When travelers book a summer vacation rental, they’re not just looking for a place to sleep—they’re looking for an experience.

Whether you own a beach house, a pool home, a cabin with a fire pit, or a family-friendly getaway, the little extras you provide can be the difference between a good review and a glowing five-star one.

The best part? Many of these upgrades cost less than a single night’s booking but can increase guest satisfaction, encourage repeat visits, and even justify higher nightly rates.

Here’s what every short-term rental owner should consider adding before the busy summer season.

Why Summer Amenities Matter

Summer guests spend more time enjoying the property itself than almost any other season. They’re swimming, grilling, relaxing outdoors, heading to the beach, and spending evenings around the fire.

Properties that anticipate these activities create memorable stays—and memorable stays lead to:

• Better Airbnb reviews
• Higher occupancy rates
• More repeat guests
• Increased nightly rates
• More direct bookings

1. Create a S’mores Station

If your property has a fire pit, don’t stop at providing the chairs.

Include a simple s’mores kit with:

• Graham crackers
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate bars
• Roasting sticks

Even if guests have to purchase refill supplies, providing everything for their first night creates an unforgettable first impression.

Pro Tip: Leave a handwritten note encouraging guests to enjoy the fire pit at sunset.

2. Stock Pool Toys That Everyone Will Actually Use

Pool homes consistently perform better when guests don’t have to pack everything themselves.

Popular additions include:

• Pool noodles
• Inflatable loungers
• Dive toys
• Beach balls
• Floating basketball hoop
• Waterproof playing cards

Keep them stored neatly in an outdoor storage bin so they’re easy to find.

3. Offer Beach Gear Guests Don’t Want to Pack

One of the biggest frustrations for beach travelers is flying with bulky equipment.

Include:

• Beach chairs
• Beach umbrella
• Beach wagon
• Cooler
• Boogie boards
• Sand toys
• Beach towels

These items are frequently mentioned in five-star reviews because they save guests both money and hassle.

4. Upgrade Your Outdoor Living Space

Outdoor photos sell vacation rentals.

Create spaces guests actually want to spend time in by adding:

• Comfortable lounge seating
• String lights
• Outdoor dining table
• Patio umbrella
• Potted plants
• Outdoor rugs

An inviting backyard often becomes the most photographed part of the property.

5. Make Outdoor Dining Easy

Families love eating outside during the summer.

Provide:

• Large serving trays
• BBQ utensils
• Grill brush
• Outdoor dinnerware
• Plastic wine glasses
• Pitcher for lemonade or iced tea

These small touches make cookouts much more enjoyable.

6. Keep a Cooler Ready to Go

Whether guests are headed to the beach, boat, or park, a quality cooler is something they’ll appreciate immediately.

Even better?

Include reusable ice packs inside.

7. Add Backyard Games

Simple entertainment keeps families on property longer.

Popular options include:

• Cornhole
• Giant Jenga
• Ladder toss
• Spikeball
• KanJam
• Ring toss

They’re inexpensive, durable, and photograph well for listing photos.

8. Build a Summer Welcome Basket

A seasonal welcome basket feels thoughtful without breaking your budget.

Ideas include:

• Bottled water
• Local snacks
• Sunscreen packets
• Bug spray
• Electrolyte drink mix
• Popsicles (if check-in timing allows)

Local products are an added bonus and support nearby businesses.

9. Think About Sunset

Guests love watching sunsets—but they need somewhere comfortable to do it.

Consider adding:

• Adirondack chairs
• Outdoor blankets
• Side tables
• Lanterns
• Portable Bluetooth speaker

Simple seating can completely change how guests use your outdoor space.

10. Include Family-Friendly Extras

Families appreciate not having to travel with bulky items.

Helpful additions include:

• Pack ‘n Play
• High chair
• Kids’ dinnerware
• Step stool
• Board games
• Card games
• Coloring books

These amenities often influence booking decisions.

11. Create a Coffee Station Guests Actually Love

Vacation mornings start with coffee.

Upgrade beyond a basic coffee maker by including:

• Ground coffee
• K-Cups
• Tea
• Creamer
• Sugar
• Stir sticks
• Local coffee recommendations

It’s one of the easiest ways to improve the guest experience.

12. Don’t Forget the Essentials Basket

Guests always appreciate having easy access to common items.

Keep extras like:

• Phone chargers
• Flashlights
• Batteries
• Umbrellas
• First-aid kit
• Lint roller
• Sewing kit

These small conveniences often save a vacation.

13. Add Instagram-Worthy Touches

Guests love sharing unique spaces online.

Consider:

• A fun mural
• Neon sign
• Hanging egg chair
• Outdoor hammock
• Stylish beverage station
• Branded beach towels

Great design helps your listing stand out before guests even arrive.

14. Keep Guests Comfortable Outdoors

Summer evenings can bring bugs and heat.

Provide:

• Citronella candles
• Bug spray
• Outdoor fan
• Shade umbrellas
• Cooling towels

Guests will spend more time enjoying your backyard.

15. Leave a Local Adventure Kit

Help guests explore your area by providing:

• Favorite beach recommendations
• Local restaurant guide
• Ice cream shops
• Farmers markets
• Sunset viewing spots
• Walking trails
• Summer events calendar

The easier you make vacation planning, the better the guest experience.

The Best Summer Amenities Offer the Biggest Return

Not every upgrade has to be expensive.

In fact, many of the most memorable guest experiences come from thoughtful details rather than luxury amenities. A stocked s’mores station, beach wagon, pool toys, or backyard game set may cost less than one night’s booking—but can pay for themselves through stronger reviews, increased occupancy, and higher nightly rates.

As competition continues to grow in the short-term rental market, owners who focus on creating memorable experiences—not just beautiful homes—will continue to stand out.

Ready to Increase Your STR Revenue?

Whether you’re furnishing a new vacation rental or looking to refresh an existing one, investing in guest-focused amenities is one of the easiest ways to boost bookings and improve reviews.

At Deal Room, we help short-term rental investors maximize their returns with financing resources, market insights, renovation ideas, and proven strategies for building high-performing vacation rentals.