The Ultimate Airbnb Essentials Host Checklist From a Traveler’s Perspective
Our Airbnb host checklist has all the essentials you need for a perfect stay.
Let’s talk Airbnb essentials. We’ve put together an Airbnb host checklist so you’ll be giving guests the ideal stay every time.
After booking Airbnbs of all kinds from the East Coast to the West Coast, we have seasoned and diverse feedback to share on the perfect host checklist from a traveler’s perspective. Read our list of Airbnb essentials and must-haves if you’re looking to give guests the ultimate experience during their stay. Whether you’re hosting an off-grid adventure with no running water or a fully-stocked home with luxurious amenities.
First, let’s talk about the non-negotiables. The must-have Airbnb essentials every traveler is looking for:
- A clean space. Cleanliness will ensure good reviews and happy guests, so pick a trustworthy cleaning service.
- Toilet paper. One of the top Airbnb essentials every single guest needs is toilet paper. Make sure it’s well-stocked.
- Soaps. Staying sanitary and clean is a top priority these days. Soap should be essential for every Airbnb, regardless of the lifestyle.
- Fresh towels. Make sure to have one per guest at a minimum.
- Fresh linens. Every bed should have its own set of linens and an extra pair for emergencies.
- Stocked kitchen. If your Airbnb has the ability to cook, make sure your space has everything one will need to make a decent meal. This should include utensils, dishes, knives, pans, etc. Plus, cleaning supplies too.
- Bare minimum cooking essentials. No traveler is going to want to purchase an entire bottle of olive oil or salt and pepper grinders unless they’re staying for an extended period of time. Having staple items will be a pleasant surprise.
- An appropriate number of amenities per guest. If your space sleeps 6, then there should be at minimum 6 sets of everything from dishes to seating so your guests can comfortably enjoy the space.
- A comfortable bed. This is one part of your guests’ stay that they won’t forget if you make it great. The higher the quality of the bed and linens, the more luxurious the experience.
- Good communication. Communication is free and makes or breaks an Airbnb experience for many guests, so make sure you’re good at it.
- Air conditioning and heat. Guests want to be comfortable. Even if you have an off-grid space, have something for guests to stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Be detailed about your stay. Putting lots of detail in your “About the Space” section will help limit unnecessary questions and also help guests make a more informed decision to book your Airbnb.
- Strong WiFi. Unless you’re hosting an off-grid adventure, guests will appreciate strong WiFi. This will ensure they can easily get directions and contact you if needed.
Now, here are the extras to consider adding to your Airbnb host checklist that are sure to make your stay the most memorable:
Provide a welcome guide for anyone wanting to experience the area like a local.
Most Airbnb guests want a stay that feels local and memorable. A thoughtful welcome guide featuring vetted restaurants, cafes, grocery stores, must-see spots, and insider details like pop-up farmers markets or First Friday food trucks. This helps them experience the area like a local and can even tip the scales when they’re deciding where to book.
Plan to have a binder nearby when guests check in. This should include the basics they’ll need or want to know. Include things like how to use the thermostat, WiFi password, important house information, phone numbers they may need to know, the closest grocery stores, the best places to order delivery, and so on.
Sell your location.
Location is everything. Even if your Airbnb isn’t in a prime spot, selling it well by highlighting nearby attractions and thoughtful details—like a favorite local coffee shop, peaceful morning walks, or a rejuvenating spa. This helps guests see the value and imagine memorable moments that might just change their plans.
An easy check-in for your guest will start things on the right foot.
Many guests prefer the convenience of self-check-in. So, unless your space is shared, here are the key things to do to make their arrival run smoothly:
- Give detailed directions to get to your space, including where to park and any obstacles they may run into while driving.
- Provide detailed instructions for their arrival and how they will check into your property.
- Have a lockbox, smart lock, or keypad to make it easy for guests to check in by themselves. Just be sure to change any codes between guests for security purposes.
- Follow up with guests shortly after check-in to give them any last-minute tips and to see if they need anything else. Be sure to remind them how to get in touch with you if anything comes up during their stay.
