I asked successful hosts what knocks their guest’s socks off and came up with these top 21 things Airbnb guests love.
Really good Airbnb hosts are ones who just love hospitality. It’s the reason we get started hosting.
While every host has something different to offer, we all have the same thing in common: We want to wow our guests with an incredible experience.
So I asked this question in several Airbnb host forums:
What are some amenities, features, or things you find guests love most about your Airbnb or that you get the most compliments on?
The responses I got where overwhelming! From them I came up with a list of features, amenities, and experiences that hosts have said their guests gush over.
So whether you own a waterfront vacation home, an apartment in the city, or you’re just starting to think about buying a vacation rental– there is something on this list we can all take away. And I can promise you’re going to walk away inspired and full of ideas to make your vacation rental one of the best out there!
This post is all about things Airbnb guests love.
Things Airbnb Guests Love:
1. A View
Nothing has the capability to take your breath away like a gorgeous view.
The top thing hosts say their guests rave about most is the view from their place. Whether your Airbnb is a cabin in the woods or a high rise in the city, your surroundings are really what matter most and contribute to the guest experience.
2. Cleanliness
The next thing guests comment the most on is cleanliness! There is nothing more comforting as a guest than seeing that your place is spotlessly clean. If you want to impress your guests, make sure your place is really, REALLY clean.
This often means hiring the right cleaner and setting your expectations high. Get a solid cleaning checklist like this one to really make sure your cleaner is doing an excellent job.
3. Proximity to Local Attractions
As they real estate rule goes, its all about location, location, location! Guests especially love walkability to local attractions like bars, restaurants, cafes, hiking, the beach, or whatever your neighborhood boasts.
4. A Well-Designed, Inviting Space
Another thing guests compliment most is a well designed and decorated space. One that feels welcoming, well-appointed, and cozy.
Get that cozy feel by filling your space not only will essentials, but things that make your guests feel at home, like blankets, throw pillows, books, tasteful wall art and more.
5. A Game Room
Another guest-appreciated touch is having a game room at your place. Having games on hand for something to do on a rainy day or in the evenings after guests have returned back from the day’s ventures add such a fun element to their stay.
A game room might have a foosball table, pool table, arcade games- the sky’s the limit. Foosball is a great option because it doesn’t take up a lot of space, plus you can get is easily and inexpensively on Amazon.
If you don’t have space for a game room, you might consider keeping some board games at the place. I love this really cute vintage-style board game set because you can incorporate it with your decor and they double as entertainment!
6. A Pool
One of the top searched amenities on Airbnb is for a pool. Guests on vacation love a pool! Maintaining one can be a challenge, but if you’re in a vacation market, this is an amenity that guests will really love and appreciate.
7. Hot Tub
And right up there on the same level as a pool is a hot tub! There’s just no better luxury experience than relaxing in a hot tub. This amenity brings the guest experience to a whole new level.
Want to start small? Try out an inflatable hot tub. This one from Coleman is surprisingly good quality and provides that luxury experience without the pricetag.
8. Welcome Baskets
If you want to really charm your Airbnb guests, leave a welcome basket full of thoughtful snacks, treats, or other items you think they’d appreciate. The gesture is always well-received and makes guests feel warmly welcomed.
Small woven baskets like these ones are really cute to hold your welcome goodies. They come in a set of two different sizes, which is great because you can test out which size works best for your welcome gift and then use the other for something else. They come in handy for so many other things too!
7.Local Gifts
Hosts also said that in addition to—or as part of—their welcome basket, their guests were so charmed when they left a small token that came from the local area. Anything from fresh eggs from a farm nearby, bread from a local bakery, local honey or jam, or a bath bomb from a nearby shop.
10. Local Tips & Recommendations
Guests also really appreciate and enjoy tips and recommendations for things to do in the area. This includes places to eat, drink, shop, and fun things to do. You can include these on a page in your welcome book.
If you need a welcome book template- check out this free one I’ve created!
