In recent years, board games have emerged as a surprising yet powerful trend in vacation rentals. Guests are no longer satisfied with just a beautiful view or sleek décor; they crave experiences, memorable moments, and analog fun. Here’s a deep dive into why board games are becoming vital for enhancing guest satisfaction — and how vacation rental owners can ride this wave.
1. Board Games Revive Human Connection
In a digital age dominated by screens, board games offer something nostalgic and face-to-face. When families, couples, or friends gather around a table, they bond in ways that streaming Netflix or scrolling social media can’t replicate. Studies show that playing together boosts emotional closeness and reduces stress. By placing quality board games in your vacation rental, you offer guests a chance to disconnect digitally and reconnect personally.
2. Board Games Add Value Without High Overhead
Adding a selection of board games to your property is cost-effective. A small investment in classics like Monopoly, Ticket to Ride, Catan, or Codenames pays off massively. These items are durable, reusable, and require little maintenance. As one Airbnb host in Portland reported, offering board games led to more positive reviews at almost zero ongoing cost. Resources for game ideas and pricing are abundant through retailers like Amazon or local hobby shops.
3. Board Games Strengthen Unique Selling Propositions
In competitive vacation rental markets, differentiation matters. Including board games positions your rental as more than just a place to stay—it becomes an experience destination. Press outlets and travel blogs are increasingly highlighting stays with analog entertainment. For example, JourneyWoman compiled properties that offered more than pools or WiFi—including curated board games libraries. Such amenities can become talking points that lead to organic word-of-mouth promotion.
4. Board Games Enhance Indoor Entertainment On Bad Weather Days
Rainy afternoons or sudden storms can ruin beach plans or hiking trips. Enter board games: they save the day. Guests stuck indoors will appreciate having fun options beyond TV or mobile devices. Travel authorities like Lonely Planet suggest interactive, low tech activities—such as board games—as essential for weather-proofing guest satisfaction. If your listing photos show board games available, guests will feel more confident booking regardless of forecast.
5. Board Games Appeal to Multiple Demographics
From kids to grandparents, from couples to large groups, board games entertain broadly. Families love the collaborative play; friends enjoy strategy and social deduction; solo travelers appreciate puzzles and dexterity games for introspective fun. In a survey by TripAdvisor, many travelers ranked active or interactive amenities as more memorable. Board games check that box across age and group size. Offering a varied selection ensures guests of all types feel catered for.
6. Board Games Encourage Longer Stays and Repeat Bookings
Guests who feel entertained are more likely to stay in rather than go out constantly. It can make evenings cozy, leading to longer stays or more in-house dining, which can boost local commerce. Also, renters often mention unique amenities in reviews. Hosts who include it often see an uptick in both rating and repeat business. According to a report by VRMB (Vacation Rental Marketing Blog), homes with “experience amenities” like board games see up to 15 percent higher occupancy during off-peak seasons.
7. Board Games Benefit Local Community and Sustainable Travel
Analog fun like board games reduces reliance on energy-intensive entertainment—streaming, air-conditioned theaters, or constant device charging. This small shift aligns with sustainable travel trends. Local game cafés can supply or collaborate to support your offerings. Plus, guests buying and visiting game stores enrich local economies. Travel sustainability advocates—such as Responsible Travel—recommend low-impact, high-joy leisure to enhance guest satisfaction and protect destinations.
How to Curate the Perfect Board Games Collection
If you’re convinced of the value of it, here’s how to build a collection that delights guests:
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Start with classics. Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk, and Life remain popular. Also include newer hits like Ticket to Ride or Azul.
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Balance difficulty and time. Some guests want long strategy sessions; others prefer quick, easy games. A mix ensures appeal across preferences.
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Include family-friendly options. Games for children, games for two players. That increases usability.
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Consider storage and condition. Games with many small pieces can cause issues if pieces are lost. Keep games packaged neatly and check condition regularly.
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Provide instructions. Include rule sheets or laminated guides. A link to video instructions (for example from YouTube) helps too.
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Market the offering. In your rental listing photos, show the games set up. Mention “board games included” in the amenities. Guests often filter by such features.
Potential Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While it is broadly beneficial, there are some hurdles to address:
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Lost or damaged pieces. Mitigate this by regularly checking the games, using boards with fewer loose parts, and replacing sets as needed.
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Storage space. Compact games are the answer. Travel-size games, card games, fold-flat boxes help.
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Sanitation concerns. Especially post-pandemic, guests worry about germs. Provide cleaning wipes and consider materials easy to wipe clean.
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Overuse or misuse. Set house rules: no outside food or drink over game boxes; supervision for kids. Clear expectations help.
External Examples & Evidence
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An article from The Guardian describes how boutique hotels are bringing back “tabletop culture,” at the forefront of guest experience offerings. The Guardian – Tabletop Hotels
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A study by Cornell University into Airbnb ratings found that amenities that enhance interaction, correlate with higher ratings. See Cornell Hospitality Report, issue 21, 2019.
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Travel publication SmarterTravel lists analog entertainment options—among the top “unexpected amenities” travelers love. SmarterTravel Unexpected Amenities
Final Thoughts
The surprising popularity of board games in vacation rentals isn’t just a fad—it reflects deep human desires for connection, slow fun, and memorable experiences. For property managers and hosts, integrating it is a low-cost, high-impact strategy. Whether you manage a mountain cabin, beach house, city loft or rustic cottage, it can transform your property from “just another stay” into a cherished part of someone’s travel story.
By intentionally selecting, caring for, and promoting it you’ll meet evolving guest expectations—and enjoy the ripple-effects of better reviews, longer stays, and more repeat bookings. Start small, start smart, and let analog fun set your vacation rental apart.