Airbnb host checklist for an exceptional guest experience 

TL;DR 

This checklist breaks down exactly what Airbnb hosts need to create stays guests rave about, without overspending.

• Room-by-room essentials: What to stock in bathrooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and common areas
• Must-haves vs. upgrades: Basic expectations versus extras that earn loyalty
• Low-cost wins: Small touches ($5–$50) that guests mention in 5-star reviews
• Streamline operations: Smart locks for keyless check-in, plus cleaning routines that protect your ratings

If you’re a small Airbnb host with 1-5 listings and a tight budget, you can still outshine competitors by crafting a guest experience that earns 5-star reviews and more bookings with every stay. 

Listings with consistently high reviews tend to attract significantly more bookings, according to Airbnb and industry reports. The competition is fierce, so special experiences, thrilled guests, and 5-star reviews are the necessary ingredients for distinguishing your listings and booking more reservations.  

Providing the best stay for your Airbnb guests means knowing their expectations and preferences, including basic amenities, household items, and additional small touches. 

To save you time, we’ve compiled a comprehensive Airbnb host checklist you can adapt for the specifics of your individual rental and typical guests. The checklist helps you nail the stay. Guesty Lite helps you manage it with automated messaging and perfectly synced calendars so you can focus on providing an exceptional guest experience. 

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Table of Contents

• 5-star Airbnb host essentials
• Airbnb bathroom furnishing checklist
• Airbnb bedroom essentials
• Kitchen checklist for Airbnb
• How to set up your Airbnb common areas
• A little something extra – upgrade check-in/out with keyless entry
• Better safe than sorry
• A note about cleanliness & staff shortages

5-star Airbnb host essentials

This list includes the must-have things you need for an Airbnb, including basic essentials, furniture, and appliances, as well as those extras that earn special recognition and loyalty from guests. Think of it like marketing: start by picturing your typical guest, then stock accordingly. 

Hotels max out at mini-shampoos and folded towels. You can do more—and that’s where 5-star reviews come from.

How to use this checklist:

Use this Airbnb amenities checklist as your baseline, then personalize with a welcome basket or digital welcome book for extra impact 

• Scan each room’s essentials to confirm your basics
• Pick 2–3 affordable upgrades that fit your guest profile
• Review safety and cleaning to close gaps before your next booking

Airbnb bathroom furnishing checklist

The bathroom is one of the most basic, yet most important, rooms of the vacation rental.

The overall impression your guests have of your rental largely depends on the cleanliness and amenities you provide. Consider stocking $5 travel-sized shampoo and soap or $15 hair dryer. Even a $50 towel warmer can transform a simple bathroom into a spa-like retreat. 

Non-negotiables 

• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body wash/shower soap
• Hand soap
• Bath towels
• Hand towels
• Mirror
• Towel hangers/hooks

5-star touches 

• Body lotion
• Magnifier makeup mirror
• Feminine products
• Hair dryer (will also solve issues of voltage and plug adapters for international travelers)
• Shower rack for toiletries
• Disposable toothbrush, razors, cotton swabs/q-tips
• Toothpaste
• Air freshener/potpourri 
• Beach towels (if relevant)

Premium extras

• Towel warmer
• Bathroom heater/fan
• Luxury Bathrobes
• Slippers
• Spa quality toiletries 
• Rainshower/massage shower head
• Washing machine
• Dryer/drying rack
• Clothing iron
• High-quality towels

Airbnb bedroom essentials

The centerpiece of almost any luxury hotel room is, of course, the bed – fluffy pillows, clean, soft sheets, a luscious comforter, and a mattress you melt into. A worn mattress, lumpy pillows, or itchy bedding can ruin a guest’s stay, no matter how perfect the rest of the experience may be. The investment in high-quality beds and bedding pays off significantly in reviews. 

Here are the basic and upgraded items you need for your Airbnb bedroom to be the bedroom of your guests’ dreams:

Non-negiotables 

• High-quality linens and pillows (2 per person)
• Air conditioner, heater, and/or fan
• Dresser, closet, and/or shelves
• Hangers (shirts and pants/skirts)
• Shades for privacy and for blocking morning light
• Waterproof mattress covers
• Bedside table with reading lamp
• Bedside phone charging station 

5-star touches 

• TV (with streaming services like Netflix or Apple TV)
• Artwork/decor
• Extra linens, blankets, and pillows
• Alarm clock
• Bench or chair
• Full-length mirror
• Candles
• Tissues

Kitchen checklist for Airbnb

One reason vacationers may opt for an Airbnb rental over a hotel is the option to make their own meals. Whether this is due to dietary restrictions, to save money, or other reasons, a stocked kitchen is a huge draw for a vacation rental property. You can provide the basics, or exceed expectations with some much-appreciated treats. 

By way of example, check out this review left by a very happy Airbnb guest after a host went above and beyond in stocking their Airbnb kitchen:

“A stocked fridge with bread and jam made us feel pampered—10 stars!”

Even $10 in snacks can spark this reaction. A simple welcome basket with local treats or breakfast basics signals thoughtfulness without breaking the budget. This is the kind of accommodation that builds your online reputation and creates lasting guest loyalty. 

