When a guest books an Airbnb, they typically expect a certain range of amenities. After all, part of the popularity of Airbnbs is the home-away-from-home feeling they give off.
For Airbnb owners or managers, it is essential to ensure your rental property has the right amenities to attract guests and leave them with a satisfying experience.
From guest toiletries and dedicated workspaces to stunning outdoor garden spaces and relaxing hot tubs, there are lots of amenities that can improve a guest’s overall Airbnb experience
In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about Airbnb amenities, including 8 of the top amenities any Airbnb should have.
What are Airbnb Amenities?
Airbnb amenities refer to the features and resources provided in an Airbnb rental property.
According to a 2018 Airbnb customer survey, the majority of Airbnb guests look for amenities that offer two main characteristics: functionality (such as a coffee maker) and thoughtfulness ( such as a complimentary bottle of wine).
The survey further found that most guests prefer comfort over connectivity, with amenities like air conditioning being favored more over WiFi. It is important to note, however, that post-pandemic times have seen a sharp increase in remote work and, thus, a higher demand for WiFi in rental properties.
The 8 Best Airbnb Amenities that Guests Look For when Booking
All Airbnbs will have some level of amenities, though most will vary in what they offer.
Today, some of the most basic amenities that most Airbnb guests expect to have access to include a kitchen, WiFi, self-check-in, and free parking. As such, these amenities are not included in this list, as they are often not the main selling point that helps a host gain new guests.
With this in mind, here are our top 8 amenities to make your Airbnb more appealing to book:
1. Guest Toiletries
Guest toiletries are easily one of the most thoughtful and important amenities to include in an Airbnb.
This can include items such as travel-size soaps, shampoos, and conditioners, as well as hand and face soaps and other self-care items.
It is also a good idea to keep a large stock of extra towels, pillows, blankets, and linens in your Airbnb. At a minimum, each guest should have one towel and pillow, and each guest bed should have an extra set of linens stored in an easy-to-find location.
Additionally, keeping an assortment of non-perishable items — such as coffee and pre-packaged snacks — can be a nice addition that impresses and satisfies your guests.
2. Washer and Dryer
Depending on the length of the stay, guests may need to wash their clothes during their visit.
Some people prefer to wash and dry their clothes after travelling as well, as contaminants and other debris can dirty clothes on airplanes, buses, and other modes of travel. Moreover, if an accident were to occur, such as a suitcase getting wet, having the ability to clean and dry clothes afterward is essential.
Having a washer and dryer in your Airbnb provides these guests with the ability to wash their clothes, towels, and linens as needed. Not only is this incredibly thoughtful but it also adds a level of functionality to your Airbnb that can attract more business travellers who need fresh clothes for work.
In addition to providing a washer and dryer, you should also offer laundry detergent and dryer sheets as well. To avoid overuse of detergent, your best bet is to buy laundry detergent pods.
Keep these resources safely stored out of reach of pets or children. You should also leave clear instructions for guests on where these items are and how to use the washer and dryer.
3. Dedicated Workspace
As mentioned earlier, post-pandemic times have led to a rise in remote jobs. In turn, more people can travel without having to take time off work, as they can simply bring their work computer with them.
Along with providing WiFi, having a dedicated workspace in your Airbnb can be a major benefit to business people who need to work while they travel (or those who are travelling specifically for work).
Some key items to include in a dedicated workspace include:
- A desk and desk chair
- A desk lamp
- A basic printer
- A power strip and surge protector
- Basic office supplies (paper, pens, etc.)
Not only can this dedicated workspace be a great advantage for your guests, but it is also a key feature that you can add to your Airbnb listing to make it more valuable and sought-after.
4. Kitchen Essentials
Having a kitchen in an Airbnb is a huge part of the reason why so many prefer Airbnbs over hotels.
However, that kitchen is only as useful as it is well-stocked. If you have a full kitchen in your Airbnb but none of the kitchen essentials to go with it, you’re likely not providing guests with as great of an experience as you could be.
The kitchen essentials to ensure you have in your Airbnb include:
- A coffee maker
- Pots and pans
- Plates, bowls, cups, and mugs
- Silverware
- Knives and cooking utensils (whisks, tongs, spatulas, etc.)
