7 top vacation rental amenities that guests search for

Ever wish you knew what guests want once they start searching for a vacation rental? Good news—we have the answer. We can’t read guests’ minds, but we can certainly review their search and purchase behavior when they’re on Vacasa.com.

Based on data from millions of site visits and reservations, we’re now aware which amenities guests want most of and search for. Here are the most-desired vacation home amenities that you can invest in to command a higher rate and attract more guests.

1. Pool

Though not as feasible of an amenity as the rest on this list, swimming pools are a guest favorite on Vacasa.ca. Their popularity and value can’t be ignored. Whether it’s a private pool or shared pool access in your condo community, offering a pool can help you make waves in searches and drive more bookings.

We looked at the percentage of guests who searched for pools in the top 50 markets. Here’s what we found:

• 36% Sandbridge Beach, VA
• 35% Key West, FL
• 33% Port Aransas, TX
• 32% Rehoboth Beach, DE
• 28% Santa Rosa Beach, FL
• 26% Hilton Head, SC

2. Pet-friendliness

Whether staying at a mountain cabin or a condo along the coast, one thing is for certain—travelers want to bring their pets along for the adventure.

• Guests who search for pet-friendly homes on Vacasa.com are about 14% more likely to book a stay.
• Bookings including pets are an average 10% longer than those that don’t include pets.¹

Designating your home as pet-friendly doesn’t mean all your bookings will come with pets. In 2024, only 29% of guests at pet-friendly Vacasa homes brought their dogs.² Want to attract more pet-friendly bookings and make your home even more special for pet owners? Provide the extras their furry friends will love. Think dog water bowls, a dog bed, waste bags, and chew toys.

3. Hot tub

Hot tubs are a hot commodity with guests. While they don’t take up as much room as a pool (they can be tucked in a back porch or small backyard) or require as big of an investment, they can still reap some massive returns.

We’ve found that installing a hot tub can raise your annual revenue by 15–20%. Even better, when you work with Vacasa, we can even maintain the hot tub for you.

Several markets stand out as hotspots for hot tubs (pun intended)—based on the percentage of people who filter their vacation home search for hot tubs in our top 50 markets:

• 33% Park City, UT
• 33% Gatlinburg, TN
• 32% Pigeon Forge, TN
• 32% South Lake Tahoe, CA
• 31% Sunriver, OR
• 28% Breckenridge, CO

4. Internet/WiFi

Today, we’re all accustomed to having quick and easy access to our email, social media accounts, video, texting, and other chat tools to keep in touch. That’s why WiFi is considered one of the top amenities that guests search for. A vacation without high-speed internet is undoubtedly high-stress.

WiFi is probably the biggest essential in any vacation rental. Unless guests are specifically seeking to go “off the grid” or on a digital detox, they’ll be expecting fast and free WiFi right on arrival.

Vacasa’s local teams will make sure guests can get online with ease. We check your internet speeds prior to check-in and allow guests to connect with just one tap via our mobile app.

5. Central A/C

Another thing guests desire the most—staying cool and comfortable. With summer being the peak season in most destinations, guests will want some assurance they’ll be able to escape the heat outside.

While you can invest in cost-effective cooling methods—like powerful ceiling fans or window air conditioning units—most guests prefer central A/C.

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6. Washer and dryer

Some of the hallmarks that distinguish a vacation rental from a hotel stay, a washer and dryer are now generally considered standard when booking a vacation home. The same mishaps that happen at home can also happen on vacation—red wine spills on your shirt, beach towels get covered in sand, clothes get dirty while you’re out exploring.

The longer the stay, the likelier it is that guests will want to wash clothes. Things can get even messier for guests traveling with children. A washer and dryer is key for guests who want to avoid dragging around dirty laundry. Not to mention, it’s a bonus for housekeepers to simply toss in linens and towels while they clean the rest of the house.

7. Fireplace

Fireplaces are especially sought out in mountain destinations with colder climates. And, who can blame those guests? A ski vacation wouldn’t be the same without a crackling fireplace to cozy up to after a tiring day on the slopes. Some guests consider sitting by the fire an essential part of their overall mountain experience. Depending on your destination, installing a fireplace can be a worthwhile investment.

If a new wood-burning fireplace isn’t in the budget, consider a lower-cost electric fireplace, which can bring the flames without the funds.

The key to attracting more guests? Knowing what they want and look for. Thankfully our data—from tens of millions of site visits and users on Vacasa.com—tells us exactly that. Use our research to your advantage when considering what investments to make in your vacation home to boost your rates and rental income.