Best Airbnb Amenities: A Checklist for Hosts

The difference between a good short-term rental and a great one often comes down to one thing: amenities. These thoughtful additions transform a simple stay into an experience guests rave about in reviews and recommend to friends. As competition in the short-term rental market intensifies, the amenities you add to your space can be the deciding factor for potential guests scrolling through dozens of listings.

But which Airbnb amenities will move the needle? And how can you strategically invest in the right features without breaking your budget? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything from essential basics to luxury touches that can significantly boost your booking rates and allow you to command higher nightly rates.

Basic, must-have Airbnb amenities

Before dreaming about hot tubs and smart home systems, let's establish the foundation. These essentials form the backbone of any successful Airbnb amenities list and should never be overlooked.

Bathroom

A clean and adequately stocked bathroom is a must. Airbnb guests expect the same kinds of amenities they’re accustomed to getting in hotels.

• High-quality toilet paper (never skimp here!)
• Towels (bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths — at least one per guest for shorter stays)
• Hand soap at every sink
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Hair dryer
• Bath mat
• Shower curtain or door that fully closes

Living room

There are tons of unique Airbnb amenities that can spruce up your living room and truly set it apart from competitors, but these are the basics you should offer at a minimum: 

• WiFi
• Emergency contact information
• Comfortable seating that accommodates your maximum guest count
• Throw blanket
• Coffee table or surface for drinks and devices
• Climate control (AC, heater, fan)
• Adequate lighting (including reading lights)

Bedroom

The bedroom is arguably the most important room in your short-term rental. Aside from a comfy bed, make sure you provide the following: 

• Quality bedding (ideally white so guests can see they're clean)
• Two pillows per guest (varying firmness if possible)
• Extra blankets 
• Hangers with closet space and/or a dresser
• Nightstand with lamp
• Mirror
• Easy access to outlet and/or charging station
• Room-darkening curtains or blinds

Kitchen

Even if your space only has a small kitchenette, these are some must-have amenities: 

• Coffee maker with supplies (filters, coffee, sugar)
• Tea
• Basic cleaning supplies (dish soap, sponge, all-purpose cleaner, paper towels)
• Dishes and cutlery
• Cooking essentials (pots and pans, olive oil, salt, pepper, spatula, measuring cups, knife set, oven mit) if your property has a full kitchen

Safety amenities

These aren't just nice-to-haves, they're non-negotiable to protect your guests and your property!

• Smoke detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit

10 best Airbnb amenities to improve the guest experience 

Let's face it — the basics just get you in the game. The amenities we're about to explore? They're what turn your average rental into a booking magnet that guests rave about. 

Ready to create those "wow" moments that keep guests coming back (and telling their friends)? These Airbnb amenity ideas can make the difference between "it was fine" and "we're already booking for next year!"

1. Hot tub

Nothing says vacation quite like sinking into a bubbling hot tub under the stars. Data from AirDNA shows that properties with hot tubs enjoy up to 14% higher average daily rates. 

Yes, you'll need to stay on top of maintenance, but watching your booking calendar fill up while your competitors sit empty during off-seasons makes it all worthwhile.

2. Smart locks

Your guests don’t want a scavenger hunt to find the keys you stashed under a rock, and they don’t want to worry about getting locked out, either. 

Smart locks are the ultimate convenience, and they’re increasingly becoming a must-have rather than just a nice-to-have. That magical moment when tired travelers can simply punch in a code instead of coordinating a key handoff creates instant goodwill. Plus, you'll never again get that panicked midnight call about lost keys or lockouts — which is worth every penny of the installation cost.

3. Pool 

Nothing sells a vacation rental quite like that glistening blue pool in your listing photos. While your competitors without a pool struggle during hot summer months, you'll be turning away bookings and raising your rates. 

Yes, pools require commitment and upkeep, but the reward is a property that practically markets itself. Those magical words "private pool" in your listing title can transform your booking rate overnight, especially for family travelers who'll pay premium rates for built-in entertainment.

4. Washer and dryer

Ever packed light for a trip only to run out of clean clothes? Your guests face this dilemma too, and providing in-unit laundry solves it beautifully. This seemingly mundane addition spares travelers the hassles of overpacking, hunting down laundromats, and wearing slightly questionable shirts on day five. 

For families with small children in particular, this amenity is a booking decision-maker. The smile of relief when guests spot that washer/dryer combo can turn an ordinary stay into a memorably stress-free experience.

