Best Airbnb Amenities that Boost Revenue for Hosts

Key Takeaways

• Features like hot tubs, firepits, EV chargers, and pet-friendly policies can significantly increase Airbnb revenue, but their impact varies by market.
• Some of the highest-earning amenities, like waterfront or ski-in/ski-out access, are tied to property location, not upgrades you can add later.
• Using AirDNA, hosts can filter by market type, property size, and price tier to pinpoint which amenities deliver the best ROI for their listing.

Every host at some point wonders: Should I spring for the hot tub? Would an EV charger actually pay off? Is being pet-friendly really worth the mess?

The truth is, not all Airbnb amenities are created equal, and not all are worth the investment.

So instead of guessing, we crunched the numbers. Using AirDNA data from thousands of listings, we found out which amenities actually help hosts earn more, how much they’re really worth, and where they deliver the biggest returns.

What Are the Best Amenities for My Airbnb?

The best Airbnb amenities are the ones that add enough value for guests that they’re willing to pay more (and so you make more). Based on national averages, features like hot tubs, saunas, pools, fire pits, EV chargers, and pet-friendly features tend to bring in the biggest increase in nightly earnings for Airbnbs.

If you take a closer look at our list of top-performing Airbnb amenities, one thing becomes clear: some of the highest-earning features aren’t upgrades you can just add. They’re built into the property itself. Ski-in/ski-out access and waterfront views are great examples. They rank near the top in terms of boosting nightly rates, but only if your listing already has them.

That’s why your market plays such a big role in choosing the best Airbnb amenities. What works in one location might not matter in another. To get the most out of your investment, you need to know what travelers in your area actually value and how your listing stacks up against the competition.

There’s also the question of budget. Amenities are a considerable short-term rental expense, and not every host is in the same phase. Maybe you're renovating a property, choosing between a few upgrades, or just looking for low-cost ways to increase bookings. What’s “worth it” depends not just on where you are, but on how much you’re ready to spend.

Those dual considerations shape how we’ve structured the list below. It covers the Airbnb amenities that most often deliver strong returns: some higher-cost upgrades, others easier wins. We’ve also included market-specific insights to help you decide what’s right for your property, your guests, and your goals.

Methodology 

We analyzed thousands of active short-term rental listings across the U.S. using AirDNA’s proprietary data to understand which Airbnb amenities actually drive revenue. We focused on average daily rate (ADR) as our main metric, since it’s a strong indicator of how much value a feature adds to a property via the nightly price.

To isolate the true impact of each amenity, we used regression modeling: a statistical method that helps control for other factors like bedroom count, property type, location, occupancy, and review score. This allows us to measure the unique effect of each amenity, separating it from everything else that might influence pricing. The result? A clear, apples-to-apples look at what features really move the needle in different kinds of markets. If you’re interested in learning more about how we define location-based market types, check out this article.

The Best Premium Airbnb Amenities with the Highest ROI

Some of the best Airbnb amenities for boosting revenue require a bigger upfront investment, but that investment often comes with a higher return. If you're at the stage where you're ready to make more significant upgrades to your short-term rental property, these high-performing Airbnb amenities are worth considering.

Hot tubs

If you’ve been wondering whether a hot tub is worth it for your Airbnb property, you’re not alone. In many cases, it absolutely is. It’s the kind of feature that instantly upgrades a stay. Guests notice it, search for it, and often choose listings that have one over those that don’t.

On a national level, listings with hot tubs earn 14.3% more per night than similar listings without one. In some markets, the impact is even greater. In small towns and rural areas, the nightly rate lift reaches 21.6%. Mid-size cities and mountain destinations also see strong gains, with increases ranging from 15 to 18%.

The difference often comes down to setting and supply. In outdoor-focused areas where hot tubs are less common, they make your listing more appealing. Even in urban or coastal markets, where space is tighter or pools are more popular, a hot tub can still help justify a higher nightly rate.

All in all, if you’re in the right market, a hot tub can be one of the most consistent, high-ROI amenities to invest in. That holds true even when you consider the upfront cost of a hot tub. An ADR boost of 14%, the national average, will translate into varying dollar amounts depending on your market. In some vacation destinations where hot tubs are a hot commodity among guests, you can recuperate the initial investment in 6 months or less. 

In Albuquerque, New Mexico, for example, short-term rental listings with hot tubs earn $17,600 more annually than properties without them. Assuming that the hot tub cost about $6,000 to purchase, that means it can pay for itself in just under 4 months.

Pools

Few amenities say “vacation” like a pool. As far as big-ticket amenities go, pools are one of the most common features for short-term rentals across markets. Approximately 40% of Airbnbs in suburban areas and mountain/lake destinations offer a pool, and that number is even higher in coastal areas.

