The Ultimate Gadget Setup for Your Short-Term Rental & Holiday Homes in 2025

Want a short-term rental that wows your guests and keeps them coming back? Then the right gadget setup is a major part of what you need.

As Dubai’s leading vacation rental company, we’ve hosted several guests in Dubai, and we KNOW what motivates our guests to leave amazing reviews and book again.

And one thing they love about us is our gadget setup. 

It might sound silly, but the right tech can turn your vacation rental into a place guests always want to book. So let us walk you through the ultimate gadget setup for your short-term rental.

PS: Only read this if you’re serious about getting 5 stars and amazing reviews. 

What Tools Make Airbnb Check-Ins Easy?

Nothing ruins a guest’s first impression like being locked out of your rental.

Maybe they missed your check-in instructions, or the key wasn’t where they expected. Regardless of the reason, it’s a frustrating experience that could lead to a bad review (and we don’t want that).

Photo by Homevy

That’s why you need a smart entry gadget setup for your short term rental, and here’s a couple to consider;

1. Smart Locks

Smart locks give your guests keyless entry with options like PIN codes, phone apps, and even fingerprint access. You can lock or unlock the door remotely, track who comes and goes, and even set the door to auto-lock after they leave. Plus, you can remotely grant access to cleaners, maintenance workers, or other service providers, making your life as a host much easier.

Recommended Airbnb Smart Locks in Dubai

• August Smart Lock Pro (between AED 650 and AED 699)
• Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt (between AED 1315 and AED 1500)
• Yale Assure Lock SL (between AED 1045 and AED 1200)

2. Keypad Entry Systems

An alternative to smart locks are keypad entry systems. They work without Wi-Fi or an app. All you need to do is to set a unique code for your guest and send it to them. Once they arrive at your vacation home, they’ll input the code and let themselves in. Easy peasy. Just like the smart lock, you can assign unique codes to cleaners, maintenance staff, and other service providers.

Recommended Holiday Homes Keypad Entry Systems in Dubai

• Wyze Lock Keypad (between AED 250 and AED 350)
• Yale Assure Lock with Keypad (between AED 850 and AED 1100)
• Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt (between AED 800 and AED 1500)

P.S: You’ll want to read this—it talks about how we ensure smooth check-ins for our guests at Homevy.

Top Airbnb Gadgets for Comfort & Convenience in 2025

Every guest wants comfort and convenience when they’re at a vacation rental. It’s why they chose it over hotels in the first place. But if you really want to impress them, you need a well-thought-out gadget setup for your short-term rental.

Photo by Erik Mclean

With the right tech upgrade, they will feel like they’re getting incredible value for their money, and they’ll appreciate you for it in their reviews.

Here are some must-have gadgets to give your guests a stay they won’t forget:

1. Smart Thermostats

Keep your energy bills in check and your guests comfortable with a smart thermostat. This allows guests to customize the temperature to their liking. Plus, as the host, you can also monitor and adjust settings remotely. 

With smart thermostats, you’re not wasting energy, and your guests are always cozy, whether it’s the peak of summer or the middle of winter.

Recommended Smart Thermostats for Vacation Rentals

1. Google Nest Learning Thermostat, 3rd Generation (between AED 675 and AED  720)
2. Emerson Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Smart Thermostat (between AED 444 and 499)
3. Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control (between AED 857 and 899)

2. Smart Lighting

Set the moooood in your short-term rental with smart lighting.  

With a simple voice command, guests can control the brightness, colour, and even create custom lighting scenes through an app on their smartphone. 

This adds a touch of luxury and personalization to their stay, making them feel truly pampered.

Recommended Smart Lighting for Airbnb Rentals

1. Philips Hue Smart Lighting System (approximately AED 479)
2. LIFX Wi-Fi Smart LED Bulb (approximately AED 229)
3. Sengled Smart LED Bulb (between AED 90 to AED 150)

Best Entertainment Gadgets to use for Short-Term Rentals & Holiday Homes in 2025

Photo by John Tekeridis

“If you can make your guests smile, your pockets will also smile.” – Tee from Homevy

After all, happy guests always book again. 

To create an entertaining short-term rental, here’s what you need:

1. Streaming Devices

Screenshot from Homevy Airbnb Profile

Guests love having entertainment options in an Airbnb, so give them unlimited access with a streaming device.

Let them log into their favorite platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video and enjoy their shows and movies on the big screen. Just make sure your Wi-Fi is fast enough. Nothing ruins a movie night like unnecessary buffering.

