Best Airbnb Amenities: What Guests Want Most in 2026
- Pool is the #1 most searched amenity on Airbnb, followed by WiFi, free parking, and air conditioning.
- Hot tubs boost rates 15-20% and can increase revenue by up to 34% in mountain markets.
- Pet-friendly listings earn 24% more revenue per available night with 54% occupancy vs 48% for non-pet-friendly.
- EV charger searches grew 80% from 2022-2023, adding an average of 2 extra nights booked per year.
- Full kitchens allow 15-25% higher rates and 30-45% longer stays.
- Basic amenity upgrades cost $1,500-4,000; hot tubs add $3,000-8,000 but pay for themselves in 1-2 years.
The 10 Airbnb Must-Haves That Guests Actually Pay More For
Watch this video to see the top 10 amenities in action. Then read the full guide below for detailed steps, costs, and data on how each amenity impacts your bookings and revenue.
What Makes Great Airbnbs Stand Out
Think about this: A tired traveler shows up at your rental late at night. Their flight was delayed. They are exhausted and frustrated.
What will they find? A lumpy mattress and cheap coffee? Or a super comfy bed and a coffee station ready to go?
That difference is huge. It changes how they rate you and whether they come back.
The Amenities Guests Search For Most
When you run an Airbnb, two things decide your success: happy guests and showing up in searches. Airbnb's research shows which amenities guests look for most when booking.
Here are the top searched amenities on Airbnb:
- Pool - The number one most searched amenity
- WiFi - A must-have for almost all guests
- Free parking - Especially important in the US
- Air conditioning - Ranked above WiFi in importance
- Kitchen - Lets you charge 15-25% more per night
- Hot tub - Can boost your rates by 15-20%
- Self check-in - Expected by most modern travelers
In cities with thousands of Airbnbs, having the right amenities gives you a real advantage.
Here is what the data shows:
- Better ratings = more people see you: Airbnb shows highly-rated listings first
- Better amenities = return guests: Airbnbs with good upgrades get 34% more repeat bookings
- City advantage: City rentals see 41% more improvement than beach or mountain spots (27%)
97% of US travelers say amenities affect their travel experience. Having the right amenities ranks second only to the place itself in guest satisfaction.
Your First Step
Get Started: Make a list of what you have now. Find what is missing based on your property type and who stays with you.
Focus on things guests notice right away and things that will make you the most money.
How Much Will You Spend
Before we dig in, here is what you can expect to pay for the amenities guests want most:
| What You Need | Cost | Is It Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| Good bedding (sheets, pillows, mattress cover) | $150-300 per bed | Very worth it - helps sleep ratings |
| King bed upgrade (mattress + frame) | $800-2,000 | Very worth it - shows up in more searches |
| Hot tub (entry to mid-range) | $3,000-8,000 | Very worth it - 15-20% higher rates |
| Pet-friendly supplies (bowls, bed, basics) | $50-150 | Very worth it - 24% more revenue |
| EV charger (Level 2, installed) | $500-1,200 | Worth it - 80% search growth |
| Family items (crib, high chair, baby gates) | $100-200 | Very worth it - attracts longer stays |
| Coffee station (kettle, coffee, containers) | $50-100 | Very worth it - guests mention it a lot |
| Kitchen items (if you need them) | $300-600 | Very worth it - 15-25% higher rates |
| Smart lock (self check-in) | $150-300 | Very worth it - expected by most guests |
| Storage bins for supplies | $30-60 | Very worth it - keeps things organized |
| Cleaning supplies for guests | $30-50 to start | Worth it - fewer complaints |
| Extra stuff (batteries, chargers) | $100-200 | Worth it - stops bad reviews |
| Better lights (mirrors, ring lights) | $50-150 | Worth it - helps guests get ready |
| WiFi upgrade (faster internet) | $0-50/month more | Very worth it - top searched amenity |
Total to Get Started: $1,500-4,000 for basics. Add $3,000-8,000 if you want a hot tub.
1. Good Beds and Pillows: The Key to Five-Star Reviews
Sleep quality is the number one thing guests talk about in reviews. About one out of every three reviews mentions sleep.
Better bedding leads to better ratings, more return guests, and happier people overall.
