What amenities are considered essential where you Host?

Quincy
Community Manager
Community Manager
London, United Kingdom

What amenities are considered essential where you Host?

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Hello everyone,

 

I have seen many different homes, some of which are in remote areas, and some that are in busy places such as in a city. 

 

For all those different homes that are out there, essential amenities might differ greatly. Of course, it is also influenced on what a Host is offering, and what is available.

 

All travellers have different preferences, for example, one might be an adventurer looking for a remote place to stay at away from the city with only needing a bare minimum of essential amenities, and the other might just prefer that city vibe where most things are readily available. 

 

With that said, what amenities are considered essential where you Host?

 

I look forward to reading your comments 👀 

 

Quincy 

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31 Replies 31
Huma0
Level 10
London, United Kingdom

@Quincy 

 

As I am sure you know, it can get chilly in the winter in London (and also the autumn and spring) so heating is really a must. Whilst most homes here have a gas central heating system with radiators in every room, air-conditioning is very rare in UK homes and hardly ever needed, but of course, with climate change, that might not be the case in the future! It's also useful to think about the varying seasons in terms of the bedding provided. I have lighter and heavier options for this and extra duvets and quilts available in the chillier months if needed. I even have hot water bottles and electric blankets for those guests who really feel the cold, although I would not say these are essential. 

 

Decent WiFi is also essential. While there might be a few listings elsewhere in the UK that market a off-the-beaten-track, digital detox experience, I should think every guest coming to London would expect good WiFi. Conversely, my guests very rarely use the TV/cable package, so I'd say those were not really necessary as everyone seems to stream stuff on their devices here. 

 

Breakfast is NOT an essential amenity. There are so many options nearby, whether that is cafes or supermarkets, and it's just easier for guests to buy what they like, when they like. I think I've only ever hosted one stay where the guests expected me to feed them. I think breakfast is rarely offered as an amenity in London.

 

There are a number of other amenities that I would consider essential, e.g. cooking and laundry facilities, but they are less to do with location and more to do with the fact that I host long term stays. 

Quincy
Community Manager
Community Manager
London, United Kingdom

These are some great points @Huma0! I agree with you on the breakfast. We've got a lot of lovely places for breakfast here in London 😊

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Huma0
Level 10
London, United Kingdom

@Quincy 

 

After having read another recent thread here, I would add that hot water, as well as heating is an absolute must here in London!

Fred13
Level 10
Placencia, Belize

In my case is to leave enough food for them and not to forget to eventually pick them up.

Quincy
Community Manager
Community Manager
London, United Kingdom

Though I'm sure that even if you wouldn't pick them up, there are plenty of resources around the island @Fred13 👀

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@QuincyIt is funny to see even some 'suburban' types like some specialist doctor and his doing-nails-by-the-pool wife turn into a Tarzan & Jane, hunting-gathering duo and find lobster, crabs and conch on their own. Upon pick up they look in tatter in comparison to arrival, but definitely happy.

Huma0
Level 10
London, United Kingdom

@Fred13 

 

I love that! Sounds a bit like a reality show though...

It is a transformation I get to see all the time,  no wonder many of the reviews I get start with - "the place is hard to explain'. To this day, I still do not quite get why the place has worked out so well. Maybe it is a 'back to basics' thing because of the freedom which allows them to do as they please.

Quincy
Community Manager
Community Manager
London, United Kingdom

I would love to see that @Fred13! 😃

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Beth80
Level 10
State of Roraima, Brazil

@Quincy  With average day time temperatures at about 36° air conditioning is a must.  And oddly enough the next requested amenity is a heated shower. We don't have whole house water heaters here, each shower has an electric heater. 

Quincy
Community Manager
Community Manager
London, United Kingdom

Interesting @Beth80! What's the temperature like throughout the year, if I may ask? 😃

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Alex208
Level 3
Los Angeles, CA

A pool in Palm Springs! And very fast internet no matter the location!

Quincy
Community Manager
Community Manager
London, United Kingdom

Whoa, your pool is amazing 🤩 @Alex208

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Helen427
Level 10
Auckland, New Zealand

A comfortable chair to curl up in and read a good book, or to relax on and have a cuppa coffee, tea, or a glass of juice, milk or water over a nice conversation is an essential anywhere in the world.

 

Whilst their are many different styles of chairs, some are much more comfortable than others, ideally a hammock would also go down well, alas they are better with Beach/ Seaside homes.

 

@Quincy