Why Do VRBO Amenities Matter?

To stand out from the competition and in maximizing revenues, ideally, guests browse their options. They filter properties according to the number of bedrooms desired, proximity to desired activities, certain available dates, and critical amenities that help guests to have an enjoyable vacation.

As hosts, our responsibility is to give our guests the best experience the property has to offer, with all the amenities in good working condition. Not only do we make sure we maintain the property but also ensure amenities are well-stocked, making guests feel right at home.

No doubt, you can’t possibly offer everything a guest wants. And it can be difficult to know what are the must-haves that should be considered and what amenities wows your guests. Keep in mind, amenities are what sets your rental apart from good to great.

Is it worth it?

Yes! The right amenities can make a huge difference between your property getting booked and not showing up in the search engine. Hence, how do you know which amenities are worth investing in?

To help in decision making, use this article as a resource guide or checklist for amenities that are:

• Expected – The Basics
• Eye-catching – Comforts of Home
• Extras – Next Level Amenities

Take note that, the article briefly explains a compiled most-searched amenities and insights as to why VBRO amenities do matter to your guests? Not to forget this article will help you set up, gain positive reviews, and provide guests an enjoyable stay!

Bonus Tip: The key to success is to consider staying a few nights at your property, experience it as a guest, cook some meals and learn what amenities you feel are missing and worth the investment.

The Basics

Consider that some amenities are just not optional. Guests do not expect just a few toiletries, kitchenware, Television with a satellite dish, WiFi, and so on. Keep in mind, guests have high expectations and have grown to expect more amenities. Hence, to avoid negative reviews and complaints, ensure you supply the necessary amenities as possible.

The Kitchen

Most guests prefer properties that feature a kitchen - the heart of the home. Even if you don’t have a full kitchen, it is worth providing a kitchen addressing the needs of the guest, enjoying a meal, and still taking advantage of the kitchen amenities that have many features, hence pleased in booking your property. With that said, it is important to have a well-stocked necessity in your vacation rental property. Here are the must-haves kitchen amenities:

• Plates, mugs, and silverware
• Cups and glassware
• Kid-friendly dishes (sippy cups, small utensils, cute plates & bowls)
• Seasonings and condiments
• Kettle and coffee machine
• Tea and coffee
• Modern appliances such as rice cookers, processors, blenders, juicers, etc.
• Cookware including pots and pans
• Cooking utensils
• Cutting board
• Food storage containers
• High-quality dishware that is dishwasher safe
• Garbage disposal and trash bags
• DIshwashing soap and sponge
• Cupboard/Pantry space

Extras:

• Paper towels and cleaning solutions
• Cups and glassware (wine glasses)
• Corkscrews and bottle openers
• Complimentary breakfast and custom stocked fridge

Tip: If your property is booked during special holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, think about providing amenities required for the holidays. For example, thermometer, roasting pan, and so on. This makes guests feel right at home hence drives more bookings.

The Bedroom

The bedroom is a crucial part of the home. It is where guests enjoy the comfort of a good night’s rest especially if the guest is traveling from overseas or out of state. In making guests happy and ensuring comfort, here’s how you can do it:

• Premium bedding and sheets
• Premium pillows with protectors
• Extra blankets/duvet and pillows
• Extra clothing hangers
• Blackout curtains to block out the light in the morning
• Bedside tables and lamps
• Ceiling fan/ Airconditioning
• Bedside outlets

Extras:

• Alarm clock
• Bathrobes & Slippers
• Mosquito nets
• Sleep masks
• Earplugs
• Sound systems/ White noise to help you drift away slowly

The Bathroom

To go above and beyond, cleanliness is a must. Think about what guests expect in the bathroom? Even if, you can’t offer a spa treatment, you can always opt for a spa bath and luxurious treatment a guest will enjoy. It is also likely guests will bring their toiletries, nevertheless, it is still a necessity that you provide the following:

• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Handsoap
• Shampoo & Conditioner
• Hand Lotion
• Facewash & Bodywash
• Toilet paper (extra rolls should be provided)
• Fresh and fluffy hand, body, and face towels
• Hairdryer
• Shower caps
• Disposable razors and shaving cream
• Waste Basket
• Toilet Brush

Extras:

• Mouthwash
• Bath Bombs (if the bathtub is available)
• Curling irons & Straighteners
• Grooming Beauty items (Facemask, makeup remover wipes, etc)
• Personal care kits (q-tips, cotton rounds, small sewing kit)
• Bathmats

The Living Room

Create a space that is welcoming and warm. Use your creativity and passion for interior design and make sure, the space you create is unique, spacious, and comforting, and still have a sense of character. Even if likely guests spend time in the living room, guests appreciate the little efforts you put in. Make sure to have:

• Comfortable sofas/ Pull-out couch and chairs
• WiFi
• Smart TV with remote control
• Entertainment system (Firestick/Netflix, Surround Sound System, DVD player)
• Side tables and coffee table
• Rugs
• Throw Pillows & Blankets
• Welcome Book
• Welcome Basket
• Decors (Artwork, frames, vases with fresh flowers)
• Electrical Adapters & Chargers
• Airconditioning

