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  Amenities & Furnishings , Amenities Checklist for Vacation Rentals  
 
     
Amenities Checklist for Vacation Rentals

What amenities are expected and which will help seal the deal?
 

One of the questions that we get asked over and over: What amenities should I offer guests to get them to rent my property? The answer can depend on your region and your property; however, there are certain amenities that are Must-Haves for pretty much all vacation rental properties. These are the items that renters expect when they stay in a vacation home. To make your property stand out against the growing competition, consider adding a few Extras That Will Set Your Property Apart.

Living Area

Must Haves

  • Comfortable seating for at least the number of people that you sleep.
  • A TV large enough for said guests to watch from across the room (27” or larger) with at least basic cable.
  • A DVD player or at the very least a VCR. If you only provide a VCR, it's probably a good idea to also have a stock of videos, since they may no longer be readily available at the local video store.
  • A couple decks of cards and a board game or two for rainy days.

Extras That Will Set Your Property Apart

  • A big-screen HDTV. Can be a deal-maker for sports fans.
  • A DVD Library with flicks for the kids.
  • Satellite or premium cable.
  • A fireplace. If your home doesn't have a fireplace built-in, consider adding a freestanding electric fireplace.
  • A stereo with a CD player (or an iPod docking station). A CD library is a bonus.
  • Game systems like Xbox or PlayStation with games.

Kitchen/Dining Room

Must Haves

  • A microwave.
  • A coffee pot.
  • Adequate cooking gear. If you claim to be fully-stocked or fully-equipped, you had better have everything on this list.
  • A dining room table that will seat the number that you sleep. If you sleep large numbers, have a fold-up table and chairs readily available for the kids.

Extras That Will Set Your Property Apart

  • A deluxe coffee pot with grinder or espresso machine.
  • Granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.
  • Enough plates, glasses, and flatware for double the number of people that you sleep. Who wants to be constantly doing the dishes while on vacation?

Bedrooms

Must Haves

  • Quality and ample bedding. This means at least two sets of high-quality sheets for each bed, pillows with pillow protectors, extra blankets, and mattress pads.
  • An alarm clock and reading lamp on a bedside table in each bedroom.

Extras That Will Set Your Property Apart

  • King-size beds.
  • Luxury bedding like Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, or feather pillows.

Bathrooms

Must Haves

  • Quality towels. At least 2 bath towels, 2 hand towels, and 4 washcloths per guest.

Extras That Will Set Your Property Apart

  • Jacuzzi/whirlpool tub in the master bathroom.
  • Steam shower or sauna.

Balcony/Backyard

Must Haves

  • Outdoor seating.

Extras That Will Set Your Property Apart

  • A barbeque grill.
  • A hot tub.
  • A swimming pool. Heated is a bonus.
  • A basketball hoop, volleyball net, or horse shoes.

Other Amenities

Must Haves

  • A washer and dryer.
  • High-speed Internet. This used to be an extra-- now it's a deal breaker for a lot of travelers.
  • Iron and ironing board.
  • Landline telephone. Even if you only keep it around for dialing 911. Also keep a local phonebook handy.
  • A hair dryer.
  • A first aid kit.

Extras That Will Set Your Property Apart

  • Air conditioning. If you own in a location where air conditioning is not a standard home feature, providing A/C could be a draw for those who are used to having it.
  • Baby/toddler gear like a portable crib and a high chair.
  • A pool table, dart board, or ping pong table.
  • Office equipment like a computer, fax machine and printer.
  • An ice chest/cooler.
  • Sports equipment like tennis rackets, footballs, or golf clubs.
  • Region-specific gear like beach towels, a ski locker, or a kayak.

Do you see anything that is missing from this list? Please let us know via our contact form.



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The Extras: Which Amenities Will Set Your Vacation Rental Home Apart?  
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