Nationally, listings with pools command 9.5% higher ADR than similar listings without one. However, in markets where pools are harder to find (like large cities or small rural towns) that lift jumps significantly. In urban areas, for example, pool-equipped listings earn up to 12.7% more per night, largely because fewer than 10% of properties offer one.

That scarcity is key. In coastal markets where over half of listings already have pools, the return is smaller (+5.9%), but in less saturated areas, a pool sets your listing apart. For hosts able to manage the upkeep, a pool is more than a luxury—it’s a strategic asset that drives bookings, boosts visibility, and supports premium pricing in peak season.

Saunas

Nationally, listings with saunas earn 7.4% more in ADR, but that nightly rates are higher in places where the amenity is less common and more contextually valuable. In small city and rural markets, the boost reaches 9.4%, driven by demand for cozy, experience-focused stays. 

Urban properties see a 7.7% lift, where saunas help listings stand out in the wellness or luxury category. The square footage and/or outdoor space needed to accommodate a sauna is also less common in a city, so there are only a small share of properties that offer them (1.22% of listings, to be exact). 

The lift from saunas is modest in traditional vacation markets like coastal (1.2% higher ADR) and mountain/lake destinations (4.2% higher ADR). Summer is peak season in beach destinations, so having a sauna doesn’t drive the same appeal as it would at mountainous high elevation or as part of a winter apres-ski experience. 

Despite the appeal of saunas in mountain/lake markets, they’re also most common here. 6% of short-term rentals in this location type offer saunas, and having access to one doesn’t necessarily give hosts greater pricing power when nearly 40% of the Airbnb inventory offers a hot tub as an alternative.

That being said, saunas are compact and lower maintenance, making them an appealing investment in markets where space is limited but comfort still sells.

The Best Low-Cost Airbnb Amenities that Still Boost Revenue

Not all of the best Airbnb amenities require a renovation or a major upfront investment. Some features are relatively easy to add but still make a measurable impact on nightly rates, booking appeal, and guest satisfaction. These lower-cost upgrades tend to perform well across a variety of market types and traveler segments—especially when they help your listing meet comfort, convenience, or lifestyle expectations.

Pet-friendly features

Welcoming pets might be one of the easiest ways to boost your Airbnb revenue. Pet-friendly listings consistently outperform their no-pet counterparts across the board, earning $17 more per night on average, with higher occupancy rates and faster listing growth. 

The lift from making your vacation rental pet-friendly can grow even more in luxury markets. AirDNA data on short-term rental growth trends in the U.S. shows that in cities like New York and Boston, pet-friendly properties earn up to 90% more per night than similar listings that don’t allow animals.

Allowing pets also gives your listing a visibility boost on filtered searches, helping you reach a loyal and growing segment of travelers. While many hosts still say no to pets, those who do allow them can stand out even more with small touches like fenced outdoor areas, waste bags, or local recommendations for pet-friendly parks and restaurants.

Washer/Dryer

While not a flashy upgrade, in-unit laundry can still offer value, especially for guests booking longer stays or traveling with families. Nationwide, the ADR lift from washers and dryers is relatively modest at under 5%, and their impact tends to be concentrated in specific markets.

Coastal, mountain/lake, and large urban areas see the biggest gains from laundry access. In beach towns and outdoor-focused destinations, it makes sense: guests are more likely to need clean clothes after a hike, a swim, or a week-long stay. In cities, washers are often more appreciated than dryers, especially in denser areas where laundromat access may be limited or inconvenient. Plus, you can easily air-dry clothes but washing them by hand is another story.

While not a high-return amenity everywhere, a washer and dryer can help reduce booking friction in markets where guests expect more convenience or plan to stay longer. For listings catering to families or remote workers, having a washer and dryer may even influence booking decisions.

Fire pit

Fire pits create more than warmth. They create an atmosphere. Whether it’s roasting marshmallows, sipping wine, or gathering after a day of hiking, a fire pit transforms outdoor space into a shared experience. 

Nationally, listings with fire pits earn 5.1% more in ADR, but pricing power varies by markets:

• Suburban markets: 5.7%
• Mid-size city: 4.5%
• Large city: 4.2%
• Small city/rural: 4.0%
• Mountain/lake: 3.7%
• Coastal: 1.6%

Fire pits are relatively easy to add and maintain, but safety matters. Clear usage instructions, basic safety features, and seasonal considerations (like fire bans) should all be factored in. Still, for the cost and simplicity, a firepit is one of the best low-effort ways to add value to a property with outdoor potential (especially if you add some smores supplies to your welcome basket!).

EV charger

As electric vehicle adoption grows, so does the value of offering a place to plug in. EV chargers are still relatively uncommon among short-term rentals, but nationally, listings that offer one earn 6.8% more in ADR on average. The lift is strongest in coastal and mountain markets, where EV ownership is higher and charging access can be limited.

