Which amenities and essentials make a great stay for guests? 💭

[Alex]

Hello everyone!

Your listing is the first impression that guests get from your property. Before they even arrive, they are already exploring the layout of the rooms, admiring your photos, checking the location, and, of course, reviewing the amenities you offer. ✅

Amenities play a crucial role in shaping a guest's experience and can significantly influence their decision to book your listing over others. Whether it’s a cozy blanket and a welcome basket, these details can make all the difference. 💡

I’d love to hear your opinion on this! What amenities and essentials do you think hosts should include in their listings? Perhaps a fully equipped kitchen for those who love cooking, or a washing machine for longer stays? How about outdoor space for guests to relax? 🏡

Share your ideal list in the comments. I’m excited to see what works for you and helps create memorable experiences for your guests! 🤗

Best, 

Alex

[Magic3]

I started my first vacation rental in 2018, so, 7 years now. I grew my business to 7 homes that I own and 2 that I co-host for others, so I manage 9 homes presently. 

[Alex]

Wow! That's impressive @Magic3. How's the experience going? 🏡 

[Magic3]

@Alex I enjoy owning and maintaining upscale properties and sharing them with guests. Overall, I find the experience personally and financially rewarding. I am a hands-on guy and know my way around basic to intermediate maintenance and repair tasks and I enjoy dealing with people, so, these are the ingredients that make it easier to be a high performing and effective host. I am proud to have over 1,000 reviews while maintaining a host review at or above 4.95 stars. 

[Marcos1103]

Aloha,

I run a studio in Waikiki. Basically a simple hotel room.

So essentials for me is all kinds of beach gear and toys.

I offer free water and chocolates.

A free parking space.

Extras include, guide books, games, DVD collection, and extra outlets with USB plugs.

At least that is what works for us on the amenities side.

mahalo!

[Alex]

Hello @Marcos1103! 

Thank you for participating in the Community! 😄

Have you always included these amenities in your listings, or did you decide to add them more recently to enhance the guest experience? 💭

[Marilyn50]

I have, Wi-Fi, hot tub, deck.  I always leave two bottles of water and health bars.  Off store parking in driveway.

[Bhumika]

@Marilyn50 , Parking is truly a convenient amenity for many guests out there! Is the parking free or easily accessible to guests? 

How do they react to this amenity ? 😍 

I'd love to hear all about it!

Regards,

[Marilyn50]

parking free

[Bhumika]

That's great @Marilyn50 ! Are there any other amenities that are favourite amongst your guests?

Regards,

[Lisa10453]

I am starting to gather info to turn our vacation home into an Airbnb when not in use. We've stayed in a lot of places over the years, so I have an idea of what to offer, but this convo is very helpful. Because our place is in the country and 15 min from a convenience store and 25 min from a big grocery store, here are some things that I plan on having on hand. 

- Feminine hygiene products

- Plenty of paper goods (TP and paper towel)

- kitchen basics (salt, pepper, basic seasonings, olive oil, flour, sugar)

- extra trash bags, dish soap, dishwasher detergent, new sponge

- fully outfitted kitchen so people can actually cook a meal

- Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap)

- black make-up washclothes

- pack-n-play

- plastic plates and cups for kids or outdoors

- charging station in the kitchen with different kinds of cables

- puzzles and games

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Lisa 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Lisa10453 , sounds like you’re already on the right track for looking into offering many convenient amenities for guests😍 

Have you managed to accommodate all these amenities in your listing? How's the progress so far? 

We'd be interested in hearing more updates!

Regards,

[Jamie600]

Hi Alex,  When I look for a place to stay, I always look for a place that is beautiful and looks clean and comfortable. 

As a host,  I get the most questions about coffee makers/pour over/espresso, etc.  I have a CAFE Espresso machine, a SMEG coffee maker, a Kuerig, a pour over, and a press. I leave fresh coffee, espresso beans, and an assortment of tea.

I also have back-up toiletries if a guest forgets something. I have excellent cleaners and that makes all the difference in the world. 

* I leave fresh flowers, brie, goat cheese, berries, and a baguette for each arrival. If there is a special occasion, I make sure to leave something special for them.  So basically, as a host, I make sure I have everything I would want at the house if I were a guest.  💛

Kindest regards,

Jamie

[Bhumika]

Hi @Jamie600 , Your variety of coffee-making options is impressive! 😍 I'm sure many coffee lovers are going to absolutely love your collection. How do guests react to it? 

It also makes me curious, since you already offer amazing amenities—Have you ever added something new to the above list based on a guest's suggestions and it eventually turned out to be a big hit?

I look forward to hear your hosting stories 🌻

[Mafalda55]

Hi Alex,
I'll list what my guests have appreciated so far, which are mainly families with children:

-tranquillity of the place
-sea view
-balcony where you can have lunch/dinner
-proximity to the beach/apartment location
-very well-equipped kitchen
-ample space available
-cleanliness
-quality furnishings
-air conditioning and wifi are essential.

🤗

[Bhumika]

Hi @Mafalda55 , thanks for sharing these amenities! Do guests usually mention them in their reviews?

I also noticed one of the hosts mentioned below about offering puzzle and board games!  Are you planning to offer something similar in future, especially for hosting families with children? 

We'd love to hear from you!