rental amenities list?
- The 59 best amenities for vacation rentals
- Kitchen
- Living room
- Dining room
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Outdoor area
- Tech amenities
- Safety & security amenities
- Family-friendly amenities
- Pet-friendly amenities
- Accessibility amenities
- How to choose vacation rental amenities
- A vacation rental amenities list—key to streamlined STR setup and an excellent guest experience
Why do you need a vacation rental amenities list?
There’s a lot to remember when setting up a vacation rental. Small omissions can have a big impact on the guest experience—and your reviews. So a vacation rental amenities list or maintenance checklist helps you stay organized. And getting good ratings boosts your chances of achieving Premier or Superhost status on Vrbo and Airbnb.
Plus, vacation rental guests filter searches on Vrbo and other OTAs by amenities. So if you’re not offering popular amenities like fast Wi-Fi, you could be missing out. And if you want to target a niche—like digital nomads or pet-friendly–you’ll need to know exactly what to provide.
Having repeatable, step-by-step processes reduces the time and effort to set up new vacation rental homes. So you can start taking bookings as soon as possible. This will also stand you in good stead as you grow and add to your portfolio. This is particularly important if you’re looking to maximize vacation rental income or earn passive income.
The 59 best amenities for vacation rentals
To make life easy for you, we’ve ordered our vacation rental amenities checklist by room and category.
STRs increasingly compete with hotels, and modern guests expect comfort, convenience, and individuality. So alongside the must-haves, we’ve included a few items that will really help your home stand out (and some, like fast Wi-Fi, that guests are willing to pay more for).
Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of modern homes so—especially for longer stays—you need to make sure it has everything guests expect. The good news is, it’s not hard to stand out from the STR crowd with some higher-than-average-quality amenities and thoughtful touches. Remember to think about storage before stocking up, though. Nobody likes cooking in a cluttered kitchen.
1. Cookware and dinnerware
Include a full, matching set of pots, pans, and utensils. Make sure the cookware is built to last and in darker colors that won’t show stains. Go for silicone utensils that are stain- and odor-resistant and won’t damage non-stick cookware.
Don’t forget the little essentials like a bottle opener, peeler, etc. Oh, and make sure you have a chopping board and full set of sharp knives. Cooking with poor-quality utensils like blunt knives is just frustrating for guests.
You should also consider supplying a colander, measuring cups, oven mitts, and tea towels.
A well-stocked but uncluttered kitchen is a delight for your guests to cook in
2. Dishwasher
Guests don’t want to spend precious vacation time doing dirty dishes. A family-sized dishwasher is essential in any vacation rental home.
3. Kettle
If your guests are from tea-drinking cultures, they won’t appreciate having to boil water in a pan. And a decent energy-efficient kettle won’t break the bank. Provide some caffeinated and herbal tea bags as well (which brand and type will depend on where your guests are from).
4. Toaster
A toaster is safer, more convenient, and more energy-efficient than using the oven to make breakfast.
5. Coffee maker
A must in coffee-drinking cultures. To really wow guests, consider including a luxury espresso machine. Throw in some really nice coffee (locally roasted if possible) and you can be sure they’ll remember you.
6. Microwave
Not essential, but you can’t beat one for convenience. Families with small children will also appreciate being able to quickly heat up food.
7. Cleaning supplies
For longer stays especially guests will want to keep the kitchen and other areas clean. Provide basic cleaning supplies like:
- Dishwasher tablets
- Mop
- Broom
- Cloths
- Vacuum (handy for carpeted homes)
- Kitchen towels for little spills
- Rubber and/or disposable gloves
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Disinfectant wipes or spray
- Disposable trash bags
Pro tip: Upsell in-stay cleaning as an additional amenity for longer stays.
8. Washer & tumble dryer
Not essential for short stays, but longer-stay guests and those in wetter climates will thank you.
9. Condiments and seasonings
No need to go overboard here, but guests will appreciate not having to buy a whole bottle of cooking oil and packet of salt only to leave them behind at the end of their stay. It’ll also mean they can start cooking on arrival, which they’ll appreciate if they have a late check-in.