5. Grill

There's something satisfying about outdoor cooking that elevates vacation meals beyond the ordinary. A quality charcoal or gas grill is a simple addition that encourages guests to fully enjoy your outdoor space while creating a relaxed atmosphere for meals and conversation. 

6. Fire pit

A fire pit is the perfect addition to an outdoor oasis, creating a natural gathering point where conversations deepen, marshmallows get perfectly toasted, and vacation memories crystallize. For a relatively small investment, you're adding an amenity that guests will specifically seek out when booking their next getaway. We recommend investing in an aesthetic piece, like a Cowboy Cauldron fire pit, to maximize Instagram appeal. 

7. Free parking

Only someone who's circled endlessly looking for parking in an unfamiliar city can truly appreciate the sweet relief of guaranteed parking. In urban areas, this seemingly simple amenity can be the deciding factor between your property and a competitor's. 

Clear instructions with photos of exactly where to park create immediate arrival confidence, setting a positive tone for the entire stay before they even step through your door.

8. Remote workspace

A dedicated workspace has become essential for STR guests with varied needs and schedules, from business travelers and digital nomads to students and vacationers who need a comfortable spot to check emails or plan the next day's adventures.

Invest in:

• An ergonomic, adjustable chair
• A proper desk at the right height 
• Easily accessible power outlets and/or a charging station
• Desk lamp for focused lighting

9. Family-friendly amenities 

Traveling with children transforms every trip into a logistical puzzle that thoughtful hosts can help solve. Family travelers represent a substantial market segment that books longer stays and travels during off-peak periods, making them ideal guests for maximizing occupancy.

Creating a truly family-friendly space requires anticipating the practical needs of parents while adding touches that delight children of various ages.

Essential items to provide:

• Pack-and-play or travel crib
• High chair or booster seat
• Baby gates for stairs and hazardous areas
• Cabinet locks and outlet covers
• Night lights in hallways and bathrooms
• Kids’ board games and toys

10. Pet-friendly policy

Offering a genuinely pet-friendly property opens your rental to a passionate market segment willing to pay premium rates for accommodations that truly welcome their furry family members. Creating a space that works for both pets and their owners requires thoughtful preparation that goes beyond simply allowing animals on the property.

Pet-friendly amenities to provide:

• Secure, fenced outdoor area 
• Water and food bowls
• Designated pet towels for muddy paws
• Waste bags and clearly marked disposal area
• Comfortable pet bed or blanket
• Treats

Top 8 unique Airbnb amenities

Standing out in a crowded marketplace requires Airbnb amenities that create memorable moments guests can't wait to share. The following unique additions may require an up-front investment, but they deliver outsized returns in guest satisfaction, social sharing, and repeat bookings.

1. Pickleball court: Riding the wave of America's fastest-growing sport, a pickleball court can become your property's most mentioned feature.
2. Game room equipment: Shuffleboard, air hockey, foosball, ping pong, or retro pinball machines create entertainment options regardless of weather.
3. Hammock or outdoor swing: These Instagram-friendly relaxation spots cost little but photograph beautifully and drive booking inquiries.
4. Massage chair: After a day of sightseeing or business meetings, this luxury touch delivers spa-like relaxation.
5. Musical instruments: An acoustic guitar or keyboard adds cultural dimension to the stay.
6. Outdoor shower: In appropriate climates, this unexpected luxury creates a resort-like experience.
7. Canoes or kayaks: For lake houses and other waterfront properties, providing water recreation equipment eliminates rental hassles for guests.
8. Record player and records: A record player creates an immediate sense of nostalgia and adds undeniable vibes to your space.

Top 8 high-end Airbnb amenities

For high-end properties commanding premium rates, certain amenities signal exceptional quality and thoughtful hosting. These luxury Airbnb amenities justify substantial price increases while attracting discerning guests who expect extraordinary experiences. Though each involves significant investment, they elevate your property into an exclusive category with less competition and higher profit margins.

1. Fireplace: Gas or wood-burning fireplaces create ambiance that’s impossible to replicate with other features.
2. Sauna: Particularly valuable in cool-weather destinations, a sauna is one of those luxury Airbnb amenities that guests typically associate with expensive resorts. We recommend Almost Heaven saunas!
3. On-site spa services: Partnerships with local massage therapists or estheticians for in-home services create memorable indulgences.
4. Professional-grade kitchen equipment: High-end appliances signal quality throughout the property and attract culinary enthusiasts.
5. Smart devices: Comprehensive systems to control lighting and temperature impress tech-savvy guests.
6. Outdoor kitchen: Complete with built-in grill, refrigerator, and prep space, this feature extends living space and enhances group stays.
7. Heated floors: Particularly in bathrooms, this unexpected luxury creates a lasting impression of comfort.
8. Home theater: Dedicated viewing rooms with projectors and premium sound systems create resort-like entertainment experiences.