Recommended Streaming Devices

1. Roku Streaming Stick 4K (costs AED 202 on Amazon) 
2. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max (costs AED 209 on Amazon)
3. Chromecast with Google TV (costs between AED 210 and AED 306 on Amazon)
4. Apple TV 4K (costs AED 594 on Amazon) 

2. Wireless Speakers

With wireless speakers, guests can easily connect their smartphones or other devices to play their favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks. 

Whether they’re relaxing in the living room, cooking in the kitchen, or getting ready for a night out, great sound improves the vibe and makes their stay even more enjoyable.

Recommended Wireless Speakers 

• Sonos One, Gen 2 (between AED 1979 and 1829)
• Bose SoundLink Flex (between AED 499 and 549)
• JBL Flip 6 Bluetooth Speaker (between AED 290 and AED 429)

3. Gaming Consoles

Photo by Homevy

For families, groups of friends, or even solo travelers who love to game, a gaming console can be IS a fantastic addition to your holiday rentals. Get a gaming console and let your guests lose themselves in a friendly competition or adventure. 

Recommended Gaming Consoles 

1. Sony PlayStation 5 (costs AED 2,099 at the Sony store)
2. Microsoft Xbox Series X 1 TB (between AED 1999 and AED 2099)

Homevy Tip: Get “Jackbox Party Pack” (any version), “Overcooked! All You Can Eat,” and “FIFA 24.” These are awesome games that work with any guest. 

4. Voice Assistants

Make your gadget setup for your short-term rental even better with a smart speaker like Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub. Guests can play music, set alarms, control other smart devices, get info, or even order food just by using their voice. Trust us, they’ll love it.

Recommended Voice Assistants

• Amazon Echo Dot, 4th Gen (approximately AED 179)
• Google Nest Hub, 2nd Gen (between AED 399 and AED 499)

Must-Have Kitchen Gadgets for Airbnbs & Vacation Rentals in 2025

Nobody likes to go on vacation just to spend hours in the kitchen. (Unless you find it therapeutic… no judgment here)

However, even the most enthusiastic chefs appreciate a little help, especially when they’re trying to relax and enjoy their getaway. 

That’s where kitchen gadgets come in; they’ll make your guests’ lives easier.

1. Smart Coffee Makers

Your guests will appreciate a smart coffee maker. They can schedule it to brew automatically, so they wake up to fresh coffee every morning.

Think about it like this: Without coffee, your guests will be grumpy and will not leave you good reviews. But if you get them a smart coffee maker, boom! Burst of energy, and amazing reviews. Okayyy, we’re just kidding! It might not work like that but your guests will appreciate a coffee maker for sure. 

Recommended Smart Coffee Makers 

• Nespresso Inissia Coffee Machine (approximately AED 399)
• Sage Precision Brewer Thermal Coffee Maker (between AED 1,439 and AED 1499)

2. Multi-Functional Appliances

If you’re short on space, multi-functional appliances are a must-have for your vacation rental.  

An Instant Pot, for example, can act as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, and more. This means your guests can whip up a variety of delicious meals without cluttering the kitchen with a ton of gadgets.

Recommended Multi-functional appliances

• The Ninja Foodi 14-in-1 Smart XL Pressure Cooker Steam Fryer. 

3. High-Tech Kitchen Tools. 

High-tech kitchen tools like smart ovens, smart air fryers, and AI-powered blenders can make your vacation rental a 10/10. 

A smart scale, for example, can help guests with precise measurements for baking or cooking, while a sous vide cooker ensures perfectly cooked meat every time. 

Recommended High-Tech Kitchen Tools

• Blendtec Designer 725 Blender (costs about AED 1129)
• Anova Culinary Sous Vide Precision Cooker Nano (costs about AED 700)

This blog has even more kitchen recommendations for you.

Holiday Homes Gadgets To Enhance Guest Safety 

Photo by Roger Brown

Safety should always come first in your short-term rental. Secure door locks, well-placed smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and clear emergency instructions ensure your guests feel safe and comfortable throughout their stay.

1. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

These are non-negotiable for any vacation rental or holiday home.

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can literally save lives, so make sure your property has one. Test them regularly and replace their batteries as needed to ensure they’re always in working order. 

Recommended Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound Kidde Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector come highly recommended by Reddit users.

2. Security Cameras

We support installing cameras in non-private areas. After all, it’ll keep intruders away and also provide evidence in case of any incident. Butttt, you have to be careful so you don’t end up on the wrong side of the law.

Place your camera at the apartment entrance and hallways, but NEVER place them IN the apartment itself or any private area. 

You must also display clear and visible signs informing guests about the presence of security cameras on the property. In Dubai, this sign should be in both English and Arabic. And while you’re at it, inform your guests about how long their data will be kept.