Add a handwritten note to your Airbnb checklist for a personal touch.
A simple handwritten note can really make any guests feel at home, especially if it has their name at the very top. Keep a notepad and pen stashed somewhere in the Airbnb, so you always have them close by after each guest checks out.
Plus, if your future guests offer up any personal information, such as how they’re celebrating a special occasion or planning to go to a specific event during their stay, you can call it out in your note. Better yet, leave them a fun fact about your space or a hidden gem down the street, because it will only make it that much more memorable for them.
Add a food perk upon check-in for your guests to enjoy.
One way to your guests’ hearts is to feed their souls…literally! Maybe you have a farm and can provide fresh eggs or a couple of chocolates from the best place in town. Don’t fret too much over whether they’ll like it or not; it’s truly the thought that counts!
Better yet, check with the local businesses you have in mind to see if they’d offer you a discount to partner long-term and share their goods with your guests.
“We stayed in Asheville for a trip once and I was totally wowed by how the hosts left a few local beers from breweries, fresh cream, and a half dozen fresh eggs from their chickens. None of it went to waste and we ended up loving the eggs so much that we asked if more were available. The next morning there were a dozen new eggs for us to enjoy! We enjoyed the eggs nearly every morning during our week-long vacation and it was one less meal we had to worry about or pay for!” – Sara
Make their experience private with appropriate window coverings.
All guests appreciate privacy. Make sure every window has the necessary coverage to ensure that no matter the time of day, they can shut off the world and feel comfortable unwinding. This is especially important for Airbnb host checklists that may have other nearby properties, or if yours is situated on a city block with lots of neighbors.
Blackout shades in the bedroom are a huge bonus, too.
“My boyfriend and I were traveled to a nearby city for a concert and we only stayed in the area for one night so we didn’t need much in an Airbnb. The neighborhood we stayed in was a little rougher than we expected and definitely didn’t have any nice views (or neighbors haha). We literally felt like we were in another world after realizing every single window and door in the place had blackout pull-down shades. Being able to have that privacy was priceless and took our comfort levels up 100 notches!”
Give them an outside space and make it private.
Your Airbnb essentials checklist should have you curating appealing outdoor spaces, too. Taking advantage of views or an outdoor area that could give guests some added privacy while getting some fresh air is priceless. You don’t have to spend a fortune to make it memorable, either. Adding a simple space for dining or being able to comfortably work remotely from a laptop will elevate your guests’ stay. Take advantage of spaces that are positioned away from other guests and/or add some plants or a fence that blocks their view from others.
“I loved our recent trip to the mountains! Our hosts really thought about how the space will be used. On one side was a private hot tub with a fence around it so even though there were near other homes, you couldn’t see when we were using it so it felt really private. On the other side were a small deck, grill, and dining set for us to enjoy meals. It was perfectly simple. It was a newly landscaped space, but in a few years the tress will make the place even more private! I know we wouldn’t have used the amenities as much had other people been on top of us.”
Makeup remover towels will save all of your white towels.
Black makeup towels are a genius idea if you have white bath towels for your guests. This addition to your bathroom essentials will help avoid buying new white towels every time one gets damaged from mascara or other makeup.
On the flip side, guests will see it as a thoughtful touch and are sure to remember it after they leave!
Have things to do on rainy days.
The weather doesn’t always cooperate, so having some things for guests to do when they’re stuck inside could make or break their trip. Adding an entire game room to your home could increase your nightly rate and possibly even have guests considering a longer stay if you have the space. A foosball table, pool table, or ping pong table is a great idea to keep guests busy.
You could also consider adding a box of fun, rainy-day games, books, painting a huge chalkboard on a wall, or adding a collection of vinyl and a record player for guests to enjoy something nostalgic.
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A pool and/or jacuzzi will increase your value and your bookings.
According to Airbnb, a pool and a jacuzzi are two of the top-most-searched-for amenities when guests are looking for a place to book. In fact, they often apply these filters, so if you want your property to be seen by more potential guests, do your best to have at least one of these amenities.
