If you own—or are thinking of owning—a vacation rental, one of the most common questions is: What features will actually increase my return on investment (ROI)? While design and location matter, the real game-changer often lies in the amenities your property has to offer.
At GoodNight Stay, we manage vacation rentals across top markets like Scottsdale and Nashville, and we’ve seen firsthand which amenities drive more bookings, increase guest satisfaction, and ultimately boost revenue. While local preferences always play a role, these are the most searched—and most effective—amenities across major platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Here’s what today’s guests are looking for.
1. Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Today’s travelers aren’t just booking getaways for themselves—they’re bringing their pets along too. With more people treating pets as part of the family, the demand for pet-friendly vacation rentals has seen a significant rise. In fact, “pet-friendly” is one of the most frequently used search filters on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Why it matters:
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Pet-friendly properties consistently see 15–20% higher performance than those that do not allow pets.
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Adding a pet fee creates an additional revenue stream without extra effort.
- Your home will appear in filtered search results for pet-friendly stays, increasing visibility and exposure to a wider audience.
Beyond just allowing pets, properties that truly accommodate them—such as offering a fenced yard, dog bed, food/water bowls, or pet waste bags—tend to earn better reviews and more repeat bookings. These small, thoughtful touches not only make the stay easier for pet owners but also show that you’ve considered their full guest experience. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to increase both occupancy and guest satisfaction.
2. Remote-Work Ready Features
The rise of remote and hybrid work has transformed the way people travel. Guests are no longer limited to weekend trips or traditional vacation windows—many are blending work and leisure to book longer stays in destinations they love. This “work-from-anywhere” trend has created a new category of traveler who values comfort, connectivity, and functionality.
What guests want:
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Fast, reliable WiFi that supports video conferencing and streaming
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A dedicated workspace with a proper desk and ergonomic chair
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Quiet, well-lit areas that are suitable for focused work or Zoom meetings
Highlighting these features in your listing description—and even in your photos—can make your home stand out, especially in competitive markets. Mention your internet speed, show the workspace in action, and use terms like “ideal for remote work” or “perfect for digital nomads” to capture attention in search results.
By investing in a remote-friendly setup, you not only attract a broader guest base but also increase the potential for extended stays, midweek bookings, and repeat visits from business and remote workers alike.
3. Fully Equipped Kitchen Essentials
A well-stocked kitchen is one of the most valued amenities for today’s travelers—especially those booking extended stays or traveling with family or groups. Many guests are looking to save money by cooking in, accommodate dietary restrictions, or simply enjoy the comfort of a home-cooked meal while on vacation.
The ability to prepare meals with ease not only enhances the overall guest experience but also increases your home’s appeal for longer bookings, mid-term stays, and business travelers who prefer a home base over dining out every night.
Key features to include:
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A coffee maker—whether it’s a drip machine, Keurig, or espresso setup—depending on your target guest demographic
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Basic cooking essentials like oil, salt, pepper, and utensils
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Cookware such as pots, pans, and a microwave
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Thoughtful additions like wine glasses, cutting boards, and storage containers
These may seem like small details, but they’re often the difference between a four-star and a five-star review. Guests notice when a kitchen is well-organized and ready to use, and they frequently mention it in positive feedback. Even if your space isn’t large, outfitting it with practical, high-quality essentials helps guests feel right at home—and keeps them coming back.
4. Safety and Peace of Mind
In today’s vacation rental landscape, safety is more than a checklist item—it’s a key factor in building guest trust. Whether hosting families with children, solo travelers, or groups unfamiliar with the area, providing clear and visible safety features gives guests peace of mind and contributes to a more comfortable, worry-free stay.
Guests are actively looking for listings that prioritize health and safety. In fact, platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo often highlight verified safety features in search results, helping your property stand out while reassuring potential guests before they even book.
Top amenities to provide:
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Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors in all appropriate areas
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A clearly labeled and stocked first aid kit
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An accessible fire extinguisher, especially in or near the kitchen
These are simple, cost-effective investments that can have a major impact on guest satisfaction and safety ratings. In addition to installing them, make sure to include them in your listing description. Not only do they improve your home’s search visibility, but they also demonstrate that you take guest well-being seriously—something guests are increasingly prioritizing.
5. Family-Friendly Additions
Families make up a significant—and highly loyal—segment of the vacation rental market. Parents are often looking for accommodations that make travel easier, more comfortable, and safer for their children. When your property offers thoughtful, family-oriented amenities, it can quickly stand out from others and become a go-to option for repeat bookings.
Families also tend to book longer stays, plan further in advance, and leave detailed reviews—making them an ideal guest segment for consistent revenue and strong listing visibility.
