Nightly Rental Must-Haves That Make All The Difference

I’ve spent the last two months vacationing in and out of nightly rentals (as one does in the summer), and let’s just say…I’ve developed some opinions. Between actually living out of vacation rentals and my professional experience designing, staging, and stocking rental properties for my clients, I’ve had a front-row seat to what makes a rental feel amazing, and what makes you wonder if the owner has ever actually stayed there themselves.

Creating a successful vacation rental is about so much more than making it look pretty in the listing photos or even just making the place livable. It’s the little details that get the five-star review, the “we’re definitely coming back” comment, and ultimately, the repeat customers.

When I design a rental property, I’m always thinking about it from both sides: What will photograph well and attract guests, and what will actually make those guests comfortable once they arrive? The best vacation rentals do both, and there are some things you just can’t afford to go cheap on.

Here are the vacation rental must-haves I think every short-term rental should have:

1. A Comfortable Bed + Really Good Sheets

This one should be obvious, but somehow it still gets overlooked. Guests can forgive a rental for not having the trendiest coffee table or the most impressive kitchen backsplash. They will not forgive a terrible night's sleep and your reviews will reflect that.

The bed is arguably the most important piece of furniture in a vacation rental because it directly impacts how rested and comfortable your guests feel during their stay. When someone is paying hundreds of dollars a night, they expect the bed to feel worth it! Invest in a high-quality mattress (or topper), comfortable pillows, a supportive bed frame, and good bedding.

I’m a big believer in comfortable sheets that wash well. This is somewhere you may need to spend more money on higher quality. No one likes sandpaper sheets and you’ll hate having to replace thin sheets that have only lasted you a few months.

And don't forget the basics: extra pillows, a cozy duvet or blanket, and enough bedding for the season.

If you want guests to wake up thinking, “Wow, I slept so well,” start with the bed.

2. A Sofa You Actually Want to Sit On

One of the first signs of a neglected rental is a worn out sofa. The kind where the cushions don’t bounce back and you can see every stain from every previous renter. Guests need somewhere comfortable to lounge, but it needs to work for all types of guests (including the messy ones) and hold up for the ones who like to rough-house.

When selecting vacation rental furniture, prioritize durability and comfort. Look for upholstery that can handle real life, especially if the property is designed for families or larger groups. I prefer real leather options and performance fabrics, but if you find upholstery that is better suited for your budget, this spray will help the fabric be more stain resistant.

This is probably the first time you’ve ever heard a designer say this, but stay away from “cloud” type cushions or true down cushions. They look real worn real fast, and in a rental property, they won’t get the attention and upkeep they deserve.

3. Quality Utensils, Dishes & Flatware

This is one of those things you don't really notice unless it's bad, and one of the areas that easy to go too cheap on because owners feel this stuff is the mostly likely to go home with sticky-fingered guests.

I've stayed in rentals where the kitchen seems like it will work for my needs, only to open a drawer and find mismatched utensils, flimsy silverware, or exactly four forks for a house that sleeps eight. The unfortunate trend for my vacations this summer was dishes that are not microwavable…

Guests don't necessarily need a professional chef's kitchen, but they should have everything they reasonably need to prepare and serve a meal. That means quality knives, cooking utensils, pots and pans, serving pieces, glasses, mugs, plates, bowls, and enough flatware for the number of guests your property accommodates.

And please don't buy the absolute cheapest version of everything! Rental properties get used. A lot. Cheap utensils bend, knives become dull, and flimsy flatware starts looking sad pretty quickly. Investing in durable kitchen essentials will make the property feel more thoughtful and help everything hold up between guests.

4. Blackout Shades in the Bedrooms

I would also amend this header to say “Blackout Shades in Every Room That Has a Bed.” Here’s looking at you, sleeper sofa in the living room and Murphy bed in the office!

This is one of those vacation rental amenities that can completely change a guest's experience, and is so not expensive!

People travel on different schedules. Maybe they're sleeping in after a late night. Maybe they have young kids. Maybe they're coming from a different time zone. Maybe the sun comes up at 5:30 in the morning and their bedroom faces east. Whatever the reason, guests want to be able to control the amount of light in their bedroom.

Blackout shades are especially important in vacation rentals because you don't know your guests' routines. Adding them is a relatively simple investment that can make the bedrooms significantly more comfortable.

5. Amenities That Make Your Property Stand Out

This is that “wow” moment every guest wants to see in the pictures that makes them book. The paddleboards, bikes and life jackets that are included so they don’t have to pack their own. The thing the makes your property stand out from all the other options available. This is where you can take a rental from “we had everything we needed” to “they thought of everything.”

This may seem simple, but this is a personal pet-peeve: More towel hooks. I consider that an amenity and it’s one that very few rentals, or even hotels, get right.

The more questions you can answer through thoughtful design and stocking, the more effortless the guest experience becomes, and that translates to good reviews and repeat bookings.

The Best Vacation Rentals Are Designed for Real People

At the end of the day, designing a successful short-term rental isn't just about creating a beautiful space. It's about understanding how people actually live, travel, sleep, cook, relax, and spend time together.

I approach vacation rentals the same way I approach any interior design project: pretty is important, but practical is non-negotiable. A rental needs to photograph beautifully enough to make someone stop scrolling and book it. But once they arrive, the experience has to live up to the photos. That's where the thoughtful details come in: A comfortable bed. Good sheets. A sofa you actually want to sit on. A kitchen stocked with things that work. Blackout shades that let you sleep in. Amenities that make you feel taken care of.

Designing a Vacation Rental That Guests Love

If you're furnishing, renovating, or preparing a vacation rental property, don't think of it as simply decorating a house. Think about the entire guest experience. What do you want someone to feel when they walk through the door? What would make their stay easier? What would make them feel like the property was thoughtfully designed specifically for them?

Those are the details that create a memorable rental, and ultimately, a more successful one.

What are your thoughts on vacations rentals? Any that you’ve really loved or definitely won’t be going back to?