As a vacation rental home owner, you understand that you need to make your property stand out from the competition. To maximize your revenue, you need to offer amenities that wow guests. There are certain amenities you should consider absolute must-haves. But you can’t possibly offer everything that guests might want! So how do you know which options you should consider investing in?

To help guide you in your decision making, we’ve put together an amenities checklist for vacation rentals. (Our list is geared specifically toward vacation homes here in northern Michigan, but you’ll find it useful no matter where your vacation home is located.)

You may want to print this page to use as a resource. We’ve gone ahead and checked off those amenities that are must-haves, so be sure you haven’t forgotten any of those. If you come across amenities you already have, go ahead and check them off. Others you might rule out or decide against, which you can “X” off. And for the remaining ones you’re taking into consideration, we’ll offer a few comments to help you weigh your options.

Entertainment & Recreation

High-Speed Wireless Internet

Enable your guests to stay connected. Wi-Fi these days is an expectation, not an added bonus. Unless your rental property is a cabin in the woods and your whole marketing angle is to highlight disconnecting from the rest of the world, you should be offering it.

HDTV

High definition television is a must have for this generation of tech-savvy guests. Consider having TVs in multiple areas, including the master bedroom.

Cable/Satellite TV & Streaming Services

Guests will expect cable or satellite service, and being able to connect to their favorite streaming service, like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, is a nice bonus.

Surround Sound/Speakers

Movie night! Yeah! Who’s making popcorn? Apart from having a surround sound audio system in the main TV room, you might offer something like a Bluetooth speaker that allows guests to play their favorite music from their phones or mp3 players.

DVD/Blu-Ray Player

For movie nights, of course! Time to get rid of that old VHS player. Along with a high definition TV, guests want to be able to watch movies in Blu-Ray quality. You might also consider having a small library of family-friendly movies on DVD or Blu-Ray.

Universal Remote

It’s more convenient for guests to be able to control multiple entertainment devices with just one remote. Leaving instructions for how to set things up, such as how to switch input from watching cable TV to watching a Blu-Ray movie, is also very helpful. That way guests unfamiliar with your specific devices don’t have to go searching through menu options or playing around with settings to figure things out.

Game Console

Especially if you are marketing your vacation rental to large families, having a gaming console like Nintendo, X-Box, or PlayStation is a nice bonus for your guests to find upon arrival. Include an assortment of family-friendly games.

Movie/Media Room

You might not want to build an addition for it, but if you have the extra square footage in your home to do it, you might consider having a dedicated media room providing a more theater-like experience. As an alternative to a large-screen HDTV, high definition home projectors are reasonably priced these days.

Pool Table/Ping-Pong Table

Floor space is also a determining factor for this one, but if you have the room for it, pool tables are always a nice bonus for guests to find upon arrival. Alternatively, you could add a ping-pong table. Or, hey, if you can accommodate both pool and table tennis, go for it! Your guests will be thrilled.

Golf/Tennis

Well, you might not be able to turn your backyard into a golf course, but if your vacation rental is in a private community where guests can enjoy amenities like golf or tennis, or if there is a public golf course or tennis court nearby, you should definitely mention it!

Swimming Pool/Hot Tub

A swimming pool is an obvious draw for guests. Here in northern Michigan, while installing a pool might not be the most practical addition to your property, a hot tub is more doable and has appeal no matter the season.

Sauna

A sauna is another amenity that adds a ton of appeal to your home.

Books & Games

Guests coming “home” from a day exploring the area’s attractions might like to spend the evening putting in some additional quality family time. You can help them by offering a selection of fun things to do for both kids and adults; like games, puzzles, and playing cards. A small library of books is also a good idea, for anyone who wants to just kick back quietly. Consider including books about your area with nice color photographs to inspire them. Also consider including local authors or stories. You can also pull one or two off the shelf for the coffee table, where they are sure to be seen and picked up by allured guests.

Kitchen

Let’s talk about the kitchen next because it’s a primary consideration for renters. Being able to save money eating in, is one of the benefits that leads travelers to book a vacation rental, rather than staying at a hotel. Guests will look for a space with a practical and open layout. Those cooking something up in the kitchen will want to be able to converse with their group or just keep an eye on the kids. Apart from the layout, there are any number of items you could have in the kitchen that will appeal to those who want to dine in.

Stainless Steel Appliances

An updated, modern kitchen has high appeal to guests. Consider stainless steel appliances, including refrigerator, dishwasher, and range. Be sure to provide dishwasher detergent, and also keep ice stocked in the freezer!

Coffee Maker & Coffee

Help your guests start their day by having a coffee maker. Oh, and don’t forget the coffee. Offer your guests a couple options. It’s better freshly ground, so you might want to have a coffee grinder and offer whole beans instead of pre-ground bags. In addition to a regular coffee maker, you might want to have a stainless steel French press or percolator for connoisseurs who prefer to brew it that way, or a Keurig for those who value convenience.

