In the world of vacation rentals, spaces are not just visited—they’re experienced. Guests want maximum value from their stay, and pay attention to every aspect of your property.
Our resident designer, Jen Sexton, has carefully curated a list of her top 10 vacation rental and Airbnb must-haves. These host-approved products, amenities, and services not only add style and thoughtfulness to your rentals, but also boost operational efficiency. Plus, all of these must-have products are available at substantial discounts for HostGPO members. (Not yet a member? Join today.)
In no particular order, here are Jen’s top 10 items for vacation rentals along with her personal anecdotes about why she chose them.
1. Signature Amenities by HostGPO x Diversified Hospitality
At less than $4 a bottle, these amenities have become Airbnb bathroom essentials. I especially love the sleek design, scent, and the (plastic) matte amber bottles.
They’re biodegradable, vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free. Oh, and let’s not forget how affordable they are.
2. Comfortwill Sheeting from Standard Textile
Hospitality linens are the only way to go, and Standard Textile is the largest linen provider for large hotels, including, Hilton, Marriott, and the Ritz. Now, thanks to their partnership with HostGPO, we can get these premium linens as vacation rental hosts.
Personally, I like a sheet set that will come out of the dryer wrinkle-free and I Iove the luxurious look of the Comfortwill subtle stripe pattern. Through HostGPO, you can purchase these linens individually (or in bulk). This is important if I need to order replacements or additional sets.
3. Hospitality Mattress by Helix
No Airbnb must-have list would be complete without the Helix Hospitality Mattress, which combines top quality with an unbeatable price point. These mattresses arrive in 5-15 days and ship for free. I personally own this mattress and get rave reviews from our guests. For more insights, read our blog about the best mattress for your rental.
4. 16-Piece Dinnerware Set by Williams Sonoma
I like a simple white dinnerware set that will work with any design aesthetic. Porcelain is durable and the only type of dinnerware I’d recommend for a short term rental. While stoneware often offers more colors and textures, it chips easily and doesn’t hold up to the wear and tear of a rental.
I love that you can order replacement pieces without buying a new set, and they’re also available in our KitchenBOX, which is our all-in-one solution for your Airbnb kitchen essentials.
5. Flatwoven Herringbone Pouf from Rugs USA
Along with their impressive range of floor coverings, Rugs USA also happens to carry a great selection of poufs and lighting. These poufs are perfect additions to any Airbnb living room or entertainment area. Not only do they provide extra seating, but they also enhance the space with added color, texture, and functionality.
6. Penn Chair from West Elm
West Elm’s Penn Chair comes in modern chenille or distressed velvet, which are both stylish and durable upholstery options that will perform well in a high-traffic area. The chair has sleek lines and looks high-end at a low price point.
My favorite color is the Modern Chenille in Dark Olive (I personally own two!). It’s incredibly versatile for any space.
7. SVELTI Dining Chair from Article
These Svelti Dining Chairs do not get the design credit they deserve! They pack a mean punch of color to any space.
They’re sleek, extremely durable and are incredibly affordable. Use these indoors or outdoors. These can be paired with different aesthetics to complement various design styles.
8. Hampshire Olive Green Dresser from Crate & Kids
I love the sleek design, pop of color, and the contrast of the gold hardware on this olive green dresser. Don’t hesitate to shop Crate & Kids for unique finds for any space, not just kids. I love the color selections they offer but they also offer a wide range of sizes in dressers, nightstands, and lighting.
9. 6′ Artificial Olive Tree from Nearly Natural
Nothing is worse than adding faux greenery to a beautifully designed space that looks fake. Nearly Natural has an amazing selection of realistic faux plants in all sizes, including this artificial olive tree. These plants add a natural and organic texture to any design, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your space.
10. Instacart Business
This isn’t a furniture or decor item, but it’s still a must-have Airbnb essential! I love that I can have items delivered the same day to our rental or sent to our cleaning team through this subscription.
Gone are the days of paying team members to pick up last-minute requests or deliver items to our rental. Instacart makes it easy, affordable, and convenient.
Equipping your vacation rental with the right products not only improves guest experiences but also streamlines operations. Each item on this list offers quality and utility, and as a HostGPO member, you’ll enjoy substantial discounts on all of them. Don’t miss out on these exclusive benefits—Join HostGPO today and start saving on these Airbnb must-haves.