10. Wine fridge
Unless you’re located in a wine-producing region, this is a high-end nice-to-have. Wine enthusiasts will really appreciate it, though, especially if you throw in a couple of bottles of the local tipple.
A wine fridge is an investment, but it really adds a touch of luxury to your vacation rental
Pro tip: give them a warm welcome by leaving a welcome basket of treats in the kitchen—a nice bottle of wine, chocolate, or the ingredients to make a local dish
Living room
After the kitchen (and outdoor areas in warm climates), this is where your guests are likely to spend most of their waking hours while they’re in the property. These popular amenities will help them feel right at home.
11. Comfortable seating
Invest in good quality, durable seating with hospitality-grade fabric. This makes it easier to clean and helps it stay looking good longer. Invest in a pull-out couch to up your accommodation capacity, and include blankets and throw cushions to make it even cozier.
12. Smart or cable TV and streaming services
Unless guests want total digital disconnection, they’ll appreciate being able to keep up with local news and weather. Or just relax and watch their favorite series. TVs are a must-have for urban properties, which tend to get more business travelers. A games console will also go down well with families.
If you have an HDMI rather than a smart TV, a Fire Stick or Chromecast will let them access streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.
Guests will appreciate being kick back on rainy days or in the evenings with their favorite shows
13. Lamps
Some strategically placed lamps (or dimmer switches) help create a cozy atmosphere and can really complement other furnishings and upgrade the space.
14. Rugs
As well as complementing your decor and making the space cozier, a few thick rugs do wonders to muffle sounds for anyone living downstairs if your STR is in an apartment building.
15. Information pack
Leave a binder with all the essential information guests will need during their stay. As well as house rules and operating instructions for devices, this should include maps, guidebooks, local attractions, and recommendations.
Pro tip: upsell excursions and offer to book local attractions for your guests.
16. Indoor fireplace
Unless you’re in the mountains, this is a nice-to-have. Fireplaces score high for “instagramability,” though, and look highly inviting on your listing photos.
Fires look great in photos, so they can really help your listing stand out
17. Books and board games
These will be appreciated by all guests, but especially in climates where the weather may curtail plans. They’re also great for groups or families that want to minimize screen time. As a minimum, a pack of playing cards is a must, as are popular games like Monopoly.
18. Artwork
Another nice-to-have, but one that creates a great visual impression and can really complete your decor. Consider partnering with local artists or craftspeople to showcase their work and make it available for guests to buy.
Dining room
Coming together for meals is often a high point of family or group vacations. So, while formal dining rooms are less of a thing these days, you need a well-equipped, comfortable space.
19. Seating
Make sure you have enough for maximum occupancy. And that tables and chairs are sturdy and comfortable, in case after-dinner conversation drags on into the small hours.
20. Dinnerware
Supply a full set of plates, serving dishes, glasses (water and wine), and silverware. Be sure to stock up on extra wine glasses as these have a tendency to get broken. A water pitcher is a nice additional touch.
There’s no need to splash out on tableware, but a few affordable, elegant glasses create a great effect
Pro tip: upsell dining experiences, like booking local eateries or arranging for a chef to come in and cook for your guests.
Bedrooms
Whatever else they do on vacation, guests want to go home relaxed and refreshed. A good night’s sleep is key to achieving that and getting you rave reviews.
Here’s what to provide to ensure they have the sweetest of dreams.
21. High-quality mattresses
This is hands down the most important item in the bedroom, so don’t skimp on the quality. Plus, beds get a lot of use so you don’t want to have to replace the mattress every season. Everyone is different so choosing the right mattress is tricky, but go for something supportive but not too hard and you should be on the right track.
Pro tip: Make beds bug-proof with zippered mattress and box spring encasements. And cover them with non-plastic waterproof pads to protect them.
22. Bedding
This should be good quality and plentiful. Invest in high-thread count, hospitality grade sheets, and at least two pillows per person. As a rule, you should have three sets of linens per person (one for the bed, one in the closet, and one at the cleaners). Throws, blankets, and extra pillows will add to the luxury.
The bedroom is one of the most important spaces in your vacation home, so make sure guests will be comfortable
23. Lamps
Bedtime reading under a striplight is nobody’s idea of a relaxing wind-down before sleep. Make sure there’s one lamp per person on nightstands and that bulbs are low-energy warm lighting.