Sleep quality shows up in about one-third of all vacation rental reviews. Upgrading to nice bedding can raise your ratings by 0.2-0.4 stars.
What Makes a Great Night's Sleep
Buy good mattresses that meet these standards:
- Firmness: Medium-firm works best for most people
- Thickness: At least 10-12 inches with a 2-inch soft top layer
- When to replace: Every 7-10 years for rental homes
Pillow Plan
Give guests 2-4 pillows each with different softness levels:
- Soft pillows for people who sleep on their stomach
- Medium pillows for people who sleep on their back
- Firm pillows for people who sleep on their side
This way, everyone can find a pillow they like without having to ask you.
What It Costs
- Good mattresses: $400-1,200 per bed (depends on size)
- Pillows: $30-80 each (buy 4-6 per bed)
- Sheets: $40-120 per set
- Mattress covers: $30-60 each
What You Can Expect Back
Research shows that hosts who upgrade to nice mattresses and bedding usually see their ratings go up by 0.2-0.4 stars.
Better sleep often lets you charge $15-25 more per night while keeping the same number of bookings.
2. King Bed: Shows Up in More Searches
In 2023, Airbnb added a "king bed" search filter. This changed how guests find places to stay.
More and more guests want big, comfy beds. This is especially true for couples and people looking for nice places.
Why This Filter Is a Big Deal
Airbnb's research shows king beds are one of the most searched sleeping options.
The benefit is huge: When guests filter for king beds, they only see places that have them. This means much less competition for you.
This leads to:
- More people asking about your place
- More bookings
- The ability to charge more
Cost and Size
- Cost: $800-2,000 for a good king mattress and frame
- Size: 76 inches wide by 80 inches long
- Room size needed: At least 10x12 feet so people can move around
This upgrade is really important if you are in a busy market where standing out gets you more bookings.
3. Hot Tub or Pool: The Number One Searched Amenity
Here is a fact that might surprise you: Pool is the most searched amenity on Airbnb. Hot tub is also in the top ten.
When guests search for a place to stay, many use the pool or hot tub filter. If you have one, you show up. If you do not, you are invisible to those guests.
According to AirDNA data, listings with hot tubs can earn 15-20% higher nightly rates. In mountain markets, hot tubs can boost revenue by up to 34%.
Why Hot Tubs Work So Well
Hot tubs make any trip feel special. They turn a regular rental into a getaway. Guests love relaxing after a long day of travel or activities.
The numbers are clear:
- 15-20% higher nightly rates on average
- Up to 34% boost in revenue in mountain and coastal markets
- Up to 10% more bookings compared to similar listings
- Better guest reviews because the experience feels premium
Pool vs Hot Tub: Which Is Better?
Both are great, but they work differently:
Pools work best in warm places and during summer. They attract families and groups. A pool costs more to install and maintain.
Hot tubs work year-round, even in cold weather. They attract couples and small groups. Hot tubs cost less and are easier to add to most properties.
Cost to Add a Hot Tub
- Entry-level hot tub: $3,000-5,000
- Mid-range hot tub: $5,000-8,000
- High-end hot tub: $8,000-15,000+
- Installation and electrical: $500-2,000
- Monthly maintenance: $50-100 for chemicals and water
If you are in a mountain, lake, or cold-weather market, a hot tub can pay for itself within one to two years.
Want to see real examples of hot tubs that boost bookings? Jump to the hot tub section of the video to see what works best.
4. Good Lighting and Mirrors: Help Guests Get Ready
Good lighting makes a big difference, especially for guests getting ready for weddings, work meetings, or special events.
Think about a guest who has a job interview on video call. Or someone putting on makeup for a wedding.
Bad lighting makes a simple task stressful and frustrating.
Lighting That Works
Good grooming needs good light:
- Minimum: 75-100 watts of light facing you to reduce shadows on your face
- Color: 5000-6500K (daylight) so colors look right
- CRI (how true colors look): 90+ for bathrooms and grooming areas
Where to Put Mirrors
Put a full-length standing mirror (at least 24x36 inches) near a window to use natural light.
Add a clip-on ring light with:
- Brightness control (500-1500 lumens)
- Color control (3000-6000K range)
This lets guests adjust the lighting to fit their needs.
