Luxury second homes
Essential vacation rental amenities
At your run-of-the-mill hotel, there’s a standard slate of amenities travelers expect to find in their room: a coffee maker, bath amenities like shampoo and soap, towels (and sometimes bathrobes), hair dryers, an iron and ironing board, and a safe for valuables. Of course, the room should also be equipped with comfortable beds, a clean and functional bathroom, a TV and Wi-Fi. But when someone rents a single-family home or a privately owned condominium as their vacation accommodations, those hotel-level amenities are just the beginning. Let’s explore the must-have amenities you’ll want to provide, room by room.Whole-home amenities
Here are a few required amenities that should be functioning throughout the home.- Heating and air conditioning
- High-speed Internet access
- Cable/streaming TV services
- Major systems and appliances
Safety-related items
The safety of your guests should be your top priority. What’s more, many of these items are required by law — or by rental listing platforms.- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Locking doors and windows
- Flashlights
- First aid kid
Kitchen essentials
The kitchen is one of the most complicated rooms to stock, due simply to the long list of items needed to successfully prepare and serve meals.- Small kitchen appliances (toaster, coffeemaker and blender, for example)
- Pots and pans
- Dishes
- Glasses, mugs and barware
- Silverware
- Utensils for food preparation and serving
- Cutting board
- Bakeware
- Kitchen towels
- Oven mitts
- Salt and pepper
- A small selection of spices
- Cooking oil
Bedroom amenities
A good night’s sleep is vital to a great vacation experience. Don’t overlook comfort.- Comfortable mattresses
- Quality linens (with extras available)
- Pillows
- Alarm clock
- Reading light
- Luggage stand
- Closet space
Bathroom basics
A fully stocked bathroom is an absolute must.- Towels and washcloths
- Shampoo, conditioner, soap and lotion
- Hair dryer
- Full-length mirror
Laundry amenities
In-unit laundry is one way that vacation rentals stand out compared to staying in a hotel. Make sure your home’s laundry room is ready for every guest.- Washer and dryer
- Laundry detergent
- Fabric softener
- Drying rack
- Hangers
Consumables
Always have plenty of these essential items that commonly have to be replaced during a guest’s stay.- Paper towels and toilet paper
- Soap
- Batteries
- Light bulbs
- Garbage bags
Amenities your renters will love
Want to take your rental to the next level? Here are the amenities that will show guests that you’re going above and beyond to make their stay exceptional.Luxury amenities
Luxury rental prices require luxury amenities. Discerning travelers expect high-quality amenities that turn an average stay into an indulgent getaway.- High-end appliances
- Hot tub
- Home theater
- Pool table or game room
- Swimming pool
- Sauna
- Luxury bath amenities
- Upscale linens and pillows
- Exercise equipment
Family-friendly features
Many people who choose to rent a home have small children and need more space than a hotel room allows. It’s important to offer them the amenities they need to keep the younger set safe and happy.- Portable crib and bedding
- High chair
- A few toys and books
- Kid-friendly dinnerware and utensils
- Extendable baby gate
- Plenty of storage space
Fun-filled amenities
It’s always a nice touch to provide your guests with some items to keep themselves entertained.- Board games
- Playing cards
- Puzzles
- Books
- Outdoor games
Smart home elements
Today’s smart home gadgets make a stay more enjoyable for guests — and more convenient for owners and property managers.- Smart lock for self check-in
- Smart thermostats
- Bluetooth-enabled music and entertainment
Outdoor amenities
Don’t focus so much on interior amenities that you forget to stock your home’s outdoor spaces.- Barbecue with fuel and utensils
- Outdoor seating
- Bikes and bike storage
- Pool or hot tub towels
- Outdoor-friendly dinnerware and drinkware
- Garden hose with spray nozzle
- Beach toys