Recommended Security Cameras for Dubai Airbnbs

• Ring Indoor Cam (between AED 249 and AED 299) 
• Google Nest Cam (between AED 600 and AED 650)

3. First Aid Kits

Accidents happen, even on vacation. So make sure you have a well-stocked first aid kit. 

Make it easily accessible and include essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any other items you deem necessary. 

Automating Your Short-Term Rental in 2025: Top Gadgets to Consider

Photo by freepik

Managing a short-term rental can feel like a full-time job. Between coordinating bookings, communicating with guests, and handling check-ins and check-outs, it’ll eat up your time. 

If you can’t handle it, consider hiring a property management company like Homevy. They’ll handle the details, and you keep making money without the stress. 

But if you don’t want to do that, then automation can save the day (and your sanity). 

1. Automated Messaging Systems

The first thing to automate is your messages, just so you don’t answer the same questions over and over again.

Set up pre-written messages that automatically go out to guests at specific times, providing them with all the information they need. This not only saves you time but also ensures your guests feel informed and well-cared for.

2. Smart Cleaning Solutions

Cleaning is a never-ending task for short-term rental hosts. But with smart cleaning solutions, you can take some of the load off your shoulders. 

Recommended Cleaning Solutions 

1. Xiaomi S20+ Robot Vacuum (price starts from AED 790)
2. iRobot Roomba i3 Robot Vacuum Cleaner (price starts from AED 999)
3. Samsung Freestanding Front Load Washer Dryer (price starts from AED 3000)

Is Investing in a New Gadget Setup for My Short-term Rental Worth It?

Photo by Photo By: Kaboompics.com

That’s the million-dollar question (or maybe just a few hundred-dollar dirham question, depending on your gadget choices). 

Before you go on a wild shopping spree and fill up your Amazon cart, let’s take a moment to consider your specific needs and priorities.

1. Your Budget

Gadgets are pricey. So set a realistic budget and prioritize the gadgets that will have the biggest impact on your guests’ experience or your management efficiency. 

You don’t have to go all-out with the latest and greatest tech. Start with the essentials and gradually add more as your budget allows.

2. Your Property’s Needs

Not all properties are created equal. A villa might benefit from a more extensive smart home setup than a cozy studio apartment. Consider the size and layout of your property, the type of guests you typically host, and the amenities you want to offer.

3. Long-Term Benefits

While the upfront cost of gadgets might seem daunting, consider the long-term benefits. Smart home devices can help you save on energy bills, enhance security, and reduce management time, ultimately increasing your ROI.

4. The “Wow” Factor

Sometimes, it’s worth investing in a few “wow” gadgets that will truly impress your guests and make your property stand out from the competition. 

These little touches can go a long way in creating a memorable experience and increase your chances of turning your guest into a repeat customer.

Prioritizing Your Investments: Essentials vs. Nice-to-have Airbnb Gadgets

Alright, you’re ready to equip your Dubai property with some cool gadgets, but where do you even begin?

In this section, we will help you prioritize your investments. We’ve separated the must-have essentials from the nice-to-have extras so that you can stay within budget.

Essential Gadget Setup for Your Dubai Short-term Rental

These are the gadgets that you SHOULD NOT skimp on. They include:

1. Smart Locks
2. Security Cameras (outside apartment)
3. Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
4. High-Speed Wi-Fi
5. Smart Thermostat 
6. First Aid Kit

Nice-to-Have Gadgets in your Dubai Vacation Rental

These gadgets aren’t strictly necessary, but can significantly enhance your property’s appeal. So if you have some extra cash to spare, go ahead:

1. Streaming Device
2. Wireless Speakers
3. Smart Lighting
4. Voice Assistant (Smart Speaker)
5. Gaming Console
6. Smart Coffee Maker
7. Multi-functional Appliance (e.g., Instant Pot 7L)
8. High-Tech Kitchen Tools
9. Robot Vacuum
10. Automated messaging system

P.S: You don’t have to purchase everything at once. Think about your target guests. What would they appreciate the most? Once you have your answer, tailor your choices to their needs and preferences to improve guest experience. You can also use their feedback to guide your future purchases.

Create the Ultimate Guest Experience with the Right Gadgets

So there you have it…

We’ve explored the ultimate gadget setup for your short-term rental. By now, you’re probably full of ideas on how to improve your property and impress your guests.

But having these gadgets isn’t enough, you need to showcase them effectively in your ads and listings. That’s where we come in.

Our photography and copywriting teams position your vacation rental in a way that attracts more bookings. So if you’d like to build your gadget setup or you already have one, call us, let’s talk about how to get more bookings.