This post may contain affiliate links >> Now that I have been in the short-term rental game for over three years (check out my favorite rental here)I have a pretty good grip on what items are expected by guests, which ones are exceptional, and which items receive resounding praises. I have always strived to model my hospitality business after two companies that made a huge impression on me as a guest: 1.) The Fairmont Hotel and 2.) Disney World.
Talk about feeling like royalty! Those two places made me feel like they had been waiting for my arrival for months. It was so humbling, and really allowed me to take a deep breath and truly enjoy my time in each place. When I started my STR business in 2019, The Fairmont and Disney were my inspiration for how I wanted all of my guests to feel when they stayed in one of my rentals.
Have I been perfect at meeting that standard? No way. But I try, and it has paid off. Literally. $$$
Below are a couple of lists I created over time to sort of gauge what the bare minimum was for stocking my short-term rental bathrooms, what was a great addition, and what I could spoil my guests with if/when my budget allowed for it.
Bathroom Items that Guests Expect to Have When They Stay at Your STR
-Clean bath towels, wash cloths, and hand towels…enough for their entire stay.
-Shampoo
-Conditioner
–Body wash or soap
-Hand soap
-Window coverings for privacy
-plenty of decent toilet paper
-Air freshener spray next to the toilet. This is my favorite brand, not only because it’s made with clean ingredients but also because I haven’t found a scent I don’t like yet!
Exceptional Bathroom Items
These are items that guests don’t have to have, but really appreciate.
-Hair dryer
-Wall/door hooks to hang used towels on
-Full length mirror – If you are short on floor space, consider using command strips with velcro to stick the mirror to the wall. You could also use one of these mirrors that hangs over the door.
Bathroom Items That WOW Guests at Your Short-Term Rental
-Robes
–Make up mirror or lighted wall mount mirror
–Wash cloths specifically designated for make up removal
-Cotton Swabs and Q-tips
-Spa treatment supplies like bath salts, bath bombs, and/or facial masks
