In a world where Airbnb properties are vying for travelers’ attention, what makes yours memorable? The competitive short-term rental market in 2025 demands more than cleanliness and a good location. According to Airbnb's 2025 Travel Trends Report, 68% of guests choose properties for unique or personalized amenities that turn their stay into an experience. From handcrafted guidebooks to smart technology, small details make a big difference. Want to turn occasional guests into regulars with glowing 5-star reviews? In this article, we’ll take a look at five unexpected amenities that will impress your guests, increase bookings, and elevate your reputation.
Personalized guide to local experiences
Nowadays, travelers crave authenticity. According to Skift (2025), 72% of guests prefer local experiences in front of popular tourist attractions. A personalized guide not only shows that you know the area, but also demonstrates that you care about your guests, making them feel special. This little effort can turn an ordinary stay into an unforgettable adventure.
Create a digital or printed guidebook with curated recommendations for local restaurants, hidden landmarks and events. Use free tools like Canva for professional design or Google Docs for a quick start. Include unique locations, like a local bakery known for its handmade pastries or a street festival with live music. Add QR code, leading to a Google Map with marked locations, for easy navigation. If you prefer a printed version, 10 copies cost about 20-40 leva for materials and printing. Update the guide seasonally to reflect current events and locations.
Real-world example
A Lisbon host creates a guide to local workshops for "azulejo“ (traditional Portuguese tiles), which increases 5-star reviews with 30% (Hostfully Blog, 2025Guests appreciate the unique recommendations they don't find on standard travel sites.
The personalized approach increases guest satisfaction, increasing the chances of repeat bookings with 25%. Plus, guests often mention the guidebook in reviews, which improves your listing’s visibility.
Minibar with local products
Guests love to try local flavors that tell a story about the region. According to Conde Nast Traveler (2025), 60% of travelers value local products as souvenirs or tasting opportunities. A mini-bar with regional delicacies not only adds uniqueness to your Airbnb property, but also creates a memorable experience that sets your stay apart from the competition.
Create a small mini-bar or basket with local products: a bottle of wine from a nearby region, a craft beer, handmade chocolates, or a jar of honey from a local producer. Partner with local farms or breweries to get discounts from 10-20% – many producers are open to collaborating with Airbnb hosts. Add a short note or card describing the history of the products, such as the tradition behind the local wine or the name of the beekeeper who made the honey. Place the items in an elegant basket or on the kitchen counter for visual impact. Costs range from 20-50 leva per booking, depending on the products selected and quantity.
Real-world example
A host in Tuscany offers a basket of local wine and olive oil from a nearby farm, which leads to 40% more positive reviews for uniqueness (Beyond Pricing Blog, 2025). Guests often share the basket on Instagram, increasing the property's visibility.
These amenities encourage guests to share their stay on social media, which increases your listing’s visibility. Plus, the personalized gesture increases the likelihood of 5-star reviews.
Welcome kit with essentials
Small gestures make a big difference, especially for tired travelers. According to Tripadvisor (2025), 55% of guests appreciate free toiletries, especially for late arrivalswhen the shops are closedA welcome kit shows care and makes the stay more comfortable, turning a simple check-in into a warm welcome.
Prepare a stylish basket or tray with essentials: mini shampoo, shower gel, toothbrush, toothpaste and earplugs for a restful night’s sleep. Add a bottle of water and snacks, such as a packet of crackers, a granola bar or a handful of nuts, to satisfy hungry guests. Choose eco-friendly products, such as biodegradable packaging or organic toiletries, to appeal to eco-conscious travelers – Green Lodging News (2025) notes that 65% of guests prefer sustainable options. Place the kit in a prominent location, such as the kitchen counter, with a short note: “Welcome! Enjoy your stay!” The cost is affordable – between 10 and 20 leva per booking if you buy in bulk.
Guests often mention these amenities in reviews, which improves the rating.
Smart technologies for convenience
Modern travelers value convenience and technology. According to Hospitality Net (2025), 45% of guests prefer properties with smart devices such as smart locks or thermostats, which make your stay easier and save time. These technologies not only impress, but also increase efficiency for hosts, making property management easier.
Install a smart lock (around $250 one-time fee) for contactless check-in, eliminating the need for physical keys. Add a smart thermostat ($200) to allow guests to adjust the temperature remotely, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency. Turn on a smart speaker ($90) with preset instructions for local requests, such as “Alexa, find the nearest coffee shop.” Leave a quick guide on how to use the devices to make it easier for guests. The initial investment is between $500 and $600, but it saves time and increases the appeal of the property. Make sure the Wi-Fi network is stable to support the devices.
Contactless check-in increases guest satisfaction by 30%, according to Airbnb Host Insights (2025).
Unique themed decorations
Visual appeal is key for modern travelers. According to Vogue Travel (2025), 50% of millennials are looking for “Instagram-ready” design in Airbnb properties that will make their stay photogenic and memorable. Themed decor not only sets your property apart, but also creates an emotional connection with guests, prompting them to share it online.
How to implement it
Choose a theme inspired by the local culture or character of the property – for example, a nautical style with shells and blue tones for coastal properties or a retro look with vintage posters for city apartments. Add decorative elements such as themed paintings, pillows, rugs or ceramics that reflect your chosen aesthetic. Partner with local artists for unique pieces, such as hand-painted murals or sculptures, which supports the community and adds authenticity. Shop Etsy or local markets for affordable finds. Costs range between 200 and 400 leva, depending on the scale of the decorations. Make sure the elements are durable and easy to maintain to withstand frequent use.
Real-world example
Hostfully Blog shares about a Miami host who creates a tropical jungle theme with plants and floral accents, which increases Instagram shares by 35% (2025). Guests post photos, attracting new bookings.
Conclusion
In the competitive world of Airbnb and Booking.com, unique amenities are the key to success. According to Skift, 70% of travelers choose properties that offer something more than the standard, whether it’s a personalized guide or smart technology. These small gestures not only impress guests, but also increase 5-star reviews and repeat bookings. You don’t have to do it all at once – start with one amenity, like a welcome kit or themed decor, and see how your reviews improve! Experiment to find what makes your property unforgettable. Have an idea for a unique amenity? Share it in the comments! And if you want professional help taking your property to the next level, reach out to FlatManager. Our experts will optimize your listing and property, manage reservations, and increase your revenue. Take the first step towards better results today!
