25+ Airbnb Must-Have Amenities for 5-Star Reviews

In this guide, we'll walk you through a tiered approach to Airbnb must-have amenities. We'll start with essential ones that prevent negative reviews, then move on to "wow-factor" features that justify premium pricing. By the end, you'll have an actionable checklist to transform your property from adequate to exceptional, and the knowledge to make smart investments that deliver returns.

Why Your Airbnb Amenities Are Your Greatest Marketing Tool

The psychology behind a five-star review is more complex than many hosts realize. When guests enter your property, they're not consciously ticking off boxes on a checklist of amenities. Instead, they're absorbing an overall feeling of care and thoughtfulness. When a guest doesn't have to hunt for a bottle opener, struggle with insufficient cooking utensils, or search for a phone charger, they feel understood and valued. This sense of being cared for forms the foundation of getting 5-star reviews on Airbnb.

This phenomenon creates the "halo effect." When guests are delighted by thoughtful amenities, they become more forgiving of minor imperfections. A guest enjoying their morning coffee from your premium coffee bar is less likely to complain about a delayed message response. This is where professional hosts separate themselves from amateurs: they use market data to understand what amenities travelers in their location want and are willing to pay for. This data-driven approach eliminates guesswork and focuses your investment where it matters most.

Key Takeaway: At STR Cribs, we've seen how a strategic renovation can transform a property's performance. Our clients reported up to 64% higher occupancy rates, 40% higher Average Daily Rates (ADR), and an average of $50,000 more annual revenue compared to similar properties. It starts with choosing the right amenities.

Tier 1: The Non-Negotiables – Survival Amenities

Before delighting your guests, you must meet their basic expectations. These aren't "nice-to-have" items; they're the foundation of an acceptable stay. Missing any will result in a sub-par review, regardless of your property's charm.Getting these right is your first priority as a host.

Fast & Reliable Wi-Fi

In 2023, reliable Wi-Fi is as essential as running water. For guests, "slow" Wi-Fi is the same as "no" Wi-Fi. Test your connection speed (using speedtest.net) and include the Mbps in your listing. For properties over 1,500 square feet, invest in a mesh network system like Google Nest WiFi or Eero for consistent coverage. Many guests are "digital nomads" needing to work during their stay; your internet can make or break their experience.

A Spotless & Well-Stocked Kitchen

A functional kitchen with all essentials is non-negotiable among Airbnb kitchen essentials, whether your guests plan to cook full meals or just reheat takeout:

Full Cookware Set: Provide a small and medium pot, a large pan, and a baking sheet.
Quality Cooking Utensils: Include a spatula, tongs, ladle, can opener, and bottle opener/corkscrew. These small, often-forgotten items cause frustration when missing.
Plates, Bowls, and Silverware: Stock at least 2 sets per maximum guest count for meals without immediate washing.
Drinking Glasses & Coffee Mugs: 2 per maximum guest count, with a variety of options (wine glasses, water glasses, etc.).
Basic Appliances: A microwave, toaster, and coffee maker are standard expectations.
"Little Things": Salt, pepper, neutral cooking oil, sugar packets, paper towels, dish soap, and a new sponge. These prevent the frustrating first-night trip to the store.

Comfortable & Clean Sleeping Arrangements

The fundamental expectation guests have is a good night's sleep. Here's what that requires:

Quality Mattress & Pillows: If a full mattress replacement isn't in your budget, consider a high-quality mattress topper as an economical upgrade. Provide a variety of pillow firmness (two soft, two firm per bed) to accommodate different preferences.
Full Linen Sets: Two complete sets of sheets per bed are essential for quick turnovers. Invest in white sheets that can be bleached rather than decorative patterns that show wear quickly.
Blackout Curtains or Blinds: These improve guest sleep quality, especially if your property receives early morning light or street lighting.

The Functional & Fresh Bathroom

Your bathroom must be spotless and fully functional with these Airbnb essentials:

Ample Towels: Provide at least two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths per guest.
Essential Toiletries: Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in wall-mounted dispensers (more eco-friendly and cost-effective than tiny bottles). Include hand soap and multiple toilet paper rolls.
A Hairdryer: This often forgotten item saves guests packing space and is a small investment with big appreciation returns.
Great Water Pressure & Hot Water: This may require renovation-level attention, but few bathroom complaints are more common than poor water pressure or insufficient hot water.

Tier 2: The 5-Star Differentiators – Amenities for Comfort & Convenience

Once you've secured the foundation, it's time to build the experience. These are the best Airbnb amenities that elevate your property from "a place to sleep" to a place guests rave about. These amenities create the comfort and convenience that transform a functional stay into a memorable one.

A Superior Coffee & Tea Station

For many travelers, the morning coffee ritual is an emotional experience. Upgrading from a basic drip machine can greatly impact guest satisfaction:

A Keurig or Nespresso machine with various pods
A French press and electric kettle for non-pod coffee drinkers
A quality coffee grinder and locally roasted beans for a special touch.
Assorted teas, sugar options (including a natural alternative like honey), and a non-dairy creamer option

This attention to the morning ritual starts each day of a guest's stay on a positive note, one likely to be mentioned in their review.