Where to shop for Airbnb amenities

Strategically sourcing quality amenities can maximize value while minimizing costs. Here's where to look:

Minoan: Your one-stop shop

Minoan has revolutionized how hosts source both furnishings and replenishables. Minoan members get access to over 150 premium brands at insider prices, with savings up to 60% off retail. Our platform allows you to add items from multiple Airbnb amenities suppliers to a single cart, tracking all orders in one dashboard.

The best part? Membership is completely free for qualified Airbnb hosts and hospitality professionals. There are no subscription fees — just substantial savings on brands your guests will recognize and love.

Brands to look for

• Furniture
  • Crate & Barrel
  • Wayfair
  • TOV
  • Article
  • Arhaus
  • All Modern
  • Rove Concepts
  • Burrow
  • Mopio
  • Castlery
  • Joybird
• Toiletries and replenishables
  • Public Goods
  • Koala Eco
  • Apotheke
  • Firsthand Wholesale
• Towels and bedding
  • Quince
  • Parachute
  • A1 American
• Electronics and appliances
  • Samsung
  • Build with Ferguson
  • Avallon
  • Durastar
• Kitchen goods
  • Oxo
  • Caraway
  • Ratio
  • Fellow
  • Staub

How to choose the right amenities for your STR

With countless Airbnb amenities you could offer, which ones will actually move the needle for your property? The difference between a smart investment and wasted money requires aligning amenities with your specific circumstances rather than chasing every trending feature. The most successful properties don't necessarily have the longest amenity lists — they have the most thoughtfully curated ones.

Understand your target guests 

Different traveler segments have distinct priorities that should guide your amenity selections:

• Business travelers value efficiency above all — fast WiFi, dedicated workspace, quality coffee, and frictionless check-in matter more than recreational features. 
• Family travelers prioritize safety, convenience, and entertainment. They'll pay premiums for childproofing, extra sleeping arrangements, and activities that keep everyone happily occupied.
• Luxury seekers expect thoughtful details and unexpected indulgences that create memorable moments.
• Budget travelers appreciate practical functionality — focus on executing the basics flawlessly rather than adding expensive extras.

Consider your location’s natural advantages 

Your property's setting should inform your amenity strategy:

• Beach properties should lean into outdoor living with amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, outdoor showers, and secure storage for gear.
• Mountain locations benefit from evening-focused comforts like hot tubs, fire pits, board games, and well-stocked kitchens for group meals after active days.
• Urban rentals should emphasize security, soundproofing, and amenities that simplify city exploration like transit cards, neighborhood guides, and secure package delivery.
• Rural retreats need self-contained entertainment options since guests won't have easy access to external activities — think game rooms, outdoor recreation equipment, and excellent WiFi.

Analyze your competition strategically

Research comparable properties in your area, then develop a differentiation strategy:

1. Identify must-have amenities that appear in nearly all competing listings. These are your baseline requirements.
2. Note which 2-3 popular amenities are missing from most competitors' properties. These represent immediate opportunity gaps.
3. Consider adding one truly distinctive feature not available anywhere else nearby.
4. Think about seasonal gaps. Which amenities could extend your booking season into traditionally slower periods?

FAQ

What are Airbnbs supposed to provide?

At minimum, Airbnb hosts need to provide the five essential amenities: toilet paper, soap (hand and body), one towel per guest, one pillow per guest, and linens for each bed. However, competitive listings typically offer much more.

Most guests expect a fully functional space with kitchen basics (if a kitchen is advertised), WiFi, adequate seating, climate control, and basic toiletries. The most successful properties go beyond these basics with thoughtful additions like coffee supplies, streaming entertainment options, quality cookware, and comfortable living spaces that make guests feel at home rather than in a stripped-down rental.

Do Airbnbs include utilities?

Yes, standard utilities (electricity, water, gas, heating) are included in the nightly rate. Hosts generally cover all normal utility usage as part of the rental fee.

Do Airbnbs have sheets and towels?

Yes, Airbnb requires all hosts to provide clean sheets and towels for guests. This is one of the platform's non-negotiable essential amenities.