Top 8 Vacation Home Amenities Guests Want

The search for vacation homes has become a prominent theme amongst homebuyers, with many looking for homes that can serve for both work and pleasure.

But whenever you decide to purchase a vacation home, it is always worth considering its potential as a short-term rental property. Renting out your home can help offset its costs and potentially generate income down the line. 

For those that have already committed to the idea and are getting ready to take on the mantle of a landlord, it’s crucial to set up your vacation home for success. This means offering the essentials for your guest to feel comfortable while enjoying access to everything they might need.

Below, our team from Prevu Real Estate has put together a list of the top eight vacation rental amenities that guests search for.

Top Vacation Home Amenities

• Pool
• Hot tub
• WiFi
• TV and subscriptions
• Fully-equipped kitchen
• Quality bedding and guest toiletries 
• Pet-friendly space
• Board games and activities

Pool

It is practically impossible to picture a getaway without lounging poolside with a cold drink. As a result, pools have become an essential feature guests want, especially in vacation homes that enjoy warmer temperatures. But even vacation rental properties located near ski resorts might offer heated pools.

A pool is one of the top features that attract guests and helps vacation rental owners boost their rates. Although installing a pool and eventually maintaining it either year-round or seasonally can be expensive, it is a pricey investment that can ultimately pay off in a big way. If you choose to install one, consider hiring a property manager to help you with maintenance.

Hot tub

Installing a hot tub can be an excellent alternative to a swimming pool since it is easier to maintain overall and not as pricey to install. Cabin and vacation homeowners that have properties in colder areas should put these on their priority lists. 

Because they are smaller than pools, rental property owners have options for installation. Owners can put hot tubs in the front yard, back yard, or a porch. You can also place it indoors in an appropriate space depending on the house. Keep in mind that a hot tub with an outdoor view will be an appealing offering to your guests and can command a heftier rate.

WiFi

Although it is a no-brainer that most vacation rental properties should have internet access, some properties tout an "electronic-free" environment. Though this appeals to a select crowd, connection to the web has become one of the essentials of vacation goers. In addition, many professionals have switched to work-from-home schedules that give them the flexibility to go on vacation and still get some work done. 

Offering good quality WiFi is one of the best ways to support vacationers who need an on-the-go office. However, make sure you offer the highest speeds available since many guests require these speeds to complete specific tasks.

TV & Subscriptions

If your vacation home is an area that offers a heap of recreational activities, chances are you will have tired guests at the end of the day. A sizable, smart TV with Netflix or Hulu subscriptions can be the perfect way to unwind. 

The more subscription services you can offer, the better, as you can cater to a larger crowd. Cable TV is also an option for any local sports events or shows the guest might like watching. But even with the basics, you can secure positive reviews from guests.

Fully-equipped kitchen

Vacations are all about exploring local restaurants and bars, but sometimes you just want to wake up without an alarm clock and cook up a homemade breakfast. Whether you have a vacation home with anything a guest might want or a condo on the waterfront with the bare essentials, the closest you can get to offering a fully-equipped kitchen, the more your guests could love you for it.

A simple set of pots and pans, utensils, and glassware should be a must when stocking the kitchen. Consider getting an electric cooktop for spaces that don’t fit a full-sized stove. A coffee maker and a toaster oven can also go a long way.

Quality bedding & guest toiletries

Even though you are offering a vacation rental, a successful guest experience usually involves making the renters feel like they’re at their home away from home. A fully-equipped kitchen contributes to that, but so does a fully-equipped bedroom and bathroom. 

Shop for high-end toiletries kits and include them for all your new guests. These can carry travel size shampoo and conditioner that they can take with them if they like. Luxurious bedding also paints the picture of a glamorous hotel suite and always adds to a successful vacation, especially when guests enjoy a good night's sleep.

Pet-friendly space

It may scare many rental property owners, but offering a pet-friendly space will attract a large swath of potential renters. 

More than a year of quarantine gave birth to "pandemic puppies," with many shut-in people looking for a way to bring more life into their homes. This crowd might want to find ways to take their companions with them on vacation, and when they hit the "pets-allowed" filter in their search, the property list usually dwindles significantly.  

Making your vacation rental pet-friendly will immediately appeal to this group of renters. If you are worried about any pet-related damage, always make sure to communicate with the guests to get an idea of what kind of pet they have. Then, you can establish a security deposit and set limitations on where the pet may go. 

It can also help to purchase affordable carpeting or covers for the furniture as an extra layer of protection if there are accidents. While certain flooring can be a lot easier to care for without the need for carpeting, it ultimately depends on what works best for you. If you prefer to carpet the floors, make sure it will be easy to clean if it gets full of pet hair.

Board games and activities

Creating a cozy ambiance for your guests should be a top priority. If you can make it easier for guests to gather and share a fun moment together, it can add a memorable touch to their experience. 

Stock your home with popular games like Monopoly, Jenga, or Taboo. If guests catch a streak of bad weather, having the means to enjoy a few days indoors and make lasting memories will make your vacation home stand out. 

If you have the means, you can even consider adding a pool table or a ping-pong table.