The Essential Airbnb Amenities Guide: What Guests Actually Want in 2025

Your amenities list is more than a checkbox exercise—it's a powerful filter that determines whether guests even see your listing. When travelers search on Airbnb, they often filter by specific amenities: "Pool," "Pet-friendly," "Self check-in." If you don't have these checked, you're invisible to those searches.

But amenities also shape perception and expectations. The right combination signals quality, thoughtfulness, and value. This guide will help you understand which amenities matter most and how to strategically improve your offering.

How Amenities Impact Your Listing Performance

Search Visibility

Airbnb's search filters let guests require specific amenities. Popular filters include:

Self check-in: Increasingly essential post-pandemic

Free parking: Critical outside major cities

Wi-Fi: Expected everywhere, but speed matters

Pool / Hot tub: Major draws for vacation properties

Pet-friendly: Growing segment of travelers

Washer/dryer: Important for longer stays

If a guest filters for "Pool" and you have one but haven't checked it—you won't appear. Ensure every applicable amenity is listed.

Booking Decisions

Once guests find your listing, amenities influence their decision:

Essentials: Missing basics create doubt about overall quality

Comfort features: Differentiate you from competitors

Premium amenities: Justify higher prices and attract specific travelers

Unique amenities: Create memorable experiences worth reviewing

Guest Satisfaction and Reviews

Amenity accuracy directly impacts reviews:

Listed but unavailable: Leads to complaints and negative reviews

Available but unlisted: Missed opportunity to attract and delight

Exceeds expectations: Positive surprises drive great reviews

Amenity Categories: From Essential to Exceptional

Tier 1: Essential Amenities

These are expected—missing them hurts more than having them helps:

Bathroom basics:

Toilet paper

Soap (hand and body)

Clean towels

Hot water

Bedroom basics:

Clean linens

Pillows (per guest)

Blankets (climate appropriate)

Kitchen basics (if kitchen available):

Basic cookware

Dishes and utensils

Coffee maker

Microwave

Connectivity:

Wi-Fi

Working electrical outlets

Safety:

Smoke detector

First aid kit

Fire extinguisher

Entry:

Clear check-in instructions

Working locks

Tier 2: Standard Comfort Amenities

These have become standard expectations—having them meets expectations; lacking them disappoints:

Kitchen upgrades:

Full-size refrigerator

Stove/oven

Dishwasher

Toaster

Kettle

Comfort features:

Heating

Air conditioning (climate dependent)

Hangers

Iron / ironing board

Entertainment:

TV with streaming services

Fast Wi-Fi (100+ Mbps)

Convenience:

Self check-in

Keyless entry

Free parking on premises

Laundry:

Washer

Dryer

Laundry detergent

Tier 3: Premium Amenities

These differentiate your listing and justify premium pricing:

Outdoor:

Private pool

Hot tub / jacuzzi

Outdoor dining area

BBQ grill

Fire pit

Garden or patio

Luxury touches:

Espresso machine (Nespresso, etc.)

Wine fridge

Smart home features

High-thread-count linens

Premium toiletries

Workspace:

Dedicated workspace

Ergonomic chair

Monitor / laptop stand

Good lighting

Quiet environment

Wellness:

Gym access

Yoga mats

Pool or beach access

Sauna

Family:

Crib / pack 'n play

High chair

Baby-proofing

Games and toys

Outdoor play equipment

Tier 4: Exceptional / Unique Amenities

These create memorable experiences and word-of-mouth marketing:

Private chef availability

Concierge services

Electric vehicle charging

Private beach access

Home cinema / theater room

Game room (pool table, arcade)

Wine cellar

Telescope / stargazing equipment

Kayaks, paddleboards, bikes

Musical instruments

2025 Trend: Sustainability Amenities

Eco-conscious travel is no longer niche—it's mainstream. Highlighting sustainable features appeals to environmentally aware guests and can justify premium pricing:

High-impact sustainable amenities:

Electric vehicle (EV) charging station

Solar panels / renewable energy

Energy-efficient appliances (Energy Star rated)

Smart thermostat for energy management

Water-saving fixtures

Recycling and composting setup

Organic/eco-friendly toiletries

Reusable shopping bags and water bottles

Native/drought-resistant landscaping

How to highlight sustainability:

Add "Eco-friendly" or sustainable practices to your description

Mention specific certifications or energy savings

Provide a simple guide for guests on your green practices

Consider applying for Airbnb's sustainability badges when available

Guests increasingly filter for eco-friendly stays, making this both a competitive advantage and the right thing to do.

