Guest Room Essentials to Elevate your Short Term Rental
Running a short term rental business goes beyond providing a place to sleep — it’s about creating a home away from home for your guests. Making guests feel truly welcome involves a combination of many small, thoughtful details that ensure your guests have everything they need for a comfortable stay.
By curating the right amenities and personal touches, you can create a memorable and comfortable experience that will impress your guests and inspire glowing reviews.
In this article, we’ll explore the guest room essentials every Airbnb host should have in their guest rooms, helping turn a good stay into an unforgettable one.
Table of Contents
1. Why Guest Room Essentials Matter
2. Bedroom Basics for Optimal Comfort
3. Curated Amenities to Create a Warm Welcome
4. Technology Essentials for the Modern Traveler
5. Extra Conveniences that Elevate a Stay
6. Conclusion
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Guest Room Essentials
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Why Guest Room Essentials Matter
Every guest’s stay begins similarly: they arrive, often after a long day of travel, ready to relax and unwind in a comfortable environment. The right guest room essentials can make all the difference, transforming an ordinary room into a welcoming retreat, and establishing the tone for the guest’s experience — increasing the likelihood of positive reviews, repeat bookings, and referrals.
Understanding the type of guests you’re hosting and their needs helps tailor the amenities you provide. For example, 60% of all long-term guests are working or studying, and searches for laptop-friendly workspaces increased by 73% over the past several years. If your property caters to business guests and students, offering a quiet workspace, reliable WiFi, and comfortable furniture is important.
Bedroom Basics for Optimal Comfort
The importance of basic comforts cannot be overstated, especially in the space where your guests sleep. A comfortable, supportive mattress and quality sheets are fundamental, while offering additional bedding options like extra blankets and pillows allows guests to customize their sleeping experience to their preference. If your budget allows, consider investing in a luxurious mattress topper or pillow top for an extra touch of indulgence.
Privacy is equally important. Effective window coverings in all bedrooms allow guests to feel secure and undisturbed during their stay, and offer comfort by controlling natural light and insulation. Consider blackout curtains, which are especially useful for guests adjusting to a new time zone or catching up on sleep, or sheer curtains that filter natural light beautifully for extra ambiance.
Be sure to also provide ample storage for your guest’s belongings, including:
- A dresser
- Closet space with hangers
- Luggage rack
- A storage bench
- Space to sit and put on shoes
- A full-length mirror
Curated Amenities to Create a Warm Welcome
While the bedroom basics are essential, it’s the extra touches that make your guest room stand out. Welcome your guests with a thoughtful basket of goodies tailored to your location and their interests.
You might include:
- Local snacks like artisanal chocolates, granola, or chips
- Regional beverages such as locally roasted coffee, craft beer, or wine
- Maps and guides to area attractions, events, and hidden gems
- A small gift like a locally-made candle, soap, or piece of art
- A reusable water bottle or tote bag with your company or city’s logo
Anticipate your guest’s needs by stocking the room with items they may have forgotten to pack. Provide a basket with extra toiletries like:
- Toothpaste, toothbrush, and floss
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Lotion, face wipes, and cotton swabs
- Shaving cream and razors
- Hair ties and a shower cap
Add a hair dryer, an iron and ironing board, and a basic first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and antibiotic ointment for convenience.
To make your space feel like a luxurious getaway, pamper guests with:
- Plush robes and slippers
- Fluffy towels
- A cozy throw blanket
- High-end toiletries like spa-quality soaps and lotions
One of the joys of staying in an Airbnb is the opportunity to experience a destination like a local. Give your guests an authentic taste of your location by adding personal flair to their guest room:
- Decorate the walls with photos or art from local artists
- Stock the bookshelf with titles by regional authors or books about your area
- Provide a hand-picked guide to your favorite local cafes, restaurants, shops, and attractions
- Add a personal welcome note with your insider tips and a warm greeting
Technology Essentials for the Modern Traveler
Staying connected, even away from home, is a vital need for most travelers you’ll host. Equip your guest room with:
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi with easy access to the network name and password
- Ample charging options including a charging station with multiple USB ports and outlets
- A smart TV with access to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu
- A wireless speaker for playing music or white noise
- A portable battery pack guests can use on the go
Incorporating smart technology into your short term rental can significantly elevate the guest experience, providing convenience and a sense of modern luxury that today’s travelers increasingly expect.
Smart Locks
Offering secure keyless entry, smart locks allow guests to check in and out with ease and flexibility. Using property automation software like Operto to integrate your digital locks with your property management software (PMS) allows for unique access codes to be generated for each reservation. It installs them based on the check-in and check-out details for each reservation. For hosts, this eliminates the need for physical key exchanges, reducing hassle and enhancing security.
