Learn How To Manage Your Rental Property on Airbnb
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Every Airbnb host knows that pivotal moment: your guest opens the door to your property, drops their bags, and takes the first look around.
These initial seconds often determine whether you’re heading for another 5-star review or bracing for feedback on what’s missing.
What makes an Airbnb get 5-star reviews? It’s a combination of a seamless check-in, premium bedding, a fully-equipped kitchen, high-speed WiFi, entertainment/streaming options, a welcome kit and many more. These must-have items for Airbnb can transform an ordinary stay into an experience worth raving about.
Let’s dive into each of these Airbnb items for 5-star reviews and discover how they can increase your property’s rating.
Must Have Airbnb Items for 5-Star Reviews In 2025
What amenities increase Airbnb rating most effectively? To answer this question, we did the following:
- Analyzed hundreds of top-rated properties across multiple platforms
- Surveyed 50 Superhosts maintaining 4.9+ ratings
- Conducted cost-benefit analysis of various amenities
- Tracked guest feedback across different property types
The items we’ll be listing in this blog aren’t just random suggestions – they’re tried-and-tested Airbnb essentials that consistently lead to better reviews, higher occupancy rates, and more profitable properties.
Item #1: Smart Lock System
The first interaction with your Airbnb guest is the check-in process. Among all Airbnb host essentials, a smart lock system consistently ranks as the #1 amenity mentioned in 5-star reviews for convenience and security.
At Homevy, our smart locks eliminate all check-in related issues and saves us an average of 5 hours per week.
Top-Rated Smart Lock Options for Holiday Homes:
- August WiFi Smart Lock Pro – Best for seamless integration
- Schlage Encode Plus – Highest guest satisfaction
- Yale Assure Lock 2 – Top-rated for reliability
- Wyze Lock – Best budget-friendly option
Item #2: Premium Coffee Station
A good coffee station is an airbnb host essential that consistently appears in 5-star reviews as a highlight of guests’ stays.
Image by: Homevy
Your vacation rental coffee station should include:
- Primary Equipment: Dual coffee maker (drip + single serve), Electric kettle, French press, Quality grinder, Temperature-control kettle.
- Essential Supplies:
- To-go cups with lids
- Sugar/sweetener options
- Local coffee beans (2-3 varieties)
- Tea selection (green, black, herbal)
- Creamer varieties + Non-dairy alternatives
Item #3: Streaming Entertainment Package
What to put in an Airbnb rental goes beyond physical amenities. Many guests expect seamless entertainment options, making this a crucial element in your Airbnb supplies list.
A complete entertainment setup for your holiday home should start with a Smart TV that meets modern standards – specifically a 4K resolution display that’s at least 55 inches for living spaces and 32 inches for bedrooms, equipped with voice control capabilities.
Image by: Homevy
Now pair this with essential streaming services for Airbnb guests: Netflix is the most requested platform, followed by Amazon Prime, Disney+, and local sports packages for complete coverage.
For the streaming device itself, you have many solid options depending on your budget:
- The Apple TV 4K offers the most user-friendly experience
- The Roku Ultra provides excellent value for money
- The Amazon Fire Stick 4K is a capable budget-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise on core features
However, always provide clear usage instructions for each device and streaming service, and keep a troubleshooting guide handy. After all, the last thing you want is – your guests missing their favorite show because they couldn’t figure out how to use your streaming device.
Item #4: Hotel-Quality Bedding Set
Looking for proven ways to make Airbnb guests happy? Start with where they spend a third of their stay—the bed. Properties with premium bedding receive more “comfortable” mentions in reviews.
Image by: Homevy
Premium bedding setup for vacation rentals
Start with a solid foundation by layering a premium Protect-A-Bed mattress protector and LANGRIA quilted mattress pad, topped with luxurious Brooklinen Luxe fitted and flat sheets in 400+ thread count cotton.
