Top Categories for Vacation Rental Amenities to Boost Occupancy

The vacation rental market gets more competitive every season, with properties continually raising the stakes to gain visitors' attention. Vacation rental amenities play a key role in influencing potential guests' decisions, as travelers expect both memorable experiences and creature comforts to make their stays special.
However, efficiently maintaining these amenities presents a significant challenge for property managers. Procurement software helps by streamlining the selection and purchasing processes of such amenities. It allows managers to automate sourcing high-quality products and services at competitive prices, ensuring amenities are always available without excess or shortage.
Procurement software also gives managers of vacation homes, short-term rental complexes, and other hospitality properties benefits a spreadsheet can't. While a simple tool like a hotel budgeting template improves organization, a platform offers valuable data analytics that shows vacation property managers which amenities are most competitive and deliver the best experience. These insights help managers make informed decisions when improving or adding offerings.
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What are vacation rental amenities?
Vacation rental amenities are the features and services vacation rental properties provide to enhance guests' comfort, convenience, and overall experience during their stay. These amenities range from basics, such as clean linens and Wi-Fi, to luxurious offerings, like private pools, hot tubs, fully equipped kitchens, and on-site entertainment options.
Amenities play an integral part in a guest's choice of where to stay. They add value and help rentals stand out in the crowded market. For property owners, investing in high-quality amenities can lead to many improved outcomes, including:
- Increased occupancy
- Higher nightly rates
- Positive reviews
- Repeat business
- Premier listings on rental sites
These, in turn, elevate the property’s reputation among potential renters, especially on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. Providing homey essentials or offering unique extras creates more memorable experiences and makes the rental more attractive and competitive.
8 Vacation rental amenities that impress visitors
Vacation renters are increasingly looking for more than just a place to sleep. They want amenities that help them relax, stay connected with the world, and avoid unnecessary hassles. Property owners can meet these desires by providing high-end amenities that cater to comfort, convenience, and connectivity. This not only enhances the guest experience but also helps the rental stand out.
Here are some of the most impressive high-end rental amenities to add to your rental property:
- Quality snacks and beverages: Stocking the kitchen or bar area with high-quality snacks and beverages can make rental guests feel pampered. Consider offering local specialties, healthy options, and non-alcoholic beverages to appeal to various tastes. A welcome basket with treats and regional favorites is a great way to make a first impression.
- Eco-friendly products: As travelers become increasingly concerned about their carbon footprint, they are more likely to appreciate properties that use eco-friendly products.
- Premium Wi-Fi: Reliable, high-speed internet is a must in today's connected world. Business travelers and vacationers on getaways want to stream content, work remotely, or share their travel experiences online. Rentals must provide the right equipment, security, and service to ensure the property meets expectations.
- Entertainment options: Guests enjoy staying entertained, even while relaxing. Board games and gaming consoles are a good start, but smart TVs with streaming services are essential. They allow guests access to their favorite apps like Netflix and Hulu as well as local and cable TV networks.
- Keyless entry: Many modern rentals offer seamless check-ins and departures, removing the hassle of coordinating key exchanges and reducing the risk of lost keys. Keyless entry smart locks let guests check in on their terms so they can begin enjoying their stay.
- High-quality linens and mattresses: Ensuring a good night's sleep is paramount, and luxurious bedding can make all the difference. Stock the vacation property with quality linens, towels, and extra touches like robes, slippers, and sleep masks.
- Spa-like bathrooms: Guests prefer bathrooms with features that deliver ultimate relaxation, such as rain showers, jacuzzi tubs, plush towels, and high-end toiletries.
- Well-equipped kitchens: A well-appointed kitchen allows guests to prepare gourmet meals using convenient appliances and tools. This may also include providing spices, fine-quality dinnerware, and staple ingredients.
These amenities speak directly to what modern vacationers seek—a blend of luxury and convenience that makes their stay effortless and unforgettable.
Essential vacation rental amenities in every category
In the vacation rental market, certain items never go out of style. From the plushness of premium bedding to the sophistication of spa-quality soaps and moisturizers, these essentials transcend seasonal trends. Extra touches also appeal to travelers seeking both luxury and convenience.
Each amenities category has perennial favorites that promise to elevate the guest experience. Understanding these universally cherished features is key to curating a space that meets and exceeds expectations—a haven where every detail contributes to an unforgettable stay.
Luxury amenities
Every detail matters if you’re providing a luxury vacation experience. A gorgeous space and prime location are great foundations, but with more competition on the market than ever, many property managers up the ante with extra touches.
Gourmet coffee and tea selections: Offering a variety of high-end, locally sourced coffee beans and tea leaves can significantly enhance the guest experience. Include an espresso machine or a French press to add a luxury customer experience for those who love to start their day with a quality cup.
Natural bath products: Stocking the bathrooms with natural, spa-quality shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion turns a regular shower into a pampering session. Opt for environmentally friendly brands in sophisticated scents to appeal to all guests.
Artisanal chocolates and snacks: Leave handcrafted chocolates, gourmet nuts, and other artisanal snacks as welcoming gifts for guests upon arrival. It's a thoughtful way to make a memorable first impression.
