What are Airbnb Essentials?
The ideal collection of Airbnb essentials goes beyond fresh towels, clean linens, and a handful of coffee pods and tea bags. To compete in tight short-term rental markets, hosts should think bigger by focusing on the small. The real value in curating the right mix of Airbnb essentials lies in the details. You’re creating a home away from home for your guests. Start by considering the must-haves people expect in a welcoming and comfortable home environment.
Ultimately, the thoughtful provision of essential items reflects your commitment to exceptional hospitality. It sets the stage for a seamless and enjoyable experience, where guests can focus on creating memories rather than worrying about basic needs. By stocking your Airbnb with these essentials, you create an inviting, predictable, and relaxing place for guests to feel at home.
Importance of Providing Guests with the Basics
A smart mix and ample supply of essential items in an Airbnb cannot be overstated as these items shape guest experience and leave a lasting impression.
Providing essential items in your Airbnb demonstrates a commitment to guest comfort and satisfaction. When guests find everything they need readily available, they know you have thoughtfully anticipated their needs and furnished your property to meet their expectations.
Ensuring the availability of essential items also contributes to the sense of security and trust guests place in your property. Knowing basic necessities are covered reassures guests that they won’t encounter unpleasant surprises or inconveniences during their stay.
Plus, it’s good for business! Including essential items can translate to a higher perceived value of your Airbnb, and guests are willing to pay a premium for properties that offer appealing conveniences. By investing in popular essentials, you can justify higher nightly rates and attract guests who prioritize quality and comfort, positioning your property as a top choice and boosting your revenue.
Room-to-Room Airbnb Must-Haves
Follow our Airbnb essentials list below to create a guest-centric listing:
Shared Spaces
Wow guests from the moment they walk in. Guests will immediately notice the quality and comfort of your seating, the decor, the lighting, and the ambiance of your space. Ensure your Airbnb’s shared spaces include:
- Reliable wifi and internet access
- Convenient charging stations and power strips
- Modern television with streaming services or cable
- Local guidebooks and takeout/delivery menus
- Comfy throw blankets and pillows
Kitchen
Beyond a coffee pot, tea kettle, and common appliances like an oven, stove, and microwave, your Airbnb kitchen should provide guests with functional utensils and a variety of supplies. A dish drying rack, dish soap and sponges, and tea towels are a few kitchen essentials that should always be readily available. Other Airbnb kitchen essentials to include for guest satisfaction:
- Drink basics: coffee, tea, hot chocolate and filters if needed
- Shelf-stable quick-bite snack like microwave popcorn
- Assortment of spices and cooking oil or spray
- Aluminum foil, food wrap, and ziptop storage bags
- Food storage containers (with matching lids!)
- Multiple cutting boards
- Wine glasses and bottle openers
- Ice cube trays
- Cleaning supplies for everyday messes
As a bonus, stock your refrigerator with items that have a longer shelf life, such as ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce. These condiments are convenient for guests and don’t require frequent restocking, making them an easy and thoughtful addition.
Bathrooms
Guests expect bathrooms to be fully equipped with easy access to toilet paper, towels, and hand soap. Always keep multiple extra rolls of toilet paper within quick reach. This simple gesture prevents guest inconvenience and demonstrates your attention to detail. Similarly, providing a generous supply of hand soap in an attractive dispenser adds to the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the space. Additional bathroom essentials include:
- Well-lit mirror and counter/storage space
- Travel-sized and/or refillable toiletries
- Hair dryer(s) in cloth storage pouch
- Forget-me-nots: disposable razors, extra toothbrushes, Q-Tips, etc.
- Feminine hygiene products
- Makeup towels (protect your bath towels!)
- Toilet brush and plunger
- Laundry hamper
- Trash bin and extra liners
- Well-stocked first-aid kit
It is important to ensure the bathroom has a clean, inviting feel. Add a bath mat and a non-slip shower mat for comfort and safety, and provide storage solutions such as shelves, baskets, or hooks to help guests organize their personal belongings. An air freshener or scented candles can keep the bathroom smelling fresh and pleasant, offering a nice touch.
Bedrooms
Another important aspect of your guests’ stay is their evening downtime, which can significantly impact the overall experience. Ensure your spaces are optimized for relaxation and comfort. Provide an inviting and restful environment by including:
- Quality mattresses and bedsprings
- Lightweight and breathable bedding
- Plenty of pillows for optimal comfort
- Extra blankets to layer with, especially during cooler months
- Low lighting for reading or moody evenings
- Entertainment such as books, playing cards, and board games
- Ample storage space for guest belongings
- Clothes hangers in every closet
To further enhance your guests’ comfort, consider upgraded choices such as a king-sized bed in the master bedroom, and note that a few luxurious touches can make the space more special. Outfitting additional bedrooms to be kid-friendly with toys, books, and themed bedding can also make families feel welcome and at ease.
