Whether you’re running a boutique B&B, a stylish apartment, or a cosy cabin in the hills, the Airbnb experience hinges on thoughtful hospitality. One of the most important steps? Getting your Airbnb essentials right.
These are the must-have amenities that every guest expects as a baseline—items that ensure comfort, convenience, and cleanliness. But while the basics set expectations, it’s the extra touches that turn a good stay into a five-star review.
Let’s break down the Airbnb essentials checklist—plus a few clever additions to make your property stand out.
Why Airbnb Essentials Matter
Airbnb is more than a booking platform. It’s a marketplace for experiences. That means guests expect more than just a bed—they’re looking for comfort, character, and the ease of a hotel stay with the personal touch of a home.
Providing the basics—like soap, towels, and bed linen—is the bare minimum. But the hosts who shine on Airbnb go further, offering a thoughtful mix of essential amenities, luxury extras, and local flair.
Getting this right means:
- Higher guest satisfaction
- More five-star reviews
- Better search visibility on Airbnb
- Increased booking rates and revenue
And with Preno’s Airbnb integration, managing these essentials and keeping your listings guest-ready becomes much easier.
Airbnb Essentials Checklist
The following list covers the basic amenities that every Airbnb host should offer, regardless of property type.
Airbnb Bedroom Essentials
- Comfortable bed with fresh, clean linen
- Two pillows per guest (ideally one soft, one firm)
- Pillow protectors and mattress protector
- Bedside tables and lamps
- Curtains or blinds to block light
- A wardrobe or hanging space (with hangers)
- Fan, heater, or air conditioning for climate control
- Extra blanket or throw for colder months
Tip: Preno users can automate cleaning schedules between Airbnb bookings so fresh linen is always ready to go.
Airbnb Bathroom Essentials
- Fresh bath towels, hand towels, and bath mat
- Toilet paper (at least two spare rolls)
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
- Hand soap
- Toilet brush and bin
- Hairdryer
- Hooks or towel rails for drying
- Optional: sanitary products, air freshener, cleaning spray
Want to stand out? Boutique hotels using Preno often add locally made soaps or eco-friendly toiletries.
Airbnb Kitchen Essentials
The extent of your kitchen amenities may depend on whether guests can cook, but you should include at least:
- Fridge and freezer
- Electric kettle and toaster
- Crockery, cutlery, mugs and glasses
- Basic cooking utensils and pots/pans
- Chopping board
- Dish soap, sponge, and drying rack
- Kitchen towels and rubbish bin (with liners)
- Basic cleaning supplies (e.g. multipurpose spray, broom)
- Smoke alarm, fire blanket or extinguisher
- Tea, coffee, sugar, and a few pantry staples (salt, oil)
Preno makes it easier to manage same-day turnarounds—great for Airbnb listings that rely on fast, reliable housekeeping.
Airbnb Living Area Essentials
- Comfortable seating (sofa or armchairs)
- Coffee table or side tables
- Wi-Fi access (with clear password signage)
- TV with remote
- Books, magazines, or local guides
- Fan or heater (if not climate controlled)
Many small hotels use Preno’s guest messaging to send digital welcome packs with Wi-Fi info and local tips before check-in.
Airbnb Dining Area Essentials
- A dining table or breakfast bar
- Seating for the number of guests
- Placemats or tablecloth
- Optional: high chair if family-friendly
Airbnb Safety Essentials
Guest safety is paramount. These essentials may not be glamorous, but they’re absolutely non-negotiable:
- Smoke detectors (checked regularly)
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher and/or fire blanket
- Emergency contact list
- Clearly marked emergency exits or instructions
Need help managing compliance? Preno lets you keep notes on maintenance and safety checks for each room.
Next-Level Airbnb Amenities to Stand Out
Once the basics are covered, it’s time to impress. These extra touches can help elevate your guest experience and boost your Airbnb ratings.
Bedroom Extras
- Extra pillows and blankets
- Blackout curtains
- Memory foam mattress or pillow topper
- Slippers or robes
- Full-length mirror
- Charging station or USB plugs
Bathroom Extras
- Premium toiletries (eco-friendly or locally made)
- Makeup remover wipes and cotton pads
- Washing machine and dryer
- Iron and ironing board
- Rain shower or spa bath
Kitchen Extras
- Coffee machine or French press
- Wine glasses and bottle opener
- Blender, juicer, or sandwich press
- Tupperware or food storage
- Welcome snacks or breakfast items
Living Area Extras
- Netflix or other streaming services
- Board games or puzzles
- Workspace or desk
- Bluetooth speaker
- Candles or home fragrance
- Guide to local restaurants, shops, and experiences
Unique Airbnb Amenities to Add a Personal Touch
This is where you can show off your personality and local knowledge. A few special extras include:
- A handwritten welcome note or guestbook
- Complimentary welcome drink or bottle of wine
- A breakfast hamper or fresh baked goods
- Local artisan soaps or crafts as souvenirs
- Outdoor seating or fire pit
- Bikes or beach gear for guest use
- Indoor plants or floral arrangements
- Yoga mats or meditation guides
- Private chef or tour recommendations
- An Instagram-worthy photo wall or mural
Want more inspiration? Read How to List Your Property on Airbnb
How Preno Helps You Deliver a Seamless Airbnb Experience
Creating a beautifully equipped Airbnb is one part of the puzzle—managing it efficiently is another. That’s where Preno comes in.
With Preno’s Airbnb integration, you can:
- Sync your Airbnb listings and calendars across all platforms
- Automate guest communication (including check-in info, reminders, and post-stay follow-ups)
- Track bookings, rates, and availability in one place
- Offer direct bookings to reduce OTA commission fees
- Access reports to understand your occupancy and revenue performance
Learn more: What Is a Channel Manager for Hotels?
Compare tools: PMS and Channel Manager: What’s the Difference?
Want to go beyond Airbnb? Preno connects with 50+ other OTAs, including Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda—so you can expand your reach without increasing your admin.
Airbnb essentials may start with toilet paper and towels—but delivering a memorable stay takes more. By going the extra mile with thoughtful touches and managing your property with streamlined tools like Preno, you’ll give guests a reason to book again—and tell their friends.
Ready to simplify your Airbnb hosting and grow your bookings? Start your 7-day free trial with Preno today.
