The Ultimate Airbnb Amenities Checklist for 5-Star Reviews
Superhosts share one thing in common: they provide amenities guests don't expect but immediately notice. Here's the complete list of what to stock.
Airbnb guests rate their stay on the gap between expectations and reality. The fastest way to consistently close that gap in your favor is having the right amenities — not the most expensive ones, but the specific ones that signal a host who thought of everything. Most 5-star reviews mention the same things: cleanliness, a well-stocked kitchen, good linens, and those small details that show care.
This checklist covers everything from the essentials guests expect to the extras that turn first-time bookers into repeat guests.
Kitchen Essentials
A well-equipped kitchen is one of the most-mentioned amenities in Airbnb reviews, especially for stays longer than two nights. Guests don't need a commercial-grade setup — they need basics that work and the consumables to get started.
- Coffee maker + whole bean or ground coffee (Nespresso machines get mentioned constantly in reviews)
- Electric kettle + a selection of teas
- Dish soap, sponge, and dish rack
- Paper towels and a full roll of aluminum foil / plastic wrap
- Cooking oil, salt, pepper, and basic spices
- A full set of pots, pans, and utensils — including a sharp chef's knife
- Cutting board (two if possible: one for meat, one for produce)
- Wine opener and can opener
- Blender (increasingly expected, especially for premium listings)
Bathroom Must-Haves
Bathrooms require hotel-level basics. Guests shouldn't have to run to the store for any personal care item during their first night.
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (individual hotel bottles or pump dispensers)
- Hand soap at every sink
- At least 2 full rolls of backup toilet paper per bathroom
- Hair dryer (mounted if possible — free-standing ones get lost)
- Clean, white towels — at least 2 bath towels per guest plus hand towels
- Makeup remover wipes or a dedicated hand towel for makeup
- A magnifying mirror for the bathroom counter
Bedroom Amenities
Bedroom quality directly drives review scores. Guests remember how well they slept — and bad bedding or a lumpy mattress is the number-one review killer for otherwise good properties.
- A quality mattress — this is your single most important investment
- Crisp, white hotel-style linens (guests love all-white bedding)
- Extra blanket or duvet available in the closet
- Blackout curtains or effective blinds — essential for long summer days in Utah
- Adequate phone charger access (USB-A and USB-C) at each bedside
- Luggage rack — guests love not having to put their bag on the floor
- Full-length mirror in at least one bedroom
- Extra pillows in the closet
The Extras That Drive 5-Star Reviews
These are the amenities that guests specifically call out in reviews — the 'wow' details that take an average listing to Superhost status. None of them are expensive; all of them signal genuine care.
- A welcome note or local guide printed and left on the counter
- A small welcome basket (local snack, coffee, tea)
- A candle or two — guests love arriving to a space that smells great
- Local restaurant menus or a curated list of Salt Lake City recommendations
- Fast, reliable Wi-Fi with the password prominently displayed
- Smart TV with Netflix or a streaming service already logged in
- Umbrella available for guests
- First aid kit and basic medicines (pain reliever, antacid, band-aids)
- Portable fan or space heater for seasonal temperature adjustment
Outdoor and Parking
For Utah properties, outdoor access matters more than in many markets. Salt Lake City guests often arrive via ski trip or outdoor adventure — gear storage, a hose for mud, and adequate parking are significantly valued.
- Clear parking instructions and passes if required
- Outdoor seating if any outdoor space is available
- A hose or outdoor faucet (hikers and skiers will thank you)
- A place to store ski equipment, bikes, or hiking gear if applicable
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