A Dedicated & Comfortable Workspace

With the rise of remote work and "workations," a proper workspace has become a highly searchable amenity:

A dedicated work desk or table (not the dining table)
An ergonomic chair that supports proper posture.
A desk lamp for adequate lighting.
Accessible power outlets with USB ports

This workspace can attract a growing segment of travelers, combined with your reliable, high-speed Tier 1 Wi-Fi.

Smart Entertainment

Entertainment options need to be comprehensive and user-friendly:

A smart TV (minimum 50" in main living areas) with easy access to streaming services
Clear, laminated instructions for accessing Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.
Provide guest accounts for streaming services or allow guests to easily log in and out of their own accounts.
A universal remote simplifies a complex setup.

Guests on vacation don't want to spend 30 minutes figuring out how to watch a movie, so make it intuitive.

Keyless Entry & Smart Home Features

Smart home technology benefits hosts and guests:

Smart locks (like Schlage Encode or August Smart Lock) eliminate the need for physical key exchanges and allow for customized access codes.
Smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee) provide comfort control while reducing energy costs.
Video doorbells and outdoor security cameras enhance safety. (disclose these in your listing!)
Smart lighting systems that create ambiance while saving energy

These technologies simplify the guest experience while providing more remote control over your property.

Family-Friendly Touches

If your property is family-friendly, these amenities are essential:

Pack 'n Play or travel crib
High chair or booster seat
Kid-friendly dishes and utensils
A selection of age-appropriate toys, books, or board games.
If appropriate, outlet covers and cabinet locks.

These items are bulky for families to travel with, so providing them creates immense value and goodwill.

Tier 3: The "Wow" Factor – Amenities to Maximize Revenue

These high-ROI investments can transform your property's performance. The amenities in this tier get your listing on wishlists, justify premium pricing, and create memorable experiences that drive word-of-mouth marketing. When strategically selected, these features directly increase Airbnb revenue by setting your property apart.

The Ultimate Outdoor Oasis

Today's travelers are booking an experience, not just accommodation. Your outdoor space can become the centerpiece:

Hot Tub: A hot tub, which is consistently the #1 most-searched amenity, can justify a $50-100 nightly rate increase in some locations.
Fire Pit: Creates a communal, cozy experience that guests love. For an extra touch, provide comfortable seating and a s'mores starter kit.
Grill/BBQ: A high-quality grill with propane/charcoal provided and essential grilling tools.
Comfortable Outdoor Seating/Dining Area: Weather-resistant furniture that creates a true outdoor living space.

Unique Local & Themed Experiences

Analyzing market data is crucial. The most impactful amenities are market-specific and reflect your property's unique setting:

A curated welcome basket of local products (coffee, craft beer, snacks) that introduces guests to the area's flavor.
A personalized guidebook (digital or physical) with your insider recommendations not just tourist traps but your favorite local coffee shop, the best hiking trail, or the neighborhood restaurant with the amazing happy hour.
Themed decor that enhances the location (sophisticated coastal, modern mountain, urban industrial) without clichés.

Pet-Friendly Perks

Allowing pets on your property immediately expands your potential guest pool, and these travelers often pay a premium:

Dedicated food and water bowls
A durable, washable dog bed
Pet toys
Waste bags and an outdoor waste area
Information about nearby pet-friendly parks, trails, and restaurants

Welcoming pets instead of just "allowing" them creates a distinct competitive advantage.

Wellness & Fitness Features

Health-conscious travelers seek ways to maintain their routines while away:

A set of yoga mats, blocks, and resistance bands.
A selection of free weights or kettlebells.
Access to digital fitness content (a tablet with fitness apps or a smart TV with workout videos)

A Peloton bike or similar premium equipment can be a major differentiator for luxury properties.

Your Ultimate Airbnb Host Checklist

Ready to start? Use this checklist to audit your property and plan upgrades:

Tier 1: Non-Negotiables

Fast Wi-Fi
Stocked Kitchen
Comfortable Beds & Linens
Stocked Bathroom

Tier 2: 5-Star Differentiators

Upgraded Coffee Station
Dedicated Workspace
Smart TV & Entertainment
Keyless Entry
Family-Friendly Items

Tier 3: Revenue Boosters

Hot Tub / Fire Pit / Grill
Unique Local Touches
Pet-Friendly Perks
Wellness/Fitness Gear

Conclusion: An Amenity is an Investment in Your Success

Successful Airbnb hosts understand that thoughtfully selected amenities are not expenses; they are strategic investments that yield returns with every booking. These amenities earn you five-star reviews, build your property's reputation, and allow you to command higher rates in competitive markets. The right amenities don't just satisfy guests; they delight them and turn them into your most effective marketing channel through glowing reviews and recommendations.

A strategic approach will win, whether you're adding a new feature or planning a full overhaul. If you're ready to see how data can transform your short-term rental business, contact the experts at STR Cribs.

‍