Make Your Airbnb Stand Out With These 7 Unique Amenities

One-of-a-kind Airbnb amenities & add-ons that’ll attract bookings and 5-star reviews

By: Brad Greiner, CEO of Open Air Homes and OpenAiRE Brokerage

January 19, 2023

If you’re an Airbnb host, you’ve probably had the experience of seeing a listing that looks exactly like yours— except it has more rave reviews and five star-ratings. Sometimes, it may feel like potential guests are often looking at another place instead of yours. So how do you navigate the competitive short-term rental industry and make your property stand out among the rest? By providing truly unique Airbnb amenities that make guests feel comfortable, cared for, and like they’ve entered their dream home.

The competition in the Airbnb industry is heating up, and it’s imperative that you do everything you can to stand out from your competitors. What makes an Airbnb truly special is its amenities: things that make guests feel like they’re staying somewhere special and aren’t just paying for somewhere to sleep at night. 

Check out our list of 7 unique Airbnb amenities that are sure to secure bookings – and 5-star reviews.  

1. Citrus or other fruit-bearing trees

Citrus trees can be grown indoors in pots, and they make for an attractive addition to your Airbnb. Guests are sure to appreciate complimentary limes, lemons, or oranges to use as cooking ingredients, snacks, and garnishes.

2. Unique lounge furniture

With the rise of slow travel and “bleisure” (business + leisure) trips, a standard vacation rental won’t cut it anymore. Lounge areas and comfortable spaces are necessary for guests who want more than a place to sleep when they’re on vacation. Digital nomads, traveling families, and long-term work travelers all need a homey place to unwind at the end of the day. A hammock chair is always fun (and Instagrammable!), while an indoor swing chair adds an airy feel to the room. Of course, don’t forget seating options like floor cushions and beanbags!

3. Horseshoes

If you’re looking to create a unique experience for guests, consider adding horseshoes to your Airbnb’s backyard. Horseshoes are a fun activity for children and adults alike—and are even better when played with a group! This game does especially well in desert or mountain homes with a western feel.

4. Reading Nook

A reading nook is a must for any bookworm. Not only will it make them feel right at home, but they’ll also be able to enjoy a morning coffee while curling up with a good book. A cozy reading nook can also be a great place for digital nomads to work from home and immerse themselves in productivity – away from the rest of the house.

5. Indoor Shuffleboard or Billiards

Shuffleboard is a fun game for all ages, while pool is a favorite among teens and adults. Indoor games are a great way to get the whole family together or socialize when there’s inclement weather. They’re also a great way for guests to create memories even on quiet nights in.

Ping Pong, while fun, can often lead to loud groups. The tables are often converted for beer pong or other raucous drinking games. Outdoor games can also lead to noise, which may become an issue if neighbors are nearby. That’s why we tend to favor indoor games over outdoor ones.

6. A Quirky Home Theater

A projector, white sheets, and a blanket can turn a backyard corner into a mini movie theater that guests will love! A home theater is also possible indoors; they work great in an extra room, or a den that’s too small for a bed. Throw inexpensive add-ons like plush seating and blankets, woven rugs, string lights, and snack baskets to make the coziest Airbnb in the area. 

7. A Chicken Coop

Consider adding a chicken coop to your Airbnb if you have ample space and the right weather conditions. Chickens are great for disposing of kitchen and garden scraps in addition to providing eggs. They’re also fun to watch! Parents will love teaching kids how to maintain the coop, while longer-term guests and digital nomads will appreciate having fresh eggs daily.

Design-Driven Short-Term Rentals That Stand Out and Feel Like a Dream Home

Immerse yourself in the world of design-driven short-term rentals. Open Air Homes is a boutique short-term rental manager that helps you create an Airbnb that feels like a dream home.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your vacation rental, book out months in advance, operate a 5-star vacation rental, or want to make your current property feel more like a luxe escape, we can help. 

Partner with us at Open Air Homes to elevate your short-term rental today.