24. Storage
Provide a luggage rack and plenty of hangers (go for wood rather than wire or plastic as it’s sturdier and more durable) in the closet. Provide an iron and ironing board so they can look their best for a business meeting or special night out.
25. Curtains and sleep aids
Blinds or thick, dark curtains will help them get a solid eight hours of shuteye. Sleep masks and earplugs may also go down well with light- and noise-sensitive travelers, particularly in busy urban areas.
Bathrooms
Some good quality essentials and a few little luxuries in the bathroom can help create a memorable guest experience.
26. Towels
Stepping out of the shower into a fresh, plush towel is way more pleasant than trying to dry yourself with some old, threadbare rag. Towels get a lot of use and washing, so don’t skimp on the quality or quantity. Aim for four sets of bath, hand, and face towels per person at maximum occupancy.
27. Toiletries and toilet paper
There’s no excuse for not providing cheap basics like toilet paper, soap, and toothpaste. And, while toiletries like conditioner and lotion may be an “extra,” they help create a hotel-like experience. You can even throw in a few “spa” treatments like face masks, bath bombs, etc. for added luxury.
Be sure to list toiletries on OTAs so guests know they don’t need to bring them.
If you’re supplying toiletries, you’ll create a better impression if you go for brands that are a cut above the generic
Pro tip: provide Covid-safe supplies like antibacterial hand sanitizer and disposable gloves.
28. Bath mats and shower curtains
Again, these are basic items but you’d be surprised how many hosts expect guests to use a towel as a bathmat or shower pressed against the wall so as not to flood the bathroom. Make these good-quality and in colors that match your theme and towels.
29. Waste basket
Another basic but essential item that should be in any bathroom. Choose one with a lid to hide a multitude of sins.
30. Hairdryer
A nice-to-have, but one that’s appreciated by long-haired people around the world. If providing this amenity, make sure there’s one in every bathroom.
31. Underfloor heating
This doesn’t come cheap, but it’s well worth considering in colder climates. Install it with a timer and you’ll have guests raving about how great it feels to walk into a warm bathroom in the mornings.
Outdoor area
The amenities you provide outdoors will vary with the location of your property, but these are guaranteed to go down well with guests.
32. Outdoor furniture and lighting
Sturdy, weatherproof tables, chairs, and loungers are essential. Even if you don’t have a large garden or yard, a few chairs and a table can turn the tiniest balcony into an urban oasis. Add durable cushions and perhaps a hammock for extra luxury.
A few well-placed lights or a fire pit will create a magical after-dark atmosphere and allow guests to enjoy the space well into the night.
33. Swimming pool
Private pools come with maintenance costs, but they’re a huge added bonus in warm climates, or for families. So you should recoup the costs in your rates. Be sure to keep it well maintained and looking its best when guests post pics of themselves poolside.
You don’t have to offer an Olympic-size private pool—even a small splash pool can help your STR stand out
34. Hot tub
Hot tubs are a nice-to-have but really add a luxurious touch to any yard. In mountain properties, guests will love a soak after a hard day on the slopes.
35. Barbecue
Everyone loves outdoor eating, so provide a barbeque and fuel. Or you could invest in a modern gas version for the perfect cookout.
Everyone loves a barbecue in summer, so including one in your amenities can help you show up on OTA searches
36. Outdoor equipment
In coastal properties, providing beach towels, beach tennis sets, sunshades, and a cool box will be a big hit. If you have a mountain property, amenities like skiing or hiking gear will also go down well.
37. Free parking
Especially in urban and beachfront locations, guests will appreciate not spending hours looking for parking.
Pro tip: upsell additional amenities and services like car, bicycle, or sports equipment hire.
Tech amenities
Modern travelers increasingly expect a tech-enabled stay. So proving high-tech amenities or smart home devices will help you show up in listings and get rave reviews.
38. Fast Wi-Fi
If you’re catering to business travelers, digital nomads, or those on “workation,” reliable Wi-Fi is a must. If walls are thick or the signal is weak, consider installing WiFi boosters throughout your home, especially in key areas like the living room, bedroom, or home office (if you have one).
