Amenities That Earn 5-Star Reviews in 2025
Amenities are not a stranger in the hospitality industry and in the vacation rental space they can be the difference between one repeated booking or not.
While a great location and stunning photos are crucial, the secret weapon often lies in the details: your amenities.
Gone are the days when simply offering Wi-Fi and clean towels was enough. Today’s travelers crave experiences that are seamless, comfortable, and personalized.
Consequently, the amenities you provide have evolved from a simple checklist to a powerful strategic tool that can directly impact your revenue, reviews, and reputation.
As we explore in our report: “Property Operations Essentials: Optimize Your 2025 Game Plan” – According to the “2024 AirDNA Amenities Dashboard”: Pools, hot tubs & laundry machines are at the top of the lists when it comes to generating more RevPar to your properties.
But what else there is to it? How can you differentiate between the basics and what really makes the difference?
In this guide, we’ll explore the amenities that matter most right now. More importantly, we’ll show you how to leverage them to not only meet but exceed guest expectations, creating the kind of five-star stays that build a thriving business.
Benefits of Amenities
Amenities can be great tools to elevate your property’s value for sure that’s why the first thing you should take into consideration is analyse the location and market of your property.
Because it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to invest on a 10K – 12K pool if your property is in Winnipeg. Right?
So, first step analyze your current location, business as well as competitors if nobody has a cozy fireplace maybe that’s the way to go for your outdoor deck.
In terms of benefits, the amenities not only help you secure a higher revenue but also aids your efforts on getting recurring revenue. And here is how:
- Creating a Memorable Stay: as small as it is these items can transform a standard stay into a memorable experience. Offering a bottle of wine or a welcome basket can make guests feel at home.
- Exceeding Expectations: Providing amenities like fast Wi-Fi, streaming services, or a coffee maker can meet these standards.
- Differentiate from competition: It doesn’t stop with an improved guest experience, as having the right amenities can also help you stand out in a crowded market.
- Unique Selling Points: Differentiate your property by offering unique amenities. This could be anything from an outdoor kitchen or game room to local artwork.
Regardless of what you choose, unique amenities can make your listing stand out in searches and increase your earnings.
Types of amenities: From basics to exceeding expectations
Before we dive into the extras that wow your guests, let’s ensure your foundation is solid. Lacking these fundamental amenities can lead to immediate guest frustration and negative feedback. Think of these as the absolute minimum for competing in today’s professional vacation rental market.
- High-Speed, Reliable Wi-Fi: In an age of remote work and streaming, “Weak Wi-Fi” is a booking killer. Guests expect a strong, fast connection for everything from work video calls to family movie nights. Therefore, investing in a robust internet plan is non-negotiable.
- A Thoughtfully Stocked Kitchen: A functional kitchen goes far beyond a set of plates. As our own data shows, essentials like coffee, tea, and sugar are some of the most frequently provided items. To elevate the experience, ensure you also have quality cookware, basic cooking oil and spices, a toaster, and a versatile coffee maker (a machine that handles both pods and grounds is a great investment).
- Essential Comforts: Guests expect a hotel-grade level of comfort. This means providing essentials like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash as highlighted in our report’s data on top-provided amenities. Also, never underestimate the power of ample toilet paper; running out is a top guest complaint.
- Effortless Check-In: A smart lock or a secure lockbox system is no longer a luxury; it’s an operational necessity. It provides guests with the flexibility and security of a seamless, contactless arrival, which in turn reduces your operational headaches.
According to the data we’ve analyzed from 2024, the top amenities being offered in properties operated on our platform are as follows:
If you want to have more information about this and more property operations insights 👉🏼 Download our report today
Amenities That Attract High-Value Guests
Now, regarding how you can exceed expectations for guests this takes us back to what was mentioned before analyzing your properties is vital when upgrading it.
Once your basics are covered, it’s time to get strategic. The right blend of premium amenities can attract specific types of travelers who are often willing to pay more for a property that caters directly to their needs.
Tech-Savvy Features: Smart Home and High-Speed Connectivity
Smart home integration allows guests to control various aspects of their room, such as lighting, temperature, and entertainment systems, with the touch of a button or a voice command.
High-speed connectivity is also essential for business travelers and those who rely on seamless internet access for work or leisure.
Having a service such as the one with our partners stayfi, enabling Wifi through your branding and collecting data will actually help you out on your future marketing strategy.
These features not only enhance the convenience and comfort of guests but also demonstrate a commitment to staying ahead of the curve in terms of technology.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Sustainability has become a top priority for both travelers and hospitality providers.
This includes the creation of green spaces, such as rooftop gardens or landscaped courtyards, which not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the property but also contribute to biodiversity and air quality.
