Revenue-Increasing Airbnb Amenities for Coastal, Mountain, and Suburban Short-Term Rentals

The Role of Airbnb Amenities in Boosting Revenue and Guest Appeal

Think of your Airbnb rental like a character in an RPG (role-playing game). At the start of the game, your character begins with basic stats—enough to get by but not enough to stand out. As you level up, you gain new abilities, weapons, and gear that make you stronger and more competitive. In much the same way, your rental evolves with each amenity you add. Whether it’s a pool, a hot tub, or a well-equipped kitchen, each feature is an upgrade that enhances your property’s performance and gives it a competitive edge.

But just like in RPGs, the choices you make matter. Leveling up the wrong skill or investing in unnecessary gear can leave you struggling to succeed. The same goes for your Airbnb—investing in the wrong amenities can be a costly misstep. This is where data becomes your guide. By analyzing metrics like 

• Average Daily Rate (ADR), 
• Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR), and 
• occupancy rates, 

you can identify the amenities that will make the biggest impact on your property’s success.

Of course, not every player in the Airbnb market is following the same path. Some rentals cater to luxury travelers, others to budget-conscious families or adventure-seekers. Understanding your market and target guests is key to building a property that thrives, attracting more bookings and boosting revenue.

The Power of Amenities: A Strategic Investment

Amenities are more than just features—they’re opportunities to create memorable guest experiences and differentiate your property from the competition. A thoughtfully chosen amenity can turn a casual browser into a booked guest and elevate your Airbnb’s performance metrics, including occupancy, nightly rates, and Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR).

However, it’s important to prioritize. Some amenities deliver significant returns on investment, while others may be more niche. Pools and hot tubs are universally popular, but features like Cable TV or pet-friendly options may only work for specific guest segments. By leveraging data and aligning your offerings with guest needs, you can ensure your efforts deliver maximum impact.

This article examines AirDNA's analysis of the best-performing amenities for Resort/Coastal, Mountain/Lakeside, and Large City/Suburban properties. By understanding their data on guest behavior and market performance, you'll discover the key upgrades that can drive bookings, boost revenue, and make your Airbnb stand out in its market.

Deep Dive: High-Impact Amenities by Property Type

Coastal / Resort Properties

Coastal and resort properties thrive on offering outdoor leisure, luxury, and convenience. Pools and hot tubs remain prominent, but this updated data also highlights the importance of practical amenities like washers and dryers, which see a strong boost in RevPAR. Coastal properties benefit most from blending guest comfort with premium features.

Key Insights:

• Hot Tubs: A Year-Round Revenue Powerhouse
  Hot tubs provide the highest RevPAR boost (32%) and a strong 26% ADR increase, making them a clear winner in coastal markets. Unlike pools, hot tubs are used year-round, particularly in off-peak months when cooler weather still drives guest bookings.

• Pools Dominate Peak Season Appeal
  Pools contribute a 28% RevPAR boost and a 21% ADR increase, underscoring their value during peak summer months. Their 6% occupancy boost indicates their ability to fill booking gaps, particularly among families and groups seeking outdoor entertainment.

• Washers: A Practical and High-Impact Amenity
  Washers yield a surprising 27% RevPAR boost, showing their importance for longer stays. Properties in coastal areas often see guests needing to clean beachwear and clothes, making this a valued convenience for families and groups.

• Gyms: A Luxury Amenity with Broad Appeal
  Gyms provide a strong 25% RevPAR boost and appeal to fitness-conscious travelers, especially those staying for longer periods. Coastal properties with space for fitness areas can command higher rates, particularly in premium listings.

• Cable TV as a Versatile Feature
  Cable TV, with a 23% RevPAR boost, remains relevant even in an era dominated by streaming. It appeals to families and groups looking for shared entertainment after a day at the beach, particularly in properties without reliable Wi-Fi or during bad weather.

Mountain and Lakeside Properties

Mountain and lakeside properties cater to adventure-seekers and those looking for a cozy retreat. While hot tubs remain a standout feature, this updated data highlights the importance of practical amenities like washers and dryers for guests staying longer or tackling outdoor activities.