39. Smart HVAC systems
Heating and air conditioning are a must. Invest in a smart thermostat with remote controls so you can warm the place up or cool it down before guests arrive. Without having to make the round trip to do it in person.
40. Speakers
Splash out on a decent Bluetooth speaker so guests can play their favorite playlists from their smartphone. Or, for an immersive home entertainment experience, you could hook a surround sound system up to your smart TV.
A set of speakers means guests can play their favorite tunes and create a home-from-home experience
41. Adaptors and chargers
Universal adaptors and chargers aren’t expensive and will be highly appreciated by guests who left theirs at home. You’ll also want enough charging points around the home, especially in areas like the living room, office, or bedrooms.
Safety & security amenities
These amenities may not help you show up in OTA searches, but they are essential to protect your guests and your property. Not to mention make for a more comfortable, convenient stay.
42. Smart locks
Smart locks let you offer contactless check-in, which many modern guests now expect. It also means you can make savings on staffing costs as you don’t have to employ a dedicated receptionist.
Pro tip: if you’re partnering with Jetstream for property management, we integrate with Operto and Autohost to enable remote, keyless self-check-in. As well as protecting your asset, this lets you offer early or late check-in/out as an additional amenity, without the additional staffing costs and hassle.
Smart locks can be operated from guests’ cell phones, or with a simple pin code
43. Noise and CO2 monitoring
These smart devices monitor noise and CO2 levels and can be set up to provide automatic alerts when these rise above certain levels. This lets you act fast to prevent noisy parties or protect your guests in the event of falling air quality.
44. Security cameras
Installed on the exterior of your property, these will alert you if unregistered guests show up. So you can act fast to shut down a noisy, unauthorized party. They also keep guests safer when accessing the property at night or in urban areas.
45. Fire extinguisher
Your property must be equipped with these. Check with your local authority to see how many you need, and where to place them.
46. First aid kit
A basic first aid kit – displayed in a prominent location – with items like Band-Aids, gauze, medical tape, disinfectant, etc. is essential to treat minor accidents and injuries.
Pro tip: remember to include the location and instructions for using fire extinguishers, etc. in your welcome pack. Also emergency exits and local numbers like the police, hospitals, fire service, etc.
Family-friendly amenities
Sure, making your property child-friendly does imply more wear and tear. But it’ll make it attractive to a much wider market segment.
Here are the things parents will appreciate.
47. High chair
A high chair or booster seat is essential for family mealtimes in very young families. Don’t forget to supply a car seat or booster cushion if you’re providing car hire.
Parents of small children will appreciate you providing toys and other distractions
48. Kids’ crockery
Parents will really appreciate not having to bring things like sippy cups, child-safe utensils, and durable, plastic plates
49. Travel crib
Provide a foldable crib in the children’s room or the master bedroom for those traveling with babies.
50. Changing mat
A must for parents with babies. If you’re feeling generous, you can also provide a few spare diapers and wipes.
51. Child-proof security features
A stairgate, child-proof locks on cabinets and fencing and covers around pools, etc. will help keep the little ones safe. Power outlet covers are also a good idea.
Pet-friendly amenities
Again, not everyone will want to go this route, but pet-friendly properties are in a minority, so it’s well worth considering.
52. Bowls and feeding mat
Provide separate bowls for water and food, and a mat to protect the kitchen floor from spills. If you’re in a hot climate, a second, large water bowl outdoors is a good idea.
53. Bedding & towels
Provide a comfy, one-size-fits-all bed, and consider some throw blankets in case Fido is partial to sleeping on the sofa. Remember to provide a few towels to dry dirty paws, too.
Providing pet-friendly amenities like a dog bed makes travel a whole lot easier for owners
54. Treats & toys
Not essential, but pet owners will love that you’ve thought about these little details.
Pro tip: include the local vet’s contact details in your welcome pack and give recommendations for pet-friendly beaches, eateries, or parks.
Accessibility amenities
Around 15% of the world’s population experience some type of disability. So making your property accessible opens it up to a whole new, often neglected market segment.
