Vacation rental amenities are one of the key things that can greatly influence whether a guest will book your property or not. When it comes to searching for the ideal vacation rental, potential guests may scroll through countless rentals and having the right features has the possibility of making your short-term property truly stand out in the fierce San Diego rental market.
In fact, research has shown that more than 90% of travelers in the USA confirm that special features affect their overall vacation experience. Amenities can transform your rental unit from average to exceptional in no time by improving guests’ experience in any type of accommodation (beach houses, vacation homes, exclusive villas, apartments, condominiums, cottages, etc.)
Checklist of Most Requested Amenities Guaranteed to Get You 5-Star Reviews & Return Clients
In this blog post we have compiled a list of must-have amenities for vacation rentals that will help you attract more bookings, thus, increase your profit and maintain the value of the property. You will discover what vacation amenities are, and which amenities you should consider adding to your property’s kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, outdoor area, living room, and so on. You will also find helpful tips on how to stock your vacation rental home and how important smart technology is today. Make sure to follow our list if you want to appeal to the kind of guests you find reliable.
Table of Contents
1. What are vacation rental amenities and why do they matter so much for your rental business?
2. In-demand amenities for the kitchen
3. Essential bathroom amenities
4. Most desirable vacation rental bedroom amenities
5. Valuable living room essentials
8. Family-friendly property features
9. Luxury vacation rental amenities to amaze your high-end clientele
10. Must-have amenities for beach house rentals
11. Make your vacation rental stand out by adding the most popular amenities
Hire Swell Property For Professional Help On Obtaining More Bookings
Swell Property is one of the top-rated vacation rental management companies in San Diego that has been present for more than 20 years. We have established our reputation in the coastal San Diego area for offering world-class rental property management services. Our services include effective advertising, dynamic pricing, professional photography, tenant placement, staging, advice on upkeep and property upgrades, including amenities, and so on. We are committed to reaching your rental business goals while enabling you to live a worry-free lifestyle. If you own a vacation rental in Del Mar, Encinitas, or Carlsbad and want to increase your returns, do not hesitate to turn to us. Give us a call today at (760) 452-2345 or complete a short online contact form.
What Are Vacation Rental Amenities And Why Do They Matter So Much For Your Rental Business?
A vacation rental amenity is a desirable property feature that offers additional convenience, enjoyment, or luxury for the guests.
These features are important as they add extra value and set your property apart from the rest. They are well worth the extra investment as the vacationers are also willing to pay more for the additional perks they are getting.
According to a survey, amenities are the second most impactful aspect of the vacation. This is why you should update your property with new amenities which will boost your rental business prosperity in the long run.
The more sought-after amenities you offer, the more you will show up in search results. In order to meet the ever-changing travelers’ needs, start by researching your target audience, analyzing other properties in the area, and introducing amenity upgrades to improve your vacation rental’s standing in the market and offer a seamless and relaxing guest experience.
In-Demand Amenities For The Kitchen
The majority of people will rent your unit to live like a local and to feel as if they are in their own home. For this reason, a well-equipped kitchen is one of the most desirable features modern-day vacation renters are looking for.
Check out the list below for ideas on how to spruce up your kitchen with necessary amenities that will turn your guests into returning customers.
- Custom stocked fridge – cereal, juice, cookies, fruit, sugar, salt, pepper, oil, vinegar, spices
- Small kitchen appliances – toasters, waffle maker, rice cooker, bread maker, food processor, juicer, blender, crock pot, etc.
- Coffee & tea supplies – coffee maker, coffee pot, coffee, filters, tea bags, kettle, espresso machine
- Complete set of pots and pans and a proper supply of plates, utensils, mugs, wine glasses
- Various cookware essentials food containers, vegetable peeler, colander, thermometer, roasting pan, grater, measuring cups, bottle opener, cutting board
- Cleaning supplies – kitchen towels, dish soap, sponges, kitchen towels, stovetop cleaners, garbage bags
- Kid-friendly accessories – high chair, baby cutlery, disposable bibs
Essential Bathroom Amenities
The bathroom at your rental property should be the place where your clientele can pamper themselves in a luxurious and serene spa-like retreat. Treat your renters with any of the following bathroom amenities:
- Plenty of surface for storing toiletries – create extra surface by installing a wall shelf
- Slippers, robes and high-quality, soft, fluffy towels – bath towels, hand towels, face towels, bathmats
- High-quality toiletries – shampoo, conditioner, soap, body lotion, hand cream
- Grooming and beauty items – zoom-in mirror, makeup remover wipes, shaving cream, Q-tips, razors, face masks
- Hair dryer and hair appliances – curling iron and straightener
- Toilet paper, feminine pads, tampons, first aid kit
- Accessibility amenities – handrails, low-hanging mirrors, shower seat.
Most Desirable Vacation Rental Bedroom Amenities
Quality sleep is certainly one of the determining factors of how we will feel the next day. Hence, ensure you provide your guests with comfortable and relaxing sleep by introducing these bedroom amenities:
- Premium quality mattress and bedding – fluffy pillows, high thread count sheets, comfortable blankets, covers, extra beddings
- Equipment for light and noise-sensitive sleepers – blackout curtains, single-use sleeping masks, earplugs
- Bedroom tech – smart TV, sound systems, white noise machine, bedside outlets
- Lots of storage – plenty of closet space, wooden and suede hangers, luggage, iron and ironing board
- Temperature control – ceiling fan or air conditioner
- Family-friendly amenities – travel crib, full-size crib, extra linens, extra pillows.