Energy-efficient technology, such as LED lighting, smart thermostats, and solar panels, is another essential aspect of sustainable luxury accommodations. By reducing energy consumption and reliance on non-renewable resources, these technologies demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Recycling programs and waste reduction initiatives further showcase a property’s dedication to sustainability, encouraging guests to participate in eco-friendly practices during their stay.
These efforts also contribute to positive guest reviews by demonstrating a commitment to environmental conservation and corporate social responsibility.
Culinary Experiences
Culinary experiences are a significant draw for travelers seeking unique and memorable dining experiences during their stay. Farm-to-table dining options allow guests to savor fresh, locally sourced ingredients prepared by talented chefs.
This emphasis on seasonal and sustainable cuisine not only supports local farmers and producers but also provides guests with a deeper connection to the destination through its culinary traditions.
Cooking classes and culinary workshops offer guests an opportunity to learn new skills and techniques from expert chefs, creating immersive and interactive experiences that go beyond traditional dining.
We’ve seen this is something that is having more impact with travelers hence why Airbnb launched “Airbnb Services, Airbnb Experiences, and an all-new Airbnb app” just a couple of months ago.
Any property manager adopting these new options can differentiate themselves from competitors and earn glowing reviews from guests who appreciate the attention to detail and creativity in the food and beverage offerings.
Concierge Assistance, Customized Experiences, and 24/7 Availability
Personalized services are a hallmark of top notch accommodations, providing guests with tailored experiences that cater to their individual preferences and needs.
Concierge assistance is essential for helping guests navigate their destination, whether it’s arranging transportation, securing reservations at exclusive restaurants, or organizing personalized tours and activities.
Nowadays, there are options available to customize this digitally so you can offer guests an online concierge service available for 24 hours and in real time.
Solutions like our partners: UpMarket can really mean the difference between an “OK” stay and an “OUTSTANDING” experience.
The ability to accommodate special requests and preferences demonstrates a commitment to exceeding guest expectations and ensuring a truly personalized experience.
Furthermore, 24/7 availability of services, such as room service, housekeeping, and security, ensures that guests feel well taken care of at all times.
This level of attentiveness and responsiveness contributes to the overall satisfaction of guests and often leads to glowing reviews that highlight the exceptional service provided by the property.
From Guesswork to a Game Plan
So, you see the possibilities. But now you’re facing the big questions:
- Which of these amenities will deliver the best return on my investment?
- Should I add a hot tub or focus on upgrading my kitchen appliances?
- What are guests in my specific market actually looking for?
Making these decisions based on a hunch can be a costly mistake. Now that you understand the benefits of offering amenities in your vacation rental, let’s look at some practical tips for choosing the right ones:
- Understand Your Guests: Tailor your amenities based on your target audience. If you cater to families, consider child-friendly amenities. For business travelers, a workspace and high-speed internet might be more important.
- Local Flavor: Offer amenities that reflect the local culture or geography. This could be local snacks in the welcome basket or equipment for local outdoor activities.
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly amenities like solar panels, organic toiletries, or recycling bins can appeal to environmentally conscious travelers.
- Maintenance and Upkeep: Choose amenities that you can maintain easily and cost-effectively. High-maintenance features might look appealing but can become a burden if not managed properly.
Here is where an operations platforms becomes handy, using a software like Doinn allows you to manage efficiently your amenities knowing exactly how much you have left. Do you want to see it in action? You can book a demo with our team in the link below.
Conclusion: Your Amenities Are Your Story
In the end, the amenities you choose to offer are about more than just “stuff.” They tell a story about the kind of host you are and the experience you are committed to providing.
By moving beyond a simple checklist and thinking strategically about your guests’ needs, you are not just adding features you are building a brand.
A thoughtfully curated set of amenities leads to happier guests, which in turn leads to five-star reviews, more bookings, and a healthier, more resilient business. It’s the cornerstone of operational excellence.
Ready to Optimize Your 2025 Summer Game Plan?
Stop guessing and start building a data-driven strategy. Our comprehensive Property Operations Essentials Report is your blueprint for success in the upcoming peak season. It goes beyond amenities to cover everything you need to streamline your operations and maximize your revenue.
Inside your FREE report, you will discover:
- Data-backed insights on the top amenities that drive guest satisfaction.
- Strategies for flawless cleanings that lead to 5-star reviews (based on data from over 160,000 service notes!).
- Expert advice on automating guest communication and increasing direct bookings.
Actionable checklists for inventory management to control costs and protect your profits. Don’t let another season pass you by. It’s time to turn your operations into your greatest competitive advantage.