Tea Kettle & Tea

Enable guests to relax with a hot cup of tea. Either a stainless steel stovetop kettle or an electric glass kettle will do. Also offer an assortment of different teas. Also remember to have a bowl of sugar for those who like to add it to their tea.

Toaster/Toaster Oven

Let them eat toast!

Rice Cooker

Sure, you can cook rice in a pot, but it’s so much easier with a rice cooker.

Blender/Juicer

Whether it’s for a morning smoothie or an afternoon cocktail, a good quality blender capable of crushing and juicing will be a welcome amenity for your kitchen.

Dishware

Make sure you have sufficient plates, glasses, wine glasses, coffee/tea mugs, and silverware for your guests! Oh, and don’t forget the multi-purpose bottle opener (for both bottle caps and wine corks)!

Cookware

Also be sure to provide guests with cutting boards and utensils like a good quality knife set, spatulas, serving spoons, measuring cups and spoons, and a multi-purpose grater. Stock frying pots and pans, but make sure they are not Teflon coated as this chemical coating poses a health hazard. Aluminum cookware is also a health concern because aluminum is toxic and can leach into your food. Your best bet is stainless steel because it’s safe, durable, and easy to clean. So that your guests can prevent sticking without chemically coated pans, provide healthy cooking oils like extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil. Also provide mixing bowls, glass baking dishes, and baking pans.

Salt and Pepper

An assortment of spices would also be welcomed by those wishing to cook in, but at a minimum be sure to provide salt and pepper!

Dish Towels, Pot Holders, Oven Mitts, and Paper Towels

Your guests wishing to dine in will need washcloths, kitchen towels, pot holders, and oven mitts. Don’t forget these essentials! Also have plenty of paper towels on hand.

Hand Soap, Dish Soap, and Sponge

We already mentioned to be sure to provide dishwasher detergent, but even if you have a dishwasher, your guests may still want to wash some dishes by hands sometimes, so enable them to do that by having a dish soap dispenser (and sponge!), as well as a hand soap dispenser. Additionally, you could keep a hand lotion by the sink for guests to avoid dry, cracked hands after cleaning up.

Trash Receptacle and Bags

Sometimes it’s the obvious things that get overlooked! Be sure to have a trash receptacle in your kitchen in an obvious and convenient location, such as under the kitchen sink. And don’t forget to stock properly fitting garbage bags.

Kitchen Table/Bar

Having a kitchen table or bar can improve your guests’ experience in several ways. It provides extra space for setting things down, extra seating for large families or groups, and a place for people to congregate and chat while the chefs are in the kitchen. An open design is also desirable for guests so people in the kitchen can stay connected with their group or keep an eye on the kids while preparing food.

Cupboard/Pantry Space

It’s another one that may seem obvious, but can be overlooked. Be sure that your guests wishing to dine in have plenty of cupboard or pantry space for their groceries!

Bedroom

Quality Bedding

Your guests will want an inviting and comfortable place to rest their weary bones after a hard day of vacationing. Provide them with a good quality mattress with a mattress cover, high quality white bed linens, pillows and pillow protectors, and coverlets.

Night Stands

Your guests may want to relax in bed reading, so you should have night stands with reading lamps. Also provide guests with an alarm clock. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency flashlight in the night stand drawer, just in case of a power outage.

Clothes Hangers

Here’s another one that might be easily overlooked. Be sure your guests will have plenty of plastic clothes hangers so they can unpack and make themselves at home.

TV

Yeah, we covered this already, but it’s worth mentioning again that, in addition to the main entertainment area, you might want to have a TV in other rooms as well, including the master bedroom.

Bathroom

Shampoo and Conditioner

Although many guests may prefer to bring your own, shampoo and conditioner are not items they will generally expect to have to pack along. Be sure to provide them.

Soap and Body Lotion

As in the kitchen, provide hand soap for the bathroom sink, as well as soap for the bathtub or shower and body lotion.

Bath Towels

Provide your guests with at least one set of good quality white towels for each occupant.

Hair Dryer

This is another item guests will not expect to have to pack along, so provide one for them.

Tools/Cleaning Supplies

Broom and Dustpan

We already mentioned keeping paper towels stocked in the kitchen. Guests will also want to be able to easily find the broom and dustpan. Make sure they are in an obvious and convenient location for quick access, not hidden away somewhere. You don’t want your guests to have to hunt around the house for these kinds of items, so you might also want to make a note of their location in your welcome packet.

Mop and Pail

While your guests aren’t there to make your vacation home spick and span for you, if some cleanup becomes necessary, they’ll want to have the tools for it.

Vacuum

As with the broom and dustpan, you may want to leave a note in your welcome packet letting guests know where to find the vacuum.

Waste Disposal Bins

Trash receptacles in the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms fill up, and your guests will need waste disposal bins to empty the accumulated trash into.

