What is a Premium Amenity in a Vacation Rental?
A premium amenity is a high-value item, feature, or service offered at a vacation rental that goes beyond standard guest expectations. Unlike essential amenities such as Wi-Fi or basic kitchenware, premium features are luxury add-ons designed to create a more memorable, comfortable, and unique stay.
Offering these can significantly increase a property's appeal, justify higher pricing, and attract a specific guest demographic seeking luxury or differentiated experiences.
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How it works
Hosts first identify their target audience and research which features would appeal most to them and add value in their specific market. They then invest in these amenities, such as a private pool, sauna, gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, or a dedicated game room.
These features are then prominently highlighted in listing photos and descriptions to attract bookings. The cost of the amenity and its maintenance are factored into the nightly rate, often allowing the host to command a higher price and increase revenue over time.
Why it matters
Premium amenities are a key differentiator in a competitive market, helping a property stand out from similar listings. They directly contribute to a superior guest experience, leading to better reviews, repeat bookings, and positive word-of-mouth marketing.
By justifying a higher average daily rate (ADR), these features can significantly boost a property's overall revenue and return on investment. For practical guidance, see Lodgify’s Airbnb Essentials: The Ultimate Amenities Checklist.
Examples
- A host of a mountain cabin invests in a high-end hot tub and an outdoor fire pit, marketing the property as a 'Luxury Alpine Retreat.' They increase their nightly rate by $75 and see a 20% increase in off-season bookings.
- The owner of a beachfront condo installs a professional-grade espresso machine and offers a complimentary local coffee bean selection. They mention this 'Gourmet Coffee Bar' in their listings, attracting coffee-loving guests and receiving specific mentions in 5-star reviews.
- A property manager in a family-friendly destination converts a spare room into a game room with an arcade machine, a large-screen TV with gaming consoles, and board games. This attracts families with children and allows the property to charge more than comparable rentals that lack this feature.
- An urban apartment rental provides guests with access to a Peloton bike and a set of weights, appealing to fitness-conscious travelers and business guests who want to maintain their workout routine.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an essential and a premium amenity?+
Should I charge extra for premium amenities?+
How do I decide which premium amenities to add to my rental?+
How do I market my property's premium amenities effectively?+
Related terms
Essential Amenity
Essential amenities are the fundamental, non-negotiable items guests expect to find in a vacation rental for a functional and comfortable stay. These include…
Average Daily Rate (ADR)
Average Daily Rate (ADR) is a key performance metric that measures the average rental revenue earned for an occupied property per day.
Upselling
Upselling is a sales technique designed to encourage guests to purchase a more expensive or premium version of a product or service, or to add additional…
Welcome Basket
A welcome basket is a curated collection of items provided by a host to greet guests upon arrival at a vacation rental. This thoughtful gesture is designed to…
