There’s an inventory of basic amenities a host should have for Airbnb guests. However, there’s also other items that can enhance the guest experience and elevate it from normal to special, depending on the type of traveler; business, or leisure. It’s always advisable to throw in a few ‘wow’ factor extras, guests love unique elements and little touches and it all makes for a more memorable Airbnb stay. GuestReady will guide you through the process and help you impress your guests to get higher ratings.
The basics
Get back to basics and think of what the guest really needs. It’s important to have a contact details book including emergency numbers and the host’s number on the key for ease of communication. WiFi is now commonplace for guests and they expect to be able to get online. Clean sheets and towels are a given. Store toilet paper supplies in the bathroom. Basic toiletries should also be provided such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash – they don’t have to be A-brand, just available.
If there’s a kitchen, liquid hand wash (soap is not as hygienic or cost effective), washing up liquid, cleaning supplies, kitchen towels, cutlery, and crockery are vital for those wanting to whip up home meals and for keeping the place spic and span afterwards. It’s up to the host as to whether they wish to provide coffee, tea or some basic snacks for guests arriving very early or late, but these can be a thoughtful and generous addition.
An updated first-aid kit, maps and current guides to the area with personal recommendations are always useful. Be as helpful to your guest as possible and always try and go beyond.
Airbnb’s amenities checklist provides clear guidance on which amenities to include.
For business travelers
Business guests have different requirements, of course. An ironing board or number for the nearest laundry service are handy for organising business attire. WiFi is vital and also extra iPhone chargers. Information on transport services and taxi numbers, or free parking, is a plus too.
However, to get certified as ‘Business Travel Ready’ there is a strict criteria. Hosts must provide an entire house or apartment listing (and the correct type, which can be checked on Airbnb). The listing must not have pets on the property and has to be a non-smoking zone.
Business Travel Ready amenities must include: A laptop-friendly work space, WiFi, self check-in (including a key box, keypad, smart lock or doorman), a carbon monoxide and smoke detector, essentials such as in the basics section, an iron, coat hangers and a hairdryer.
Listings must have at least 3 star rating reviews before being eligible.
Leisure guests
If the guests are staying for leisure then treating the listing more like a hotel and going the extra mile with ‘home from home’ comforts and extra resources on the destination is a fabulous plan. Just like hotels, it’s all about the little touches that make a stay special and that is why guests prefer to book an Airbnb. Luxuriously soft bedding, toys for the little ones or a comprehensive guide to the city or locality with highlights, are just a few examples.
As most families will cook, having a well-stocked kitchen is beneficial for them, whereas friends or couples might prefer local restaurant recommendations. Children will love a play space or fun items.
The ‘Wow’ factor
One thing is sure, a host can impress their guests much more by going above and beyond. Luxury toiletries, high-quality towels and bed linen, design-led furniture, free parking, Netflix, a complimentary welcome basket with a bottle of bubbles, personal recommendations and guides, fresh flowers, books and magazines – they all add a bit of sparkle.
More tips: Airbnb Hosting Tips that WOW your Guests
Protecting yourself
Hosts might be put off including too many amenities in case of damage, however, they can ask for three verifications online to safeguard against guests that do not respect the space. This can include drivers license details so guests can be contacted directly afterwards.
At GuestReady, we have the know-how to manage your listing and guide you through the ins and outs. We provide high-quality amenities for your guests’ satisfaction.
Teri
September 25, 2017 — 4:22 pm
Thank you for this. My husband and I are traveling through Germany and Austria and had a little disagreement about toiletries.
I said they didn’t or shouldn’t have to provide them and he said they do basically because you would get that had you chosen to go to a hotel.
I stand corrected.
GuestReady
September 27, 2017 — 5:59 am
We totally agree! You’re not obliged to provide any toiletries as a host, but they sure do add a special touch (and just as likely, positive reviews) to your property!
Elise
September 2, 2019 — 9:04 am
I am from the US but live in Germany and my husband is German. He is accustomed to taking his own towel while I have, many times, ended up having to buy the cheapest towel I can find. I have finally caught on but yes, I find it strange that often, towels are not provided in Germany.
Sandra Bernard
October 22, 2017 — 1:23 am
Very interesting & helpful. Thank you for sharing these comments.
Mercedes
November 17, 2017 — 12:27 am
Very good information. I am new at this and this was very enlightening!
Sean Boylan
July 2, 2018 — 11:33 am
thanks for those recommendations as as its our first time to venture into air b/b , so these suggestions were a great help as we want our guests to feel that
we are looking after them and giving them the best possible service.
Heather Savage
August 4, 2018 — 2:53 am
What are yalls thoughts on a bathroom setup. I have a guest house that has a toilet and sink in bathroom but not a shower or bath. Should I consider adding a shower before I consider going AirB/B? It does have kitchen sink, microwave, and refrigerator.
GuestReady
August 6, 2018 — 3:16 am
Hey Heather, installing shower will greatly improve your occupancy rate and allows you to command a higher nightly rate – so you can make back the cost for the installation easily.
Carmen
September 2, 2018 — 6:50 pm
I recently stayed at an Airbnb because I am considering using part of my house as an Airbnb and I wanted to see how it worked. The host that I had was a lovely woman and she had a very nice home but I had a few issues with what I would expect to be “basics” that she didn’t have.
I traveled with a friend to see another mutual friend and we shared a room with a queen bed. There was no night stand, a small table with a filthy t.v. on it and no place to sit (other than the bed), no place to set down my glasses, phone, bottle of water or anything other than the floor next to the bed. Only one towel and two wash cloths (one had a stain on it) provided for two people, towel bar falling off the wall so I couldn’t hang up the towel and the shower rod wasn’t attached to the wall so it moved with any other movement.
My question is, would anyone else have an issue with these deficiencies?
GuestReady
September 5, 2018 — 5:05 am
Hi Carmen, I think you wouldn’t be the only one. Have you brought it up with the host during your stay? Depending on the rate, basic hygiene and a sufficient amount of towels can be expected.
Suzie
October 28, 2018 — 10:44 pm
Very helpful information. We have a beach property listed on Airbnb. We live four hours away so it’s not always possible to provide items for every guest. We have had mostly good experiences but a few not so good. I like the Netflix idea!
Carl Richards
November 10, 2018 — 6:06 am
Very helpful information. I would like include a part of my house in the airbnb business. Two bedrooms would be offered. One bedroom with queen size bed,benchfor seating two and dresser and night stand.The other bedroom has a bunk bed full on top of full. Can sleep 3 people.Full bathr in hallway.
Ruth
January 27, 2019 — 10:46 pm
If I want to provide some extra amenities like coffee pods and snacks how I can advertise that? I want to provide some but at the same time I don’t want to fill them up during the stay. I do t want them to expect that it will be replaced through out the stay
GuestReady
January 28, 2019 — 6:47 am
Hi Ruth, just list it down in your listing description – and perhaps add a picture of the ‘welcome package’ in your photo album.
Jeanne Ward
August 11, 2019 — 10:47 pm
I am thinking of starting an Airbnb. I have a charming old homestead in the country that I am renovating. Should I provide a washer and dryer? Does it need a landline phone?