10 Essential Items Every Airbnb Needs to Maximize Bookings

Written By Sean Rakidzich

The Hidden Formula Behind Top-Rated Airbnbs

Picture this: A weary traveler arrives at your property after a delayed midnight flight. They're exhausted, frustrated, and their first impression of your rental will shape everything that follows.

Will they find a lumpy mattress and instant coffee packets, or sink into premium bedding and wake to a fully-stocked coffee station?

That difference isn't just about comfort. It's about ratings, rankings, and revenue.

Why These 10 Essentials Matter

As an Airbnb host, your success hinges on two interconnected factors: guest satisfaction and algorithmic visibility. Airbnb's search algorithm prioritizes listings with ratings above 4.8 stars and comprehensive amenity profiles.

In markets with thousands of competing listings, strategic investments in essential Airbnb amenities create a measurable competitive advantage.

The data backs this up:

  • Higher ratings = more visibility: Airbnb's algorithm prioritizes highly-rated listings in search results

  • Better amenities = repeat bookings: Properties implementing comprehensive amenity upgrades experienced a 34% increase in repeat booking rates over 6 months

  • Urban advantage: The improvement is most pronounced in urban markets (41%) versus resort destinations (27%)

Stat

Properties implementing comprehensive amenity upgrades experienced a 34% increase in repeat booking rates over 6 months, with urban markets showing 41% improvement.

Your First Action Step

Getting Started: Inventory your current supplies using a standardized checklist. Identify gaps based on your property type and target demographic.

Focus on items with immediate guest impact and highest ROI.

Investment Overview: What You'll Spend

Before diving into specifics, here's your complete budget picture:

Total Initial Investment Range: $1,500-4,000 depending on property condition and implementation choices.

1. Quality Beds and Pillows: The Foundation of Five-Star Reviews

Sleep quality is the single most important factor in guest reviews, appearing in approximately one-third of all vacation rental reviews.

Superior bedding directly influences ratings, repeat bookings, and overall guest satisfaction.

Key Takeaway

Sleep quality is the single most important factor in guest reviews, appearing in approximately one-third of all vacation rental reviews. Premium bedding upgrades typically improve ratings by 0.2-0.4 stars.

What Makes Hotel-Quality Sleep

Invest in high-quality mattresses meeting these standards:

  • Firmness: Medium-firm support appropriate for diverse body types

  • Depth: 10-12 inches with at least 2 inches comfort layer

  • Replacement cycle: Every 7-10 years for rental properties

Pillow Strategy

Provide multiple pillow options (2-4 per guest) in varying firmness levels:

  • Soft pillows for stomach sleepers

  • Medium pillows for back sleepers

  • Firm pillows for side sleepers

This accommodates different sleep preferences without requiring guest communication.

Complete Your Sleep Setup

  • Waterproof, hypoallergenic mattress protectors

  • Quality sheets (minimum 300 thread count; 400-600 preferred)

  • Adequate blanket options for different seasons

  • Breathable materials appropriate for local climate

Budget Breakdown

  • Quality mattresses: $400-1,200 per bed (size-dependent, 2026 pricing)

  • Pillows: $30-80 each for quality options (purchase 4-6 per bed)

  • Sheets: $40-120 per set

  • Mattress protectors: $30-60 each

The ROI You Can Expect

According to vacation rental industry research, hosts who upgrade to premium mattresses and quality bedding typically see rating improvements of 0.2-0.4 stars.

The most significant gains occur in properties previously rated below 4.7 stars.

Sleep quality improvements frequently enable hosts to command rate premiums of $15-25 per night while maintaining or improving occupancy rates.

Tip

Start with the bed that receives the most sleep-related complaints. A phased approach lets you test ROI before investing across all bedrooms.

Where to Start

Implementation Steps:

  • Evaluate current inventory for replacement needs (check for sagging, staining, or guest complaints)

  • Prioritize beds generating most sleep-related feedback

  • Budget for phased replacement if managing multiple properties

2. King Bed: Unlock a Powerful Search Filter

Airbnb introduced king beds as a dedicated searchable filter in 2023, fundamentally changing property discoverability.

