One of the questions that we get asked over and over: What amenities should I offer guests to get them to rent my property? The answer may depend on your region and your property, but there are certain amenities that are must-haves for pretty much all vacation rentals. To make your property stand out against the competition, consider adding a few above-and-beyond extras as well.
Living Area
Must-Haves
- Comfortable seating for at least the number of people you sleep
- A TV large enough for guests to watch from across the room (27” or larger)
- Basic cable
- Reading lamps
- A DVD player, or at the very least a VCR (If you only provide a VCR, it's probably a good idea to also have a stock of videos, since they may no longer be readily available at the local video store.)
Extras
- A big-screen HDTV - Can be a deal-maker for sports fans
- A DVD library with flicks for the kids
- Satellite, premium cable or movie channels
- Recliner or comfortable reading chair and ottoman
- A fireplace (If your home doesn't have a fireplace built-in, consider adding a freestanding electric fireplace.)
- A stereo with a CD player or an iPod docking station
- A CD library
- Game systems like Xbox, PlayStation or Wii with games.
Kitchen/Dining Room
Must-Haves
- Microwave
- Teapot
- Coffee pot with filters and a starter pack of coffee, creamer, and sugar
- Basic pantry items like sugar, salt and pepper
- Cleaning supplies, including liquid hand soap, dishwashing liquid, carpet cleaner, all-purpose cleaners, bleach/disinfectant
- Adequate cooking gear
- Enough plates, glasses, and flatware for double the number of people that you sleep - who wants to be constantly doing the dishes while on vacation?
- A dining room table that will seat the number that you sleep
- A fold-up table and chairs readily available for the kids, if you sleep large numbers
Extras
- A deluxe coffee pot with grinder or espresso machine
- Granite countertops
- Stainless steel appliances
- Specialty gadgets like a juicer, waffle maker, soft-serve ice cream maker or margarita machine
- Other small appliances like a mixer, slow cooker, or griddle
- Fresh fruit, pastries or a bottle of wine or champagne
Bedrooms
Must-Haves
- At least a queen-sized bed in the master bedroom
- Two sets of high-quality sheets for each bed
- Pillows with pillow protectors.
- Extra blankets
- Mattress pads
- Full-length mirror
- Alarm clock
- Reading lamp on a bedside table in each bedroom
Extras
- King-sized beds
- High-quality or Egyptian cotton sheets
- Down comforters
- Feather pillows
- Television
Bathrooms
Must-Haves
- Two quality bath towels per guest
- Two hand towels per guest
- Four washcloths per guest
- Hair dryer
- Hand soap
- At least one roll of toilet paper
- Tissues
Extras
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Body wash and lotions
- Unique shower/showerheads
- Jacuzzi/whirlpool tub in the master bathroom
- Steam shower or sauna
- Bathrobes
- Towel warmer
Balcony/Backyard
Must-Haves
- Outdoor seating
- Lighting
- Ash trays (even if your home is non-smoking)
Extras
- An area for lounging and dining
- Barbeque grill
- Hot tub
- Swimming pool (heated is a bonus)
- Outdoor fireplace or chiminea
- Children's play area
- Basketball hoop, volleyball net, croquet set or horse shoes
Other Amenities
Must-Haves
- Vacuum
- High-speed Internet (This used to be an extra, but now it's a dealbreaker for many travelers.)
- Iron and full-size ironing board
- Landline telephone, even if you only keep it in case of emergencies
- Local phonebook
- A first aid kit
- Liners in trash cans
Extras
- Washer and dryer.
- Air conditioning - If you own in a location where air conditioning is not a standard home feature, providing A/C could be a draw for those who are used to having it.
- Baby gear like a portable crib and a high chair
- Game room with a pool table, foosball table, ping pong table and/or dartboard
- Exercise equipment like a stationary bike or treadmill
- Office equipment like a computer, fax machine and printer
- Free long-distance phone service
- Ice chest/cooler
- Sports equipment like tennis rackets, footballs, or golf clubs
- Region-specific gear like beach towels, a ski locker, canoes, kayaks, or bikes