Airbnb also shared that both will increase your nightly rate and your overall bookings since people are willing to pay more to have these luxuries.
Remember, you don’t need to go big or go home with these Airbnb amenities either. In many cases, a smaller plunge pool or a simple inflatable hot tub could suffice and get you on people’s radar.
“After having a hot tub for our couples getaway, it’s become a must-have for every other trip we’ve booked together. I’m always tempted by the beauty of some places, but the ones with a hot tub always trump everything because I know how much it will elevate our vacation. Plus, it’s perfect to enjoy any time of year! There’s nothing like coming back to your cozy Airbnb after a day of exploring and getting to stargaze and relax with your partner.”
Hip Tip: Grab an inflatable hot tub on Amazon!
Laundry appliances could be a deal breaker, especially if you’re looking to host families.
Squeeze in a set of laundry appliances if you have the space! This is another frequently applied filter, according to Airbnb, when guests are searching for a stay. While some solo guests or couples may not care as much to have this amenity for shorter stays, guests traveling with kids or planning to stay for a longer trip may not even consider a place unless it has laundry.
Have kid-friendly amenities to make parents’ lives easier.
The fewer things parents need to bring with them, the smoother their trip is likely to go. Being able to offer kid-friendly amenities like a pack n’ play, highchair, baby gates, a basket of sanitized toys, and more will wow any parents booking your stay.
You could even take it a step further by offering other items like beach toys for your Airbnb close to the water. Or a wagon to easily stroll through the city, so they don’t have to bring a stroller along.
Having a place to make coffee is an Airbnb essential that shouldn’t be overlooked.
For many guests, coffee will be a crucial way to start their day. This amenity will also save money for guests who choose to use it during their stay. Be specific in your listing about what coffee machine you have so guests can come prepared. If you have a Keurig, stock it with a few K-Cups. If you have a pour-over, have some freshly ground local coffee on standby, and so on.
Have an area for people to work from their laptops.
A laptop-friendly space to work is becoming a highly sought-after amenity for guests and one Airbnb essential you shouldn’t overlook. Not every single traveler works, but the ones who do will appreciate these spaces.
You don’t need to add an entire office, either. Consider adding a bar overlooking the city, a small table and chair in an unused nook, or a foldable tray or lap desk. Consider adding something more permanent if you’re in a popular area where business professionals often commute or stay for long periods of time.
Hip Tip: Want to dive deeper into your Airbnb host checklist? iGMS.com shared a complete list of supplies to have in your Airbnb that will exceed guests’ expectations. Or check off your list room by room with the Lodgify.com complete guest checklist.
Considering starting your own Airbnb? Here are a few things you should know:
Wondering how to start an Airbnb?
There are many factors far beyond Airbnb essentials to consider before starting your Airbnb. Learnbnb.com shared some amazing tips for assessing your space and setting goals and expectations. More importantly, you should know all the ins and outs so you get started on the right foot.
Want to know how to become an Airbnb host?
There are many different ways to host on Airbnb. Start hosting with confidence and head to Airbnb to learn how to become a host. Getting your information straight from the source will allow you to properly prepare, know how to list your space, set prices, and more.
How much does an Airbnb host make?
According to Airbnb, hosts are averaging more revenue each year since its founding in 2008. Of course, many factors will come into play when determining just how much you’ll pocket. Your location, amenities, time of year, and more will all play a role in how much you’ll make. We love AirDNA.com to help you learn your market and competitors, develop a pricing strategy, learn your potential, how to beat the competition, and much more!
How much does Airbnb charge hosts?
Airbnb charges hosts a service fee to cover things like customer support, marketing, and host protections. In 2026, most hosts pay a host-only service fee (typically around 15–16%), which is deducted from the booking subtotal (nightly rate plus optional fees, excluding taxes). Some hosts may still be on the older split-fee model, but the host-only fee is now the norm.
Attention Airbnb guests:
Remember, courtesy goes both ways when enjoying a stay. As an Airbnb guest, remember to be respectful of every space and treat it like your own home. Here’s a list from Airbnb of how you can be an ideal guest at any stay:
- Have good communication.
