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If you’ve ever wondered why some Airbnb listings stay fully booked while others sit empty, the answer often comes down to amenities. Guests today aren’t just looking for a place to sleep, they’re looking for comfort, convenience, and a touch of something special. The right amenities can boost your search visibility, increase nightly rates, and even earn you repeat guests.
But here’s the catch: not every upgrade actually pays off. Some amenities attract instant bookings, while others barely move the needle. In 2025, traveler behavior, tech adoption, and remote-work trends are reshaping what guests value most.
In this guide, we’ll break down which Airbnb amenities truly boost bookings this year, which ones to skip, and how to prioritize your upgrades for maximum return. Whether you’re a new host or a seasoned Superhost, the following discussion will help you create a stay that guests can’t scroll past.
Why Amenities Matter in 2025
Amenities are no longer just nice extras. In 2025, they’re one of the biggest factors driving how guests choose and value a property. Travelers are staying longer, mixing work with leisure, and expecting more comfort and functionality from their stays. Reliable Wi-Fi and self check-in have become the new basics, but guests now look for extras that make them feel at home—or even better than home.
Remote workers want dedicated spaces where they can stay productive, while vacationers want relaxation and memorable experiences. Listings that deliver both tend to rise higher in search results and attract repeat visitors. Data from short-term rental platforms shows a clear pattern: properties with high-quality, well-chosen amenities consistently achieve stronger occupancy and higher average daily rates. Simply put, investing in the right amenities isn’t just about guest satisfaction; it’s a proven way to boost your bottom line.
Baseline Must-Haves Every Listing Needs
Before you think about adding hot tubs or designer furniture, it’s the basics that make or break a guest’s decision to book. These essentials aren’t luxuries anymore, they’re expectations. If your listing is missing any of them, you’re likely getting filtered out before guests even see your photos.
Start with reliable Wi-Fi. Whether guests are working remotely, streaming movies, or planning their next outing, slow or unstable internet is a deal-breaker. Self check-in with a smart lock is another must, giving travelers flexibility to arrive on their own schedule without the stress of meeting someone in person.
Comfort also matters. Climate control, whether that’s air conditioning, heating, or both, helps guests feel at home no matter the season. Add in access to laundry and secure parking, and you’ve covered the essentials that every traveler expects. Nail these, and you’ll instantly boost your listing’s visibility and guest satisfaction.
High-ROI Upgrades That Really Move the Needle
When it comes to boosting your Airbnb’s performance, a few standout amenities almost always deliver a solid return. Think hot tubs, pools, saunas, and inviting outdoor spaces. These upgrades don’t just make for great photos, they tap directly into what guests are searching for and willing to pay more to enjoy.
Hot tubs, for example, are one of the most proven revenue boosters. AirDNA data shows listings with a hot tub can earn up to 15–20% higher nightly rates, especially in cooler or mountain markets. Pools follow closely behind, particularly in warm-weather destinations where guests crave relaxation and entertainment.
Saunas and well-designed outdoor living areas are newer trends gaining serious traction. Travelers increasingly want that spa-like feel or an Instagram-worthy patio setup. When done right, these features increase both your average daily rate (ADR) and conversion rate, turning casual browsers into booked guests.
Sustainability & Pet-Friendly Additions That Expand Your Market
More travelers than ever are making eco-conscious choices when they book. They’ll notice things like refillable toiletries, energy-efficient appliances and visible recycling stations. These are easy wins and they send a clear message that you care about the planet. When you highlight these in your listing, it helps your stay stand out and feel aligned with modern guest values.
On the pet-friendly front, opening your doors to furry companions can widen your audience fast. Simple touches like a sturdy dog-friendly floor, food and water bowls, a pet bed, and a gesture of welcome go a long way. Guests with pets will often stay longer and book more quickly when they know their animal is welcome. Make this clear in your listing by mentioning “pet-friendly with yard,” “large dog OK,” or “zero pet cleaning fee,” and you’ll see interest from a segment of travelers your competition may be overlooking.
Tech & Smart Home Features for the Modern Guest
Technology has quickly become one of the easiest ways to stand out on Airbnb. Today’s travelers expect more than just comfort, they want convenience and peace of mind. A few smart upgrades can make your property feel modern, secure, and thoughtfully designed.
Start with an EV charger if you can. Electric vehicle adoption keeps climbing, and having a Level 2 charger can easily turn casual browsers into confirmed guests. Next, smart locks make check-in effortless. Guests love being able to arrive on their own schedule, and you save time managing keys or lockboxes.
Don’t overlook small but smart additions like water-leak sensors, which can prevent costly surprises, or smart thermostats that help regulate comfort and energy use. Finally, think about how guests work. A simple ergonomic workstation with a proper chair, desk, and good lighting can make your space ideal for remote workers who often book longer stays.
