The Most Profitable Amenities to Include in Your Vacation Rental

20 November 2025

Let’s face it — competition is fierce in the vacation rental game. Whether you're renting out a cozy cabin in the mountains or a swanky beach house by the sea, everyone wants their Airbnb or VRBO to be the one guests can't stop raving about (and rebooking). So what’s the secret sauce to making your vacation rental not just booked — but profitable?

The answer lies in the amenities you offer. Think of amenities as the cherry on top — or better yet, the whipped cream and sprinkles that make your rental the stuff of Instagram stories and five-star reviews. In this guide, we’re breaking down the most profitable amenities to include — the ones that make guests say, "Shut up and take my money!"

Ready to turn your rental into a money-printing machine? Let’s dive in.

Why Amenities Matter More Than Ever

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why amenities matter.

Guests today aren’t just looking for a place to crash — they’re after experiences. From fast Wi-Fi to hot tubs with sunset views, the little extras are what take a stay from "meh" to memorable. And when they’re memorable? They get booked more often, priced higher, and reviewed better.

More bookings + higher nightly rates = more profit. Simple math, right?

The Essentials: Don't Skip These Basics

You’d be surprised how many rentals miss the mark on the fundamentals. Before you splurge on a fire pit or a foosball table, make sure you’ve got these essentials nailed down.

1. High-Speed Wi-Fi

This one’s a non-negotiable. Whether your guests are remote workers, Netflix bingers, or TikTok creators, they need fast, reliable internet. Think of it as oxygen in today’s digital world.

💡 Pro Tip: Advertise your internet speed in the listing! “500 Mbps Wi-Fi for remote work & streaming” sounds more enticing than just “Free Wi-Fi.”

2. Comfortable Beds and Quality Linens

No one wants to wake up feeling like they slept on a bag of rocks. Invest in good mattresses, soft linens, and plenty of pillows. Happy backs = happy guests.

3. Fully Equipped Kitchen

Even if your rental is in the middle of foodie's heaven, some guests want to cook. Stock your kitchen with:

- Pots & pans
- Coffee maker (bonus points for a Keurig or espresso machine)
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Wine glasses (yes, they matter)

The Money-Makers: Amenities That Pay for Themselves

Alright, now for the fun stuff. These are the amenities that guests will gladly pay more for — and the ones that give your listing that sparkle of "I want to stay there!"

4. Hot Tub or Jacuzzi

Few things scream “vacation” like soaking in a bubbly hot tub under the stars. It’s a high-ticket amenity, but it can raise your nightly rate by 20% or more in many markets. Plus, it makes for great photos!

📷 Bonus: A hot tub with a killer view? Total Instagram bait.

5. Private Pool

If you’re in a warm-weather location, a private pool can be a game-changer. Not only can it boost your listing visibility, but families and groups will pay top dollar for a little splashy fun.

Tip: Keep it clean and safe — nothing ruins a vacation faster than a green pool or a busted filter.

6. Pet-Friendly Perks

Pet parents are serious about vacationing with their fur babies — and they’ll pay for the privilege. Simply allowing pets can open up your calendar to an entirely new segment of renters.

Take it a step further by offering:

- Dog bowls
- Pet beds
- Fenced yards
- "Paw-welcome" treats

🐶 A little puppy love goes a long way.

The Trend-Setters: Modern Must-Haves for Today’s Travelers

These amenities are becoming increasingly popular and can help you stand out from the crowd.

7. Smart Home Tech

We're not talking full-on Jetsons here — just a few smart upgrades can make things smoother for both you and your guests.

- Smart locks for easy check-in
- Smart thermostat for perfect comfort
- Ring doorbells or security cameras (just be mindful of privacy)

Why it helps: It adds convenience AND helps reduce headaches. No more lost keys or midnight “I forgot the Wi-Fi password” calls.

8. Dedicated Workspace

Remote work isn't going anywhere. By offering a quiet, well-lit workspace with a comfy chair and fast internet, you're tapping into the growing market of digital nomads.

🖥️ Even better? Add a monitor, mouse, and keyboard. You'll be a hero.

9. Streaming Services

Gone are the days when basic cable was enough. Give guests access to Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video — and they'll never want to leave the couch.

Pro Tip: Keep your login separate from your personal account. Trust us.

The Experience Enhancers: Small Things, Big Impact

Not everything has to break the bank. Sometimes, it’s the little touches that make a stay unforgettable — and profitable through those glowing reviews.

10. Coffee & Tea Station

Think of it as the adult version of a candy shop. Set up a cute little nook with:

- Coffee pods or fresh grounds
- A selection of teas
- Creamer, honey, sugar
- Mugs with personality (because why not?)

This gives off serious “cozy morning vibes” and costs you next to nothing.

11. Outdoor Seating & Ambiance

People love to unwind outside. Add some patio chairs, a hammock, or fairy lights — and boom, you’ve got a mini paradise.

🔥 Bonus Points: Fire pits are not only a great place to roast marshmallows — they seriously level up your photos and appeal.

12. Games & Entertainment

No one wants to sit in silence when the power’s out or the rain ruins beach day. Keep a stash of games:

- Board games
- Playing cards
- Puzzles
- Outdoor games like cornhole

Not only is it fun, but it shows you care about your guests' experience rain or shine.

Attention to Detail = Profit

A profitable vacation rental isn’t just about the big-ticket items — it’s about curating an experience. From the moment a guest views your listing to the second they check out, every detail matters.

Want to really stand out? Here are a few extras that wow:

13. Welcome Basket

Throw in some snacks, bottled water, a mini bottle of local wine, or a handwritten note. It’s like saying, “Hey, you matter” — and guests remember that.

14. Local Guides & Recommendations

Give guests a little insider info on your favorite places to eat, hidden gems, and cool things to do. Even better? Print it and bind it. Instant value.

What Amenities Are Worth the Investment?

Here’s something to chew on: Not every amenity will work for every rental. You’ve got to balance the initial cost with the potential ROI (return on investment).

Let’s break it down:

| Amenity | Avg. Added ROI | Ideal For |
|--------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------|
| Hot Tub | High | Mountain cabins, couples getaways |
| Private Pool | Very High | Warm climates, family-friendly stays|
| Pet-Friendly Setup | Moderate-High | All types of rentals |
| Workspace | Moderate | Urban stays, longer bookings |
| Fire Pit | Moderate | All climates (even better in cool weather) |
| Streaming Services | Low-Moderate | All rentals |

So, ask yourself: What fits your space? What makes sense for your guests? What creates that "Wow, we have to book this place!" reaction?

If it checks all three boxes — go for it.

Final Thoughts: Profit Follows Thoughtful Comfort

At the end of the day, the most profitable vacation rentals aren’t just places to sleep — they’re mini experiences wrapped in a weekend. When you give guests more than they expected — comfort, fun, and a few surprises — you’re not only making their trip better. You’re boosting your bottom line.

So, start small if you need to. Add a coffee station. Set up a cozy reading nook. Then build up to bigger things like a hot tub or smart home features. The key is to always be thinking, "What would make me smile if I were staying here?"

Because happy guests write glowing reviews. Glowing reviews bring more bookings. And more bookings mean more money in your pocket.

Now go out there and level up your rental like the hospitality rockstar you are!