Want to wow your Airbnb guests and make them feel they made the best decision by choosing your vacation rental over hundreds of others? Believe it or not, a few thoughtful touches can turn a good stay into a memorable one. Simple but effective luxuries will have your guests feeling like they hit the jackpot—and the best part? These little extras often lead to glowing reviews and repeat bookings. Because let’s be honest. Luxury is not only about expensive additions to your Airbnb but also about making your guests feel absolutely pampered by fulfilling even the expectations they didn’t think of themselves. Let’s dive in!
Luxury 1: High-Quality Coffee & Tea Station
Who wouldn’t love a well-organized and aesthetically pleasing coffee and tea station to simplify their morning routine or afternoon chill? Whether your Airbnb guests are team coffee or team tea, they’ll appreciate having everything on hand—especially when they’re half awake in the morning!
Build your station around the coffee machine and electric kettle, ideally near the sink for easy access to water. Include a variety of quality coffee pods and specialty teas, displayed in tasteful jars or baskets with clear labels. Keep essentials within reach, like mugs and spoons in different sizes. Go the extra mile by offering sugar, honey, and even lemon in a cute basket.
To create a cozy vibe, add a touch of greenery, coffee-themed wall art, and stylish cups and mugs.
Pro tip: Maximize space creatively- think vertically, not just horizontally. Install a rail on the wall to display mugs or add open shelves for stylish containers and baskets. With a little creativity, you can elevate the guest experience without breaking the bank.
Luxury 2: Plush Towels and Spa-Grade Toiletries
When it comes to luxury on a budget, I personally swear by large, fluffy towels. I adore them when I’m a guest at an Airbnb vacation rental, and when we started our own Airbnb, it was one of the first decisions we made—to offer the biggest and best-quality towels we could afford. Nothing grants that spa-like experience better than wrapping up in a plush white towel after a shower.
I provide our Airbnb guests with three towels: a large bath towel, a hand towel, and a washcloth. When choosing towels, consider their GSM (grams per square meter), which indicates thickness and softness. For ultimate luxury, opt for heavyweight towels over 600 GSM in light neutral colors.
In addition to towels, providing quality toiletries is another way to create extraordinary stays instead of ordinary ones. Go the extra mile by offering more than just the basics like soap, body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. Consider adding extras such as:
- Facial cleanser
- Moisturizing lotions
- Shaving cream
- Mouthwash
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen
- Bath salts, bath bombs, or essential oils
These thoughtful touches can create a welcoming, homey atmosphere and elevate your Airbnb rental experience.
Stylish Presentation:
Use elegant, refillable containers to enhance that harmonious luxury vibe while impressing eco-conscious guests. Many brands now offer eco-refill packaging, which can even save you money. When it comes to high-end toiletries, I love Loccitane for example. They also offer great refill options.
Pro tip: Not all guests are fans of strong scents. Stay on the safe side by opting for fragrance-free or minimally scented products. Some natural ingredients, like aloe vera, almond, cocoa butter, and shea butter, have a pleasant fragrance but are gentle on the skin.
Luxury 3: High-Thread-Count Bedding
A restful night’s sleep is one of the most important aspects of a guest’s stay, and high-quality bedding can make all the difference.
One of the simplest ways to make your Airbnb guests feel truly pampered is by offering the highest quality bedding you can afford. For both durability and ease of care, white cotton sheets are an excellent option, giving a fresh, clean look while being timelessly elegant.
The type of weave influences the fabric’s texture and feel. Opt for cotton percale or cotton sateen to add sophistication and polished look for a luxury vibe. Personally, I chose white cotton sateen bedlinen for our vacation rental, and it turned out to be a great choice, offering both elegance and comfort.
One more thing that’s really important—opt for a higher thread count (300-400) for that soft, luxurious feel that will make guests feel like they’re sleeping in a luxury retreat.
Last but not least, don’t forget to upgrade your pillows. Offer at least 2 sleeping pillows in different sizes, one with a softer and another with medium to firm filling, and arrange them neatly for a polished, stylish look.
Pro Tip: Consider adding a cozy throw blanket and decorative pillows in neutral or soft hues for an extra layer of comfort and style. This not only elevates the look of the bed but also gives your guests that luxurious, “hotel chic” feeling they’ll remember. Plus, having additional blankets available can be a thoughtful touch for guests who enjoy layering while they sleep.
Luxury 4: Thoughtful Welcome Basket
Talking about luxuries, a curated welcome basket is one of the simplest ways to make your guests feel special from the moment they step inside. A thoughtfully prepared Airbnb welcome basket is the perfect way to make your guests feel pampered and appreciated. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—thoughtful touches like local treats, specialty snacks, or a bottle of wine can leave a lasting impression.
If you’re interested in creating the ultimate welcome basket, check out my complete guide here.
Pro Tip: Include a handwritten welcome note for that personal touch. Highlight any local specialties in the basket to give guests a taste of the region, making their stay even more memorable.
These thoughtful, budget-friendly luxuries can make all the difference in creating a memorable experience for your Airbnb guests. By paying attention to the small details, you show that you truly care about their comfort and satisfaction, which often leads to glowing reviews and repeat bookings. What are your favorite guest-pleasing touches? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!
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