Pen in hand? Great—here's your go-to checklist of must-have amenities! From living space essentials to kitchen staples and bonus perks that make your rental pop, this list has everything you need to wow your guests and keep those 5-star reviews coming.
From cozy cabins in the Rockies to breezy beach homes along the Gulf Coast (and everywhere in between), one of the key ingredients to a great guest experience is the amenities you offer.
As a vacation rental owner, the dream is pretty simple: happy repeat guests, glowing five-star reviews, and a calendar full of bookings. One thing that can make or break that? Your amenities. What you offer should match the vibe of your home, reflect your location, and help shape the kind of experience you want guests to have.
In this blog, I've rounded up a list of must-have amenities you'll want to offer if you want to stay competitive and keep those bookings rolling in.
Just a teaser before we dive in:
- Living Space Essentials: High-speed internet, high-definition televisions (HDTVs), washer/dryer in-unit, comfortable beds and mattresses.
- Kitchen Must-Haves: Stainless steel appliances, cleaning supplies, and bonus mini appliances like air-fryers, rice cookers, Keurig or Nespresso Coffee makers.
- Bonus Amenities to Stand Out: Pool or hot tub (depends on location), private outdoor space, game room, toys, games, and pet-friendly space.
- Other Essentials to Include on Your Checklist: Decor that reflects the destination, clean, clutter-free layout, books, games, or puzzles, good lighting, comfortable seating, and more.
At Navarre Beach Properties, we've spent years managing properties right here in Navarre Beach—and we know exactly what it takes to help them thrive. And we're not shy about sharing what we've learned along the way!
I suggest you check our blog which is packed with expert tips on professional property management—from smart strategies to make your rental stand out in a competitive market, to practical ways to boost your income and even a crash course on everything you need to know about managing a vacation home in Navarre Beach.
Let's dive in!
Living Space Essentials
Living space essentials are one of those things guests love to mention—whether in glowing reviews or not-so-great ones. When people book a vacation rental, they're looking for comfort and convenience, plain and simple. Want to stay on their good side? Make sure your place is stocked with these can't-miss living space amenities:
1. High-Speed Internet
These days, staying connected is part of the travel routine. Guests expect to stream movies, post vacation pics, and even log into a work call or two. Give them a smooth experience by making sure your rental has fast, reliable internet they can count on.
2. High-Definition Televisions (HDTVs)
Entertainment is a big part of what makes a vacation rental feel like home. A nice HDTV lets guests kick back and relax, just like they would in their own living room. Want to really impress them? Add a Roku stick or hook them up with streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime. It's an easy win that makes your place stand out.
3. Washer/Dryer In-Unit
When guests are staying for a few days, or a few weeks, laundry is bound to pile up, especially with kids in the mix. Nobody wants to spend their vacation hunting for quarters and heading to a laundromat. Having an in-unit washer and dryer is a huge plus. Want to go the extra mile? Keep the detergent, fabric softener, and dryer sheets stocked. It's a small touch that makes a big difference.
4. Comfortable Beds & Mattresses
No one wants to head off on vacation only to spend the night tossing and turning. A good night's sleep can make or break the next day's mood, so this is one area worth the splurge. Comfy mattresses and soft, cozy sheets can be the difference between a rave review and a guest who can't wait to check out.
Kitchen Must-Haves
One big reason guests choose vacation rentals over hotels? The kitchen. Being able to cook their own meals and save a little cash is a huge perk. When browsing listings, guests are drawn to modern kitchens with open layouts and plenty of space to move around. Of course, you'll want to stock the basics—think dishware, silverware, glassware, can openers, and oven mitts—but if you really want to wow them, throw in a few extras like a blender, toaster, or even an air fryer. Those little touches make a big impression.
1. Stainless Steel Appliances
Kitchens with modern, sleek appeal stand out. The high-end look of stainless-steel appliances never fails to draw guests in. Consider upgrading your rental kitchen with a stainless-steel refrigerator, range, and dishwasher.
2. Cleaning Supplies
Spills and messes happen, especially during longer stays. When guests book for several days or more, they appreciate having the option to tidy up on their own. Stocking your place with basics like disinfectant wipes, sprays, dish soap, sponges, dishwasher pods, a broom, vacuum, and mop shows you care about keeping the space in great shape. Plus, when guests have what they need to clean up easily, their stay feels a whole lot more comfortable and stress-free.
3. Bonus Mini Appliances
Popular mini-appliances to make your kitchen stand out are air-fryers, rice cookers, Keurig or Nespresso Coffee makers, toasters/toaster ovens, blenders, and tea kettles. These items are attractive for rentals and make cooking a breeze for guests. Needless to say, high-quality kitchen gear is a must. We're talking good pots, sturdy frying pans, mixing bowls, a drainer, proper cutlery, and all the little utensils that make cooking easy. Guests shouldn't have to wrestle with a flimsy spatula or wonder if there's a can opener—they'll notice, and they'll thank you for having the good stuff.
Bonus Amenities to Stand Out
1. Pool/ Hot Tub
This one depends on your location, but rentals with private pools and hot tubs tend to book faster—and stay booked. Sure, a beach day is great, but there's something extra relaxing about coming back to your own pool or soaking in a hot tub under the stars. Toss in some pool floats, toys, and extra towels if you want to go that extra mile.
2. Private Outdoor Space
One of the popular draw-ins to our properties is the outdoor spaces, especially private yards and patios. The ones with pools, beach access, picnic tables, and outdoor space perform well for condos. For homes, guests love private backyards, grilling areas, outdoor dining, and patios or balconies. People love spending time outdoors on vacation, and equipping your home with a beautiful outdoor space will set your rental apart from the rest.
3. Game Room
Game rooms are always a hit, especially with families and bigger groups. Guests love winding down in the evenings with a little friendly competition, whether it's pool, air hockey, foosball, or board games. It's a great way to add some fun to their stay and makes your rental stand out as a truly family-friendly spot. Plus, it gives guests something to rave about in reviews!
4. Bonus Toys/Games
When guests travel, they usually don't want to stuff the car with beach gear and toys or purchase them just for the trip. Visitors always take note of the extra thought given when owners provide beach gear and toys for the kids.
5. Pet-friendly Space
If your rental is pet-friendly, you're already a step ahead. Travelers love bringing their furry friends along, and we get tons of inquiries from guests looking for just that. Offering a pet-friendly stay is a surefire way to boost bookings—it's an amenity that really pays off. Bonus points if you throw in a water bowl or a little treat jar!
Other Essentials to Include on Your Checklist
- Decor that reflects the destination (but not overdone)
- Clean, clutter-free layout
- Charging stations or accessible outlets
- Books, games, or puzzles (bonus points for family-friendly options)
- Climate control (AC, fans, or heating depending on the location)
- Good lighting (both natural and lamps for evenings)
- Comfortable seating (sofas, armchairs, etc.)
- Extra blankets or throws
Vacation Rental Management Made Simple
Managing a Navarre Beach vacation rental can feel overwhelming—but it doesn't have to. At Navarre Beach Properties, we've been doing this for years, with proven systems to keep your property booked and profitable.
Get a free rental estimate on our website and see how partnering with a local pro can make all the difference.
