If you want your short-term rental to stand out in a crowded market, you need more than just good photos and a catchy headline. You need strategic amenities—features that not only elevate the guest experience but also clearly differentiate your property from the competition.
There are two key starting points for choosing the right amenities: understanding your competition and understanding your ideal guest.
1. Understand Your Competition
Start by looking at the properties you're directly competing with—those in the same area, price point, and style. What amenities are they offering? What are they missing?
If you’re in a market saturated with mid-range family homes, and most of them have basic outdoor setups, adding a fire pit, outdoor projector, or fully fenced backyard could give your listing an edge. If you're in a more luxury-driven area, notice how many listings have hot tubs, saunas, or high-end kitchen appliances. Use this knowledge to either match or exceed what's expected in your category.
2. Understand Your Ideal Guest
Once you know what the competition is offering, shift focus to your ideal guest—the kind of traveler who is most likely to book your home. Think beyond basic demographics and get specific:
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Are they families with young kids?
Amenities like cribs, high chairs, blackout curtains, a baby monitor, outlet covers, or even a small play area can be huge. A curated list of local kid-friendly attractions adds even more value. -
Are they digital nomads or remote workers?
Offer a dedicated workspace, fast and reliable Wi-Fi (advertise your Mbps!), extra monitors, noise-canceling headphones, or even ergonomic desk chairs. A coffee station with a variety of options (French press, Keurig, espresso) can also appeal. -
Are they road-tripping couples or weekenders?
Highlight things like parking, EV chargers, a cozy firepit, robes and slippers, a welcome basket with local treats, or curated playlists for different vibes. -
Are they groups of friends on a getaway?
Prioritize group-friendly setups like large dining tables, game rooms, karaoke machines, hot tubs, and outdoor spaces built for entertaining (grills, string lights, lawn games). -
Are they luxury travelers?
Think heated floors, rain showers, chef’s kitchens, concierge service options, plush bedding, high-end toiletries, and a thoughtfully stocked wine fridge.
The bottom line? Amenities should never be random. They should be intentional, strategic, and aligned with what your ideal guest truly values. When your listing speaks directly to your target audience and offers features they’re excited about, you’ll naturally attract more bookings—and often at a higher nightly rate.
Now’s the time to audit your space, compare it to your competition, and refine your offering with amenities that actually move the needle.