Sustainable amenities
Incorporating sustainable amenities into vacation rentals not only enhances the guest experience but also promotes environmental responsibility. Offering biodegradable kitchen supplies, avoiding plastic and single-use items, and prioritizing energy-efficient lighting can significantly reduce waste and energy usage. These eco-friendly touches show guests that luxury and sustainability can coexist, making their stay comfortable and conscientious.
Solar-powered lighting: Installing solar panels to power outdoor and common area lighting showcases a commitment to renewable energy. Even small touches, like solar-powered walkway lighting, can strike the right tone with your guests.
Biodegradable cleaning supplies: Using eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products for housekeeping services minimizes environmental impact. These products also promote a healthier stay for guests by reducing exposure to chemicals of concern.
Electric charging: Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are a modern amenity that significantly enhances the appeal of any vacation rental property. By offering EV chargers, you cater to the growing demographic of eco-conscious travelers who prioritize sustainability.
Kitchen amenities
The kitchen is the heart of a home, and this holds true for rental units as well. A fully appointed kitchen mirrors the warmth and functionality of guests' homes and boosts their satisfaction and use of the property. Add items like a fire extinguisher and oven mitts to ensure a safe stay.
High-quality coffee maker: Coffee is a must-have for most guests, and a premium coffee maker can offer a comforting start to the day. Consider an automatic coffee machine or even an espresso machine for luxury guests. Be sure to provide eco-friendly supplies for preparation and serving.
Fine glassware and dinner service items: Equipping kitchens with wine glasses, silverware, and dinner service items adds a touch of elegance and sophistication, enhancing the dining experience for guests seeking luxury and comfort. This is helpful for those renting for entertaining purposes or business meetings.
Professional cookware: Provide guests with a full range of pots, pans, and utensils as well as appliances like hot plates, toasters, or microwaves to help them prepare meals just as they do at home. Adding cooking staples like good-quality oils and seasoning makes it easier for guests to prepare the dishes they most enjoy.
Bathroom amenities
To enhance the guest experience, stock the bathroom with luxury amenities as well as basics like a hairdryer. Quality shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and lotions can turn a bath into a spa retreat. Plush towels and robes add luxury, while eco-friendly items such as bamboo toothbrushes, biodegradable cotton swabs, and organic bath products attract environmentally conscious guests. These thoughtful touches help guarantee a memorable and comfortable stay.
Luxurious bath towels and robes: Offering plush, high-quality bath towels and robes can significantly enhance guests' experience, making them feel pampered and cared for during their stay.
Premium bath products: Including a selection of high-end shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and lotions that cater to different skin and hair types ensures guests have a luxurious bathing experience.
Toiletries baskets: Providing a collection of everyday essentials such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving kits, cotton swabs, mending kits, and makeup remover wipes adds a thoughtful touch and convenience. It saves a busy guest a trip to pick up a forgotten item and conveys appreciation for their patronage.
Safety, convenience, and comfort items: When staying in a new place, it’s comforting to know everything you need is within reach. Be sure to stock the property with supplies guests may not remember, such as first aid kit items, an ironing board and iron, pool or beach towels, earplugs, and other basic amenities to help guests feel at home.
Heated towel racks or warmers: Installing a thermostat-controlled heated towel rack in the bathroom not only adds luxury but also ensures guests always have the comfort of a warm towel after a shower or bath. It’s a simple but impressive furnishing upgrade that makes a memorable impression on guests.
Outdoor amenities
Entertaining at a vacation rental often focuses on outdoor activities and enjoyment, so be sure your attention to detail extends to the outside areas of the property. Providing welcoming and well-stocked outdoor spaces takes the pressure off of guests to bring along outdoor entertainment options.
Pools and whirlpools: Offering a seamless blend of indoor luxury and outdoor beauty, private pools are a hallmark of high-end vacation rentals. They provide an exclusive space for guests to relax, swim, and enjoy panoramic views in stunning settings. Be sure to maintain the space with high-quality swimming pool chemicals to keep these water features pristine.
Outdoor kitchen and dining area: A fully equipped outdoor kitchen paired with a comfortable dining area enhances the al fresco dining experience. It allows guests to enjoy gourmet meals under the stars or sunny breakfasts with a view, making every meal memorable. Stock outdoor cooking spaces with the same amenities found in the main kitchen area.
Fire pit or fireplace: An outdoor fire pit or fireplace creates a cozy space perfect for evening gatherings. Whether guests roast marshmallows, share stories, or simply enjoy the warmth of the fire, this feature adds a touch of magic to nights spent outdoors.
Hammocks and umbrellas: A vacation rental home should be a home away from home while offering extra touches to help guests relax. Outdoor furniture like hammocks, couches, and lounge chairs, alongside pool floats, patio tables, and umbrellas, add fun, luxury touches that deliver a big impression for a small investment. , and improve budgeting accuracy. Effective tracking ensures accountability, optimizes inventory levels, and supports strategic decision-making to enhance business sustainability and profitability.
Streamlining vacation rental amenities procurement
Procuring supplies for vacation rentals presents several challenges. Buyers have to maintain a consistent flow of supplies from high-quality vendors to ensure guests have everything they need. To be successful, hospitality procurement must balance availability and cost-effectiveness against the pitfalls of overstocking or shortages.
A procurement platform