Smart Thermostats
Smart thermostats provide energy savings while ensuring your property maintains optimal temperature levels for comfort. Automated settings allow for adjustments based on reservation check-in and check-out.
Digital Guidebooks
Another innovative addition is a digital guidebook or guest book. Unlike traditional paper booklets, digital guidebooks offer guests an interactive way to explore local attractions, house rules, and other important property information. They can be easily updated with the latest recommendations, provide a more engaging experience, and can be accessed in advance of a stay to help with planning.
Extra Conveniences that Elevate a Stay
Anticipating your guest’s needs with additional conveniences and thoughtful extras can help create a luxurious and memorable stay. One such extra is a well-stocked coffee and tea station.
Consider setting up a small area with the following:
- A coffee maker and kettle
- A selection of high-quality teas and local coffee
- Sugar, creamer, and stirrers
- Locally sourced honey for an added touch of luxury
- Gourmet biscotti or chocolates to pair with their morning cup
Another convenience that guests will appreciate is a mini-fridge stocked with:
- Water bottles and light refreshments
- A selection of local beverages and treats
- A few chilled glasses and a bottle opener
For guests visiting during rainy seasons, having the following on hand can be especially convenient:
- A sturdy umbrella placed in the closet
- A couple of disposable ponchos for getting caught in an unexpected downpour
They’ll appreciate not having to brave gift shop crowds to find these items when the weather takes a turn. These extra conveniences may seem small, but they can make a big impact on your guest’s experience.
Safety and Cleanliness Essentials
Nothing helps promote peace of mind like feeling both comfortable and safe. While the hope is your guests never have to use them, it’s important to keep these safety essentials on hand at your property.
Ensure your guest room is equipped with working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them regularly and have fresh batteries available. In addition, have a well-stocked first aid kit that’s easy to access in case of minor injuries or accidents. Include items like bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and antibiotic ointment.
To help your guests maintain a clean and healthy space, keep the room stocked with necessary cleaning supplies and sanitizers, such as:
- Disinfectant wipes for quick surface cleanups
- A small bottle of all-purpose cleaner and some microfiber cloths for more thorough cleaning
- Hand sanitizer and disposable gloves
Conclusion
Creating an exceptional short term rental experience all comes down to the details. By providing guesessential amenities, welcoming touches, and technology-forward features, you’ll make your guests feel right at home and exceed their expectations in every way.
Think about your own stays in short term rentals or a fancy hotel. You likely recall how it felt when the operators went above and beyond to make you feel welcome.
As you prepare your guest room, put yourself in your guest’s shoes and consider what extras would make their stay feel special. Creating an exceptional experience comes down to thoughtful attention to detail that your guests will notice, resulting in 5-star reviews and return bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Guest Room Essentials
1. What are the most important items to include in an Airbnb guest room?
Essential guest room items include high-quality bedding for a comfortable night’s sleep, reliable Wi-Fi for staying connected, privacy features like blackout curtains, thoughtful personal touches such as welcome baskets filled with local treats, and local guides.
2. How can I make my Airbnb guest room stand out?
Focus on personalizing the space with unique decor that reflects your local area or property’s theme. Provide amenities like high-end coffee and tea, luxury toiletries, and cozy robes to make guests feel pampered. Ensure the room is impeccably clean, clutter-free, and inviting to create a welcoming atmosphere that will impress your guests.
3. What should I provide for guest safety and comfort?
Guest safety and comfort should be top priorities. Ensure your guest room has working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, a well-stocked first aid kit, and clear emergency exit instructions. Provide a fire extinguisher and make sure all electrical outlets and appliances are in good working condition. For added comfort, consider offering amenities like a white noise machine, earplugs, and extra blankets.
4. Are there any recommended smart devices for Airbnb guest rooms?
Incorporating smart devices into your guest room can greatly enhance the guest experience and provide convenience for both you and your guests. Consider installing a digital thermostat that allows guests to easily control the room temperature, smart locks for secure and contactless check-in, and smart lighting that can be adjusted to create the perfect ambiance. Smart home devices can streamline your hosting process and wow your guests with modern touches.
5. How often should I update the amenities in my guest room?
To maintain a high standard of quality and functionality, it’s important to regularly review and refresh your guest room amenities. Aim to update or replace items at least once a year, or whenever you notice signs of wear and tear. Keep an eye out for new products or gadgets that could elevate your guest experience, and consider incorporating them into your amenity lineup. By staying proactive and continuously improving your guest room offerings, you’ll ensure that your space remains fresh, inviting, and competitive in the Airbnb market.
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