Key Insights:

• Hot Tubs as Seasonal All-Stars: With a 34% RevPAR boost, hot tubs dominate in mountain markets. Their appeal lies in their year-round use—guests appreciate them after hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Notably, hot tubs also drive the highest occupancy boost (9%), showing their broad appeal across seasons.

• Practical Amenities for Adventurers: Washers (24% RevPAR boost) and dryers (24% RevPAR boost) aren’t just for convenience—they’re essentials for outdoor enthusiasts needing to clean gear or wet clothing. Properties catering to adventure travelers can highlight these amenities to increase stays.

• Pools for Summer Travelers: While hot tubs lead, pools still offer a 20% RevPAR boost, particularly during the summer months. They’re less critical in colder months but provide a key selling point for properties targeting families and groups during warmer seasons.

• Entertainment Matters: Cable TV (15% RevPAR boost) and TV (16% RevPAR boost) remain relevant, especially for families and groups who value in-home entertainment after outdoor activities. This insight counters the assumption that guests in nature-heavy areas forego screen time.

• Parking as a Hidden Asset: With a 9% RevPAR boost, parking amenities appeal to guests driving in for their stay—a common scenario in remote mountain regions. Offering dedicated parking space can make a property more appealing and convenient.

Large City/Suburban Properties

While hot tubs and pools stand out as high-impact amenities in suburban markets, the data reveals less obvious patterns and opportunities that hosts can leverage to stand out in this competitive space.

Insights:

• Hot Tubs Dominate Across Demographics:
  With a 33% RevPAR boost, hot tubs are the most impactful amenity. Their strong appeal stems from their ability to attract diverse groups: leisure travelers seeking relaxation, families celebrating special occasions, and couples on romantic getaways. Hot tubs’ relatively low occupancy boost (1%) suggests they attract higher-paying guests rather than more guests.

• Kitchens as a Major Driver of Value:
  Kitchens show a significant 25% RevPAR boost and the highest occupancy boost (12%) among all amenities. This highlights their role in attracting families and extended-stay guests who prefer cooking over dining out. Kitchens are a foundational amenity for appealing to budget-conscious and long-term travelers.

• Pools: A Differentiator in Suburban Markets:
  Pools provide a 31% RevPAR boost, appealing especially to families and groups during summer months. Their 6% occupancy boost indicates they also help fill booking gaps in peak seasons, making them a key feature in suburban properties with outdoor space.

• Cable TV Appeals to Family Entertainment Needs:
  Cable TV contributes a 14% RevPAR boost, driven by its relevance to families or groups who value in-home entertainment. This suggests suburban guests still appreciate traditional amenities that enhance shared leisure time, particularly when paired with Wi-Fi.



• Pet-Friendly Features Have Untapped Potential:
  Despite a modest 3% RevPAR boost, pet-friendly amenities stand out for their niche appeal. Suburban properties allowing pets could target a specific audience, such as local staycationers or families traveling with their furry companions, potentially boosting occupancy rates in low-demand periods.

Aligning Amenities with Guest Preferences

As we've explored, success in certain Airbnb markets lies in understanding guest preferences and pairing them with the right amenities for each property type. Whether you're hosting in a bustling suburban neighborhood, a tranquil lakeside retreat, or along a sandy coastline, the secret to standing out lies in the details.

Making Suburban Homes Stand Out

For large city and suburban properties, the data reveals a clear roadmap to success. Hot tubs and pools lead the charge, providing standout value for families, staycationers, and small groups seeking an elevated experience. But beyond luxury, kitchens take center stage as the unsung hero, delivering incredible value for extended-stay travelers and budget-conscious families alike. As hosts, the opportunity lies in combining practicality with leisure—pairing pools with well-appointed kitchens or bundling pet-friendly amenities with cozy indoor comforts to attract niche audiences like local staycationers or families traveling with pets.

Suburban hosts have the added advantage of space, allowing them to experiment with outdoor dining areas, fire pits, and even modest gym facilities. With a 31% RevPAR boost from pools and a 25% boost from kitchens, the opportunity to create multi-dimensional experiences is significant. By focusing on these dual-purpose spaces, suburban properties can thrive across both weekend getaways and longer bookings.