5. Coffee Station: Small Cost, Big Impact
Here is an important fact: 64% of Americans drink coffee every day. But about one-third of coffee drinkers prefer decaf or tea, especially at night.
If you only have regular coffee, you are missing the chance to make many guests happy.
Set Up a Complete Drink Station
Use labeled jars or containers (8-16 oz mason jars work great). Stock everything guests might want:
- Regular coffee: Medium roast is liked by most people
- Decaf coffee: A must-have for evening coffee lovers
- Tea options: 2-3 kinds (black, green, herbal)
- Sweeteners: Sugar and sugar-free options
- Cream options: Dairy and plant-based
Add an electric kettle (1.7L size, 1500W for fast boiling) to make drinks easy to prepare.
Why This Shows Up in Reviews
Guests often mention coffee stations as something they really liked.
Studies show places with many drink choices get mentioned positively 40% more often than places with just regular coffee.
6. Full Kitchen: Get Longer, More Profitable Stays
A well-stocked kitchen makes your place much more appealing, especially for families and long stays.
The money math is clear for guests: Eating out costs families $50-150 per day. A five-night stay could save guests $250-750 if they cook half their meals.
What a Kitchen Can Earn
Data from vacation rental pricing shows:
- Places with full kitchens can charge 15-25% more per night
- Good kitchen supplies lead to 30-45% longer stays
- Families care the most about being able to cook
Places with full kitchens can charge 15-25% more per night and guests stay 30-45% longer.
What Your Kitchen Needs
Cookware: 10-inch frying pan, 2-quart pot, big soup pot
Bakeware: 9x13 baking dish, cookie sheet
Knives: 8-inch chef's knife, small paring knife
Tools: Spatula, whisk, ladle, tongs
Basics: Mixing bowls, cutting boards, measuring cups and spoons
Budget $300-600 for a complete kitchen setup.
7. Self Check-In and Smart Locks: What Guests Expect
Picture a guest arriving at midnight after their flight was delayed. No awkward key handoff, no waiting around - just a code that gets them inside right away.
Smart technology makes your life easier while making guests happy and keeping your place safe.
Keyless Entry: Your Best Tech Investment
Benefits:
- Creates a unique code for each booking
- No more meeting guests to hand over keys
- Especially helpful for late arrivals or early checkouts
Good brands: August, Schlage Encode, Yale Assure ($150-300)
Safety Monitors That Respect Privacy
Noise and smoke monitors protect your property while respecting guest privacy.
Devices like Minut ($150) or budget option Wyze ($25-50) check noise levels (alerting above 70-80 decibels) without recording what people say, so they follow privacy rules.
Cost and Returns
Total cost for basic smart tech: $300-600.
Studies show tech-equipped places can often charge 10-15% higher rates.
8. Organized Supply Storage: Your Behind-the-Scenes Helper
Good supply organization saves time and reduces stress.
Property managers report that well-organized storage can cut cleaning time by 15-30 minutes per turnover.
For busy places (20+ bookings per month), this saves 5-10 hours every month.
Storage by Property Type
Apartments: Weather-proof plastic bins (18-27 gallon size, $30-60 each)
Houses: Keyless closet for cleaning staff to easily access
Supplies to Keep on Hand
- Bedding: 2-3 full sets per bed (sheets, pillowcases)
- Towels: 2-3 sets per guest (bath towel, hand towel, washcloth)
- Toiletries: 2-3 days worth per guest
- Paper products: Toilet paper, paper towels, tissues
- Maintenance items: Light bulbs, batteries (AA, AAA, 9V)
9. Cleaning Supplies for Guests: Let Them Help Themselves
Imagine a guest spills red wine on your counter at 10 PM. If cleaning supplies are locked away or hidden, that small accident becomes stressful.
When guests can clean up small spills right away, they keep your place nice and feel good instead of worried.
Smart Setup
Use plain bottles without labels for cleaning products. Generic-looking bottles are less likely to be taken while still working great.
Stock These Items: All-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, disinfectant wipes, paper towels, sponges and scrub brushes
Budget $30-50 per month to restock, depending on how busy you are.
10. Backup Inventory: Stop Problems Before They Start
Keeping extra supplies on hand prevents guest frustration and bad reviews.
A well-stocked extras bin creates smooth experiences when unexpected needs come up.
