Which amenities should you provide in your holiday apartment?

Amenities can make arrival easier and the stay more comfortable. Choose them to suit the property, what you advertise and the cost of replenishment.

Looking after guests’ comfort can encourage good reviews, return visits and recommendations. One important part of that is amenities. Here are some essentials:

Essential amenities for your holiday let

Guest amenities or welcome products are an important part of holiday accommodation and hotel-style stays. These complimentary items can make guests smile: it is convenient to arrive and find what you need. Some people even collect them or take them home as souvenirs.

Your aim as a host is to make guests feel comfortable and at ease, as though they were at home — or even better. That means thinking about the smallest details.

Travellers tend to take different approaches. Some pack a toiletry bag with everything they need; others bring only the essentials because they expect the property to provide shower gel, shampoo, a shower cap and similar items.

Sometimes we cannot pack everything we want or need because there is not enough room in the suitcase. In those situations, it is helpful if the holiday accommodation provides a little of everything. A useful starting point is toiletries.

We recommend providing at least a set of shampoo, shower gel and hand soap. Treat this as a basic hospitality recommendation. You could also offer a more complete or premium selection to help your property stand out and support a better guest experience.

Some properties provide toothpaste, make-up removal pads, cotton buds, shower caps, shaving kits and moisturiser, among other items.

Naturally, your selection should reflect the nightly price you charge. The starting point is bathroom amenities.

It is also worth looking beyond the bathroom: other useful extras are amenities too, even if you do not immediately think of them that way.

Alongside toiletries, you can offer Wi-Fi information, writing materials, water or board games. If you provide streaming devices, respect the service’s terms and avoid sharing personal credentials; explain how guests should sign out before leaving.

Monitor use and replenishment for each product before expanding the selection. A useful, well-maintained extra is worth more than numerous items that are missing or in poor condition.

Prepare a replenishment checklist

• Bathroom: product, quantity or dispenser level, hygiene and refills.
• Kitchen: consumables actually included, clearly labelled containers and safe storage.
• Stay information: access, connectivity and contact details.
• Extras: cost per booking and observed usefulness, without promising benefits in exchange for reviews.

If you leave food, pay attention to labelling and allergens. For more thoughtful extras, explore welcome ideas for guests.