When guests book a vacation rental, they’re often seeking more comfort, space, and personality than a standard hotel offers. To stand out and ensure guests leave rave reviews (and come back!), it’s crucial to create an atmosphere that feels like home — cozy, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed.

Here are 10 ways to make your vacation rental feel like a true home-away-from-home for your guests.

1. Create a Cozy Living Room Space

The living room is where guests gather to relax, socialize, and unwind. Focus on comfortable seating with plenty of throw pillows and blankets. Adding a smart TV with access to streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ will make guests feel right at home.

Consider adding board games from Hasbro or classic reads from Penguin Random House.

2. Provide a Fully Stocked Kitchen

A stocked kitchen is a top priority for travelers, especially those who love to cook. Equip your vacation rental kitchen with high-quality appliances like those from KitchenAid and cookware from All-Clad.

Don’t forget the small touches: a coffee maker from Nespresso, basic spices, olive oil, and utensils from OXO.

Adding a local cookbook like those found at Barnes & Noble can also inspire guests to try new dishes during their stay.

3. Offer Thoughtful Welcome Gifts

A thoughtful gift creates a wonderful first impression. Welcome baskets with locally sourced goodies — like honey, coffee, or wine — can be sourced from platforms like Goldbelly or your local farmers market.

Personalize it further by including a handwritten note or a map of the best local spots using customizable options from Zazzle.

4. Upgrade the Bedding

Good sleep is essential. Invest in your vacation rental a luxury sheets like those from Brooklinen and quality mattresses from Casper  Provide both firm and soft pillows to suit different preferences.

Layering blankets and duvets creates a plush, hotel-quality feel that instantly elevates the bedroom experience.

5. Design a Functional Workspace

Remote work is more common than ever, so make sure your vacation rental accommodates digital nomads. Set up a comfortable desk and chair from Herman Miller and provide fast, reliable Wi-Fi through top services like Xfinity or AT&T Fiber.

You could even add a portable monitor from ASUS and charging stations for added convenience.

6. Add Personal Touches and Décor

Blank walls can feel cold and impersonal. Warm up your space with artwork from Society6 or prints from Etsy.

Incorporating elements like local photography or handmade crafts gives your vacation rental a unique identity that connects guests to the area.

For plants, real or faux options from The Sill can freshen the space instantly.

7. Make Bathrooms Spa-Like

Transform your vacation rental bathroom into a spa-like retreat with high-end toiletries from Aesop, plush towels from Parachute, and ambient lighting.

A diffuser with essential oils from Vitruvi adds a relaxing touch, while a bathrobe hanging on the door will make guests feel pampered.

8. Include Pet-Friendly Amenities

More travelers are bringing pets along on vacation. If your vacation rental is pet-friendly, make it obvious! Include a dog bed, food and water bowls, and even treats from Chewy.

A simple guide to local pet-friendly parks and restaurants (found via BringFido) will show you’ve thought of everything.

9. Set Up Outdoor Spaces

If your rental has a backyard, balcony, or patio, make it a feature! Create an outdoor oasis with seating from Wayfair, string lights from Home Depot, and a fire pit into your vacation rental

Provide a BBQ grill and tools from Weber, along with a cozy outdoor dining setup.

10. Curate a Local Guidebook

Guests appreciate insider tips. Compile a custom guidebook with recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and shopping.

You can create beautiful, professional booklets with Canva or digital guides shared via Notion. Include some hidden gems that they won’t find on TripAdvisor.

Final Thoughts

Small, thoughtful touches can make a huge difference in guest satisfaction. By focusing on comfort, convenience, and character, you’ll create a vacation rental that guests won’t want to leave — and that they’ll rave about in reviews!

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to upgrade your property, these 10 steps will help your rental feel less like a temporary stop and more like a true home-away-from-home.