Extras Checklist
- Parking passes: if your area requires them
- Batteries: AA, AAA, 9V for remotes, smoke detectors
- Phone chargers: USB-A and USB-C cables, universal adapters
- Light bulbs: LED bulbs that match your fixtures (keep 2-3 of each type)
- Extra dishes: replacements for broken items
- Linens: extra sets beyond the minimum
- Basic toiletries: emergency backup supplies
Budget $100-200 for your extras inventory. This prevents emergency requests during stays and keeps guests happy.
11. Pet-Friendly: A Big Opportunity for More Income
Many travelers struggle to find nice places that allow pets. This creates a big opportunity for hosts who welcome animals.
About 27% of Airbnb listings now allow pets. But demand is growing fast.
Pet-friendly rentals earn 24% higher revenue per available night than listings that do not allow pets. They also have higher occupancy: 54% compared to 48% for non-pet-friendly properties.
Why Pet-Friendly Works
Pet owners have fewer choices. When they find a nice place that welcomes their dog or cat, they book it fast. They also tend to:
- Book longer stays - about 14% longer on average
- Pay more - pet-friendly listings charge higher daily rates
- Be responsible - they know their pet's behavior
- Come back - good pet-friendly listings are hard to find
How to Make Your Listing Pet-Friendly
What to provide:
- Water and food bowls
- Pet bed or blanket
- Waste bags for walks
- Info about nearby dog parks and pet stores
- A fenced yard (if you have one)
Protect your property:
- Use washable slipcovers on furniture
- Keep cleaning supplies handy for accidents
- Charge a pet fee ($25-75 per stay is common)
- Set clear rules about where pets can go
Watch the pet-friendly section of the video for tips on making your listing stand out to pet owners.
12. Family-Friendly Amenities: Attract Parents with Kids
Families with young children have special needs. When you meet those needs, you open up a whole new group of guests.
Family guests tend to book longer stays and are generally responsible. They spend most of their vacation out exploring, which means less time in your home.
What Families Search For
According to industry data, here is what family-friendly listings offer:
- High chair: About 62% of family-friendly listings have one
- Crib or travel crib: About 61% offer a safe place for babies to sleep
- Baby gates: Keep little ones safe on stairs
- Kid-friendly dishes: Plastic cups and plates that will not break
Easy Family Add-Ons
For babies and toddlers ($100-200 total):
- Portable crib or pack-n-play
- High chair
- Baby gates for stairs
- Outlet covers
- Baby bathtub
For older kids ($50-100 total):
- Board games and puzzles
- Books for different ages
- Outdoor toys (if you have a yard)
- Streaming services with kids shows
Mention these items in your listing title or description. Parents search for "family-friendly" and filter for cribs and high chairs.
13. EV Charger: Fast-Growing Guest Demand
Electric cars are growing fast. And so is guest demand for charging.
According to Airbnb's official data, searches using the EV charger filter grew more than 80% from 2022 to 2023. Listings with EV chargers get an average of 2 extra nights booked per year.
Why EV Chargers Matter Now
Electric cars made up over 7% of new car sales in 2024. Experts think this could reach 20-25% by 2030.
The states with the most EV charger searches are California, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Washington, and North Carolina.
Cost and Setup
- Level 2 charger: $500-1,200 installed
- Charging speed: 25-30 miles of range per hour
- Monthly electricity cost: About $10-20 per guest charge
Airbnb and ChargePoint have a partnership that gives hosts discounts on chargers and installation. Check the Airbnb Resource Center for current offers.
If you are in a state with high EV adoption, this amenity helps you stand out to a growing group of travelers.
14. WiFi and Climate Control: The Basics Guests Expect
Some amenities are so basic that guests just expect them. WiFi and air conditioning are now must-haves, not nice-to-haves.
WiFi: Make It Fast and Reliable
WiFi ranks in the top three most searched amenities on Airbnb. Every guest expects it.
What good WiFi looks like:
- Speed: At least 50 Mbps download (100+ is better)
- Reliability: No dead zones in the property
- Easy to use: Post the password where guests can find it
- For work: Remote workers need video calls to work smoothly
Tip: Test your WiFi in every room. If some areas are slow, add a WiFi extender.
Air Conditioning and Heating: Comfort Is Key
Here is something interesting: Airbnb research shows guests rank air conditioning higher than WiFi as an important amenity.
