Best Amenities Guests Want in an Airbnb (10 Must-Have Amazon Finds for 5-Star Reviews)
If you’ve ever hosted on Airbnb, you know guests can be… let’s just say… particular. One missing coffee maker or a weak hair dryer, and suddenly your glowing 5-star streak takes a hit. The good news? Most of the best amenities Airbnb guests want are surprisingly affordable, and can be delivered straight to your door from Amazon.
I’ve said it before and it’s worth repeating: the goal is not to spend, spend, spend. It’s how to spend smart with amenities and features your guests will actually use, while adding convenience to their stay away from their creature comforts at home.
In this article, we’ll cover 10 high-impact, budget-friendly amenities guests actually mention in reviews. These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re the things that help you start strong, optimize your hosting game, and thrive with repeat bookings.
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1. Coffee Maker Guests Can Actually Use (and figure out before they’ve had their first cup)
Coffee is the universal love language. The first thing travelers look for in the morning is caffeine, and if they can’t figure out your coffee machine, they won’t be happy.
Recently in an Airbnb, it took 3 adults in my family to figure out the coffee maker, and then asking each other “should it be making that noise?”
When my husband and I travel, we take our own Starbucks Via packets so we only have to use the microwave to heat water. Takes a lot of the guess-work out, and this is why I recommend every host has a very user friendly coffee maker.
Recommended: Simple Brew 12-Cup Switch Coffee Maker: compact, beginner-friendly, and makes a hot cup in minutes. This is the actual coffee maker I offer guests; it’s so easy and only has one button – can’t goof it up!
Don’t forget filters, and if you find you need a replacement carafe (yes, unexpectedly has happened to me!) you can find one here.
2. Easy-to-Clean Blender
From healthy smoothies to late-night margaritas, a blender is always appreciated. The catch? It must be easy to clean.
Recommended: Professional Plus Blender — a traditional size with no-fuss cleanup keep guests happy and your kitchen spotless. I also provide a smaller, 32oz Personal Blender that I love and use almost daily for my own smoothies. It’s just the right size for two blended margaritas, too ;o)
3. Elevated Coat hangers
Coat hangers aren’t very sexy, but I do think they elevate the feel of the closet. For me, nicer coat hangers are a little luxury that isn’t a big investment, and lets the guest know you’ve been really thoughtful about the space.
Recommended: Velvet, Non-Slip Clothes Hangers — super inexpensive, yet look high end. Luxury for less!
4. Full-Length Mirror
In the Instagram era, no Airbnb is complete without a full-length mirror. Guests want to check their outfits before heading out, and if you are short on bathrooms, a mirror in the bedrooms offers an additional space to get ready.
Recommended: Frameless Full Length Wall Mirror — lightweight, chic, and perfect for bedrooms or entryways. I love a frameless mirror – they are classic and go with any decor.
5. Blackout Curtains for Better Sleep
Jetlagged travelers + early sunrise = cranky reviews. Blackout curtains solve this instantly. Bonus: they also help with soundproofing and thermal insulation, helping to keep the room more comfortable year-round.
Recommended: Blackout Curtain Panels — sleek design, noise-reducing, and energy-efficient. Make sure to select the correct length you need! With a wall heater below my bedroom window, I went with a 63″ long curtain.
Just as a fun side note: while I think these curtains are fantastic, last summer I had a guest complain that they didn’t fully darken the room. This was, however, the same guest that complained the air conditioner didn’t work while running it with the window open.
6. Universal Charging Station
Guests forget chargers all the time. A multi-device hub prevents arguments and makes your Airbnb feel extra thoughtful. If you’ve been reading my articles for any length of time, you’ll know how much I love this recommendation, and that I also use in my own home.
Recommended: 3 in 1 Charging Station for Apple Devices — charges watch, phone, and ear pods.
7. Cozy Throw Blanket
Throws add warmth, comfort, and that luxury vibe in photos. Guests notice (and love!) the little touches. Recently I had two guests stay for 3 nights and they managed to use every extra blanket in the house. I would say that means they really liked them!
Recommended: XL Fleece Throw Blanket — soft, machine washable, and quick drying. I’ll admit, it’s not the most Insta-worthy blanket, but I still love it because it’s a great value and comes in tons of colors and sizes.
8. Reliable Hair Dryer
No guest wants to spend 30 minutes drying their hair with a weak hotel-style dryer. A solid, powerful option makes all the difference.
Recommended: Ionic Hair Dryer with Diffuser — compact, efficient, and professional quality.
9. Keyless Entry Lock
Lost keys are stressful for everyone. A smart keypad lock gives guests flexibility and gives you peace of mind. Luckily I was available for an 11pm lockout last year. The guest mis-placed the key AND the extra “just in case key.” As you can imagine, it didn’t occur to me that 2 keys could go missing, so I knew it was time to install an electronic lock. I LOVE ours, and you can read more about the pros and cons in: “Ultimate Short Term Rental Turnover Checklist” and scroll down to “Going The Extra Mile.”
Recommended: Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock, Featuring Convenient Keyless Entry — easy install, Wi-Fi-free, and super durable.
10. Welcome Basket Basket (Yes, Double Intentional)
The “wow” factor of a welcome basket can’t be overstated. A small collection of snacks, bottled water, or local treats makes guests feel at home. While I don’t personally do a “Welcome Basket,” I do offer bottled water (in the fridge), a few snacks (in the kitchen caddy with tea bags, sugars, etc). What I do use a basket for in the entry area is to house brochures and magazines. It’s a combo of local directories, pamphlets, and home/garden design magazines.
Recommended: Set of 2 Woven Storage Baskets — reusable, neutral-toned, and perfect for curating guest surprises.
Final Thoughts: Simple Touches, Big Impact
You don’t need a hot tub or a rooftop deck to impress guests. The best Airbnb amenities are simple, thoughtful, and practical. By adding these budget-friendly Amazon finds, you’ll not only meet guest expectations, you’ll exceed them. And in my opinion, this is they key to 5 star reviews.
Pro tip for hosts: Always highlight these amenities in your Airbnb listing photos and description. Guests often book based on these small details, and they can be the difference between a “meh” review and a glowing 5 star. Need help writing descriptions for your photos? Try ChatGPT! For me it meant actually (finally!) adding descriptions to my photos. I just had total writer’s block. Check this out: “Unwind in this cozy retreat featuring blackout curtains, crisp white sheets, and a ceiling fan to keep you cool. With a quiet location down the hall, a roomy closet, and an Apple charging station at your bedside, it’s designed for restful nights after busy days.”
Read more in “How STR Hosts Can Use ChatGPT to Enhance Business, Guest Communication & Marketing.”
Ready to level up your hosting game? Start with one or two of these upgrades, and watch how quickly your reviews (and repeat bookings) improve.
What are some amenities your guests love?