For supreme comfort, add a Buffy Cloud duvet wrapped in a breathable Parachute Percale cover and complemented by a thoughtful pillow selection. Take it a step further and provide two hypoallergenic pillows per guest.
To ensure you’re always prepared for quick turnover, maintain a backup supply including two complete sheet sets per bed, four extra pillowcases, a spare duvet cover, and two additional blankets, all stored in a clean, dry space.
Quick bedding checklist for holiday homes
- 400+ thread count cotton sheets
- Hypoallergenic pillows (2 per person)
- All-season duvet with washable cover
- Mattress protector (waterproof)
Item #5: Juicy Welcome Package
A thoughtfully curated welcome kit ranks among the top airbnb essentials that guests love. This is an essential Airbnb item that can increase your property’s perception right from the moment guests arrive.
Essential Airbnb Welcome Kit Components:
A comprehensive welcome kit for your vacation rental should begin with relevant property information — made accessible through a QR-coded digital house manual, alongside an emergency contacts list, local area guide, easy-to-read WiFi card, and property map for easy navigation.
Take it up a notch and enhance your guests’ arrival with thoughtful welcome essentials including hand-picked local snacks, fresh bottled water, and a personalized welcome note.
Image by: Homevy
Also, for peace of mind, include a well-stocked emergency kit containing:
- Basic over-the-counter medications
- Universal phone chargers
- A reliable flashlight
- First aid supplies
- A quality umbrella
Take the experience further and add an intentionally curated local recommendations guide. This can include restaurants organized by cuisine type, activities for different group size, transportation options, emergency services, and insider tips that make your guests feel like true locals.
Item #6: High-Speed WiFi System
Fast WiFi is a must have airbnb host essential. The perfect WiFi Setup includes;
- Dedicated guest network
- Minimum 100 Mbps download speed
- Multiple access points for seamless coverage
- Mesh system for properties over 1,000 sq ft
- Google Nest WiFi or Eero 6 for reliable coverage
- Easy-to-remember network name (e.g: “Paradise-Guest”)
- Password displayed in multiple spots for convenience
Homevy Tip: Create a QR code for your WiFi network and frame it. It’s those little touches that make guests think “wow, they really thought of everything ahead!”
Item #7: Fully-Equipped Kitchen
Your Airbnb supplies list isn’t complete without a well-thought-out kitchen setup. Here’s what seasoned Superhosts (and happy guests) advice for creating a space that makes guests feel at home.
Cooking items for holiday homes:
- Quality non-stick cookware set
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting boards
- Mixing bowls
- Electric kettle
- Microwave
- Blender
- Cooking oils
- Wine opener
- Basic spice collection
- Toaster or toaster oven
- Food storage containers
- Paper towels and trash bags
- Sharp knife set (with knife sharpener)
Homevy Tip: Include a simple “kitchen map” showing where you kept everything. Your guests will appreciate not having to open every drawer to find a spoon. You can also group items in cute containers or baskets to keep things organized.
Airbnb Items for 5-Star Reviews: Closing Thoughts
Creating a 5-star Airbnb experience isn’t just throwing money at luxury items – it’s intentionally curating items that TRULY enhance your guests’ stay.
Each item we’ve covered in this blog serves a specific purpose in your guests’ experience — from the moment they seamlessly check in — to the comfort of the premium bedding at night.
At Homevy, we’ve seen how these items turn our rentals into highly sought-after destinations. In fact, we implement these essentials (and quite a few exclusive ones we can’t mention here) across all properties we manage in Dubai.
P.S: Remember your Airbnb isn’t just competing with other short-term rentals – it’s competing with hotels and other accommodation options. By doing what we’ve discussed in this blog, you’re investing in your property’s success and your guests’ happiness.
And if you want to skip the hassle of sourcing and maintaining all these items — just call Homevy.
Tee from Homevy
Tee from HomevyThank you for reading! I'm excited to help homeowners and guests alike discover the benefits of short-term rentals with HOMEVY. Stay tuned for more updates and helpful tips on the blog.
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