Top 20 Amenities Guests Expect When Booking Holiday Accommodation
In today’s travel market, guests aren’t just looking for a place to sleep—they’re looking for comfort, convenience, and unique experiences that reflect the destination. Whether you run a beach cottage, mountain chalet, farm stay, caravan park, or city apartment, the amenities you offer directly influence your reviews, repeat bookings, and pricing potential.
Good amenities make a stay enjoyable.
Great amenities make it memorable.
And when travellers book directly with hosts through platforms like AccomDirect.com, they’re often choosing properties specifically because they offer personalised touches that hotels and booking giants overlook.
To help you elevate guest satisfaction and stand out in a growing market, here are the top amenities travellers expect in holiday accommodation today—along with ideas to go above and beyond.
1. Fast & Reliable Wi-Fi
Whether your guests are working remotely, streaming movies, uploading travel photos, or planning day trips, Wi-Fi is no longer optional.
Pro Tip: Share speed details in your listing. A connection that supports video calls is a major selling point.
2. Comfortable, Quality Bedding
People remember how well they slept.
Upgrade essentials like:
- High-quality mattress
- Fresh, crisp sheets
- Soft and firm pillow options
- Extra blankets for cooler nights
Good bedding often leads to five-star reviews.
3. Self Check-In Options
Travelers appreciate flexibility, especially those arriving late or juggling children.
Great options include:
- Lockboxes
- Digital keypads
- Smart locks
- Clear check-in instructions with photos
This small feature reduces stress for both host and guest.
4. Fully Equipped Kitchen
Even guests who don’t plan to cook appreciate having options.
Must-haves:
- Cookware & utensils
- Toaster, kettle, coffee maker
- Plates, glasses, wine openers
- Basic pantry items (salt, oil, spices)
Extras like a blender, slow cooker or espresso machine can set you apart.
5. Heating & Cooling
Climate-appropriate comfort is essential. Provide:
- Air-conditioning in hot climates
- Heating, blankets or wood heaters in colder areas
- Fans in bedrooms
Guests won’t return if they’re too hot or cold.
6. High-Quality Bathroom Essentials
Small touches elevate the experience:
- Shampoo, conditioner, body wash
- Hairdryer and mirror
- Soft towels
- Hooks and storage space
Add local spa products for bonus points.
7. Smart Entertainment Options
Beyond a TV, travellers appreciate:
- Streaming platforms (with guest log-in friendly settings)
- Bluetooth speakers
- Books, movies, board games
This makes rainy days enjoyable rather than disappointing.
8. Outdoor Spaces & Seating
Nature is part of the holiday for many guests. Offer:
- Garden seating
- Firepit or BBQ
- Balcony furniture
- Hammocks, sun loungers
These encourage relaxation and compliment scenic properties.
9. Local Food & Welcome Packages
Travellers love a personalised touch. Consider:
- Regional snacks
- Fresh produce from local farms
- Wine or beer from nearby makers
- Homemade jams or baked goods
Booking direct is about connection—this reinforces it.
10. Clear, Personalised Local Guidebook
A digital or printed guide saves guests hours of research.
Include:
- Best restaurants (places you actually eat)
- Hidden beaches, scenic walks, lookouts
- Grocery stores, medical help, petrol stations
- Local history and culture
This adds value while supporting local businesses.
11. Workspace for Remote Travelers
More travellers work while exploring. Provide:
- Desk or table with seating
- Extra charging stations
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Good lighting
If you have a quiet room, advertise it.
12. Parking & Transport Information
Travel logistics can make or break a trip.
Offer:
- Free or secure parking
- Charging for EVs
- Public transport maps
- Taxi, airport or shuttle contacts
Help guests arrive with ease.
13. Sustainability-Friendly Options
Guests value eco-conscious stays.
Provide:
- Recycling bins
- Refillable toiletries
- Solar power where possible
- Low-waste welcome gifts
This aligns with modern travel values.
14. Pet-Friendly Supplies (If Permitted)
Pet owners are loyal repeat guests.
Offer:
- Water bowl, mat, pet bed
- Enclosed yard
- Pet-friendly beaches or parks nearby
Add a small pet cleaning fee to protect your space.
15. Safety Essentials
Safety builds trust—especially with direct bookings.
Include:
- Smoke and CO detectors
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
- Exterior lighting
- Secure locks
List these clearly on your property page.
16. Laundry Facilities
Especially valuable for long stays or families.
Offer:
- Washing machine & dryer
- Laundry powder
- Clothesline, baskets, iron
Travellers appreciate practicality.
17. Family-Friendly Items
Parents love properties that lighten their packing load.
Provide:
- High chair & cot
- Child-safe dishes
- Games, books, puzzles
- Safety gates
Family travel is a huge market segment.
18. Seasonal Equipment
Think about what guests do outdoors.
Examples:
- Beach towels, umbrellas, boogie boards
- Snow shovels, sleds, firewood
- Bikes or picnic sets
Tailor to your region.
19. Ambience & Interior Style
People choose holiday homes over hotels for personality.
Add:
- Stylish décor
- Local art
- Plants, throws, candles (non-flame options preferred)
Spaces should make guests feel at home but inspired.
20. A Responsive, Personal Host
The most valuable amenity isn’t physical—it’s you.
Great hosting includes:
- Quick replies
- Warm communication
- Clear guidance
- Respect for privacy
Direct booking travellers especially value human connection.
How AccomDirect Supports Hosts Offering Great Amenities
Unlike corporate booking platforms, AccomDirect.com is a family-run portal created by a traveller and accommodation owner—built intentionally for other hosts and travellers.
We charge a small annual listing fee and:
✔ Reinvest most revenue into advertising to help owners get more bookings
✔ Issue formal invoices with each payment—fully legitimate, tax-compliant and transparent
✔ Provide a satisfaction guarantee: no enquiries = full refund or a free extra year
✔ Never charge commissions or add fees for guests
This model supports hosts who invest in great amenities instead of paying away profits to big booking sites.
Final Thoughts
Offering the right amenities doesn’t need to be expensive—it simply requires understanding what travellers value most and adding thoughtful touches that make your space memorable.
Better amenities lead to:
- Better reviews
- More repeat guests
- Higher nightly rates
- More direct bookings
And platforms like AccomDirect help you showcase those strengths to travellers who appreciate personal, authentic accommodation.