Suggestions include:
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A Pack ’n Play or travel crib to eliminate the need for parents to bring bulky gear
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A high chair or booster seat simplifies mealtimes
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A selection of board games, puzzles, or children’s books for in-home entertainment
These additions don’t require a major investment but go a long way in enhancing the guest experience. Be sure to photograph and clearly list these features in your description, as families often use platform filters to find homes that are “kid-friendly” or “family-ready.”
If you’re not familiar with child-friendly essentials—or simply don’t want the hassle of sourcing and maintaining the gear—working with a professional vacation rental manager can make the process easier. At GoodNight Stay, we’ve partnered with BabyQuip, the #1 baby gear rental service, so guests can reserve cribs, car seats, strollers, toys, and more ahead of their trip. This allows your property to remain clutter-free while still providing an exceptional family travel experience.
By showing that your home is thoughtfully equipped for all ages—or backed by a trusted gear rental solution—you not only expand your guest appeal, you create a more seamless, stress-free stay that encourages repeat bookings and five-star reviews.
6. Everyday Convenience Matters
While they may seem like small details, everyday conveniences can have a big impact on a guest’s decision to book—especially for longer stays. These features help transform a vacation rental from a simple place to sleep into a functional, livable home-away-from-home.
Travelers today often filter their search results based on these practical amenities, particularly in urban areas where access to certain facilities may not be guaranteed. Including them in your home (and listing them clearly in your description) gives your property a competitive edge.
Essential features include:
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An in-unit washer and dryer, ideal for longer bookings or guests traveling light
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A designated parking space, which is especially valuable in cities or high-traffic neighborhoods
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An iron and an ironing board, useful for business travelers, wedding guests, or anyone attending special events
Providing these extra perks shows that you’ve thought through the full guest experience. It minimizes friction during their stay, helps maintain cleanliness and comfort, and increases the likelihood of positive reviews.
7. Seamless Self-Check-In and Smart Security
Modern travelers expect a seamless, flexible arrival experience—and properties that deliver it are more likely to earn five-star reviews. Whether guests are arriving late at night, coordinating with a group, or simply want privacy, self-check-in options have become an industry standard.
Equally important is the sense of safety and security throughout the stay. From solo travelers to families, guests want to feel protected without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Incorporating smart security features helps meet those expectations and adds to the professionalism of your rental.
What to offer:
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Smart locks or keyless entry so guests can check in on their schedule—no waiting, no key hand-offs
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Exterior security cameras, clearly disclosed in your listing, to help monitor entrances and deter unwanted activity
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Motion-sensor lights or video doorbells to enhance visibility and provide additional peace of mind
Smooth, technology-enabled check-in experiences reduce friction, prevent miscommunication, and eliminate the need for in-person coordination. They also create a polished first impression and help guests feel at ease from the moment they arrive.
At GoodNight Stay, we standardize smart security and check-in processes across our properties to ensure consistency, safety, and guest satisfaction. If you’re unsure how to implement these systems—or want to make sure you’re doing it right—partnering with an experienced vacation rental manager can simplify the setup and help protect both your guests and your investment.
8. Outdoor Features that Add Value
Outdoor spaces have become increasingly important to guests, especially in leisure-driven markets. When thoughtfully designed, these areas can dramatically enhance the guest experience, help your property stand out in crowded marketplaces, and justify a higher nightly rate. Whether it’s a morning coffee on the patio or an evening around the fire pit, memorable outdoor moments often translate into glowing reviews and repeat bookings.
High-performing additions include:
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A hot tub and/or pool, which can boost both occupancy and nightly rate, especially in warmer or resort-style destinations
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A private yard or patio, offering guests a place to relax, socialize, or let children and pets play
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An outdoor dining area or grill, perfect for families or groups who prefer to cook and dine al fresco
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Fire pits or lounge seating, which extend usability into the evening and cooler months
However, it’s important to work with the space you have. Overcrowding a small yard with too many features can make the area feel cramped and less functional. Focus on high-quality, durable furnishings, good lighting, and a layout that encourages comfort and flow.
A well-planned outdoor space not only adds visual appeal but also allows guests to imagine themselves enjoying the property—an emotional connection that can directly influence booking decisions. Whether you’re working with a compact balcony or a full backyard, the right outdoor amenities can be a powerful driver of ROI.
Maximize Your Rental’s Potential with Strategic Amenities
The right amenities don’t just improve the guest experience—they increase visibility on booking platforms, justify higher nightly rates, and enhance occupancy throughout the year. At GoodNight Stay, we work with homeowners to develop amenity strategies tailored to the property’s location, layout, and guest demand.
Ready to increase your vacation rental ROI through strategic upgrades and expert property management? Contact us and let’s discuss how we can help you unlock your property’s full earning potential.