This feature reflects growing guest demand for premium sleeping accommodations, particularly among couples and luxury travelers.

Why This Filter Changes Everything

Airbnb's amenity research shows king beds rank among the most frequently searched sleeping arrangements.

The visibility advantage is substantial: guests using the king bed filter see only qualifying properties, dramatically reducing competition.

This targeted exposure translates to:

  • Higher booking inquiry rates

  • Improved conversion rates

  • Premium pricing ability

Investment and Specifications

  • Cost: $800-2,000 for a quality king mattress and frame (2026 pricing)

  • Size: 76 inches wide by 80 inches long

  • Space needed: Minimum 10x12 feet recommended for comfortable movement

This upgrade is particularly essential for hosts in saturated markets where differentiation drives bookings.

Your Action Steps

Implementation Plan:

  • Measure your bedroom space to ensure adequate clearance

  • Highlight this feature prominently in your listing title and first paragraph

  • Monitor inquiries and bookings to measure ROI

  • Update photos to showcase the king bed as a focal point

3. Professional Lighting and Mirrors: Help Guests Look Their Best

Quality lighting transforms the guest experience, particularly for those preparing for weddings, business presentations, or special events.

Consider the guest who has a crucial job interview via video call, or the wedding attendee applying makeup for ceremony photos.

Inadequate lighting turns a minor preparation task into a source of stress and frustration.

The Science of Good Lighting

Proper grooming requires adequate illumination:

  • Minimum: 75-100 watts equivalent LED of front-facing light to minimize facial shadows

  • Color temperature: 5000-6500K (daylight spectrum) for accurate color representation

  • CRI (Color Rendering Index): 90+ for personal care areas

Mirror Placement Strategy

Position a full-length easel mirror (minimum 24x36 inches) near a window to utilize natural daylight.

Supplement with a clip-on ring light offering:

  • Adjustable brightness (500-1500 lumens)

  • Temperature control (3000-6000K range)

This combination allows guests to tailor lighting to their specific needs.

Bathroom Lighting Upgrade

Upgrade bathroom lighting to minimum 75 watts equivalent per vanity.

LED bulbs with high CRI (90+) provide accurate color representation, crucial for grooming tasks.

Tip

Position your easel mirror facing the window to maximize natural light. Add a $30-80 clip-on ring light with dimming capabilities for complete control.

Quick Setup Guide

Implementation Steps:

  • Position easel mirror facing the window to avoid backlighting users

  • Add clip-on ring light with dimming capabilities ($30-80)

  • Replace bathroom bulbs with high-CRI LEDs ($15-30 total)

  • This combination significantly improves visibility and guest confidence during preparations

4. Coffee Station: Small Investment, Big Impact on Reviews

Coffee consumption patterns reveal an important hospitality insight: while 64% of Americans drink coffee daily, approximately one-third of coffee drinkers prefer decaffeinated options or tea, particularly during evening hours.

Properties stocking only regular coffee miss opportunities to fully satisfy a significant portion of guests.

Create a Complete Beverage Station

Use labeled storage containers (8-16 oz mason jars work well). Stock a complete selection:

  • Regular ground coffee: Medium roast offers broad appeal

  • Decaffeinated coffee: Essential for evening enjoyment

  • Tea varieties: 2-3 options (black, green, herbal)

  • Sweeteners: Sugar and artificial options

  • Cream alternatives: Dairy and plant-based

Include an electric kettle (1.7L capacity, 1500W for fast boiling) to streamline beverage preparation.

Why This Matters for Reviews

Guest reviews frequently highlight coffee station quality as a memorable amenity.

Vacation rental review analysis shows properties offering diverse beverage options receive positive mentions at rates 40% higher than properties stocking only regular coffee.