Non-negiotables  

• Coffee and tea essentials (expected by 90% of guests according to an Airbnb survey)
• Electric water kettle  
• Oven/toaster/stove
• Refrigerator and freezer 
• Kitchen towels
• Quality pots and pans of various sizes
• Mixing bowls
• Cooking utensils (measuring cups, measuring spoons, strainers) 
• Silverware, cups, mugs, and serving dishes
• Drying rack, sponges, soap
• Trash can and garbage bags
• Basic cleaning supplies (broom, dust pan, all-purpose cleaner, dish soap, sponges, etc.) 

5-star touches 

• Wine glasses
• Microwave
• Salt, pepper, and basic spices 
• Olive oil, vinegar
• Paper towels and napkins
• Tupperware to store food
• Dishwasher
• Coffee maker
• Eating area and chairs
• Wine opener

Premium extras

• Welcome food basket
• Bottle of wine
• Basic groceries
• Garbage disposal
• Home-cooked or prepared foods
• Oven mitts, trivets, and quality knives

How to set up your Airbnb common areas

The common areas of a short-term rental are a key element that sets them apart from other Airbnbs and hotels. 

How you furnish and stock the common areas depends on the type of guests you attract. If your guests tend to be digital nomads on a workcation, having a space for them to work properly is a must. 

Guests looking for a vacation location to gather and spend time with friends or family will often select an Airbnb based on the common areas, both indoor and outdoors. Knowing the ages and family status of the guests you tend to host is key information in providing what they are looking for to book and enjoy your property. 

Non-negiotables  

• Couch and chairs
• Coffee table or end tables
• Fast Wifi is non-negotiable (slow internet tanks reviews for small hosts) 
• Television
• Air conditioner/fan/heater

5-star touches 

• Blankets
• Area rug
• Desk/workstation (attracts 30% more workcation bookings) 
• Games, books, magazines
• Children’s toys 
• Recliner
• Smart TV Streaming Networks (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Disney+, etc.)
• Plants, art, local decor
• Pens and paper
• Full-length mirror

Premium extras

• Complimentary deck of cards or local craft (guests note this in reviews) 
• Arcade-type games (pool, air hockey, foosball, etc.)
• Home theater
• Fun seating options (bean bags, swings, rockers, etc.)
• Unique features for kids, such as nooks, reading spaces, or cool beds
• Accessible features for seniors (grab bars, no-slip surfaces, user-friendly technology)

Essentials for digital nomads and remote workers 

• Fast, reliable WiFi (test speeds and mention them in your listing)
• Dedicated desk and ergonomic chair
• Extra outlets or a power strip near the workspace
• Good lighting for video calls
• Quiet space away from high-traffic areas

Essentials for families with kids 

• Crib or travel cot
• High chair
• Plastic dishes and utensils
• Outlet covers
• Stair gates (where relevant)
• Baby monitor (for larger properties)
• Selection of kids’ books or toys

Elevate arrivals with keyless entry

Today’s guests expect keyless entries. This saves you key handoffs and ensures smoother arrivals on all sides. 

With self check-in and keyless entry, you avoid late-night key exchanges and give guests the freedom to arrive on their own schedule. Smart lock automation lets you generate unique access codes for each booking period — no more tracking down spare keys or coordinating handoffs.

Guesty LocksManager takes it a step further, automatically generating and sending unique codes for each guest so you never think about access again. If you’re interested in learning more about smart lock systems, check out this deep dive into the best smart locks for Airbnb. 

Better safe than sorry

Safety and first-aid items are important but often overlooked Airbnb essentials to supply in your rental. A $15 first aid kit costs little but gives guests peace of mind — just make sure to keep it visible. 

First-aid essentials 

• Emergency numbers in an accessible location
• Band-Aids of various shapes and sizes
• Tweezers
• Sterile gauze pads
• Medical tape
• Antibiotic ointment
• Aspirin/Tylenol
• Thermometer
• Alcohol
• Ice packs

It’s also wise to include emergency numbers in your digital guidebook or post them in an accessible location. 

Cleanliness & staff shortages

A sparkling clean property is a non-negotiable in hospitality. 

Particular attention should be paid to: 

• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Floors
• Surfaces
• Linens. 

See the tips Airbnb Superhosts share on how they keep their listings clean and what areas they focus on in their rentals. 

Property managers with many properties depend on a reliable professional cleaning service to maintain cleanliness. Cleaning staff shortages can lead to complications, delays, and disgruntled guests, so it’s important to stay on top of your roster and have a system in place for cleaning emergencies.  

Your checklist, your Airbnb

Treat this Airbnb essentials checklist as a living document. Revisit it seasonally and update based on guest feedback. The ultimate factor to keep in mind is that it is your unique Airbnb. This checklist, plus imagining yourself in your particular guests’ shoes, is what will ultimately set you up for success. 

Ready to put it into action? Guesty Lite helps small hosts automate the busywork — messaging, calendars, and guest communication – so you can focus on the guest experience. Get started here.  

Frequently asked questions