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In the competitive world of vacation rentals, your property is only as good as the experience it provides. While a great location might get a traveler’s attention, the amenities often seal the deal.
Vrbo caters to a specific demographic, often families and groups looking for longer stays. These guests have different needs than the typical solo business traveler. They aren’t just looking for a place to sleep; they are looking for a home with a functioning kitchen, reliable Wi-Fi, and family-friendly features.
We want to empower you to get your listing right the first time. In this guide, we will cover exactly what Vrbo amenities are, how to add them to your profile, and which ones are absolute must-haves. We have also included a free, downloadable Vrbo amenities list to help you audit your property and boost your bookings.
Don’t see the form to download our Vrbo amenities checklist? Click here.
What are Vrbo amenities?
Amenities are the features, facilities, and services offered by a vacation rental property. These range from essential utilities like Wi-Fi, heating, and parking to luxury extras like hot tubs, swimming pools, and surround sound systems.
On the Vrbo platform, amenities serve two main purposes. First, they inform the guest about what to expect during their stay. Second, and perhaps more importantly, they function as search filters. If a guest filters for “air conditioning” and you haven’t checked that box on your listing, even if you have AC, your property will not appear in their search results.
How to add amenities in Vrbo
Knowing what you have is one thing; ensuring Vrbo knows is another. You can let your guests know which amenities will be available at your property during a stay by updating your listing settings.
Here is the step-by-step process to add or edit property amenities on Vrbo:
- Log in to your Vrbo account.
- Select Property from the dashboard.
- Click on Edit property.
- In the Property editor menu, select Amenities.
- Check the boxes for the available amenities on your property.
- Select Save.
Pro tip: Be thorough. Go through the list item by item. You might have a toaster or a hairdryer that you forgot to list. Every checked box increases your visibility.
Why are amenities important for your listing?
Amenities are the primary way guests narrow down their options. When travelers plan a trip, they rarely browse all 500 properties in a city. They use filters to find exactly what they need.
Search visibility
Common search filters include “pet-friendly,” “Wi-Fi,” and “kitchen.” If you fail to list these, you are voluntarily removing yourself from the running. Using a comprehensive Vrbo amenities list ensures you appear in as many searches as possible.
Guest satisfaction
Accuracy is key. Hosts are required to accurately list amenities, and Vrbo has policies to ensure the property meets the description. Nothing ruins a review faster than a guest expecting a coffee maker and finding an empty counter.
Justifying your price
Well-equipped homes can command higher nightly rates. Guests are often willing to pay a premium for conveniences like a washer/dryer or a fully stocked kitchen because it saves them money and hassle during their trip.
The ultimate Vrbo amenities list: What to include
You don’t need a luxury villa to succeed on Vrbo. You just need to cover the bases that matter most to your guests. Below are the categories you should focus on.
1. Essentials
These are the non-negotiables. If you don’t offer these, you will struggle to secure bookings.
- Wi-Fi: In today’s world, fast internet is a utility, not a perk.
- Heating and air conditioning: This is crucial for guest comfort, regardless of season.
- Parking: Explain if it is a driveway, garage, or street parking.
- Laundry: A washer and dryer are huge selling points for families on week-long trips.
- Basic bathroom supplies: This includes toilet paper, soap, and towels.
2. Kitchen amenities
Since Vrbo attracts families who cook meals, the kitchen is a focal point.
- Appliances: Refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher
- Coffee maker: This is often the first thing guests look for in the morning
- Cooking basics: Pots, pans, oil, salt, and pepper
- Dining ware: Dishes, silverware, and glasses for the maximum occupancy count
3. Entertainment
Guests need downtime. Make your home a place where they can relax.
- TV with streaming: Cable is fading—ensure you have a Smart TV with Netflix or Hulu access
- Sound systems: Surround sound or Bluetooth speakers
- Analog fun: Board games, puzzles, and books for rainy days
4. Safety features
Safety is a priority for Vrbo and for your guests. Ensure these are installed and functional.
- Smoke detectors: Check batteries regularly
- Carbon monoxide detectors: Essential if you have gas appliances
- First-aid kit: Easily accessible in the bathroom or kitchen
- Outdoor lighting: For safety when guests arrive at night
- Fire extinguisher: Keep one in the kitchen
5. Family and pet-friendly amenities
Differentiation is how you win. Making your home accessible can open up a huge market of travelers.
- For families: Playpens, high chairs, and travel cribs save parents from packing bulky gear.
- For pets: Dog bowls, waste bags, and designated sleeping areas are greatly appreciated by pet parents.
Note on service animals: Hosts in the United States and U.S. territories are required to accommodate service animals, regardless of their general pet policies.
Important considerations for Vrbo hosts
Listing amenities comes with responsibility. It is not enough to just check the box; you must deliver on the promise.
Functionality is mandatory
Key amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and kitchen appliances must be in working order. If the AC breaks the day before a guest arrives, you must communicate this immediately. Surprising a guest with broken amenities might result in a negative review.
Be specific with descriptions
While checkboxes are great, use your property description to add color. Don’t just check “coffee maker”—mention in your description that you have a “Keurig with a starter pack of pods.”
How guests search Vrbo by amenities
Understanding the guest journey helps you optimize. Once a guest performs a search, they select filters to narrow down results based on preferences, including price, neighborhoods, and features.
They can also change the display order. For example, they can sort by price (low to high). However, if they have filtered for “pool,” and you didn’t list yours, you won’t appear in that sorted list at all.
Streamline your amenities with Lodgify
If you are managing listings across multiple platforms like Vrbo, Airbnb, and Booking.com, keeping your amenities updated can be a headache.
Lodgify’s short-term rental software simplifies this. You can manage your property details in one central dashboard and sync them across all channels. This ensures that if you add a new hot tub today, the update is pushed to Vrbo and Airbnb simultaneously.
We believe in making your life easier so you can focus on what matters: hosting great stays. By using our tools, you can ensure your Vrbo amenities list is always accurate and working hard to get you more bookings.
Download our free Vrbo amenities list
Don’t leave your bookings to chance. We have compiled a comprehensive checklist to help you verify that your property is fully equipped to host happy guests.
This checklist covers everything from the must-have essentials to the “delight” features that earn five-star reviews.
Download it, print it, and walk through your property today.
With over 60 amenities to choose from, it can be a challenge to keep up. Ensure that your property supplies all the essentials by downloading our amenities checklist for vacation rentals below!
Don’t see the form to download our Vrbo amenities list? Click here.
The post The Complete Vrbo Amenities Checklist (Plus How to Update Your Listing Correctly) appeared first on Vacation Rental Owners & Property Managers Blog – Lodgify.
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