Elevating Mountain Retreats 

Mountain and resort markets demand a more seasonal approach, but one that doesn’t skimp on comfort. Hot tubs dominate these properties for good reason—they’re a draw for travelers across seasons, offering an indulgent soak after a day spent hiking or skiing. Yet, this market also underscores the importance of practical amenities like washers and dryers, which cater to adventure-seekers who need to clean gear or manage extended stays.

For mountain hosts, differentiation comes from layering these essentials with thoughtful touches: cozy fireplaces, curated local guidebooks, or designated gear storage areas for skis or mountain bikes. Pools, though seasonal, remain a worthwhile investment in the summer, especially for family-friendly properties. And don’t forget parking—an often-overlooked convenience that makes a substantial difference in remote, drive-dependent regions.

Getting Coastal Properties Game Up

Coastal properties have the unique ability to offer both indulgence and practicality, often blending the two seamlessly. Luxury amenities like hot tubs and pools dominate this space, but it’s the practical features, like washers, that tie it all together. Families and groups staying near the beach often require more than just a place to relax—they need tools to manage the everyday mess of sand, sunscreen, and salty air.

For coastal hosts, the goal should be to create experiences that align with guest aspirations: a resort-like vibe complete with a pool and cabana for summer vacations or a year-round retreat featuring a hot tub and outdoor fire pit. Gyms, while impactful in premium listings, can take a backseat to more versatile amenities like entertainment packages (think Cable TV paired with high-speed Wi-Fi) or pet-friendly options. Above all, properties that highlight their practicality without sacrificing luxury will win the loyalty of repeat travelers.

Key Takeaways for Hosts Across All Markets 

The overarching theme? A guest-centered approach pays dividends. By understanding the unique needs of your market and catering to the preferences of your core audience, you can create listings that not only attract but convert browsers into loyal, repeat guests.

• Suburban properties thrive on versatility. Focus on combining luxury amenities like pools with practical ones like kitchens and washers to appeal to families and staycationers.
• Mountain retreats demand a balance of seasonal luxuries like hot tubs with practical touches like dryers and parking to cater to adventure-seekers year-round.
• Coastal properties succeed when indulgence meets convenience. Luxury amenities like pools and hot tubs should be paired with features like washers to attract both families and couples.

Data isn’t just numbers—it’s the roadmap to understanding what travelers truly want. And while every property and market has its nuances, one thing is clear: the best-performing vacation rentals are those that balance indulgence with practicality, delivering memorable stays that guests will rave about. By prioritizing amenities based on guest needs and market trends, you’re not just meeting expectations—you’re exceeding them. And in a competitive vacation rental market, that’s what drives bookings, revenue, and long-term success.

Ready to Transform Your Airbnb with the Perfect Amenities?

At BNB Construction, we specialize in helping short-term rental owners unlock the full potential of their properties. Whether you’re looking to add a hot tub to your mountain retreat, build a pool for your coastal getaway, or optimize space in a suburban rental, we’re here to make your vision a reality.

With years of expertise in short-term rental renovations, we know that choosing the right Airbnb amenities is about more than aesthetics—it’s about making data-driven decisions that maximize bookings, revenue, and guest satisfaction. Our approach prioritizes quality craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and seamless project management to deliver results on time and within budget.

From creating luxurious outdoor living spaces to integrating practical features like washers and home gyms, we work with you to design and build spaces that stand out in a competitive market. Our process ensures your investment pays off with increased nightly rates, glowing reviews, and higher occupancy rates.

Let’s Build Your Vision

Contact our team today to discuss how we can upgrade your Airbnb. Together, we’ll transform your property into a welcoming, guest-ready space that drives revenue and leaves a lasting impression.

Ready to renovate? Let’s team up and take your property to the next level with the best Airbnb amenities to match your market and guest needs.

Works cited:



"The Best Airbnb Amenities Proven to Increase Revenue." AirDNA, 7 Mar. 2024, www.airdna.co/blog/the-best-airbnb-amenities-to-boost-your-occupancy-rate-adr-and-revpar.