Outdoor Areas
Airbnb must-haves extend beyond the indoors. Your backyard, patio, porch, balcony, or courtyard requires more than basic lighting and lawn chairs. Guests will likely want to enjoy your outdoor areas. Enhance these spaces with guest-friendly items, such as:
- Comfortable, cushioned seating
- Functional (and fun) outdoor lighting
- Bug catchers or mosquito nets
- BBQ grill, grilling tools, and proper fuel
- Outdoor games like cornhole, frisbee, etc.
- Easy access to trash and recycling bins
Outdoor care also includes pools, hot tubs, fire pits, and other equipment. Proper maintenance of these features is essential for safety and functionality. Regular cleaning, checking for wear and tear, and ensuring everything is in working order can prevent issues and ensure a positive guest experience.
Lawn maintenance is another important factor in creating a welcoming outdoor environment. Make sure your yard is well-tended throughout the year. Overgrown weeds and wilted flowers detract from your property’s curb appeal and leave a negative first impression.
Upgrade and Enhance Your Airbnb Essentials
Leverage your property’s offerings to improve guest satisfaction and boost repeat bookings. The following are additional ways you can transform Airbnb essentials into value-added listing features.
Accessibility Features to Expand Guest Accommodations
Consider enhancing your property’s accessibility and safety elements to meet a wider range of guest abilities. Doing so can broaden your appeal, boost your listing’s pricing rates, and may help comply with local laws. Be sure to include all accessibility features in your property listing.
Start by making your entrance accessible with ramps and wide doorways. In the bathroom, install grab bars, provide a shower chair, and use handheld shower heads. Ensure beds are at an accessible height and arrange furniture for easy movement. Position light switches and thermostats at a reachable height and choose easy-to-access chairs and sofas.
In the kitchen, lower a section of the countertop and install appliances with front controls. Provide clear, written instructions for all equipment, visual aids like large print instructions, and auditory aids like voice-activated devices. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with visual and auditory alerts, and outline emergency plans that accommodate guests with disabilities. Outside, ensure smooth pathways around the property and designate accessible parking near the entrance, if possible.
Offer extras like rental services for mobility equipment, be welcoming of service animals, and provide information on local personal assistance services. By making these enhancements, you show that you care about all your guests’ needs.
Customizing Essentials for Your Location
Tailoring your Airbnb essentials to your location can transform a good stay into a great stay. Beachside homes should provide beach towels, beach chairs, and umbrellas, while cold-weather retreats should offer extra blankets and a user-friendly fireplace. Urban spots can benefit from public transport maps and local dining guides, and rural getaways might include hiking maps and outdoor gear.
Customizing your essentials to fit the local environment enhances guest comfort and satisfaction, setting your property apart and encouraging five-star reviews.
Keep Your Property Listing Updated
Accurate information on your Airbnb listing helps guests make informed decisions when choosing a property. With factual listing details, guests can better plan their stay, reducing surprises and making them feel comfortable right away.
Guests are more likely to book a property that appears well-maintained and updated. Keeping your essentials list current shows you care about your property and the guest experience.
Clear information can also prevent misunderstandings and complaints. When guests know exactly what is provided, they are less likely to feel disappointed or misled, reducing the chance of unhappy messages from guests and negative reviews.
Lastly, updating your Airbnb listing is a great way to highlight new features and improvements. If you’ve added amenities or made upgrades, showcasing these investments can help your property stand out.
Communicate with Guests about Provided Essentials
Effective communication with your guests about the essentials you provide is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable stay. List the items you supply, such as toiletries, kitchen supplies, towels, and linens in your property information. Transparency helps guests plan and reduces surprises.
For larger groups, consider increasing the stock and availability of essentials like towels, toiletries, and kitchen items. Inform your guests that you have prepared extra supplies for their group size, showing that you care about their comfort. Similarly, for longer stays, offer additional supplies such as extra toilet paper, soap, and laundry detergent. Let guests know where to find these items, ensuring they don’t run out during their stay.
Equally important is communicating what you do not provide. If there are certain items guests need to bring themselves, be clear about this in your listing and pre-arrival messages. Highlight any special arrangements you’ve made, such as providing extra blankets for winter stays or beach towels for a summer rental.
Airbnb Essential Not to Miss: Top-notch Cleanliness
Cleanliness is the cornerstone of a good Airbnb experience. Spotless bathrooms, bedrooms, and kitchens assure guests they booked in a well-maintained and cared-for property. This first impression can set the tone for their entire stay, making them feel at ease and valued.
Providing essential items in your Airbnb is more than just a nice touch—it’s a cornerstone of exceptional hospitality. By thoughtfully stocking your property with must-have items across various rooms and spaces, you can greatly enhance guest satisfaction and create a seamless, home-like experience.