11. Attention to Detail
Many hosts say that their attention to detail never goes unnoticed by guests. Things like a handwritten note, toiletries provided, special attention to decor or small amenities like a phone charger really make your guests feel like they are being catered to.
12. A Waterfront Property
Another top searched amenity is waterfront property. While not all of us hosts are lucky enough to have a place waterfront, its something to consider if you’re someone looking into buying a vacation rental in the future! Its hard to beat a place on the water.
13. Communication
Quick and extra-friendly communication is something guests really appreciate. Believe it or not, YOU as the host are a huge part of the guest experience. When you go above and beyond to provide speedy and and kind communication, your guests notice.
14. A Well-Stocked Kitchen
Another most complimented feature is a well-stocked kitchen. Having all the kitchen essentials one could need to cook a full meal is super convenient and appreciated by your guests who love to cook.
15. Coffee Station
What do guests love more than complimentary coffee— a whole station dedicated to it! This can include various types of coffee making options like a french press or pour over; a couple of choices/types of coffee; flavor syrups; a variety of really nice mugs; etc. Then have fun decorating your coffee station!
Some of my favorite coffee station essentials are flavor syrups. These ones by Monin are hands down the best! I find the flavor to be more natural than other brands.
16. Comfy Bed
Guests do love—and also expect— a comfy bed. There is arguably no better detail to get right than the place your guest will sleep. And when you really get it right, guests are very, very happy.
Hosts have said that guests also comment often on their King-size beds. King beds can be a wow factor if they don’t have one at home.
17. An Experience That Reflects the Locality
Mosts people who travel Airbnb/VRBO versus going the hotel route do so because they want an experience. And guests really want to experience their surroundings through your place. Making sure your design and decor match your environment is a huge opportunity to provide that for your guests.
18. Family-Friendly Amenities
Guests who travel with young ones always love a place stocked with kid-friendly items. Anything from a high chair, to baby gates, to toys, games and books are all great family-friendly amenities. A little really goes a long way when it comes to getting your place family-ready. And it is so appreciated by the whole family!
A pack n’ play is one of the easiest and most convenient family-friendly amenities you can offer. This one by Graco is inexpensive and does the job.
19. Extra Toiletries
Another really nice touch that guests love are complimentary toiletry items. Things like makeup remover wipes, a small bottle of mouth wash, extra toothbrushes, shampoo & body wash, or other commonly forgotten items.
One of the best such items loved by guests and hosts equally are individual makeup remover wipes. They’re perfect for guests who’ve forgotten to pack them and they’ll also save your washcloths from makeup stains! I’ve used this brand and they are fantastic.
20. Nature
Another guest favorite is a place surrounded by nature. Many hosts even mention leaving bird seed to encourage birds to the area, and some hosts even have animals such as horses on their property— all of which their guests love.
Guests also mention that they love remoteness and silence. A way to break away from their busy, noise-filled lives and take in the quiet.
21. An Outdoor Space
The final most commonly admired amenity is an outdoor space such as a porch, deck, or patio. Guests love a place outdoors to enjoy their coffee in the morning or to unwind at the end of the day. A fire pit with wood or a gas fire pit are the cherry on top!
Wrapping it Up
Every great host loves pleasing their guests and providing that really outstanding experience. If you needed some tips or reminders as to the things Airbnb guests love most when they travel-this was it!
Even if you don’t have all of these amenities, maybe they sparked some new ideas for your place. And more than that, I hope that it rekindled the flame and reminded you why you love hosting and why short-term & vacation rentals are such a fun and unique way for guests to travel.
If you loved this post, check out these other reads:
9 Gorgeous Airbnb Bedroom Decor Ideas You Need to Use in Your Short-Term Rental
15 Stunning Airbnb Living Room Ideas That’ll Get Your Listing Ranking
New Airbnb Hosts: Click here to setup your host account for the first time!
This post was all about things Airbnb guests love.
