When guests browse vacation rentals, they’re often drawn in by beautiful photos and compelling descriptions. But when it comes time to book, their decisions are far more practical than many owners expect. Across markets, property types, and traveler demographics, certain amenities consistently influence conversion, nightly rate, and reviews far more than others. As property managers, we analyze booking behavior, guest feedback, and performance data across hundreds of stays. While trends shift slightly by destination, the following amenities show up again and again as the features guests actively seek out and are willing to pay more for. If you’re deciding where to invest next in your vacation rental, this list is a strong place to start.

Wi-Fi is no longer a “nice to have.” It is one of the first amenities guests filter for and one of the most common reasons for complaints when it underperforms. Today’s travelers work remotely, stream content, manage schoolwork, and rely on video calls while traveling. A slow or unreliable connection can immediately downgrade the guest experience, even in destinations where guests expect to unplug. Properties that clearly advertise fast, reliable internet see higher conversion rates and fewer support issues. From a management perspective, this means investing not just in internet service, but in a setup that actually works throughout the home. Mesh networks, modern routers, and clear Wi-Fi instructions go a long way toward improving guest satisfaction and reviews.

Climate control is one of the most market-dependent amenities, but where it matters, it matters a lot. In warm climates, air conditioning is often a non-negotiable requirement. In colder or mountainous regions, reliable heating and supplemental options like fireplaces or radiant heat systems play a similar role. Guests rarely praise climate control when it works well, but they are quick to mention it when it does not. Properties that lack appropriate climate control for their location tend to see lower occupancy, higher cancellation rates, and more negative reviews. Clear listing language matters here. Guests want to know exactly what to expect, especially in older homes or unique properties.

Travelers increasingly value flexibility during their stays. Whether they are traveling with family, staying for a week or longer, or simply looking to save on dining costs, a well-equipped kitchen is a major booking driver. Guests look for more than just appliances. They care about having enough cookware, utensils, dishes, glasses, and basic tools to comfortably prepare meals. Listings that highlight thoughtful kitchen setups often perform better than similar properties that simply list “kitchen” as an amenity. For owners, this is one of the highest-ROI investments available. Stocked kitchens are relatively inexpensive to upgrade and frequently result in higher ratings, longer stays, and repeat bookings.