How to Set This Up

Implementation Steps:

  • Organize supplies in labeled jars for easy selection ($15-25 for containers)

  • Budget $50-100 total: electric kettle ($25-40), two-week supply of coffee and tea ($20-35), storage ($15-25)

  • Restock weekly to maintain freshness

  • Business travelers particularly appreciate morning beverage convenience

5. Fully Stocked Kitchen: Enable Longer, More Profitable Stays

A well-equipped kitchen substantially increases property appeal, particularly for families and extended stays.

The financial math makes this clear for guests: restaurant dining costs families $50-150 daily, meaning a five-night stay could save guests $250-750 by preparing even half their meals.

The Premium Kitchen Commands

According to vacation rental pricing data from AirDNA and Transparent:

Stat

Properties with fully equipped kitchens command 15-25% premium nightly rates and drive 30-45% longer average stay durations.

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Cookware:

  • 10-inch skillet

  • 2-quart saucepan

  • Stockpot

Bakeware:

  • 9x13 baking dish

  • Cookie sheet

Cutlery:

  • 8-inch chef's knife

  • 3-4 inch paring knife

Utensils:

  • Spatula, whisk, ladle, tongs

Basics:

  • Mixing bowls, cutting boards, measuring tools

Budget $300-600 for complete kitchen setup following commercial kitchen guidelines adapted for vacation rental use.

Making It Happen

Implementation Steps:

  • Gather essential cooking tools using the checklist above

  • Photograph your kitchen with styling elements (fresh fruit, coffee setup) to showcase capabilities

  • Ensure adequate lighting in listing photos

  • Highlight kitchen amenities in listing description to attract families seeking home-like experiences

6. Smart Tech Suite: Streamline Operations and Impress Guests

Picture the guest arriving at midnight after flight delays - no awkward key exchanges, no waiting around, just a secure code that gets them inside immediately.

Smart technology streamlines operations while enhancing guest convenience and property security.

Keyless Entry: Your Most Valuable Tech Investment

Benefits:

Popular brands: August, Schlage Encode, Yale Assure ($150-300)

Security Monitoring That Respects Privacy

Noise and smoke monitors protect property while respecting guest privacy.

Devices like Minut ($150) or budget option Wyze ($25-50) monitor decibel levels (typically alerting above 70-80 dB) without recording conversations, maintaining privacy compliance.

Additional Smart Technology Options

  • Smart thermostats (Nest, Ecobee, $150-250): Energy management and guest comfort

  • Video doorbells (Ring, Nest Hello, $100-200): Security and package management

  • Smart lighting (Philips Hue, $50-150 starter kit): Convenience and energy efficiency

Investment and Returns

Total investment for basic smart tech package: $300-600.

Vacation rental pricing analysis shows tech-enabled properties often command 10-15% premium rates.

Rollout Process

Implementation Steps:

  • Install keyless entry compatible with Airbnb's integrated access code generation

  • Add noise and smoke monitors ensuring local privacy law compliance

  • Clearly disclose monitoring devices in listing to maintain trust and meet platform requirements

7. Organized Supply Storage: Your Operational Backbone

Efficient supply management reduces turnover time and operational stress.

Property management platforms report that well-organized storage systems can reduce cleaning time by 15-30 minutes per turnover.

For high-turnover properties (20+ bookings monthly), this time savings translates to 5-10 additional hours monthly - time that enables faster guest transitions and maximizes occupancy potential.

Storage Solutions by Property Type

Apartments:

  • Weather-resistant plastic bins (18-27 gallon capacity, $30-60 each)

  • Store in accessible location

Houses:

  • Keyless maid's closet for secure, easy access

Essential Supply Inventory

Linens:

  • 2-3 complete sets per bed (sheets, pillowcases)

Towels:

  • 2-3 sets per guest (bath towel, hand towel, washcloth)

Toiletries:

  • 2-3 day supply per guest (travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, soap)

Paper products:

  • Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues

Maintenance items:

  • Light bulbs, batteries (AA, AAA, 9V)

Organizing Your System

Implementation Steps:

  • Designate lockable, weatherproof storage easily accessible for cleaning staff

  • Create standardized inventory checklist based on average turnover rate

  • Maintain par levels using labeled containers or shelving systems

  • Target turnover time: under 3 hours for studio/1BR, under 5 hours for 3BR+

8. Guest-Accessible Cleaning Supplies: Empower Self-Service

Imagine a guest accidentally spilling red wine on your countertop at 10 PM. If cleaning supplies are locked away or hidden, that small accident becomes a source of anxiety.