An EV charger is a forward-thinking amenity that appeals to eco-conscious travelers, tech-savvy guests, and road-trippers alike. It also makes your property filterable on many platforms, which is a key visibility advantage when the amenity is still rare. Hosts should factor in installation cost and compatibility, but for markets where demand is rising, it’s a smart long-term investment.

The Top Airbnb Amenities by Market Type

While some amenities offer strong returns across the board, others are especially effective in specific types of markets. That’s often due to supply gaps, traveler preferences, and how well an amenity complements the setting. Here’s a breakdown of which features perform best depending on where your property is located and why they’re worth considering.

Mountain/Lakes

In mountain and lake destinations, hot tubs, ski-in/ski-out access, and mountain views are neck in neck  with a 15% boost to nightly rate respectively. These amenities directly align with why people are driven to these locations: outdoor access and recreation. Interestingly, offering internet here can increase ADR by 15% too. That’s because in off-grid areas where connectivity isn’t expected, it becomes a real value-add. 

Similarly, multi-floor apartment buildings or their equivalent are a less common real estate type in these markets. You’re more likely to have to climb the stairs in a mountain/lake town that’s valued for rustic charm, so elevator access becomes a notable amenity.

Coastal

In beach towns and resort areas, it’s all about the water. Listings with waterfront access earn about 13% more per night than those without. Pools and hot tubs also perform well here, though they’re more common and therefore slightly less impactful than in inland markets. EV chargers are becoming a smart add-on, supporting 5.8% higher ADR, especially for travelers driving in from urban areas.

Small City/Rural

Hot tubs top the list in rural markets, offering a 21.6% ADR boost—the highest of any market type. Waterfront access also delivers strong returns at 15.1%, especially near rivers or lakes. Saunas, firepits, and pools round out the top amenities, all tied to comfort and outdoor relaxation that resonate with guests in these slower-paced destinations.

Mid-Size Cities

In mid-size cities, hot tubs still offer one of the biggest boosts, increasing ADR by 18.1%. Waterfront access isn’t far behind at 16%, likely tied to rivers or scenic urban edges. Firepits, pools, and elevators also make the list—luxuries that help listings stand out in a market that blends urban access with space to spread out.

Urban

City listings see solid returns from hot tubs (+12.7%) and pools (+9.1%), mostly because they’re harder to find in dense neighborhoods. Saunas perform well too, giving a luxury edge that appeals to travelers who want more than just a place to crash. 

Large city listings can also earn significantly more if they’re on the waterfront (+9.1%) or have ocean views (8.5%). Urban areas tend to have consistent demand year round because of business activity and events, and tourism is less likely to be driven by close proximity to an outdoor attraction. In cities that are near a body of water, the limited real estate directly adjacent to that water is prized.    

Suburban 

In the suburbs, space opens the door to more lifestyle-focused amenities. Pools and hot tubs still drive results but at a more modest rate (9.5% and 11.7%, respectively), and fire pits can punch above their weight by creating cozy outdoor hangout spaces. 

Interestingly, kitchen access drives the highest ADR lift among location types at 7.3% in suburban markets. If you’re staying on the outskirts of a city in a primarily residential area with limited or only chain restaurant options, then being able to cook for yourself might be something you look for when you’re browsing Airbnb options.

Other Airbnb Amenities that Guests Want Most in an Airbnb

Nowadays, guests expect certain Airbnb essentials, like bed linens, bath towels, shampoo, soap, and kitchen spices. Guests will likely look elsewhere for a more comfortable stay if they aren’t offered these basics. 

People want a combination of comfort, convenience, and unique experiences when booking an Airbnb. Here are some other amenity ideas that can elevate the guest experience:

• Smart home devices: Keyless entry, smart thermostats, and voice-controlled devices add a layer of convenience and modernity.
• Outdoor spaces: Private balconies, patios, or gardens where guests can relax or dine outdoors are highly valued. Outdoor furniture can drive as high as a 4.4% ADR lift in large city urban markets where outdoor space is limited. 
• Workspace: With the rise of remote work, a dedicated workspace or home office setup is increasingly important.
• Entertainment options: High-quality streaming services, board games, and local guidebooks offer guests ways to relax and explore.
• Family-friendly features: Items like cribs, high chairs, and toys make a property more appealing to guests traveling with children.
• Kitchen extras: High-end appliances, coffee machines, and well-stocked kitchens allow guests to enjoy home-cooked meals.
• Spa-Like bathrooms: Luxurious toiletries, plush towels, and hot tubs or jacuzzis can turn a bathroom into a spa-like retreat.
• Local experiences: Provide access to local attractions, unique experiences, or offer bikes for guest use.

Amenities are a key part of preparing your home for Airbnb. Learn more about other ways to get your home ready for Airbnb guests.

