Guest amenities, indoors and out
An amenity only counts if it works and is clean when the guest wants to use it. A tired barbecue or a dusty terrace can disappoint more than having no outdoor space at all.
Indoors: comfort before gadgets
The amenities guests mention most are basic: a good bed, reliable Wi-Fi, decent lighting for reading, blackout curtains in bedrooms, a hairdryer, an iron, enough hangers, a comfortable place to sit together in the evening. A smart television is nice; a lamp by every bed matters more.
Outdoor spaces
A terrace, balcony or garden is often why a guest chose your home. Treat it as a room:
- Clean outdoor furniture at every turnover in season, and store cushions dry.
- Sweep leaves and check for anything sharp or broken.
- Provide outdoor lighting so the space can be used after dark.
- Offer a little shade in sunny climates — a parasol or an awning.
Barbecues
If you offer a barbecue, it needs to be clean and ready. Clean the grill after each stay rather than once a season, check gas or charcoal supplies, and leave basic tools and a short instruction sheet. Make sure it stands in a safe, open place, away from anything that can catch fire, and that guests know where it may and may not be used.
Pools, hot tubs and anything that needs care
Water features need regular professional maintenance and clear safety guidance for guests. If you cannot maintain them properly, it is better to describe them as unavailable than to let a guest find them cloudy or cold.
Describe amenities honestly
List what is really there and working. "Garden" when it is a small courtyard, or "sea view" when it is a glimpse from one window, creates a disappointment no welcome gift can repair.