When guests can immediately address minor spills, they maintain property condition throughout their stay while feeling empowered rather than stressed.

Accessible cleaning supplies strengthen guest accountability and reduce cleanliness complaints.

Smart Presentation Strategy

Use clear, label-less bottles for cleaning products. Generic appearance discourages theft while maintaining functionality.

Stock These Essentials:

  • All-purpose cleaner

  • Glass cleaner

  • Disinfectant wipes

  • Paper towels

  • Sponges and scrub brushes

Budget $30-50 monthly for replenishment, varying by occupancy rates and property size.

Setup Recommendations

Implementation Steps:

  • Transfer products from branded containers to generic spray bottles ($8-15 for set) to reduce theft

  • Store in easily accessible under-sink storage or designated cleaning closets

  • Avoid locked storage that creates barriers to use

  • Monitor which products deplete fastest to optimize restocking schedules

  • Track guest feedback on cleanliness to adjust inventory as needed

9. Backup Inventory: Prevent Guest Frustrations Before They Happen

Maintaining backup inventory of frequently needed items prevents guest frustrations and reduces negative reviews.

A well-organized extras inventory creates seamless experiences when unexpected needs arise.

Negative reviews frequently cite missing basic supplies or equipment failures as sources of frustration, making proactive inventory management essential for maintaining high ratings.

Essential Extras Checklist

  • Parking passes: if applicable for your location

  • Batteries: AA, AAA, 9V for common devices (remotes, smoke detectors)

  • Phone chargers: USB-A and USB-C cables, universal adapters

  • Light bulbs: LED bulbs matching existing fixtures (keep 2-3 of each type)

  • Additional dishware: replacements for broken items

  • Linens: extra sets beyond minimum requirements

  • Basic toiletries: emergency backup supplies

Budget $100-200 for initial extras inventory. This investment prevents mid-stay emergency requests and maintains positive guest experiences.

Building Your Inventory

Implementation Steps:

  • Create master list of commonly requested items based on property type and guest demographics

  • Organize in labeled bins or drawers accessible to both hosts and cleaning staff

  • Check inventory regularly for high-turnover properties

  • Track which items deplete fastest to optimize replacement schedules

10. Stand Out with a Signature Amenity

Unique amenities substantially strengthen property visibility in search results.

Airbnb's algorithm reportedly gives preferential visibility to listings with unique, searchable amenities, particularly when guests use specific filters.

Identify a unique angle that aligns with your property's strengths and local demand.

Option A: ADA Accessibility

The opportunity: Approximately 26% of U.S. adults have disabilities.

When accounting for families and travel companions, this demographic represents over 60 million Americans generating $17 billion in annual accessible travel spending.

Stat

The accessible travel market represents over 60 million Americans generating $17 billion in annual spending, yet remains dramatically underserved by vacation rentals.

Key features:

  • Wheelchair ramps with proper slope ratios (1:12 maximum)

  • Widened doorways (minimum 32 inches clear width)

  • Roll-in showers with hand-held spray units

  • Grab bars at appropriate heights

  • Accessible parking spaces

Option B: Home Gym

The opportunity: Health-conscious travelers appreciate dedicated fitness space, especially for extended stays.

Basic setup ($200-400):

  • Resistance bands

  • Yoga mat

  • Dumbbells (adjustable set)

  • Exercise ball

Option C: EV Charging

The opportunity: EV adoption exceeded 7% of new car sales in 2024, with projections reaching 20-25% by 2030.

EV owners specifically seek charging-equipped accommodations.

Investment: Level 2 chargers ($500-1,200 installed) provide 25-30 miles of range per hour of charging - adequate for overnight stays.