Snow Shovel

If your vacation home is in a northern environment, be sure to keep a snow shovel in an intuitive location like the garage so guests can find it to get their vehicle out or clear the walks if necessary. Of course, the driveway and walkways should be cleared prior to their arrival. But you can’t control when it snows, and your property maintenance person might not be able to take care of it right away, so be sure to leave your guests with the tool they’ll need for the job, just in case.

Utilities/Features

Telephone

While your guests are likely to have their own cell phones, it’s still a good idea to have a telephone in your home, just in case they do need to use it, and especially if there is poor cell service in your area. You may want to set up long distance call blocking. Also keep a list of local emergency numbers by the phone.

Washer and Dryer

This is a big one, among the top amenities guests look for in a vacation rental. Especially for longer stays, your guests will want to be able to do their laundry without having to spend half their day running out to the laundromat, be sure to leave some detergent and dryer sheets nearby as well.

Iron and Ironing Board

Help your guests keep looking their best! Who wants to go adventuring in wrinkled clothes? Let them keep it in style.

Fireplace

While you might not expect it, a fireplace is a commonly searched for amenity for vacation rentals. It’s a nice touch for guests to be able to relax around the warmth of a fire in the evening, especially after a long day on the slopes. Try and have some firewood stacked by the fireplace or in the garage!

AC/Climate Control

Air conditioning is another feature that guests look for in a vacation home. If you don’t have AC, you may also consider installing ceiling fans or otherwise providing electric fans for those warm summer days and nights.

Smart Home Devices

Smart home devices like TVs with streaming services, thermostats you can adjust remotely, and smart key locks for check-ins are increasingly trendy.

Handicap Accessibility

If your home is handicap accessible, be sure to mention it in your listings. According to Tripping.com, it ranks among the “most value added” amenities.

Pet Friendly

Welcoming your guests to bring along their furry friends could help you get more bookings. Many vacationers search for vacation rentals that are pet friendly. On the other hand, guests with allergies would want to seek other accommodations.  You’ll have to judge based on your own individual circumstances whether advertising your home as pet friendly would be a good idea.

Parking/Garage Remotes

This is another one listed by Tripping.com as a top “value added” amenity. If you rent to larger families or groups, having enough places to park their vehicles is important.  If you have a garage, leave your guests the remote opener!

Smoke Alarms

In addition to ensuring that you have smoke alarms installed in your home, be sure to routinely check the batteries and replace them as necessary.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the US. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends placing carbon monoxide detectors on each floor of the home and outside of sleeping areas, such as in any hallway with adjoining bedrooms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends having any fuel-burning appliance professionally serviced annually, including your furnace and water heater. If you have a fireplace, a blocked chimney could cause carbon monoxide to build up inside your home, so have it checked or cleaned annually.

Fire Extinguisher

This is another must-have that you should not overlook!

Outdoors

Grill and Grill Tools

Another highly popular amenity that will help you attract guests is an outdoor grill. Some people prefer gas while others prefer charcoal. One of each would be ideal, but if you’re going to choose one, since gas grills are more convenient, that might be your best bet. You’ll need to keep it cleaned and maintained, and don’t forget to provide charcoal or propane, as well as grilling tools!

Fire Pit

Apart from a grill, your guests might have fun roasting hot dogs or marshmallows or just enjoy chatting around a campfire.

Deck/Porch/Balcony

Who wants to stay indoors all the time, especially on vacation? Decks, porches, and balconies all add appeal to a vacation rental. Invite your guests to enjoy the fresh air with outdoor furniture, including patio tables, chairs, and chaise lounges. Also be sure your flooring and railings are maintained and up to building code!

Hammock

There’s not much more relaxing than gently swinging all your worries away in a hammock. Of course, the kids will love it, too!

Landscaping

Beautiful landscaping and well-maintained grounds make a great first impression, both in your property photos and when your guests arrive.

Beach Items

If your home is on the beach or has beach access, it’s a good idea to provide your guests with a few basic items to help them have an even more enjoyable time. Provide beach chairs, an umbrella or two, beach towels, and maybe a few play items like a beach ball.

Welcome Items

Welcome Package/Gift Basket

Greet your guests as they arrive with a package welcoming them and providing any information they should know about your home. A gift basket is a nice additional touch. This might include items like an assortment of teas or a bottle of wine that they can enjoy during their stay, or perhaps something like a photo frame they can take with them to feature their best family snapshot to remember their vacation.

Local Maps/Guidebooks/Recommendations

Some additional things you might include with your welcome package are maps or guidebooks showing local areas of interests. You could also make a note of your own recommendations for places to visit, including your favorite local shops, restaurants, recreational areas, or other attractions.

Which Amenities Will Your Vacation Rental Feature?

We hope our comprehensive amenities checklist has given you some good ideas for investments to make to increase the competitiveness of your vacation rental and maximize your rental revenue. Which are you going to add to your property? Did we leave any out that you think we should add to our list? Share your thoughts in the comments below!