In the US, 59% of travelers say AC is one of the most important indoor amenities.
Climate control basics:
- AC in warm climates (or during summer anywhere)
- Heating in cold climates (or during winter)
- Easy-to-use thermostat with clear instructions
- Fans in bedrooms as backup
Make sure to list AC and heating as amenities. Guests use these filters when searching.
15. Other Special Features to Consider
Beyond the main amenities, these special features can help you stand out to specific guests.
Wheelchair Access
The opportunity: About 26% of U.S. adults have disabilities.
When you count families and travel partners, this group includes over 60 million Americans spending $17 billion on travel each year.
Home Gym
The opportunity: Health-focused travelers love having workout space, especially for longer stays.
Basic setup ($200-400): Resistance bands, yoga mat, adjustable dumbbells, exercise ball.
Dedicated Workspace
The opportunity: About 35-40% of office workers work from home at least some of the time.
What you need: Comfortable office chair, desk at standard height (28-30 inches), fast internet (at least 50 Mbps download), good lighting, nearby power outlets.
Your Action Plan: Turn This Into More Bookings
When a guest messages you to say "The hot tub was amazing" or "Thank you for being pet-friendly," you are seeing the result of smart spending that will bring your next dozen bookings.
Quick Wins: The Amenities That Matter Most
Based on the data, here are the amenities that have the biggest impact:
- Hot tub or pool: 15-20% higher rates, top searched amenity
- Pet-friendly: 24% higher revenue per available night
- EV charger: 80% search growth, 2 extra nights booked
- Family-friendly items: Longer stays from responsible guests
- Self check-in: Expected by most modern travelers
- Fast WiFi and AC: Basic amenities guests filter for
How Excellence Builds Over Time
In busy rental markets, the best places get way more bookings than average ones.
According to AirDNA's 2024 report on 2.1 million properties:
- Listings with 4.8+ stars and lots of amenities got 28% repeat bookings
- Places with 4.5-4.7 stars and basic amenities got only 12% repeat bookings
- That is 133% better and leads to steady income over time
Your Steps
- Check your place against this amenities checklist
- Find your biggest gaps - do you have the top searched amenities?
- Start with cheap, high-impact items first (pet-friendly, family items, self check-in)
- Consider a hot tub if you are in a mountain, lake, or cold-weather market
- Add an EV charger if you are in California, Florida, Texas, or another high-EV state
- Update your photos and description after you add amenities - guests cannot book what they cannot see
Ready to see these strategies in action? Watch the complete video guide for visual examples and real-world tips. Subscribe to the channel for weekly Airbnb hosting tips.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the most searched amenities (pool, hot tub, pet-friendly)
- Not listing all your amenities in your Airbnb profile
- Forgetting to update your listing after adding new amenities
- Copying other listings without thinking about who your guests are
- Not checking amenity filters to see how guests actually search
Sources
Related Video
- The 10 Airbnb Must-Haves That Guests Actually Pay More For - Watch the video companion to this article by Sean Rakidzich
Official Airbnb Info
- Airbnb Newsroom: Amenities Do Matter - Research on what guests search for most, including pool, WiFi, air conditioning rankings
- Airbnb Newsroom: EV Charger Partnership with ChargePoint - 80% search growth data and 2 extra nights booked statistic
- Airbnb Help Center: Superhost Requirements - Official rules and benefits
- Airbnb Help Center: Response Rate Rules - How fast to answer messages
Industry Research
- AirDNA: Best Amenities to Boost Revenue - Hot tub 15-20% higher rates data, RevPAR statistics
- Key Data Dashboard: Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals - 24% higher RevPAR, 54% vs 48% occupancy rates for pet-friendly listings
- Guesty: Airbnb Amenities For More Guests - 2024 research on repeat bookings
- Guesty: Host Checklist to Maximize the Airbnb Experience - Complete amenity suggestions
- Hospitable: Kid-Friendly Airbnb Guide - Family amenity statistics
Government Data
- CDC: Disability and Health Data - 26% of U.S. adults have disabilities statistic
- U.S. Department of Energy: Alternative Fuels Data Center - EV adoption numbers (7% of new car sales)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Remote work trends (35-40% work from home)
