The bathroom is undoubtedly one of the most important rooms in your short-term rental, and its design can make a significant difference in the guest experience. While a spotless bathroom with all the basics is essential, why not go a step further and create an unforgettable, spa-like retreat? Guests should feel pampered and amazed by the thoughtful design details you’ve included—things they didn’t even know they needed. In this post, I’ll share a few must-have amenities to transform your bathroom into a welcoming sanctuary your guests could only dream of.
1. Quality Towels
Towels are one of the most important amenities in your bathroom, and they can easily transform an ordinary space into a hotel-like experience. My advice? Invest in the softest, thickest, and fluffiest towels you can afford—you won’t regret it!
When choosing towels, consider their GSM (grams per square meter), which indicates thickness and softness. Medium to heavyweight towels (400-600 GSM) are ideal for warmer climates, while anything over 600 GSM offers the ultimate luxury.
Be sure to provide three towel sizes per guest:
- a large bath towel,
- a hand towel, and
- a washcloth.
For a clean, spa-like look, opt for white or neutral-colored towels. In our Airbnb, I chose white towels because they’re practical, easy to clean, and give the bathroom a crisp, fresh feel—it’s been a great choice!
Pro Tip: Experienced hosts will understand this one: guests often use your bright white towels to remove makeup or clean their face, which can lead to stubborn stains. To prevent this, consider providing makeup remover wipes, a gentle face wash, and cotton pads. For a more eco-friendly solution, it can be a good idea to provide dark color makeup remover washcloths. Also include a polite (or even humorous!) framed note encouraging guests to use them and take care of the white towels. This small touch can save your towels, impress your guests, and also serve as bathroom decor!
2. Tolietries
While you don’t need to splurge on premium brands unless you’re running a luxury rental, avoid choosing the cheapest options as well. The key is to provide good-quality, mid-range toiletries that enhance the guest experience.
To truly wow your guests and leave a lasting impression, go beyond the basic essentials of
- soap,
- shower gel,
- shampoo,
- conditioner,
- and toilet paper.
Consider adding thoughtful extras like
- a scented body lotion,
- a gentle cleanser, or
- a rich hand cream.
Hand cream, in particular, is a fantastic addition during colder months. Little touches like this can make your guests feel cared for—especially at night, when dry hands can be quite distracting.
If you use liquid soap, include an elegant soap dispenser as well, as a nice additional decor item.
Pro Tip: If you want to go the extra mile, create a basket of small, travel-sized toiletries. Forgetful guests will love having essentials like a toothbrush, razor, tampons, cotton balls, hair ties, or bobby pins readily available. Arrange these items neatly in a decorative basket, and include a kind note encouraging guests to use them if they’ve forgotten anything at home. This thoughtful detail will make your bathroom stand out and make your guests feel valued.
3. Additional Textiles
Beside the towels, there are some other textile items you might consider to add.
- bath mat: A plush, non-slip, quick-drying bath mat is an essential for security and comfort. Choose neutral colors to match any decor, or coordinate the mat with your towels for a cohesive, polished look.
- bath robe and hotel slippers: Soft bath robes and cozy slippers are perfect for a touch of sophistication and spa-like experience.
How you store and display your textiles can also make a difference. Rolled towels in a basket or neatly folded towels on a shelf can look great and help the space feel cozier and more welcoming. You can also use a small decorative tray for hand towels to give the room a boutique hotel feel.
4. Storage and Organization
A well-organized bathroom can make a huge difference in how your guests feel in your short-term rental. Keeping things organized and clutter free is essential in this area of your space too. Here are some simple tips to keep things neat and easy for your guests:
- Shelving & Storage Baskets: Use shelves, baskets, or drawer organizers to keep toiletries and personal items tidily stored and within reach. A functional and minimalist space not only feels more relaxing but also makes cleaning much easier. IKEA, for example, offers affordable and stylish storage solutions.
- Shower caddy or shelf : For keeping items organized and easily accessible in the shower as well.
- Visible Extras: Keep essential items like toilet paper, extra towels, or spare toiletries in a visible and easy-to-access spot. Add a decorative tray or small storage basket for the toiletries to make these items look chic and functional. For the toilet paper, I use a decorative metal holder that keeps 4–5 rolls on hand and also looks elegant.
Pro Tip: Consider adding a small decorative item like a plant or a candle, or a framed print. These simple design touches can make your bathroom feel homier and inviting, creating a spa-like atmosphere.
5. Lighting and Ambiance
Good lighting is crucial for setting the right mood in your vacation rental bathroom, but also for practical purposes. Guests should feel like they’re stepping into a space designed for relaxation. Here are a couple of ways to achieve that:
- Task Lighting: Besides the ceiling lamp, make sure there’s enough light near the mirror for shaving, makeup, or grooming. Good lighting helps guests feel comfortable and and ensures a smooth experience.
- Soft, Relaxing Lighting: In addition to task lighting, have some soft lighting options, such as dimmable lights or LED candles, to create a calming atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Consider a mirror with built-in lighting, which can be both functional and stylish, so that your guests have everything they need for the perfect morning routine.
Final Touches
- Add greenery with a small plant or faux arrangement for a fresh, inviting look.
- Offer subtle scents like lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus to create a pleasant fragrance in the bathroom. You can provide reed diffusers or room sprays for guests, but avoid strong scents right before their arrival, as they might irritate sensitive guests.
- Include a clear set of instructions for using appliances like the heater or the heated towel rack (if applicable).
- And most importantly, be sure the bathroom is impeccably clean before every check-in.
By adding thoughtful touches like soft towels, quality toiletries, and organized storage, you can turn your bathroom into a comfortable, relaxing haven for your guests. These simple ideas will not only improve their experience but also increase the chances of better reviews and returning guests. With just a few changes, your bathroom can become a highlight of your short-term rental and the key reason guests will choose your Airbnb over others. Start now creating your dream Airbnb bathroom!
Bonus: Free Bathroom Essentials Checklist
This checklist includes all the items we’ve discussed (and a few extras!) to ensure your vacation rental bathroom is as welcoming and functional as possible for your guests.
Once you’re done with the bathroom, check out how to create a relaxing Airbnb bedroom in 5 steps.
Check out and follow my Pinterest for more pictures and inspiration!