- Make sure the stay you’re booking is a good fit for you.
- Let them know when you plan to check in – especially if it’s late.
- Do not invite guests who aren’t in your reservation unless approved by the host.
- Follow all the house rules.
- Inform hosts immediately if something is damaged.
- Absolutely no smoking on premises unless allowed by the host.
- Be respectful of quiet hours.
- Leave the space clean enough that a deep clean won’t be necessary.
- Be sure to leave a helpful and honest review to help others.
- Never disconnect security devices that keep the property safe.
- Be respectful of personal property and off-limit or locked areas of the space.
- Ask about commercial use before filming or photographing in any space.
To discover more ways to be a considerate Airbnb guest, head to Airbnb to learn more about guests.
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Thanks so much!!! We r superhosts with 3 STRs and listing 3-4 more by summer. I’m so grateful ur helping us hosts out n I always trust ur sources. For the linens, do u recommend that every bed have an extra set of sheets in the room? One of our STRs has 7 beds, so should I put out out 7 extra sheet sets? So far, we have been doing great without extra sheets in the room, but now I’m wondering if I need to provide such. Thanks.
Hey, Kay! That is so awesome! Thanks for stopping by and I’m so thrilled you found this post helpful. I would say it may be good to have an extra set of sheets per bed for guests who are staying for longer periods of time. That said if it’s been working out well for you without them, then maybe it would be best to have them on standby at a moment’s notice in case a guest asks. Best of luck on your exciting Airbnb journey!
I wouldn’t if you provide a washer/dryer. You will mtl end up with more people than you can safely accommodate.
As a mom, I’d say spare sheets are always good. Never know when a water bottle will spill, kids throw up, unexpected menstruations, etc. I’d always appreciate them for emergencies.
Agree with your list. Number one for us is — CLEAN!!!
We have an Airbnb at a beach town. We also provide beach essentials like a wagon, umbrellas (Shibumi), chairs, beach towels, life jackets (we have a hot tub too) and sand toys. (Other must haves- Dishwasher pods, laundry soap, first aid kit, hand soap, cleaners, grill, wine opener, sound machine…)
Our guests also use our ice machine a lot for their coolers (beach.)
My hubby said I shouldn’t leave so much toilet paper, but I leave a nine pack minimum!
We used to provide a guestbook, but the children were scribbling in it – so we removed it.
We also supply a kids nugget couch, portable crib (with linens- no blanket due to smothering concerns), high chair….lots of family type stuff. We even have a stand up arcade. I provide a digital welcome type book. (So far so good on that l.)
Oh, we also get compliments on all the different phone charging cords we provide- and our sound system/record stash.
We used to provide a snack, but it is too hard to do with allergy issues and likes/dislikes.
Honestly, we put loads of effort into it. It’s sad that we have had about half of guests abuse our place. (Damages, smoking/vaping, pet smuggling, drug use/partying, squatting.)
You place sounds amazing! SO well stocked and prepared for your guests! 🥰 Thanks for sharing your experiences and what you keep on hand. ❤️❤️
If a unit has laundry, a minimum of 1-2 loads worth of soap would be nice. We recently stayed in an Airbnb with laundry because I didn’t want to have to pack too much, but were never provided soap, so we had to buy our own. It’s fine, but if you provide laundry, why not also provide the soap?? I did not plan on flying with laundry detergent to our destination, but had to fly home with some. Kind of silly to list an amenity when you need to provide your own stuff to use it. This particular property also didn’t provide shampoo/conditioner/soap. Again, fine, but most properties I have rented have had all these things, so I didn’t pack any and had to buy some. I feel these things should be listed as not included in the listing if they’re not included so people can make informed decisions. Most listings are good about listing what’s included, but I’d love to see a list of things not included. And if you list something as included, include it. This property listed oil, salt, pepper available, but we didn’t find any oil and again… had to buy our own. I didn’t complain because we got a good deal on the place and it was perfect otherwise, but I’d rather pay for the convenience of having everything than having to buy my own. I would’ve just paid for a hotel otherwise.