Option D: Dedicated Workspace

The opportunity: Approximately 35-40% of knowledge workers maintain hybrid or fully remote schedules as of 2024.

Many specifically filter for "dedicated workspace" when searching for stays longer than three nights.

Requirements:

  • Ergonomic office chair

  • Desk at standard height (28-30 inches)

  • Reliable high-speed internet (minimum 50 Mbps download)

  • Good lighting (task lighting with 3000-4000K color temperature)

  • Proximity to power outlets

Option E: Pet-Friendly Accommodations

The opportunity: Many travelers struggle to find quality pet-friendly rentals, creating opportunity for hosts willing to accommodate animals.

Strategic Deployment Plan

Implementation Steps:

  • Evaluate property feasibility and local building codes for structural modifications

  • Research local demand by analyzing competitor listings and search trends

  • Calculate potential ROI based on implementation costs versus premium pricing ability (typically 10-25% premium)

  • Use specific filter-friendly keywords in listings: "wheelchair accessible," "EV charger," "home gym"

Before You Invest: Real-World Constraints to Consider

Sustainable profitability requires addressing four operational realities that many new hosts overlook.

Key Takeaway

Before investing in amenities, verify regulatory compliance, tax obligations, insurance requirements, and operating costs. These factors can consume 30-40% of revenue and determine long-term profitability.

Regulatory Compliance

Research local short-term rental laws before listing. Major cities with restrictions include:

  • New York City: Minimum 30-day stays in most cases

  • San Francisco: Registration required, 90-day annual limit

  • Los Angeles: Registration required

  • Violations: Fines ranging from $1,000 to $20,000+ depending on jurisdiction

Tax Obligations

Multiple tax requirements apply to short-term rentals:

  • Occupancy taxes (8-15% typically, varies by location)

  • Income tax reporting requirements

  • Business licenses where applicable

  • Airbnb automatically collects and remits occupancy taxes in many jurisdictions, but hosts remain responsible for income reporting

Recommendation: Consult a tax professional familiar with short-term rental regulations.

Insurance Requirements

Standard homeowner policies typically exclude short-term rental activity:

  • Specialized short-term rental insurance: $1,000-2,500 annually (varies by property value and coverage)

  • Airbnb's Host Guarantee: Up to $1M property damage protection (significant limitations and exclusions apply)

Recommendation: Review policy exclusions carefully before relying on platform coverage.

Operating Cost Reality

Budget for substantial ongoing expenses consuming 30-40% of revenue:

Ignoring these realities transforms potentially profitable hosting into financial losses.

How to Measure Your Progress

Track these four metrics monthly to assess performance and validate your investments.

Metric 1: Occupancy Rate

Calculate: (booked nights / available nights) x 100

Metric 2: Average Daily Rate (ADR)

Target: Within 10% of comparable listings in your area

Calculate: Total revenue / number of booked nights

Pro tip: Monitor competitive pricing using tools like AirDNA or PriceLabs.

Metric 3: Review Score

Score RangeStatus4.9+Top 10% of listings4.8-4.89Top 25% - Superhost territory4.7-4.79AverageBelow 4.7Below average - algorithm penalty likely

Critical threshold: Airbnb's algorithm appears to significantly penalize listings below 4.7 stars.

Metric 4: Response Rate

Target: 90% within 24 hours (required for Superhost eligibility)

Superhost Requirements:

  • 90% response rate

  • 10+ stays or 100+ nights completed

  • 4.8+ overall rating

  • Less than 1% cancellation rate

Superhost Benefits:

  • Algorithmic boost in search rankings

  • Distinctive badge on listing

  • Priority customer support access

  • Exclusive promotional opportunities

Approximately 20% of active Airbnb hosts achieve Superhost status annually.

Diagnostic Framework

If missing multiple targets, diagnose the issue:

  • 70% of cases: Pricing problem

  • 20% of cases: Photo quality

  • 10% of cases: Operational issues

Your Next Steps: Turn Knowledge into Bookings

When a guest messages you to say "This was the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in at a rental" or "Your coffee station made our mornings perfect," you're witnessing the direct result of strategic investment decisions that will attract your next dozen bookings.