Amenity Strategy by Guest Type

Different travelers prioritize different amenities:

Business Travelers

Must-haves:

Fast, reliable Wi-Fi (speed test results help)

Dedicated workspace

Quiet environment

Self check-in (flexible timing)

Coffee setup

Iron / steamer

Nice-to-haves:

Printer access

External monitor

Standing desk option

Gym access

Proximity to transport

Families

Must-haves:

Safe environment (pool fence, stair gates)

Multiple bedrooms

Full kitchen

Washer/dryer

Entertainment options

Outdoor space

Nice-to-haves:

Crib and high chair

Baby monitors

Kids' toys and games

Streaming kids' content

Nearby family activities

Couples / Romance

Must-haves:

Privacy

Comfortable bed (king size ideal)

Attractive bathroom

Ambiance (lighting, decor)

Nice-to-haves:

Hot tub / jacuzzi

Fireplace

Views

Luxurious linens

Wine glasses / bar setup

Bathtub

Groups / Celebrations

Must-haves:

Multiple bedrooms and bathrooms

Large gathering space

Full kitchen

Outdoor area

Entertainment

Nice-to-haves:

BBQ / outdoor kitchen

Pool / hot tub

Games (board games, video games, pool table)

Sound system

Multiple TVs

Long-Term Stays (30+ days)

Must-haves:

Full kitchen

Washer/dryer

Workspace

Storage space

Reliable Wi-Fi

Comfortable seating

Nice-to-haves:

Dishwasher

Local gym access

Printer

Multiple workspaces

Outdoor space

Identifying Missing Amenities That Cost You Bookings

Analyze Your Competition

Look at top-performing listings in your area:

Search your location and property type

Filter for listings with high ratings and many reviews

Note which amenities they commonly offer

Identify gaps in your offering

Review Guest Questions

Common pre-booking questions reveal missing information:

"Is there parking?"

"How fast is the Wi-Fi?"

"Is there a coffee maker?"

"Can I check in early?"

If you're frequently asked about something—make sure it's clearly listed.

Check Your Competitive Position

Compare your amenities against similar listings at similar price points. Missing standard amenities puts you at a disadvantage. Missing premium amenities may explain lower booking rates at similar prices.

The Amenity-Price Relationship

Amenities justify your pricing:

Budget Tier

All essentials

Most standard comfort amenities

Clean and functional

Mid-Range Tier

All standard amenities

Several premium amenities

Thoughtful touches

Premium Tier

Comprehensive amenities

Multiple premium features

Unique/exceptional offerings

Designer or luxury quality

If your price suggests premium but your amenities suggest budget, guests feel overcharged. If your amenities outperform your price tier, you may be underpriced—or you'll overdeliver and earn great reviews.

Amenities to Add: ROI Analysis

Not all amenities are worth the investment. Consider:

High ROI (Low Cost, High Impact)

Self check-in lockbox or smart lock ($30-150)

Opens you to filters for self check-in

Reduces coordination friction

Essential for many travelers

Quality coffee setup ($50-200)

Daily touchpoint with guests

Frequently mentioned in reviews

Low ongoing cost

Streaming services ($15-40/month)

Expected on modern TVs

Removes need for cable

Easy to set up

Quality linens ($100-300 per bed)

Directly impacts comfort reviews

Professional appearance

Durable investment

Blackout curtains ($50-150)

Improves sleep quality

Frequently appreciated

One-time purchase

Medium ROI (Moderate Cost, Good Returns)

Dedicated workspace ($200-500)

Growing filter usage

Attracts remote workers

Longer average stays

Outdoor furniture upgrade ($300-1,000)

Photographs well

Extends usable space

Seasonal value varies

Kitchen appliance upgrade ($100-400 each)

Espresso machine, Vitamix, Instant Pot

Appeals to cooking guests

Good for longer stays

Variable ROI (High Cost, Market Dependent)