- A spice rack
- A cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A strainer and a mixing bowl
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Oven pans and oven mitts
- A trash can and recycling
- Sponges and dish soap (or dish pods if you have a dishwasher)
- A dish-drying rack
- A microwave and/or toaster
- Hand towels and/or paper towels
- Cleaning or disinfectant spray
- Tupperware and/or aluminum foil
5. Pets Allowed
Here’s one that can be a tough sell for Airbnb owners — allowing pets.
A “Pets Allowed” policy is not without risk, as you have no control over someone else’s animal and cannot predict whether or not that animal will cause damage to your Airbnb.
However, many people use Airbnb to find pet-friendly listings so they can travel with their furry friends.
In most cases, guests will be looking for an Airbnb that allows dogs, as cats and other more non-traditional pets can sometimes be difficult to travel with. As such, having a pet policy that allows dogs can greatly increase the pool of guests you attract to your rental property.
Luckily, Airbnb does offer guidelines and some additional protections for hosts who allow pets.
If you do plan on allowing pets in your Airbnb, it is important to first inspect your property to ensure there are no hazards or toxic plants or materials around that can harm a guest’s animal.
It is also a good idea to include some pet toiletries, such as:
- Food and water bowls
- Pet-friendly furniture and/or furniture covers
- Pet-specific cleaning supplies
- Pet treats
If you plan on allowing cats, make sure to include a litter box and litter as well (in case your guest forgets or fails to bring their own).
6. Garden Spaces
Having a beautiful and well-maintained outdoor garden space can be a huge draw on an Airbnb listing.
Many guests choose Airbnbs for privacy and to relax away from the hustle and bustle of more tourist-heavy areas. Garden space is a great way to increase these feelings of privacy and relaxation.
Additionally, having a garden at your Airbnb is an excellent way to create a unique and unforgettable experience for your guests — especially if your garden contains edible food items that guests can participate in, harvest, and enjoy.
As gardens tend to require care daily or every few days, it is a good idea to either set up an automated sprinkler system to keep your plants watered, or provide instructions to guests on how to tend to the plants. If you do plan on requesting help from guests, frame it as a fun activity for your guests within your listing to put a positive spin on it and make it part of the experience.
Make sure to clearly outline rules for your guests on what is and is not allowed in the garden as well.
7. Hot Tubs
Like pets, hot tubs are another contested amenity amongst Airbnb hosts.
There’s no denying that a hot tub can add tremendous value to your Airbnb. However, not only do hot tubs present a high upfront investment expense but they are also prone to becoming damaged when not properly cared for and maintained.
If you do plan to offer a hot tub at your Airbnb, you need to provide clear instructions on how to turn the hot tub on and off, as well as clearly stated consequences (fines, poor Airbnb guest ratings, etc.) for misuse or mistreatment of the hot tub.
Additionally, you will need to set a very precise cleaning schedule for your hot tub. You can either carry out the cleaning yourself by gathering the proper hot tub chemicals and supplies, or you can hire a hot tub maintenance service to check up on your tub after each visit.
8. Cleaning Supplies
Finally, the last essential amenity to include in your Airbnb is a well-stocked cleaning supply cabinet.
Messes happen — but guests can only help clean them if they have the proper supplies to do so. Most Airbnb guests will try to be considerate and leave your property in good shape before they leave. However, as the host, it is your responsibility to provide them with the cleaning supplies they need.
Here is a list of cleaning supply essentials to include in your Airbnb:
- Laundry pods/detergent and dryer sheets
- Dish soap or dish pods
- Sponges and a drying rack
- Cleaning or disinfectant spray
- Disposable paper towels and/or wet wipes
- Broom and dustpan
- Basic vacuum
- Mop and bucket
- Toilet brush
- Garbage bags
As mentioned earlier, make sure to keep all toxic chemicals out of reach of pets and children, and leave clear instructions on where to find them for guests.
Final Thoughts
To make your Airbnb a true home-away-from-home for guests, it is crucial to go above and beyond when it comes to the amenities you offer.
With one or several of the amenities listed above, you can add an enormous amount of extra value to your Airbnb that can boost your bookings and enhance your guests’ experiences.