The Compound Effect of Excellence

In competitive short-term rental markets, top-performing properties capture disproportionate booking volume.

According to AirDNA's 2024 Vacation Rental Performance Report analyzing 2.1 million properties:

  • Listings rated 4.8+ stars with comprehensive amenity profiles achieved 28% repeat booking rates

  • Properties rated 4.5-4.7 stars with basic amenities achieved only 12% repeat bookings

  • That's a 133% improvement that directly correlates with long-term revenue stability

Your Action Plan

  1. Audit your property against this 10-item checklist

  2. Identify your biggest gaps - where are guests most likely to be disappointed?

  3. Prioritize high-impact, low-cost items first (coffee station, lighting, cleaning supplies)

  4. Track metrics before and after each investment to validate ROI

  5. Update your listing photos and description after improvements - guests can't book what they can't see

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Warning

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Over-investing in aesthetic upgrades while neglecting functional essentials (guests prioritize comfort over decor)

  • Implementing all changes simultaneously without measuring individual impact

  • Focusing solely on visible amenities while ignoring operational essentials like supply management

  • Copying competitor amenities without considering your specific guest demographic needs

  • Neglecting to update listing descriptions and photos after improvements

Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb Amenities

What are the most important amenities for an Airbnb listing?

The most important amenities are quality bedding (appearing in one-third of reviews), a well-equipped kitchen, reliable WiFi, a coffee station, and smart lock entry. Sleep quality is the single most important factor in guest reviews, with premium bedding upgrades typically improving ratings by 0.2-0.4 stars.

How much should I budget for Airbnb amenity upgrades?

Budget $1,500-4,000 for initial amenity investments depending on property condition. This includes quality bedding ($150-300 per bed), king bed upgrade ($800-2,000), kitchen essentials ($300-600), smart lock ($150-300), and coffee station setup ($50-100). Monthly supply replenishment costs $30-80.

Do experience-enabling amenities or luxury finishes increase bookings more?

Experience-enabling amenities (kayaks, board games, fire pits, outdoor grills) influence family booking decisions 2-3 times more strongly than luxury finishes (granite countertops, high-end appliances) when properties are priced similarly. Families mentally rehearse vacation activities when booking, prioritizing memory-creating amenities.

What unique amenities help an Airbnb stand out from competitors?

High-impact unique amenities include ADA accessibility features (serving 26% of US adults with disabilities and $17 billion in annual accessible travel spending), EV charging (EV adoption exceeded 7% of new car sales in 2024), dedicated workspace (35-40% of workers are remote/hybrid), and home gym equipment ($200-400 for basic setup).

Sources

Platform and Official Documentation

Industry Research and Data Analytics

Business and Strategic Guidance

  • Forbes: Top 5 Tips For Starting Your Airbnb Business - August 19, 2024

  • Forbes Personal Shopper: Guest Room Essentials - Quality benchmarks for guest accommodations

  • Forbes: Vacation House Rules for Summer Rentals - Guest perspective on essential amenities

Government and Statistical Data

Consumer Behavior and Market Research

Technical Standards and Specifications

Further Reading

  • Forbes: Airbnb Builds Trust With These 3 Radical Design Choices - Platform design philosophy

  • Forbes: Airbnb's COVID-19 Cleaning Protocols - Enhanced cleaning standards

About the Author

Sean Rakidzich is an STR (Short-Term Rental) Expert specializing in vacation rental optimization, property management strategies, and host education. With extensive experience in the short-term rental industry, Sean helps property owners maximize their returns through data-driven amenity selection, operational efficiency, and guest experience design.

About Sean Rakidzich

© 2026 Sean Rakidizch. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information for educational purposes. Hosts should consult local regulations, tax professionals, and insurance advisors before implementing recommendations. Market conditions, regulations, and pricing vary by location and change over time.

Sean Rakidzich
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