How to Choose the Best Airbnb Amenities with AirDNA

Not sure which amenity is worth the investment? AirDNA can help. With detailed data and filters for dozens of amenities, you can see what’s common in your area, what’s rare, and what actually drives revenue for listings like yours.

1. See what’s common in your market

Start by exploring the Listings section of the app. This is where you can view how often each amenity shows up in your market or submarket. Whether you’re looking in Asheville or Austin, you’ll get a breakdown of the percentage of listings that offer each feature: everything from hot tubs and pools to EV chargers and firepits.

If an amenity is rare but delivers strong returns, that’s often a sweet spot.

2. Filter for amenities and measure performance

Next, go to the Overview tab of Market Insights to analyze how amenities affect revenue, ADR, and occupancy for listings similar to yours.

Let’s say you want to understand how pools affect revenue for 3-bedroom luxury homes in Phoenix:

• Use the Bed/Baths, Property Types, and Price Tier filters to select bedroom count, price tier, and property type
• Then, apply an amenity filter to only show listings WITHOUT a pool. This will give us a baseline to understand the earnings difference between listings with and without this amenity.

The performance data for Phoenix/Scottsdale indicates that the average annual revenue for luxury 3-bedroom short-term rentals without a pool is $52,000 with average ADR of $354.01 and an average occupancy of 51%.

Change the amenity filter to be for properties with a pool and hit ‘Apply.’

We immediately see the advantage of offering this amenity—with the same bedroom count and price tier, properties with a pool earn nearly $15,000 more annually, on average. Both the ADR and occupancy for properties with pools is higher, which amounts to approximately $40 more in earnings per night (RevPAR) compared to similar properties without a pool. Knowing there’s a 28% annual revenue gap might just help you make a decision whether a pool is worth the investment.

3. Compare similar properties in your exact area

Want to get even more specific? AirDNA’s Comp Set Tool lets you analyze how an amenity performs in a particular neighborhood, not just a broad market.

Let’s say you're looking at homes in the Camp Creek neighborhood of Mesa, AZ, which is a submarket of Phoenix Scottsdale. Click on Comp Sets on the left hand navigation bar and select ‘+New Comp Set’ in the upper righthand corner. You’ll be prompted to name your comp set and choose between selecting your own comps or getting an auto-generated list (we recommend the latter to get a head start as you’re learning the tool!). Finally, you’ll input a market name or a specific address and a bedroom count. 

 From there, you can:

• Zoom in on that area using the map
• Apply filters for property type (3BR houses) and amenities (with pool)
• Hand-pick comps that are most similar to your target listing (same size, tier, availability, etc.)

Once selected, the app calculates average revenue, ADR, and occupancy across your comp set.

To compare performance, you can then create a second comp set with similar homes without pools to see the difference side-by-side.

FAQs

What amenities do people want in an Airbnb?

Guests generally look for comfort, convenience, and a few features that elevate their stay. According to AirDNA’ data, the top-performing amenities include hot tubs, pools, saunas, EV chargers, firepits, and pet-friendly stays. These features tend to help listings earn more per night on average. However, don’t underestimate basics: fast Wi-Fi, a well-stocked kitchen, and clean linens still matter. The key is knowing what’s expected in your market and what might help you stand out.

What are considered essential amenities for Airbnb?

Essential amenities are the basics guests expect. Think Wi-Fi, toilet paper, towels, soap, sheets, and kitchen essentials like cookware and utensils. Most guests will assume you have these stocked in your Airbnb, and not offering them could result in bad reviews or lower bookings. 

Which Airbnb amenities help increase revenue?

According to AirDNA data, the amenities most often linked to higher nightly rates include hot tubs (+14.3% average ADR lift nationally), pools (+5.1%), saunas (+5.9%), EV chargers (+5.9%), and firepits (+3.6%). In certain markets, location-specific features like ski-in/ski-out access or waterfront views also drive strong returns, though they’re tied to the property itself and can’t be added after the fact.

Are pet-friendly Airbnbs worth it?

From a nightly rate perspective factoring in pet fees, it can be—especially in mountain, rural, or luxury markets. Pet-friendly listings often earn more per night and see higher occupancy rates. In top-tier markets, they can earn 12% to 90% more than similar listings that don’t allow pets. Allowing pets also increases your listing’s visibility in filtered searches. Keep in mind, though, that allowing pets also increases your cleaning expenses and increases the risk of damage and wear and tear. 

How do I know which amenities to offer in my area?

Start by researching what amenities are common and what’s not in your market using tools like AirDNA. If a feature is rare but consistently linked to higher earnings (like a sauna or EV charger), it might be worth the investment. You can also use AirDNA’s filters to analyze how an amenity impacts average daily rate (ADR), occupancy, and revenue for listings like yours.