Hot tub ($3,000-10,000)

Major draw in right markets

High maintenance costs

Liability considerations

Pool ($15,000-50,000+)

Major capital investment

Ongoing maintenance

Market-dependent value

EV charging ($500-2,000)

Growing demand

Limited current searches

Future-proofing

Presenting Amenities Effectively

Having amenities isn't enough—they must be discovered and appreciated:

Airbnb Amenities Checklist

Check EVERY applicable amenity (don't miss any)

Add all special features through custom options

Update when you add new amenities

Photo Documentation

Show amenities in your photos:

Workspace setup (not just a desk—show the chair, lighting, monitor)

Kitchen equipment (especially premium appliances)

Outdoor features (staged for use)

Premium bathroom items

Description Integration

Highlight key amenities in your description:

Mention specific brands for premium items

Explain how amenities benefit guests

Connect amenities to experiences

Consistent Communication

Ensure consistency across:

Amenity checkboxes

Photos

Description

House manual

Inconsistency creates confusion and damages trust.

Common Amenity Mistakes

Mistake 1: Checking Unavailable Amenities

If the pool is seasonal, don't leave it checked year-round. If the fireplace is decorative, don't list it as functional.

Mistake 2: Missing Available Amenities

Many hosts forget to list:

Free street parking

Outdoor space

Kitchen equipment

Safety features

Nearby amenities

Mistake 3: Overstating Quality

"Fully equipped kitchen" with a two-burner hotplate and mini fridge disappoints. "Compact kitchenette with basics" sets appropriate expectations.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Maintenance

Non-functional amenities are worse than no amenities:

Test everything regularly

Replace broken items promptly

Stock consumables consistently

Mistake 5: Shared vs. Private Confusion

Be crystal clear:

"Private pool" vs. "Shared pool"

"Private garden" vs. "Shared outdoor space"

"In-unit washer" vs. "Shared laundry"

Misrepresenting shared as private is a top source of negative reviews.

How RLGP Analyzes Your Amenities

Our analysis evaluates your amenities across multiple dimensions:

Classification:

Premium amenities (competitive advantages)

Standard amenities (expected features)

Missing premium amenities (opportunities)

Completeness:

Are all available amenities listed?

Are amenities mentioned in description but not checked?

Photo Alignment:

Do photos show amenities that aren't listed?

Are listed amenities visible in photos?

Competitive Context:

How do your amenities compare to local competitors?

What are you missing that others commonly have?

What unique amenities differentiate you?

Recommendations:

Priority amenities to add (based on market and ROI)

Amenities to better showcase

Consistency issues to fix

Amenity Optimization Checklist

Audit Current Amenities

[ ] Every available amenity is checked in Airbnb

[ ] Custom amenities added for unique features

[ ] No unavailable amenities are listed

[ ] Shared vs. private is clear

Photo Coverage

[ ] Premium amenities are photographed

[ ] Workspace shown if available

[ ] Kitchen equipment visible

[ ] Outdoor amenities featured

Description Alignment

[ ] Key amenities mentioned in description

[ ] Amenities connected to guest benefits

[ ] No amenities claimed that aren't available

Maintenance Check

[ ] All amenities functional

[ ] Consumables stocked

[ ] Premium items in good condition

[ ] Safety equipment tested

Competitive Analysis

[ ] Compared against local top listings

[ ] Identified missing standard amenities

[ ] Noted premium amenity opportunities

[ ] Price-to-amenity ratio evaluated

Elevate Your Amenity Game

The best hosts think of amenities as guest experience investments, not checkboxes. Every amenity is a chance to meet or exceed expectations, attract the right guests, and earn glowing reviews.

Focus on:

Completeness: List everything you have

Accuracy: Promise only what you deliver

Strategy: Invest in high-ROI improvements

Presentation: Show and tell effectively

Curious how your amenities stack up? Our free listing analysis evaluates your amenities against competitors, identifies missing opportunities, and classifies your offerings by tier. See exactly where you're winning and where small investments could make a big difference.

Great amenities don't just attract guests—they create experiences worth remembering.

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Continue learning: Understand how to decode your guest reviews and turn feedback into improvements.