We could write a whole post on this topic alone, but a few essential amenities include:
- Grab rails around tubs and toilets
- Accessible parking
- Roll-under sinks and counters for wheelchairs
- Non-slip surfaces
- Easy-to-reach appliances, outlets, etc.
Remember, to list as an accessible property, you may also need to widen your entryways and provide a wheelchair ramp. Check with your local authority to see what’s required.
How to choose vacation rental amenities
Here’s what to bear in mind when choosing vacation rental amenities.
Think about how to make your vacation rental stand out
Think about what drives guest interest and which amenities will look good on your listing photos. And, more importantly, on guests’ Instagrams. This applies whether you’re targeting the mass market or smaller niches, like pet-friendly.
This doesn’t mean going high quality all the way, though. Many Airbnb hosts will get Ikea kitchenware but complement it with a signature item like a fancy glass kettle. This looks great in photos and creates an impression of quality and individuality in owners’ and guests’ minds. A few signature items like this also avoid you having an STR that looks the same as the competition.
Use AllTheRooms to see which properties in your area are getting bookings. Then, see which popular amenities they offer. Can you match or improve on them?
Match your niche and theme
Think about how you can create a coherent, on-brand look and feel. Choose amenities that fit your niche and theme, whether it’s vintage, urban, log cabin, etc. Unless you’re going for the mismatched look, don’t mix styles. A chrome coffee set will not go well in a rustic farmhouse kitchen, for example.
It’s fine to include a few different styles in your vacation rental, but make sure they all tie into a single theme or look
Aim for quality and durability
As STR supply aggregator Minoan says, “Buy nice or buy twice.”
It’s tempting to save on setup costs by shopping at lower-cost retailers like Ikea or Amazon, which have reliable stock levels and offer delivery. However, this is a rookie mistake. More experienced hosts opt for higher quality, durable, hospitality-grade furnishings and products that are easy to operate, clean, and replace.
Plan ahead and assume a 10-20% breakage rate. Your signature glassware might look great on your listing, but will you be able to replace individual glasses when they break? Consistency is important with amenities—especially in luxury properties. Unless you’re going for a quirky theme, mismatched items just don’t look good.
To shop for higher quality versions of the items on our checklist, check out Minoan’s retailer listings.
A vacation rental amenities list—key to streamlined STR setup and an excellent guest experience
Competition is up and revenue is down in the vacation rental industry. So it’s more important than ever to stand out from the crowd.
Offering a full range of vacation rental amenities will help you show up on OTA searches. And create the kind of high-quality guest experience that gets rave reviews.
Use our vacation rental amenities list as a guide when setting up your short-term rental, and keep the following in mind:
- What are other vacation rental properties in your area offering?
- What will make your STR stand out, and show up in OTA searches?
- How can you appeal to niche markets, if that’s what you’re going for?
- Which amenities fit your niche and theme?
- If going for signature items, will you be able to replace them if they get damaged?
By now, you should be well equipped to start shopping for vacation rental amenities. If you need more help, though, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Jetstream, we’re experts in providing tech-first property management services to hosts to grow your bookings, business, and revenue. Best of all, we do it all under your brand.
So you can hand over the workload, but not control of your business.
Frequently asked questions about vacation rental amenities
What should I stock in my vacation rental?
You should stock basic amenities and a few “luxuries” in your vacation rental. Travelers filter listings by amenities, so providing as many as possible will help you show up. Good quality, thoughtful amenities also boost your chances of good reviews.
What are some examples of vacation rental amenities?
Some examples of vacation rental amenities that travelers appreciate include fast Wi-Fi, good quality kitchen and dining ware, pools, fireplaces, and free parking.
How can I make my rental property stand out?
You can make your vacation rental stand out by providing a range of good-quality basic amenities. For example, cookware, bedding, and comfortable seating. Amenities like fast Wi-Fi and smart TVs will also help you stand out. You can also supply amenities to cater to niche markets like families, pet owners, or digital nomads.
What is a vacation rental inventory checklist?
A vacation rental inventory checklist is a list of all essential items you need to include in your vacation rental. This might include the amenities you need to provide while setting up your property. Also, basic items like toilet paper or condiments, which you’ll need to restock after each visit.