The Dining Room

Think of this space where families join together and enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal while on holiday. It is important when designing this space to be as comfortable, spacious, and memorable for guests. To achieve this, ensure the following:

• Dining Table and chairs
• Placemats
• Wall decor
• Lighting
• Pitcher

Accessibility Filters

To stand out from other vacation rental properties, welcome and accommodate every single guest with specific needs by making your property a disability-friendly vacation rental. This can easily be done by installing disabled-friendly bathroom amenities, kitchen, parking, and so on. Know that this creates an opportunity by reaching out to a ‘niche market’ and create social awareness and acceptance in the community. If you want to know more about how to turn your property into Disability Friendly Vacation Rental, read more on Airbnb Accessible Filters | Disability Friendly Vacation Rentals.

Safety

As hosts, it is crucial to take responsibility by providing guests with a safe environment and being equipped for an emergency. Below are what should be considered:

• Fire Extinguisher
• Smoke Detectors
• Carbon Monoxide Detectors
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlights, batteries, and candles
• Well-lit path to home

Comforts of Home

If you think about it, guests prefer staying at vacation rental properties because of the convenience it provides. For example, doing laundry is not available at the hotel and if they do, it is quite costly. Whereas most vacation rental properties do offer laundry without any cost at the guest’s comfort. Keep in mind, guests are in search of that extra home comforts. Extra amenities may not be listed in your listings however it does go the extra mile resulting in wowing your guests for a five-star review.

Child-Friendly Amenities

Parents with babies or small children, enjoying a vacation could be stressful due to the numerous baby/children equipment they carry along. As a host, it is important to provide families the necessary kid-friendly amenities to lessen the burden. No doubt! Families will appreciate the extra mile you have taken ensuring an enjoyable stay by providing:

• Travel Crib
• Stroller
• High Chair
• Changing tables
• Baby Monitor
• Safety Devices (Baby gates, cabinet locks, outlet covers, window locks)

Pet-Friendly Amenities

Nothing excites a guest than bringing along their pets in their vacation. If you do so allow to accommodate pets to your property, consider storing:

• Bowls for food and water
• Treats
• Feeding Mat
• Toys
• Cage or Pet Bed
• Pet-friendly furniture covers
• Pet Door Mat

Take note that guests will definitely appreciate the attentive gestures you have provided; resulting in your reviews!

Cleaning and Storage Supplies

Stocking cleaning supplies at your property for both cleaners and guests with the essentials makes your life a little easier. With that said, you encourage guests as well to clean after their mess. Make sure your property has:

• Vacuum
• Indoor/Outdoor Broom and Dustpan
• Waste Disposal Bins
• Mops
• Cleaning cloths/towels
• Cleaning Supplies (cleansers, sprays, etc)
• Plunger

Just For Fun!

Offer guests activities while enjoying their stay at your property. Think about what amenities bring families together to have fun? Get creative by simply providing extra amenities that enhance guests’ experience and stand apart from other rental properties. With that, here are what you should take into consideration:

• Gaming Console
• Family-Friendly Board Games (Pictionary, Uno, Twister, etc)
• Children Indoor/Outdoor Games
• Sports equipment (Rackets, Balls, Bats, etc)

Parking

When guests travel, one of the most-searched-for amenities is a parking space. Note that, it is important to provide guests with one if possible or either direct guests to a nearby parking space. If your property does not have a parking space, maybe it is time to renovate and reconsider by offering disability-friendly parking spaces to guests. Keep in mind, parking spaces offer guests convenience hence drive more bookings to your vacation rental property.

Others

In providing guests with utmost comfort and convenience, extra amenities that should be taken into consideration are:

• Washer & Dryer
• Shoe & Coat Rack
• Ironing Board & Iron
• Clothing Storage
• Scented Products (Room spray, Bathroom Deodorizer, etc)
• Drying Rack
• Telephone
• Smart Home Devices

Next Level Amenities

What draws guests to your listings? Is it the eye-catching features of your property? Either way, not all property owners/hosts are capable to provide amenities that feature your home. With that said, if you have the space and the budget, consider these amenities:

• Private Pool
• Pool Table
• Outdoor Bikes
• Beach Supplies (Umbrella, Fold-up chairs, Beach towels, etc)
• Hot Tub
• Fireplace
• Barbeque Grill
• Outdoor Furniture (Deck, Hammock, Sun lounges, etc)

Not only do guests enjoy the luxurious features of your home-away-from-home, but this also allows you to increase the chance of high daily rates, provide guests with the best experience at their stay, hence drive more bookings to your vacation rental property.

Key Takeaways

VRBO amenities are what stands apart from other rental properties. Make sure you cover ‘The Essentials’ at your property before diving and evaluating what extra amenities are important areas to focus on. Remember, amenities are what sell your home to future guests!