Design, Ambience, and Photo-Ready Spaces
In the world of Airbnb, first impressions start long before guests walk through the door. They start with your photos. A space that looks amazing in pictures immediately stops the scroll and makes guests click “book.” Think warm lighting, clean lines, and a few standout design details that tell a story about your home. You don’t need a huge budget—sometimes a fresh coat of paint, coordinated bedding, or a stylish rug can transform the mood completely.
Ambience matters just as much as design. Soft lighting, cozy throws, and intentional decor make guests feel relaxed and welcome. Outdoor spaces deserve the same attention. Add string lights, a few comfortable chairs, and maybe a fire pit or hammock to create that inviting “evening under the stars” vibe. These small touches not only boost your listing photos but also encourage more saves, better reviews, and higher visibility in Airbnb’s rankings.
Family, Groups & Accessibility Upgrades
If you want to attract families or larger groups, think beyond the basics. These guests are often planning multi-day stays and want a space that feels easy and comfortable for everyone. Simple touches like a portable crib, high chair, or a child-safe dinner set can make parents breathe a sigh of relief the moment they walk in. If you have the space, consider adding a bunk room or a game area with a few board games, a foosball table, or a streaming setup for movie nights. These small upgrades create shared moments that guests remember.
Accessibility is another factor that can quietly boost bookings. Step-free entrances, wider doorways, sturdy grab bars, and clear photos showing accessibility features help travelers with mobility needs feel confident choosing your place. Even minor adjustments signal inclusivity and care, which can open your property to a wider range of guests and earn more positive reviews.
Market-Specific Amenity Strategy (Location Counts)
When you look around your region, you’ll notice patterns. A beachfront listing might shine with an outdoor shower and lounge chairs by the sand. In a ski resort town you’ll win points with a hot tub, ski gear storage, and comfy boots by the fire. A city apartment near transit? Guests appreciate a workspace, blackout curtains, and noise-reducing windows.
So how do you pick the right amenities for your market? Begin by checking data tools like AirDNA or neighborhood comps to see what similar listings offer and what they feature most frequently in their bookings. Then ask yourself: what do guests in your location value? If most stays are two-nighters from business travellers your strategy differs from a family beach stay. Tailor your upgrades to match typical guest needs, and you’ll get better visibility, higher bookings, and happier reviews.
Pricing & Payback: Making the Investment Work
Not every amenity has to break the bank, but every upgrade should earn its keep. Before adding anything new, think of your amenities like mini investments. What will they cost to install or maintain, and how much could they raise your average daily rate (ADR)? For example, a hot tub might cost a few thousand dollars upfront but can easily bump your nightly rate by 10 to 20 percent in many markets.
Use your local data to estimate return. Look at nearby listings with similar amenities and see what they charge. That’s your benchmark.
You can also tier your amenities by value. Basic comforts like Wi-Fi and self check-in should be included in your base rate. Premium perks—like a sauna, fire pit, or EV charger—can justify a higher nightly price or small add-on fee. The key is to align price with perceived value so guests feel they’re getting more than they paid for.
Listing Optimization: How to Make Your Amenities Shine
Your amenities only work for you if guests can actually see them. Think of your listing as your digital storefront; it should make your best features impossible to miss. Start with your photos: place your top amenities in the first five images since most guests decide whether to click in those first few seconds. Show the hot tub steaming at sunset, the EV charger clearly installed by the driveway, or the cozy workspace with good lighting and a view. Authentic, well-lit photos often perform better than overly polished ones.
Next, work your key amenities naturally into your title and description. Mention guest-favorite search terms like hot tub, EV charger, pet friendly, or dedicated workspace early in the listing text. These are filters travelers actively use when searching. Finally, use short, vivid sentences that paint a picture—help guests imagine themselves relaxing, working, or unwinding in your space.
Operational Playbook: Maintenance + Guest Experience
The right amenities can help you stand out, but keeping them in great shape is what earns those five-star reviews. A beautiful hot tub or a pet-friendly setup can turn into a problem if not properly maintained, so think of this section as your behind-the-scenes playbook for keeping everything running smoothly.
Start with a clear checklist. If you offer a hot tub, test and balance the water after every stay and keep extra filters on hand. For pet-friendly properties, provide cleaning tools and double-check for fur or odors during turnover. Tech-based amenities like EV chargers, smart locks, and Wi-Fi routers should be tested regularly; nothing frustrates guests faster than tech that doesn’t work.
Finally, set expectations early. Let guests know what’s included, how to use amenities safely, and where to reach you if something goes wrong. Clear communication and reliable upkeep build trust and repeat bookings.
The Bottom Line
Amenities are what turn a basic stay into an experience guests remember. The right mix can raise your nightly rate, improve search ranking, and keep your calendar full, but only if they’re maintained and presented with care. Think of every upgrade as an investment in guest satisfaction and long-term revenue, not just a checklist item.
If managing all of that feels like a lot, you don’t have to handle it alone. Awning’s Property Management Services help hosts optimize listings, maintain high-ROI amenities, and deliver the kind of guest experience that earns repeat bookings. From setup to guest support, our team makes sure your property performs at its best.
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