Valuable Living Room Essentials
Most guests will spend evenings relaxing in the living room, so make sure it is cozy, tranquil, but also entertaining. It should help them feel at home. Living room additions may include:
- Lounge area – comfortable sofa/couch, throw blankets, pillows
- Entertainment center – smart TV, streaming services, home cinema, surround sound system, games console, board games, books, puzzles
- Dedicated workstation – high-speed Wi-Fi, desk, ergonomic chair, stationery
- Travelers’ kit – universal adapters and chargers, local guidebooks, maps
- Baby and kid-friendly amenities – stroller, baby gate, playpen
Outdoor Amenities
From welcoming porches to outdoor entertainment rooms, dining rooms, and gardens, your guests will appreciate a chance to enjoy the outdoor space. In fact, a great number of tourists today prefer accommodations with open-air living space. Discover how to amaze your clientele by adding these special outdoor vacation rental amenities:
- Outdoor lounge area – balcony, patio, outdoor furniture, a hammock
- Beach equipment – beach towels, fold-up chairs, cool box, floaties, toys
- Swimming pool, hot tub or jacuzzi
- Barbecue grill, fire pit, water features, motion sensor-activated lighting
- Sports & games equipment – balls, rackets, nets, frisbee
- Free parking – one of the most sought-after features among tourists
Smart Home Amenities
Modern guests and digital nomads expect connectivity more than ever, which demands smart home solutions:
- Fast and reliable Wi-Fi connection
- Streaming subscriptions and smart TV
- Smart lights – voice-controlled, motion-activated, remote accessed
- 24-hour check-in and keyless entry
Family Friendly Property Features
Families with children choose vacation rentals over traditional hotel stays due to more privacy, comfort, and space. So, if you want to appeal to this type of traveler, make sure you add kid-friendly amenities such as:
- Baby-proof basics – outlet covers, toilet locks, baby gate
- Games and entertainment – children’s books, coloring books, board games, yard games, toys
- High chairs, strollers, playpens, baby crib, step stools
- Night lights and baby monitors
Luxury Vacation Rental Amenities to Amaze Your High-End Clientele
When searching for a place to stay, a modern-day vacationer will find a great deal of luxury vacation rental listings. In fact, high-end guests can even apply “luxe” filters when searching for their perfect accommodation. This is the reason why you should find a way to be distinctive from the rest by offering one-of-a-kind experience with deluxe amenities for your exclusive clients.
It is essential to remember that elite travelers are not just looking for luxurious items. They are looking for an unforgettable experience that can’t be found anywhere else and they want to feel special and pampered by a holiday stay that has been created specifically for them.
Below, we have a few exclusive amenities recommendations for short-term luxury rental properties that will amaze your guests and make them want to stay at your rental again and again. They will help you attract attention and surpass fierce competition in the upscale rental market.
Hand-selected welcome basket
If you want the welcome basket to be truly genuine, make sure to ask about your guests’ key preferences after they confirm their booking. Inquire about their food and drink preferences or the purpose of their stay by sending out a questionnaire. By doing this you will be able to stock the welcome basket with personalized snacks and beverages that will impress every member of their party.
Your complimentary welcome basket can include things like Champaigne for a romantic couple, candies and local snacks for families, or locally sourced goods and a welcome book for travelling friends.
Airport Transfer
Start off a smooth guest stay by arranging luxe transportation to and from the airport. Having a chauffeur waiting for them at the arrivals area and taking them straight to your address will alleviate any stress and have them start their stay in the best possible way.
Entertainment Extras
Another way to truly exceed your clients’ expectations is to incorporate some fun extras, like a 4K projector for home movie theater, the latest game consoles with games, or an indoor fireplace.
Sports equipment supplies
If your guests are active travelers, make sure you provide sports equipment that is tailored to their preferences and location. For instance, you can supply surfboards if you are near the ocean, or road bikes if you are located in the city.
Must-Have Amenities For Beach House Rentals
Owners of beach houses have a challenging task to complete – to make your house the most attractive in the area. And the best way to achieve this is to incorporate new perks, specific to the location of the beach and the ocean. You could easily gain more bookings just by investing in some of the most desirable beach house rental amenities like:
- Temperature management – air conditioning, extra fans, sunshades
- Outdoor shower
- Beach equipment – beach towels, portable beach chairs, beach wagons, umbrellas, cabana tent
- Beach toys and games – sand toy sets, inflatables, spike ball, water frisbee
Make Your Vacation Rental More Attractive By Adding The Most Popular Amenities
Travelers are willing to spend more money on vacation rentals if they provide amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, swimming pool, or free parking. Adding the most desirable amenities and little perks will boost your property’s rates and increase bookings considerably. The key to an unforgettable guest experience and hassle-free vacation is streamlining operations by using tech, customized amenities, family-friendly, and pet-friendly features. All of these characteristics will ensure you show up in more searches, thus obtain more confirmed bookings and loyal clientele leaving you 5-star ratings.
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About the Author
David Miller is Real Estate Advisor at Swell Property. Whether you’re eyeing a new home, an investment property, securing the best mortgage, or aiming to enhance your property’s value, my focus is on providing personalized guidance and strategy for your success. I listen to your needs attentively, ensuring that my expertise aligns perfectly with your real estate goals. My clients’ satisfaction and referrals are the true measure of my success in San Diego’s dynamic real estate market. If you’re searching for a real estate professional who’s deeply committed to your success, I’m eager to demonstrate my expertise and win your trust. Let’s connect and start this journey together.
